Weatherby MARK V Live Wild CF .243 Win 22″ Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Weatherby MARK V Live Wild CF .243 Win 22″ Rifle? It is a field-orientated precision bolt-action rifle built on Weatherby's venerable Mark V action but modernized with a full carbon-fiber barrel and stock assembly to cut weight without sacrificing rigidity. This is not a benchrest queen; it's a purpose-built instrument for the shooter who needs to carry their precision over miles before applying it. The combination of a 22-inch carbon-wrapped barrel, a 1-in-7.5-inch twist rate, and a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle makes this rifle a compelling platform for the hunter or precision shooter looking to manage weight and add a suppressor.
What is the Weatherby MARK V Live Wild CF .243 Win 22″ Rifle used for?
This rifle is designed for mobile, precision-oriented hunting and field shooting where every ounce carried matters. The primary use case is for hunters pursuing medium game like deer or antelope at extended ranges, or for shooters participating in PRS-style field matches that require significant movement between shooting positions. The .243 Winchester chambering, when paired with modern high-BC bullets, is capable of ethical takedowns out to 500+ yards, and the lightweight carbon-fiber build allows for quicker target acquisition and less shooter fatigue over a long day. It’s a tool for making first-round hits after a strenuous approach.
How does the Weatherby MARK V Live Wild CF .243 Win 22″ Rifle compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Weatherby MARK V Live Wild CF is a purpose-built, premium lightweight platform, while the Stevens 334 .243 Win is a value-oriented, traditional hunting rifle. The Weatherby is superior in terms of weight reduction and modern material integration, with its carbon-fiber barrel and stock shaving significant pounds compared to the Stevens' all-steel and synthetic construction. However, the Stevens 334 holds a decisive advantage in initial cost, coming in at roughly one-third the price, making it a better choice for a budget-conscious hunter who doesn't need the absolute lightest rig or plan on frequent suppressor use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.1 pounds without optics, with an overall length of 44 inches and a 22-inch barrel. The 44-inch overall length is a function of the 22-inch barrel and the standard-length Mark V action, which provides reliable feeding and extraction. The 6.1-pound weight is a critical figure; it is approximately 1.8 pounds lighter than a comparable all-steel barreled action in a traditional synthetic stock, a difference you will feel acutely after shouldering the rifle for the tenth time in an hour. The Peak 44 Bastion CF stock has a length of pull of 13.75 inches, which is standard for an adult hunting configuration.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the budget-first buyer or the shooter who exclusively fires from a bencherst. If your primary concern is minimizing upfront cost, the price tag of nearly $3,100 will be a significant barrier when capable tools like the Stevens 334 exist. Furthermore, if 99% of your shooting is done from a stable sandbagged rest, the weight savings of the carbon-fiber components offer minimal practical benefit, and you might be better served by a heavier, more traditional barrel that may exhibit different heat dissipation characteristics during long strings of fire.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one 4-round steel detachable box magazine, and the necessary paperwork including the manual and warranty card. The rifle is shipped in a standard cardboard box with foam inserts, not a hard-sided Plano or Pelican case. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard scope base (we recommend using a quality torque wrench set to 15 in-lbs for mounting), but no bases, rings, or optics are included. The threaded muzzle is bare; a thread protector is not included, so plan to install a muzzle device or cap immediately.
Is the Weatherby MARK V Live Wild CF .243 Win 22″ Rifle worth it at $3,099?
Yes, but only if your specific use case demands its premium lightweight construction and suppressor-ready features. The value proposition hinges entirely on whether you need to save those ~1.8 pounds over a traditional rifle and plan to utilize the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle. For the hunter covering steep country or the competitor in a field match, that weight savings translates directly to endurance and stability. If your hunting involves short walks from a truck or you have no intention of using a muzzle device, a less expensive traditional rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win will deliver similar terminal performance for far less capital outlay.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.1 lb — approximately 1.8 lb lighter than a comparable steel-barreled hunting rifle.
- 22-inch carbon-fiber barrel with 1:7.5" twist stabilizes long, high-BC .243 bullets for extended range.
- 5/8x24 threaded muzzle ready for direct suppressor attachment without adapters.
- Mark V action provides a robust, controlled-round feed and a crisp 54-degree bolt throw.
Trade-offs
- No thread protector or muzzle device included — an immediate additional $15-$100 expense.
- Proprietary Mark V scope base pattern requires specific mounts, limiting off-the-shelf compatibility.
- Carbon Gray Cerakote shows handling marks and carbon fouling more readily than matte finishes.
- The 4+1 capacity is standard but less than some modern chassis systems offering 10-round magazines.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115459339 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MLC01N243NR4B |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| barrel length | 22" |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | No Sights |
| product type | Rifle |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle thread compatible with common .30 caliber suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 thread pattern is the standard for .30 caliber and many .6.5mm rifles. This direct thread interface will accept most popular rifle suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged without an adapter. Ensure your specific suppressor's mount is configured for 5/8x24 threads.
- Does it come with a thread protector or muzzle brake?
- No, the rifle ships with bare threads. You must provide your own muzzle device or thread protector. I recommend installing a quality cap or brake immediately to prevent damage to the crown and threads. Basic steel thread protectors are available from brands like VG6 Precision for around $15.
- What scope base pattern does the receiver use?
- The Mark V action uses a proprietary 6-hole scope base pattern. You cannot use standard Remington 700 bases. You must purchase bases specifically labeled for the Weatherby Mark V. Seekins Precision and Warne make excellent options; torque the mounting screws to 15-18 in-lbs.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- For in-stock items, processing and shipment typically occurs within 2-3 business days. Transit time then depends on your location and carrier, but expect 3-7 additional business days. The rifle must ship to a licensed FFL holder of your choice, who will conduct the required background check upon transfer.