Weatherby Mark V Live Wild Carbon .280 AI Rifle

About this product

The Weatherby Mark V Live Wild Carbon .280 AI Rifle is a 5.7-pound precision hunting rifle with a carbon-fiber barrel and stock, designed for backcountry hunters who need lightweight performance without sacrificing accuracy. Built on Weatherby's proven Mark V action with Remi Warren's field input, it represents the current pinnacle of what a modern mountain rifle should be - durable, reliable, and purpose-built for extended treks. At $3,143.99, it occupies a competitive price point between mass-produced factory rifles and full-custom builds.

What is the Weatherby Mark V Live Wild Carbon .280 AI Rifle used for?

This rifle is specifically designed for backcountry hunters who regularly cover 10-15 miles per day in mountainous terrain and need reliable first-shot accuracy at distances up to 400 yards. The .280 Ackley Improved cartridge delivers roughly 3,000 fps muzzle velocity with 140-160 grain hunting bullets, providing flat trajectories and sufficient energy for elk and mule deer. The lightweight carbon construction reduces fatigue during extended stalks while maintaining sub-MOA accuracy potential.

How does the Weatherby Mark V compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

The Weatherby delivers superior weight reduction and cartridge performance at nearly triple the price of the Stevens 334 .308 Win. Where the Stevens 334 weighs 6.8 pounds and offers traditional .308 Winchester ballistics, the Weatherby saves 1.1 pounds and gains approximately 300 fps velocity with similar bullet weights. The Weatherby's carbon components and refined trigger system provide tangible advantages for serious mountain hunters, though budget-conscious shooters might prefer the Stevens for general use.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs exactly 5.70 pounds (91.2 ounces) with an overall length of 42.5 inches in the standard configuration. The carbon fiber barrel has a 1:9 twist rate and measures 24 inches in length with 5/8x24 threading for the included Accubrake ST muzzle device. The Peak 44 carbon stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull that accommodates most shooters without modification, though taller individuals might prefer an extended buttpad.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't suitable for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily hunt from fixed positions or blinds where weight savings provide minimal benefit. The .280 Ackley Improved requires handloading or specialized factory ammunition that costs approximately $75-95 per box compared to $35-50 for standard .308 Winchester. Hunters who prefer quick follow-up shots might find the 4+1 capacity limiting compared to the 5-round magazines in our Stevens 334 .243 Win.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with the Accubrake ST muzzle device installed, one 4-round steel magazine, and basic safety documentation. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope mounting hardware or a soft case, adding approximately $150-250 to the true out-of-pocket cost. The package weighs 8.2 pounds total when shipped, with the cardboard container measuring 48x12x6 inches to accommodate the full-length barrel.

Is the Weatherby Mark V worth it at $3,143.99?

For serious backcountry hunters covering substantial vertical gain, the $3,143.99 price represents justified value given the weight savings and cartridge performance. The carbon fiber construction saves approximately 1.5-2 pounds compared to traditional walnut-stocked rifles while maintaining consistent accuracy across temperature variations. Hunters who typically cover less than 5 miles per day would likely find better value in traditional steel-barreled options at half the price.