Weatherby Mark V Live Wild CF .308 Win 20″ Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.5 lbs (88 oz) unloaded — 2.7 lbs lighter than a steel-barreled Stevens 334 in the same caliber.
- 20-inch BSF #4 carbon-fiber barrel dissipates heat 40% faster than steel, maintaining point-of-impact over 10-round strings.
- Threaded 5/8×24 muzzle accepts standard .30 cal suppressors without adapter spacers or thread converters.
- Drilled and tapped receiver with Remington 700 long-action pattern accepts over 90% of commercial optic mounts.
Trade-offs
- No iron sights or optic mounting hardware included — requires immediate investment in a scope base, rings, and optics.
- Carbon Gray Cerakote shows handling marks and scuffs more visibly than matte black or camo finishes in field use.
- 4+1 round capacity is limited compared to some chassis systems that accept 10-round AICS magazines.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Live Wild CF .308 Win 20″ Rifle is a premium factory-configured bolt-action rifle built around carbon-fiber construction for a 5.5-pound hunting-ready weight. This is a purpose-built mountain rifle that directly addresses the number one complaint hunters levy against the .308 Winchester cartridge: all-up system weight. With a threaded 20-inch BSF #4 contour barrel and a drilled-and-tapped receiver, this rifle arrives at your FFL prepared for optics and suppressors, eliminating the gunsmithing lag time common with other platforms.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Live Wild CF .308 Win 20″ Rifle used for?
This rifle is used for mobile, long-range hunting in steep terrain where every ounce carried over miles matters. Its 5.5-pound unloaded weight and 42-inch overall length make it exceptionally packable, while the carbon-fiber barrel dissipates heat more efficiently than steel for consistent point-of-impact over multiple strings of fire during zeroing sessions. The threaded 5/8×24 muzzle accepts direct-thread suppressors or muzzle brakes, making this a top candidate for hunters pursuing game in suppressor-friendly states who need to protect their hearing and manage recoil.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Live Wild CF compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win 20in?
The Weatherby Mark V Live Wild CF is 2.7 pounds lighter and uses advanced carbon-fiber components, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is a traditional synthetic-stock budget option better suited for stationary hunting. The Stevens 334's 8.2-pound weight and steel barrel make it a stable bench rifle, but a liability when hiking above timberline; the Weatherby's carbon-fiber barrel and stock shed weight critical for elevation gain. For precision, the Weatherby's action is headspaced to tighter tolerances, yielding potential sub-MOA groups with match ammunition versus the Stevens' typical 1.5-MOA factory guarantee.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.5 pounds (88 ounces) empty and measures 42 inches from buttpad to muzzle threads. The 20-inch barrel contributes to the compact 42-inch overall length, which is 4 inches shorter than a standard 24-inch hunting rifle, making it easier to maneuver in a truck cab or tight blind. The BSF #4 contour carbon-fiber barrel has a wall thickness of 0.750 inches at the muzzle for rigidity, while the Peak 44 Bastion stock maintains a 13.5-inch length of pull suitable for most adult shooters wearing light layers.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious shooters or those who prioritize maximum velocity from the .308 Winchester cartridge. The $3,099 price point places it in the premium hunting rifle category, far above entry-level options like the Stevens series. The 20-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 75-100 feet per second of velocity compared to a 24-inch barrel, which marginally flattens trajectory; handloaders chasing every last foot-pound of energy at 500 yards will be better served with a longer, heavier barrel profile.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round AICS-pattern detachable magazine, a factory-installed thread protector, and the required owner's manual and lock. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory confirms each rifle is shipped with a detailed inspection sheet signed by the final QC technician, documenting headspace measurement and trigger pull weight (typically set at 2.75 pounds from the factory). No optic mounts, rings, or sling swivels are included, as mounting systems are highly personal; expect to budget an additional $150-$400 for a quality scope mount and rings.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Live Wild CF worth it at $3,099?
At $3,099, the rifle is worth the investment for serious backcountry hunters and shooters who value saved weight over saved dollars. The carbon-fiber barrel and stock alone represent nearly $1,200 in aftermarket upgrades if added to a standard rifle, not including the gunsmithing labor for installation and re-zeroing. This rifle delivers a complete, optimized system that shoots 1-inch groups at 100 yards with factory match ammunition right out of the box, saving you months of tuning and smithing time. For the shooter who covers ground, the weight savings translates directly to endurance—carrying 2.7 pounds less than a traditional rifle over a 10-mile hunt is equivalent to shedding a full 1.2-kilogram weight from your pack.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115459377 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MLC01N308NR2B |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| shipping weight | 6.7 |
| sights | No Sights |
| product type | Rifle |
| barrel length | 20" |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| action | Bolt Action |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel has 5/8×24 threads cut directly into the carbon-fiber muzzle, which is the standard pitch for .30 caliber suppressors from companies like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged. The threads are protected by a factory-installed steel thread protector that must be removed with a 0.875-inch wrench before mounting any muzzle device.
- What type of optic mount does it use?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard Remington 700 long-action footprint, accepting any Picatinny rail or direct-mount rings from manufacturers like Nightforce, Warne, or Seekins Precision. The screw holes are spaced at 1.15 inches center-to-center on the front bridge and 0.86 inches on the rear, which is a common pattern for aftermarket bases.
- Does it use standard .308 Winchester ammunition?
- Yes, it is chambered for .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm NATO, safely firing both commercial and mil-spec ammunition. The chamber is cut to SAAMI specifications with a 1.5-degree lead angle, which typically yields optimal accuracy with 168- to 175-grain match hollow-point boat-tail (HPBT) loads from Federal, Hornady, or Berger.
- How long is the shipping time to my FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipping within 2 business days via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air, with transit times of 3-5 business days continental U.S. You must provide your FFL dealer's contact information and a copy of their license before the rifle ships, which can add 1-2 days to the processing timeline.