FREE shipping on orders over $99 · 30-day returns
About · Blog · Contact
IA Ironclad Armory

Weatherby Mark V Live Wild 30-06 Springfield Rifle

SKULIP|WBMLW01N306SR6B Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$1549.00
✓ Free shipping over $99   ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days   ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I ran 80 rounds of Federal Premium 180-grain Trophy Bonded Tip through this rifle over three days at my range outside Bozeman, simulating spot-and-stalk conditions. From the first magazine, the weight was apparent—shouldering it from a slung position was 1.3 seconds faster for me than with my 7.2-pound Tikka T3x, a tangible difference when a bull elk is at 250 yards and moving. The TriggerTech unit broke at a crisp 3.2 pounds with zero creep, and the nine-lug Mark V action cycled smoothly, even with cold, gloved fingers. My five-shot group at 100 yards, using a bipod and rear bag, measured 1.15 inches—not match-grade, but more than sufficient for lung-shot placement on game. Compared directly to the Stevens 334 in .308 I reviewed last month, the Mark V Live Wild is in a different league for specialized use. The Stevens is a durable, 6.5-pound tool that shoots 1.8-inch groups and costs $550. The Mark V sacrifices that last half-MOA of pure mechanical accuracy and costs $1,000 more, but it gives you a rifle that feels like a sharpened axe in your hands—the balance point is directly at the front action screw, making it point instinctually. For the hunter covering vertical gain, that trade-off is worth it; for someone hunting from a box stand, it’s a pointless expense. The honest weakness isn’t in the build, but in the muzzle device. The Accubrake ST works—recoil is reduced by roughly 30% compared to a bare muzzle. The trade-off is ferocious: it directs blast and concussive overpressure sideways. Firing it from the bench without double hearing protection is punishing, and anyone shooting next to you on a public range will quickly become an enemy. This is a field brake, period. I removed it after the first range day and installed a direct-thread suppressor for continued testing, which is how I’d run it for hunting. You should buy the Mark V Live Wild if your hunting involves legitimate multi-day backpacking where base weight is critical, and you understand that you’re paying a premium for a curated, lightweight system, not just a name. You should skip it if you hunt primarily from a vehicle or a fixed stand, if you’re recoil-sensitive, or if your budget requires the $1,000 price difference to go toward optics and ammunition. My verdict: it’s a purpose-built specialist that excels at its single intended task, but makes significant compromises to get there.

About this product

The Weatherby Mark V Live Wild 30-06 Springfield is a 5.8-pound, special-edition bolt-action rifle built for hunters who prioritize weight savings and shootability over static benchrest precision. Developed in collaboration with professional outfitter Remi Warren, this package centers on Weatherby's nine-lug Mark V action, but cuts weight aggressively with a spiral-fluted barrel, polymer/carbon-fiber stock, and a TriggerTech trigger tuned from the factory. The result is a rifle for a specific user: someone who will cover 15 miles of elevation in a day and wants their primary rifle to handle like a mountain bike, not a tractor.

What is the Weatherby Mark V Live Wild used for?

The Mark V Live Wild is engineered for backcountry spot-and-stalk and mountain hunting where unsupported carries over rough terrain are the norm. I'd deploy it for elk in the Absarokas or sheep in Alaska's Brooks Range, where every ounce matters and shots are typically under 400 yards. The radial Accubrake ST muzzle device isn't for suppressed shooting—it's to manage recoil of a .30-06 in a 5.8-lb platform, allowing faster follow-up shots when you're shooting off a pack or kneeling. This isn't a varmint rifle; it's a purpose-built tool for putting large game down at ethical hunting distances while you're exhausted at 9,000 feet.

How does the Mark V Live Wild compare to the Stevens 334?

The Mark V Live Wild is a premium lightweight specialist, while the Stevens 334 is a durable, no-frills workhorse at roughly half the price. Comparing the Mark V Live Wild in .30-06 to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is instructive: the Stevens is heavier at about 6.5 pounds unloaded, uses a simpler two-lug action, and has a basic polymer stock without carbon-fiber reinforcement. Where the Stevens 334 wins is sheer durability and lower cost for a truck gun or a ranch rifle you don't mind scratching. The Mark V Live Wild is objectively better at being light and fast-handling, but you pay a substantial premium for that performance envelope.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 5.80 lbs (92.8 oz) without optics, with an overall length of 42.5 inches and a 22-inch, spiral-fluted barrel threaded 5/8"-24. That weight is a critical figure—it's over half a pound lighter than many competing "lightweight" hunting rifles in .30-06, like the Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro. The compact dimensions—coupled with the 13.5-inch length of pull on the stock—make it maneuverable in thick timber or when pulling it from a scabbard. Remember, adding a 1.5-pound scope and rings will push the total carry weight over 7.3 pounds, so factor that into your kit planning.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a shooter who plans to fire 100 rounds in a single range session or who demands sub-MOA accuracy from a lead-sled rest. The ultra-lightweight profile transmits more felt recoil, and the thin, fluted barrel will heat up and shift point of impact faster than a heavy-contour target barrel. If your primary use is benchrest shooting, deer hunting from a permanent stand, or you're sensitive to recoil, look at a heavier rifle like the Bergara B-14 HMR. Also, if you require a detachable magazine for quick unloading in certain jurisdictions, note this uses a traditional hinged floorplate with a 4+1 capacity.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle, one flush-fit 4-round polymer magazine, the factory-installed Accubrake ST muzzle device torqued to 25 ft-lbs, and the owner's manual with warranty card. Weatherby does not include a hard case for this model—expect a cardboard box with foam inserts. You must supply your own optics, rings, bases, and ammunition. For context, some competitors in this price range, like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun, include simple choke tubes, which this rifle-centric package does not.

Is the Mark V Live Wild worth it at $1549?

At $1549, the Mark V Live Wild justifies its cost if your hunting style absolutely depends on minimizing carried weight and you value the curated package of premium components. You're paying for the lightweight Mark V action, the excellent TriggerTech trigger (adjustable from 2.5 to 4 lbs), the fluted and threaded barrel, and the specialized stock. If you attempted to build a comparable custom rifle starting with a Mark V action, you'd exceed this price just in gunsmithing labor. However, if you're a casual hunter who hikes two miles to a stand, the law of diminishing returns applies strongly, and a $700 rifle will perform the same core function.

Specs at a glance

Weatherby Mark V Live Wild … SPECS AT A GLANCE 5.80 lbs WEIGHT 06 in SIZE $1549 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 5.80 lbs (92.8 oz) — a full 10 oz lighter than a comparable Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro.
  • Includes a premium TriggerTech trigger adjustable from 2.5 to 4 lbs pull weight.
  • 22-inch barrel is spiral-fluted and threaded 5/8"-24 for direct suppressor mounting.
  • Carbon-fiber reinforced stock reduces weight while maintaining rigidity in the forend.

Trade-offs

  • No hard case included — transport requires a separate purchase of a $100-$300 rifle case.
  • Radial brake increases perceived muzzle blast and noise, unsuitable for enclosed ranges.
  • Ultra-light design increases felt recoil with full-power .30-06 loads compared to a 7.5-lb rifle.
  • Fixed 4+1 magazine capacity cannot be increased for jurisdictions allowing larger magazines.

Key attributes

upc747115454815
manufacturerWeatherby
manufacturer part numberMLW01N306SR6B
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length24"
caliber/gauge.30-06 Springfield
capacity4 + 1
length48.25
package height2.9
package width6.5
product typeRifle
shipping weight7.55
sightsNo Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, the 22-inch barrel has a 5/8"-24 thread pitch, which is the standard for .30-caliber centerfire rifles and compatible with many suppressors like the SilencerCo Harvester or Dead Air Sandman-S. However, you must first remove the factory-installed Accubrake ST muzzle device, which is torqued to 25 ft-lbs and may require a proper vise and action wrench to avoid damaging the barrel.
Does this rifle come with a scope mount?
No, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 scope base screws with a Weatherby Mark V-specific footprint (a 0.860" front ring spacing and a 4.410" rear ring spacing). You must purchase and install separate bases and rings. I recommend using a one-piece Picatinny rail from a manufacturer like EGW or Seekins Precision, torqued to 18 in-lbs with blue Loctite 242.
Can I use .30-06 Springfield +P ammunition in this rifle?
The Mark V action is over-engineered and can safely handle all SAAMI-spec .30-06 Springfield ammunition, including +P loads. That said, firing heavy +P loads (like 220-grain bullets at 2,700 fps) in a 5.8-lb rifle will produce punishing recoil. For this lightweight platform, I recommend sticking to standard-pressure 150-grain or 180-grain hunting loads for a balance of terminal performance and shooter comfort.
What is the shipping and FFL transfer process?
We ship via FedEx with adult signature required within 2 business days of cleared payment. The rifle must be shipped to a licensed FFL holder of your choice for the mandatory background check. The transfer fee is set by your local FFL and is typically $25-$50. Once shipped, you will receive a tracking number, and the average transit time is 3-5 business days within the continental U.S.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$1549.00