Field Notes: Weatherby Mark V Live Wild

by
posted on February 4, 2025
Weatherby Mark V Live Wild
Photo courtesy of John Zent

As multiple gunmakers hustled to produce 7 mm Backcountry prototypes in the weeks leading up to our hunt, it was lucky happenstance that Weatherby was first to the gate. Mostly because of long admiration for the company and family behind it, the Wyoming brand was my preference, and, in retrospect, the supplied Mark V Live Wild model is a perfect fit for the new cartridge.

First and foremost among its attributes, given the elevated pressures, is action strength, and there’s no doubt the Mark V’s nine-lug lockup, fortified by a vented bolt and enclosed shroud, is rock-solid. Since its origination in 1958, it’s been dubbed “the world’s strongest action,” by the maker and others, and while I can’t verify that, I was happy to have such muscle on my side. The action’s famously slick, 54-degree bolt lift is likewise top of the pack. The 20", No. 2-contour barrel on the pre-production Live Wild test model was not as wispy-looking as some I’ve used, and the overall balance yielded enough muzzle steadiness for purposeful field marksmanship. Based on the paltry copper fouling I found, the bore must be mirror-smooth, and sandbag groups fired with the single available load were more than satisfactory.

While not showy, almost everyone in camp complimented the Live Wild’s looks. That starts with the stock’s hand-sponged paint job in a versatile camouflage pattern that belongs in the mountains. Spiral fluting on the barrel and bolt body, plus a skeletonized bolt handle, make for pleasing accents and practical weight reduction.

At first, it had been my inclination to lighten the user-adjustable Trigger Tech trigger from the factory-set 4 lbs., 8 ozs. But, partly because it was breaking so cleanly and partly because I was so short on ammo, I held off until after the hunt and it worked fine that way. Then, eased down to 2 lbs., 8 ozs., it helped shave a few tenths of an inch off my benchrest groups.

Though we didn’t have to do much hard hiking, the 5-lb., 7-oz., rifle is an obvious match for marathon alpine hunters, and the balance will aid shot opportunities from black timber to wide-open scree fields.

Something else I appreciate is the suggested pricing of $1,649, according to weatherby.com, which makes it one of the most affordable current Mark Vs, and among the few early 7 mm Backcountry rifles priced under $2,000. Live Wild models can be had with 22", 24" or 26" barrels amongst the 20 chamberings offered in addition to 7 mm Backcountry, but casting objectivity to the wind, I heartily recommend any prospective customer whose best hunts entail long, hard, uphill miles, to look at this rifle/cartridge combo first.

Latest

Beretta PX4 G-SD pistols with ammunition brass
Beretta PX4 G-SD pistols with ammunition brass

Twisted Sisters: The PX4 G-SD From Beretta & Langdon Tactical Technology

Beretta's PX4 Storm never caught the full attention of the American shooting public, but with recent updates, along with Langdon Tactical Technology's work on the platform, this DA/SA semi-automatic is worth a second look.

Preview: Ultradyne Orbit Ballhead

In recent times, tripods have proven to be an effective foundation for delivering long shots on target, which is where Ultradyne’s Orbit Ballhead comes into play.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP 4.25" CC

Follow us on the range this week with Springfield Armory’s latest rendition of its TRP 1911. This is the 1911 TRP 4.25” CC with Coyote Brown Cerakote, and it’s one of the first carry-sized models in the Springfield TRP lineup.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 7, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

PenFed Highlights Charitable Giving, Veteran Support In Year-End Message

PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck highlighted the company's growth, its charitable giving and its support of America's military veterans in an upbeat, year-end message.

"Hitler's Buzz Saw:" Wartime Assessments Of The German MG42 Machine Gun

The Maschinengewehr 42, more commonly called the MG42, was Germany’s final development in its longstanding “universal machine gun” concept. American GIs and U.S. Intelligence officers were discussing its capabilities even while fighting raged across Europe.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.