The Weatherby MLC01N653WR8B Mark V Live Wild Carbon 6.5-300 WBY Mag 3+1 26″ Carbon Gray Cerakote Carbon Fiber Threaded Barrel, Carbon Gray Cerakote Steel Drilled & Tapped Receiver, Exposed Carbon w/Black is a precision rig built for shooters who refuse to compromise on speed, weight, or terminal ballistics. This factory rifle pairs a 26-inch carbon fiber-wrapped barrel with Weatherby’s legendary Mark V action, chambered in the blistering 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum — a cartridge that pushes a 140-grain bullet past 3,400 fps. The carbon gray Cerakote finish protects the steel receiver and barrel, while the exposed carbon fiber weave on the barrel shroud cuts weight without sacrificing stiffness. Drilled and tapped for optics, threaded for a brake or suppressor, and feeding from a 3+1 detachable magazine, this is a long-range hunting and competition rifle that delivers sub-MOA accuracy out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Weatherby |
|---|---|
| Model | Mark V Live Wild Carbon |
| Material | Carbon fiber-wrapped steel barrel, steel receiver (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum ammunition; optics with standard bases |
| Finish | Carbon gray Cerakote receiver and barrel; exposed carbon fiber barrel shroud with black accents |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Carbon Fiber-Wrapped Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The 26-inch carbon fiber wrap reduces overall weight by over a pound compared to a traditional steel barrel of the same contour, while the steel liner maintains consistent bore dimensions for sub-MOA accuracy even during rapid strings.
- Threaded Muzzle (5/8×24) — WHY IT MATTERS: Factory-threaded for brakes or suppressors, you can tame the 6.5-300’s significant recoil without a gunsmith — critical for staying on target during timed competition stages or follow-up shots on game.
- Cerakote Carbon Gray Finish — WHY IT MATTERS: Cerakote provides a hard-wearing, corrosion-resistant surface that stands up to rain, mud, and sweat, and the low-glare gray keeps you hidden from sharp-eyed game or steel targets.
- Drilled & Tapped Receiver — WHY IT MATTERS: No smithing required to mount your favorite optic — the receiver is pre-threaded for standard bases, so you can go from box to bench in minutes.
- Detachable 3+1 Magazine — WHY IT MATTERS: The polymer magazine feeds reliably and allows quick reloads without fumbling with internal boxes, a must for multi-target stages or fast follow-ups in the field.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the long-range competitor who wants a lightweight platform that still delivers the velocity and energy needed to ring steel at 1,000+ yards. It’s also built for the backcountry hunter who carries a rifle all day but refuses to accept a compromise in terminal performance. If you run PRS, NRL Hunter, or ELR matches and you’re chasing flat trajectories with minimal wind drift, the 6.5-300 Wby Mag in this Mark V Live Wild Carbon is your edge.
Pros / Cons
- Pros: Lightweight carbon fiber build; sub-MOA accuracy guarantee from Weatherby; threaded muzzle; detachable magazine; Cerakote corrosion protection.
- Cons: Ammunition cost and availability for 6.5-300 Wby Mag is higher than 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Win — plan your reloading bench or budget accordingly.
Comparison
| Feature | Weatherby Mark V Live Wild Carbon | Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT | Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 6.5-300 Wby Mag | 6.5 Creedmoor | 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Barrel Length | 26″ | 24″ | 22″ |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~6.2 lbs | ~8.2 lbs |
| Magazine | 3+1 detachable | 3+1 detachable | 5-round AICS |
| Threaded Muzzle | Yes (5/8×24) | Yes (5/8×24) | Yes (5/8×24) |
| Price Point | ~$3,143 | ~$2,500 | ~$1,100 |
| Velocity (140-gr) | ~3,400 fps | ~2,700 fps | ~2,700 fps |
The Weatherby’s velocity advantage over the Christensen and Bergara is massive — over 700 fps faster with the same bullet weight. That translates to a flatter trajectory and less wind drift at 1,000 yards. The trade-off is higher ammo cost and more recoil, but if you’re after raw performance, the 6.5-300 is in a league of its own.
FAQ
What optics bases does the Weatherby MLC01N653WR8B Mark V Live Wild Carbon require?
This receiver is drilled and tapped for standard Weatherby Mark V bases. Most shooters use Talley or Leupold one-piece bases, or a two-piece set from Warne. The receiver is also compatible with Picatinny rails designed for the Mark V action.
Is the barrel on the Live Wild Carbon fully carbon fiber or just wrapped?
The barrel is a carbon fiber-wrapped steel liner. The steel liner is responsible for the rifling and chamber, while the carbon fiber wrap adds stiffness and reduces weight. This is standard for high-performance carbon fiber barrels.
Can I use standard 6.5mm ammunition in the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum?
No. The 6.5-300 Wby Mag is a proprietary cartridge with a larger case and higher pressure than 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, or 6.5×47 Lapua. Only factory 6.5-300 Wby Mag ammunition or properly headstamped brass should be used.
Does the rifle come with a muzzle brake?
No, the muzzle is threaded 5/8×24 but no brake is included. Weatherby offers their own Accubrake ST, or you can mount any compatible 5/8×24 brake or suppressor.
What is the magazine capacity?
The detachable box magazine holds 3 rounds, plus 1 in the chamber, for a total of 3+1.
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Last updated: April 2026
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