Description

California big-game hunters: the Weatherby Mark V Frontier is a bolt-action rifle with no California-specific restrictions. .375 H&H and the other Mark V Frontier chamberings (.416 Rem Mag, .460 Wby Mag) are standard rifle cartridges with no California magazine capacity restrictions applicable (the Mark V is an internal box magazine rifle holding 2–3 rounds depending on caliber). This is a professional-grade dangerous game rifle available for California hunters pursuing large game in Alaska, Africa, or North America.

Weatherby has been building the Mark V since 1958. The Frontier is their 2026 answer to the demand for a Mark V in traditional dangerous game aesthetics — walnut stock, ebony tip, controlled-feed geometry — rather than the synthetic/tactical configurations that dominate the current catalog. For African safari or Alaskan brown bear hunting, the Frontier’s profile and chamberings are appropriate for the application.

Mark V Frontier Features

• Mark V 9-lug bolt action — three rows of three lugs — Nine locking lugs provide more contact surface and more even load distribution at lockup than standard two-lug designs. The 54-degree bolt throw (vs 90 degrees on most 2-lug designs) enables faster follow-up bolt cycling without the shooter having to break cheek weld significantly. On dangerous game where a follow-up shot may be immediately required, this matters.
• Dangerous game chamberings — .375 H&H Magnum is the minimum legal caliber for dangerous game in many African countries and is the most proven and loaded caliber for general dangerous game use worldwide. .416 Rem Mag steps up for elephant and buffalo. .460 Wby Mag is Weatherby’s maximum — one of the most powerful commercial bolt-action cartridges available. Each is appropriate for different game and contexts.
• 24-inch barrel — Standard length for magnum dangerous game cartridges. Adequate barrel time for complete powder burn; maintains manageable overall length. The .375 H&H requires 24 inches for optimal velocity; shorter barrels leave velocity on the table and increase muzzle blast significantly.
• Classic walnut stock with ebony forend tip — Monte Carlo cheekpiece, satin finish, skip-line checkering. The ebony tip provides durability at the forend end where contact with rocks and ground is common in field conditions. This is traditional dangerous game rifle aesthetics — the profile PH-qualified hunters expect to see in the field.
• Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad — Necessary on a dangerous game rifle. .375 H&H generates approximately 50 ft-lbs of recoil energy; .416 Rem Mag approaches 70 ft-lbs; .460 Wby Mag exceeds 100 ft-lbs. A quality recoil pad is not optional. Pachmayr’s Decelerator is the industry standard reference for pad performance.
• Integral recoil lug, three-position safety — Controlled-round feeding geometry for reliable function under extreme conditions. Three-position safety allows bolt operation for loading/unloading with the safety engaged — critical for dangerous game where you want the chamber checked safely.

Weatherby Mark V Frontier Specifications

Manufacturer	Weatherby (Sheridan, Wyoming)
Model	Mark V Frontier Dangerous Game
Action	Bolt-Action, 9-lug Mark V
Calibers Available	.375 H&H Mag, .416 Rem Mag, .460 Wby Mag
Barrel Length	24 in
Stock	Walnut, Monte Carlo cheekpiece, ebony forend tip, skip-line checkering
Recoil Pad	Pachmayr Decelerator
Trigger	Adjustable Mark V trigger
Safety	Three-position, tang-mounted
Finish (metal)	Blued steel
Bolt Throw	54 degrees
MSRP	$2,199 (.375 H&H) — varies by caliber
New For	2026

Who Buys a Dangerous Game Rifle?

African safari hunters pursuing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros), Alaskan brown/grizzly bear hunters, and serious collectors of dangerous game-capable platforms. The minimum legal caliber requirement in most African countries for dangerous game is .375 — the Frontier’s .375 H&H chambering satisfies this requirement for all species. The Mark V action’s strength and the caliber range available make it a genuine working tool. Compare to the Marlin 1895 in .45-70 for a lever-action dangerous game alternative at lower price and power.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

• 9-lug Mark V action is one of the strongest bolt actions in production
• 54-degree bolt throw enables rapid follow-up cycling — critical for dangerous game
• Three caliber options cover different dangerous game applications
• Pachmayr Decelerator is the correct recoil management for .375–.460 recoil levels
• Classic walnut aesthetics — appropriate for the hunting tradition and context

What Could Be Better

• $2,199+ pricing puts it above casual hunting budgets — but this is a specialized tool
• Limited aftermarket vs more popular rifle platforms

FAQ

What is the minimum legal caliber for African dangerous game?

Most African countries require a minimum of .375 caliber for dangerous game (elephant, buffalo, hippo, rhino). The .375 H&H Magnum is the universal minimum and is legal for all species in all major hunting destinations.

How much does .375 H&H ammunition cost?

Factory .375 H&H ammunition from Federal Premium, Hornady DGX, and Norma typically runs $3–$8 per round depending on loading and quantity. It’s a hunting cartridge, not a range round — budget accordingly.

Is the Weatherby Mark V Frontier safe for left-handed shooters?

The standard Mark V Frontier is right-handed configuration. Weatherby offers left-handed versions of some Mark V models — confirm LH availability with your dealer at time of order.

Can the Mark V be used for hunting in the US?

Yes. .375 H&H is legal for hunting in all US states where hunting is permitted. It’s particularly appropriate for brown/grizzly bear in Alaska.

What is the effective range of .375 H&H?

.375 H&H from a 24-inch barrel produces approximately 2,530 fps with 300-grain projectiles and ~4,263 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle. At 200 yards, retained energy is approximately 3,100 ft-lbs. It’s a medium-range dangerous game cartridge — 50–250 yards is the practical window for most applications.

New for 2026 — Ships to FFL. Last updated: February 28, 2026.

California Note: The Weatherby Mark V Frontier is a standard bolt-action rifle with no California-specific restrictions. Internal box magazine — magazine capacity restrictions do not apply.