Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Carbon 6.5 Wby RPM
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Carbon 6.5 Wby RPM is a premium, lightweight, carbon-fiber-barreled bolt-action hunting rifle built for precision and extended backcountry travel. It features Weatherby's nine-lug Mark V action, chambered in their proprietary high-velocity 6.5 Weatherby RPM cartridge. At 5.9 pounds unloaded and with a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle, it’s engineered for hunters who prioritize minimizing pack weight without sacrificing long-range capability or suppressor compatibility.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Carbon used for?
This rifle is built for extended, high-alpine hunts for game like mule deer, elk, and mountain sheep where every ounce matters and shots can exceed 400 yards. It's a purpose-built tool for hunters who cover miles of rugged terrain and need a rifle that won't wear them out before the shot. The lightweight carbon fiber barrel and stock significantly reduce carry fatigue, while the 6.5 RPM cartridge delivers flat trajectories suitable for ethical long-range engagements on medium to large game.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Carbon compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Weatherby Backcountry is superior in weight reduction and long-range ballistics, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is better for budget-conscious hunters who prioritize common, lower-cost ammunition. The Weatherby weighs roughly 2.5 pounds less than the synthetic-stocked Stevens 334, and the 6.5 RPM cartridge has a noticeably flatter trajectory than .308 Winchester, reducing holdover at distance. However, the Stevens costs about $2,000 less and uses widely available factory ammo.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.9 pounds (95 ounces) without optics or a magazine, with an overall length of 43.5 inches from the buttpad to the muzzle threads. The carbon-fiber-wrapped, tensioned barrel is 24 inches long with a 1-in-8 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing high-BC bullets from the 6.5 RPM. The included titanium Accubrake ST reduces felt recoil by approximately 45%, a critical feature for such a light rifle chambered in a magnum-class cartridge.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget hunters, plinkers, or those unwilling to commit to a proprietary cartridge. The 6.5 Weatherby RPM ammo is significantly more expensive and less available than standard offerings like 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester. It's also not ideal for dense brush or stands where its 24-inch barrel and precision-oriented stock become a handling liability compared to a compact carbine like the Stevens 334 .243 Win with its 20-inch barrel.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with the titanium Accubrake ST muzzle brake already installed, one 4-round detachable box magazine, and the appropriate thread protector. Notably, a hard case is not included; Weatherby ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, so plan for an aftermarket travel case. The rifle comes from the factory with a 3D HEX recoil pad and the TriggerTech trigger set to a crisp 3.5-pound pull weight out of the box.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Carbon worth it at $3199?
Yes, if your hunting success hinges on carrying a sub-6-pound rifle capable of consistent 0.75 MOA accuracy at mountain ranges and you value proprietary, high-performance engineering. You're paying a premium for Weatherby's carbon-wrapped barrel technology, the controlled-round-feed Mark V action, and the velocity advantage of the 6.5 RPM cartridge over more common options. For hunters who don't cover extreme distances on foot, a standard-weight rifle at half the price will perform identically at common hunting ranges.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs only 5.9 lbs (95 oz) — nearly 30% lighter than most standard-weight hunting rifles.
- Includes a titanium Accubrake ST that reduces felt recoil by approximately 45%.
- Features a factory-installed TriggerTech trigger with a crisp 3.5-pound pull weight.
- Carbon fiber barrel and stock provide excellent thermal stability and dampen vibration.
Trade-offs
- Chambered for proprietary 6.5 Weatherby RPM ammo, costing $60-$80 per box and with limited availability.
- No hard rifle case included — only a cardboard box with foam inserts for shipping.
- The lightweight build amplifies felt recoil without the muzzle brake, making it unpleasant for extended range sessions.
- Premium price of $3,199 places it far above entry-level alternatives like the Stevens 334 series.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115448838 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MCB20N65RWR6B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 Weatherby RPM |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 7.45 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition?
- No, it is strictly chambered for the proprietary 6.5 Weatherby RPM cartridge. Attempting to fire 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington, or any other 6.5mm cartridge is dangerous and can cause catastrophic firearm failure. Always verify the cartridge stamped on the barrel; for this rifle, it is 6.5 Wby. RPM. Factory ammunition is currently available from Weatherby and select premium manufacturers like Nosler.
- Does it come with scope mounts installed?
- No, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 scope base screws but comes without a base or rings installed. You will need to purchase a scope mount system separately. I recommend using a one-piece picatinny rail from a reputable maker like Nightforce or Seekins Precision, torqued to 25 in-lbs, to maintain the rifle's accuracy potential with heavy optics.
- Can I mount a suppressor on the threaded barrel?
- Yes, the barrel features a standard 5/8x24 thread pattern, which is common for .30 caliber and many 6.5mm suppressors. You must first remove the factory-installed titanium Accubrake ST muzzle brake. Ensure any suppressor you use is rated for the 6.5 Weatherby RPM's pressure and velocity, which exceeds standard 6.5 Creedmoor. Always use a suppressor alignment rod from a company like Geissele or Silencer Central before your first shot to check for baffle strikes.
- How long does shipping and transfer take for this rifle?
- Once ordered, processing and shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items. The subsequent background check and transfer process at your FFL varies by state but commonly adds 15-60 minutes for instant approval or up to 10 business days for states with mandatory waiting periods. Contact your local FFL for their specific transfer fee, which averages $25-$75.