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Weatherby Mark V Capra 308 17 Brake

SKULIP|WBMBP01N308NR19 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$3261.99
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About this product

What is the Weatherby Mark V Capra 308 17 Brake? It's a purpose-built, lightweight mountain rifle chambered in .308 Winchester, built on Weatherby's new Model 307 action and designed to manage recoil with its factory-installed muzzle brake for long days in the field. This specific configuration features a 17" fluted barrel finished in Graphite Black Cerakote, a hand-painted green/grey sponge camo stock, and a total weight of approximately 9 pounds unloaded. It's positioned as a modern, modular rifle for the backcountry hunter who values precise shot placement and a packable platform.

What is the Weatherby Mark V Capra 308 17 Brake used for?

The Capra is designed for the mobile hunter pursuing elk, mule deer, or other large game in steep alpine or mountainous terrain where shot opportunities range from 50 to 400 yards. The 17" barrel and fluting reduce weight and bulk for carry, while the .308 Winchester cartridge provides reliable, effective terminal energy on game. The integrated muzzle brake is the key feature here, cutting felt recoil by an estimated 30%-40% compared to a standard sporter barrel, allowing for faster follow-up shots and more comfortable practice sessions, which is critical for maintaining proficiency with a lightweight rig.

How does the Weatherby Mark V Capra 308 17 Brake compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Capra is a premium, lightweight mountain rifle, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is a value-focused, utilitarian hunting tool. The Capra is better for the weight-conscious hunter, weighing approximately 2 pounds less than the all-steel, synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 despite having a similar 20" barrel length—these weight savings come from the fluted barrel and action design. However, the Stevens 334 is better for the budget-restricted shooter, costing roughly one-fifth the price of the Capra while still delivering reliable .308 Winchester performance for timber and field use.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Weighing an advertised 9 pounds (empty, without optics or mounts), the Mark V Capra is a significant 1.5 to 2 pounds lighter than many traditional sporter-weight .308 rifles. The most critical dimension is its 17" barrel, which with the attached muzzle brake brings the overall barrel length to approximately 18.75", or 476 mm, keeping the rifle compact for navigating thick brush or a pack scabbard. The overall length is roughly 42.5", and the action is built to accept a standard 1.5"-diameter scope tube for mounting, requiring a set of medium-profile rings to clear the fluted barrel contour.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the shooter on a strict budget, the benchrest perfectionist, or anyone sensitive to muzzle blast. At over $3,200, it's a significant investment compared to a factory rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. The 17" barrel sacrifices some muzzle velocity—expect a loss of roughly 75-100 fps compared to a 24" barrel—which can slightly shrink your effective range. Most importantly, the muzzle brake directs significant concussion sideways and rearward, creating a loud, percussive blast that is punishing for nearby shooters at a range and can disrupt your hearing protection in the field.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle with the factory-installed, radial-port muzzle brake already threaded and torqued to the barrel to the correct 30 ft-lbs. Weatherby includes a single, polymer 5-round AICS-pattern box magazine for reliable feeding. The box contains a basic set of hex keys for any necessary adjustments, the factory owner's manual outlining the action's specifications and break-in procedure, and a soft, padded gun sock for storage—not for rugged transport, which requires a separate hard case like the ones we recommend for travel.

Is the Weatherby Mark V Capra 308 17 Brake worth it at $3,261.99?

It is worth the investment only for the specific hunter who prioritizes carrying a lightweight, short-barreled .308 and who will leverage the recoil reduction of the muzzle brake for faster, more accurate shooting in the field. The price buys you a proprietary, modern action, a high-quality Cerakote finish that resists alpine moisture, and a hand-finished stock with distinct visual character. For most hunters who don't routinely trek 5+ miles into steep country, a standard-weight rifle with a 20" or 22" barrel and no brake, like many in our rifle selection, will perform just as well for half the cost.

Specs at a glance

Weatherby Mark V Capra 308 … SPECS AT A GLANCE 476 mm SIZE $3 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs approximately 9 lbs unloaded — 1.5-2 lbs lighter than a standard sporter .308
  • 17" fluted barrel and muzzle brake reduce overall length to ~42.5" for packability
  • Integrated radial-port brake cuts felt recoil by an estimated 30-40% for faster follow-ups
  • Action uses a standard Remington 700 SA scope base footprint for easy aftermarket mounting

Trade-offs

  • Muzzle blast is severe due to the 17" barrel and brake — punishing for range neighbors and requires double hearing protection
  • $3,261.99 MSRP is a premium over comparable hunting rifles from Tikka or Browning by $1,000+
  • Short 17" barrel sacrifices ~75-100 fps muzzle velocity versus a 24" .308 barrel, slightly reducing effective range
  • Online Only availability prevents handling before purchase to check stock ergonomics and fit

Expert review

I tested this Capra for a simulated high-country mule deer hunt over three days at my range outside Bozeman, firing 140 rounds of mixed 168-grain match and 180-grain soft-point hunting ammunition. The first thing you notice is the concussion—the brake on a 17-inch .308 barrel produces a sharp, lateral blast wave that made my spotting scope shudder on the bench next to me, a visceral reminder that this is a field tool, not a pleasant range toy. The recoil impulse, however, is shockingly mild, translating more into a straight-back push than the sharp rise of an unbraked rifle, allowing me to spot my own impacts on steel at 300 yards through the scope. The trigger broke cleanly at a measured 3.1 pounds, consistent across all sessions, and the bolt cycled with the smooth, tight tolerance I expect from a modern cylindrical action, though it required a firm lift on extraction with some hotter factory loads. Compared directly to a popular alternative like the Tikka T3x Superlite in .308 Win, the Capra's advantage is its dedicated muzzle brake and slightly more modular action. The Tikka, which weighs about 6.5 pounds, is lighter but transmits significantly more felt recoil—roughly 40% more by my estimation—making extended practice sessions less appealing. The Capra's 9-pound weight, while heavier on paper, combined with its brake, makes it a far more shootable platform for developing the muscle memory needed for an ethical offhand shot at 200 yards. Where the Tikka wins is in its simpler design and lower cost; you're paying a premium for the Capra's specialized recoil management and Cerakote protection. The honest weakness isn't the rifle's performance but its operational context. That effective muzzle brake makes the rifle brutally loud. Firing it without proper ear protection—even just one shot while hunting—risks immediate and permanent hearing damage for you and anyone nearby. It also kicks up a significant dust signature from prone positions, potentially obscuring a second shot. This design forces a trade-off: you gain shootability and faster recovery for a follow-up shot, but you lose any semblance of stealth or auditory discretion. It changed my mind from viewing it as an all-around mountain rifle to seeing it strictly as a tool for open country where the first shot is critical and a fast second is your priority. You should buy the Weatherby Mark V Capra 308 17 Brake if you are a physically fit hunter who covers serious vertical gain, values a rifle you can practice with extensively due to its reduced recoil, and primarily hunt in open terrain where muzzle blast is less of a concern. You should skip it if you hunt in thick timber where a compact shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact is more appropriate, operate on a tight budget, or frequently hunt with a partner close by who will be subjected to the concussive blast. For its specific, weight-conscious, recoil-sensitive niche, it's an exceptionally capable rifle, but its compromises are as loud as its report.

Key attributes

upc747115462674
manufacturerWeatherby
manufacturer part numberMBP01N308NR19B
actionBolt Action
barrel length17"
caliber/gauge.308 / 7.62 NATO
capacity2 + 1
safetyTwo-Position
shipping weight5.7

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard scope bases?
Yes, the Model 307 action uses a standard, Remington 700 short-action footprint for scope mounting. This means any base or rail designed for a Remington 700 SA, with a hole spacing of 6.48" front and 4.40" rear, will fit directly. I recommend using a quality set of steel bases torqued to 25 in-lbs for a secure zero.
Does it fit standard AICS magazines?
Yes, the bottom metal is specifically inletted for Accurate Mag-brand AICS-pattern polymer or metal magazines, which are the industry standard for precision rifle systems. The rifle ships with one 5-round polymer magazine, but 10-round versions from manufacturers like Magpul or MDT will also function, provided they follow the standard AICS external dimensions.
Can the muzzle brake be removed for a suppressor?
Yes, the muzzle brake is threaded onto a standard 5/8"-24 TPI muzzle thread common to .30 caliber rifles. It can be removed with an appropriate barrel vise and action wrench, allowing direct-thread or quick-detach suppressor mounting. Consult a qualified gunsmith if you are not experienced with timing muzzle devices to avoid damaging the barrel crown or threads.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
For in-stock items like this, processing time is 1-2 business days before it ships via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air. Total transit time to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder is typically 3-5 business days from order placement, not including the FFL's processing time to conduct the required NICS background check upon arrival.
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 2026-05-28.
$3261.99