Weatherby Mark V Capra 308 17 Brake
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
Video review
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
Key attributes
| upc | 747115462674 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MBP01N308NR19B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 17" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 5.7 |
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.