Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 .28 Nosler 28in
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.25 lbs (100 oz) — nearly a full pound lighter than comparable steel-barreled magnum rifles.
- 28-inch fluted barrel provides optimal velocity for the .28 Nosler cartridge, typically adding 75-100 fps over a 24-inch barrel.
- TriggerTech trigger is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 5 pounds pull weight with a crisp, consistent break.
- Peak 44 carbon fiber stock reduces weight by over 1.5 lbs versus a traditional fiberglass stock and is impervious to moisture warping.
Trade-offs
- Accubrake ST muzzle brake is aggressively effective but also dramatically increases perceived muzzle blast and sound pressure levels for the shooter and anyone beside them.
- The .28 Nosler caliber guarantees high ammunition cost ($5+ per round) and accelerated barrel throat erosion compared to standard cartridges.
- The 28-inch barrel length makes it cumbersome for transport in standard hard rifle cases; you'll need a case at least 52 inches long internally.
- Patriot Brown Cerakote is durable but shows scuffs and handling marks more readily than a matte black or tungsten finish.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 .28 Nosler 28in is a purpose-built, long-action mountain rifle engineered for extreme-distance, high-altitude hunting where every ounce and every mil of precision counts. It uses a 28-inch fluted barrel and a Peak 44 Blacktooth carbon fiber stock to achieve a total unloaded weight of just 6 pounds 4 ounces, making it nearly a full pound lighter than many comparable magnum long-range platforms like the Bergara Premier HMR Pro, while maintaining the rigidity and heat-dissipation needed for the .28 Nosler's significant powder burn.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 .28 Nosler 28in used for?
This rifle is designed for taking large game like elk and mule deer at ethical ranges exceeding 600 yards in steep, backcountry terrain. Its primary function is to deliver the flat trajectory and devastating terminal energy of the .28 Nosler cartridge from an exceptionally lightweight and packable platform, reducing hunter fatigue over multi-day stalks where you might cover 15 miles of vertical gain in a single trip.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Mark V Backcountry 2.0 is a superior tool for specialized, long-distance mountain hunting, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a better choice for general-purpose, budget-conscious hunting under 400 yards. The Weatherby's carbon-fiber stock and 28" fluted barrel make it 2.2 pounds lighter than the Stevens' synthetic-stocked 20" configuration, and its .28 Nosler cartridge launches a 195-grain Berger Elite Hunter bullet at over 2,950 fps, carrying over 1,800 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards—nearly double that of a standard .308 Win load at the same distance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.25 lbs (100 oz) without optics or a sling. Its overall length is 49.5 inches with a 28-inch barrel, and the barrel itself features a 0.750-inch diameter at the muzzle where the Accubrake ST threads on. The stock's length of pull is 13.75 inches, a critical measurement for proper fit and recoil management with a cartridge of this magnitude.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time hunter or someone looking for a low-recoil, high-volume practice rifle. The .28 Nosler is a punishing cartridge with significant muzzle blast and barrel wear—you can expect throat erosion to become noticeable after 800-1,000 rounds, and factory ammunition costs over $5 per round. It's also unsuitable for dense, close-quarters timber hunting where its long barrel and magnum ballistics are a liability, not an asset.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one 3+1 capacity detachable steel magazine, a set of installation tools for the Picatinny rail scope mounts (not included), and the factory warranty documentation. Notably absent are any thread protectors or muzzle device wrenches; you'll need a 3/4" crowfoot wrench or an armorer's torque wrench with the proper socket to remove or service the Accubrake ST muzzle brake, a common oversight for premium rifles in this price bracket.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 worth it at $2,499?
At $2,499, this rifle represents a significant but justifiable investment for the hunter whose annual pursuit demands this specific combination of ultralight weight and extreme long-range capability. You are paying for the specialized carbon-fiber layup, the premium Cerakote finish applied under precise military specifications for corrosion resistance, and the hand-fitted Weatherby Mark V action, which has a proven track record of handling high-pressure magnum cartridges. For the shooter who will use a shotgun like the Stevens 555 in .410 for small game and needs a dedicated tool for the one annual elk hunt where shots are long and the pack-out is brutal, the cost per successful outing makes sense.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115448548 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MBC20N28NOR8B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .28 Nosler |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this rifle compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, but not directly. The barrel is threaded 5/8"-24, which is standard for .30 caliber muzzle devices, but it comes from the factory with the Accubrake ST pinned and welded. To mount a suppressor, a certified gunsmith must remove the brake and may need to verify thread concentricity, a service that typically costs $125-$200 at a shop like ADCO Firearms.
- Does the detachable magazine fit other Mark V models?
- Yes, but with a critical caveat. This magazine is specific to the long-action .28 Nosler/.30 Nosler/.26 Nosler cartridge family. It will not function in Mark V rifles chambered in standard long-action calibers like .300 Win Mag or .30-06 Springfield due to the different magazine box and follower geometry required for the Nosler's fatter, shorter case design.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping from our warehouse typically takes 3-5 business days. Delivery time then depends on the carrier and your FFL's location, but ground shipping is usually 2-7 additional business days. All shipments strictly require a verified FFL on file before the order is released; we use ShipStation for tracking.
- Can I return it if the accuracy isn't satisfactory?
- No, not for accuracy dissatisfaction unless it demonstrably fails to meet factory specifications. Weatherby guarantees 1.5 MOA accuracy with premium factory ammunition. We recommend testing with at least three different match-grade factory loads (like Hornady ELD-X or Nosler AccuBond Long Range) from a solid bench rest. If all groups exceed 1.5 inches at 100 yards, contact Weatherby's customer service directly for a warranty evaluation; our return policy is for un-fired, new-in-box items only.