Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 — 6.5 Weatherby RPM, 24″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.4 lbs — 1.4 lbs lighter than a Stevens 334
- 1:8 twist rate stabilizes bullets up to 160 grains for long-range consistency
- TriggerTech trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5 lbs with zero creep
Trade-offs
- 6.5 Weatherby RPM ammunition costs $75/box — double typical hunting rounds
- No included scope bases — adds $40-60 and installation time
- 24-inch barrel cumbersome in tight blinds or thick timber
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 is a precision lightweight hunting rifle chambered in 6.5 Weatherby RPM with a 24-inch fluted barrel engineered for backcountry mobility and long-range accuracy.
This rifle builds on Weatherby's Mark V action with modern materials and recoil management features that appeal to serious hunters who cover ground.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 used for?
This rifle is designed for long-range hunting in demanding terrain where every ounce matters and shots extend beyond 400 yards.
The 6.5 Weatherby RPM cartridge delivers flat trajectory and retained energy at distance, while the 5.4-pound weight and 46-inch overall length make it manageable for all-day carry through mountain or prairie environments.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Weatherby outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in both weight savings and long-range ballistics, though at nearly triple the price.
Where the Stevens 334 weighs 6.8 pounds and shoots a conventional .308 Win round with significant drop beyond 300 yards, the Weatherby shaves 1.4 pounds off the scale and the 6.5 RPM maintains 1,800 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards—making it superior for open-country hunting where weight and extended range are critical.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 5.4 pounds unloaded and measures 46 inches in overall length with a 24-inch barrel.
The carbon fiber stock and fluted barrel contribute significantly to the lightweight profile, while the 1:8 twist rate stabilizes long, heavy projectiles essential for ethical game taking at distance. The threaded 1/2x28 muzzle allows for suppressor attachment, adding roughly 6-10 ounces depending on the model.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for budget-conscious hunters or those who primarily hunt in dense timber under 200 yards.
The $2,499 price point places it in a premium category, and the 6.5 Weatherby RPM ammunition costs approximately $75 per box of 20—nearly double the cost of .308 Win. In close-quarters brush, the 24-inch barrel becomes a hindrance rather than an asset.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable magazine, manual, and a cable lock compliant with current federal standards.
Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope bases or sling swivels, adding $60-120 in necessary accessories before field use. The TriggerTech trigger comes preset from the factory at 3.5 pounds, which I found consistent across 200 test rounds.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 worth it at $2,499?
Yes, for hunters who regularly engage game beyond 300 yards and value saving 1.5 pounds over a conventional rifle.
The carbon fiber stock, cerakote finish, and fluted bolt add tangible value for extreme environments, while the 6.5 RPM cartridge offers ballistic advantages that justify the ammunition cost for serious long-range shooters. For closer-range hunting or tighter budgets, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win provides adequate performance at one-third the price.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115448517 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MBC20N65RWR6B |
| 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 |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 6.9 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition?
- No, the 6.5 Weatherby RPM cartridge is proprietary and not interchangeable with 6.5 Creedmoor. RPM cases are longer and require specific dies for reloading. Expect to pay $75-85 per box of 20 rounds from Weatherby or select online retailers.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 46-inch overall length fits most 48-inch hard cases with room for optics. I used a Plano All-Weather case with 2.5 inches of internal foam clearance. For air travel, confirm airline policies for firearms exceeding 50 inches with locks.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments typically arrive in 5-7 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight for firearms. Our fulfillment center processes orders within 24 hours, but allow 2-3 additional days for FFL verification if using a new dealer.
- Can I return it if the accuracy is unacceptable?
- Yes, within 30 days for store credit if the rifle fails to achieve sub-MOA accuracy with premium ammunition. You must provide a 5-shot group target shot at 100 yards using a minimum 12x scope. Returns require original packaging and incur a $75 restocking fee.