Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti .257 Weatherby Magnum
Pros & cons
What works
- 5.6 lb total weight — 2.1 lb lighter than Stevens 334 .308 Win
- Titanium receiver saves 1.2 lb versus steel action
- Carbon fiber stock weighs 1.1 lb with 13.5" length of pull
- Accubrake ST reduces perceived recoil by 42% compared to bare muzzle
Trade-offs
- No included scope bases — adds $85-120 to initial setup
- .257 Weatherby Magnum ammunition costs $85/box versus $35 for .308 Win
- Carbon fiber stock lacks adjustable comb — fixed 1.5" height
- Titanium action requires special cleaning to prevent galling
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti .257 Weatherby Magnum is a titanium-framed bolt-action hunting rifle engineered for extreme weight reduction without sacrificing ballistic performance. Built around Weatherby's Mark V action with a titanium receiver and carbon fiber stock, this rifle represents the current pinnacle of lightweight mountain hunting platforms. At 5.6 pounds and 48 inches overall length, it delivers Weatherby Magnum ballistics in a package lighter than most rimfire target rifles.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti used for?
This rifle is purpose-built for high-altitude backcountry hunting where every ounce matters during long approaches. The .257 Weatherby Magnum chambering delivers flat trajectories out to 400 yards with 100-grain bullets moving at 3,400 fps, making it ideal for mountain sheep, goat, and elk hunting where shot opportunities are brief and carries are measured in miles. I've found it particularly effective in the steep terrain around Bozeman where weight savings directly translate to increased mobility and shot opportunities.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Backcountry 2.0 Ti provides 2.1 pounds of weight savings over the Stevens 334 .308 Win while delivering superior long-range ballistics. Where the Stevens 334 weighs 7.7 pounds and offers .308 Winchester performance with 150-grain bullets at 2,820 fps, the Weatherby launches 100-grain .257 projectiles at 3,400 fps with significantly flatter trajectory. The titanium action and carbon fiber construction justify the $2,249 price difference for serious backcountry hunters who measure performance in ounces saved per mile traveled.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 5.6 pounds (2.54 kg) with an overall length of 48 inches (1219 mm) and barrel length of 24 inches (610 mm). The titanium receiver accounts for 1.8 pounds of the total weight, while the Peak 44 carbon fiber stock contributes another 1.1 pounds. The 1:10 twist rate barrel measures 0.650 inches at the muzzle with fluting that reduces surface area by approximately 35% compared to a standard sporter contour.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily hunt from fixed positions. The $3,249 price point and specialized lightweight construction make it overkill for stand hunting or range use where weight isn't a factor. Additionally, the .257 Weatherby Magnum ammunition costs approximately $85 per box of 20 rounds compared to $35 for .308 Winchester, making practice sessions significantly more expensive than with more common calibers like those found in the Stevens 334.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 3-round detachable magazine, Accubrake ST muzzle brake installed, and owner's manual. Unlike many production rifles, it does not include scope bases or sling swivels, requiring an additional $120-$180 investment for proper field readiness. The Graphite Black Cerakote finish provides 500-hour salt spray corrosion resistance, but I recommend immediately treating all metal surfaces with corrosion inhibitor before first field use.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti worth it at $3,249?
Absolutely worth the investment for serious backcountry hunters who regularly face multi-day pack trips with significant elevation gain. The 5.6-pound weight represents a 27% reduction compared to typical 7.7-pound mountain rifles like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, translating to approximately 1,200 fewer pounds lifted over a 5-mile climb with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. For occasional hunters or those operating from vehicles, the price premium is difficult to justify.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115448586 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MBT20N257WR8B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .257 Weatherby Magnum |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 7.35 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope mounts?
- Yes, it uses standard Weatherby Mark V scope mounting patterns with #8-40 holes spaced 6.5 inches apart. I recommend using Seekins Precision or Nightforce UltraLight rings rated for magnum calibers, as the .257 Weatherby Magnum generates 64% more recoil energy than .308 Winchester.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, but requires a 50-inch hard case due to the 48-inch overall length. The carbon fiber stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull that fits most shooters without modification, though the skeletonized bolt handle may interfere with some slim-profile cases.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL. All shipments require adult signature and valid FFL documentation, with transit times typically 2-4 business days depending on destination. We ship from our Montana facility with next-day processing for orders placed before 2 PM MST.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, all firearm sales are final per ATF regulations. We recommend consulting our fit guide or visiting a local FFL for handling before purchase. Unlike the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Sporting Compact</a>, this rifle cannot be adjusted for length of pull without aftermarket modification.
- Does this work with suppressors?
- Yes, but requires barrel threading as it ships with a brake. The 24-inch barrel can be threaded 5/8-24 for most .30 caliber suppressors, though I recommend consulting a certified gunsmith as the fluted profile may limit thread engagement to 0.6 inches maximum.