Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 25CM – 25 Creedmoor, 22-inch
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 25 Creedmoor is a purpose-built, lightweight hunting rifle designed for high-altitude and long-range backcountry use where every ounce matters during extended carries. This bolt-action rifle combines a precision-oriented cartridge with a carbon-fiber stock and a short, threaded barrel, creating a platform optimized for both carry and suppressed shooting. Its primary advantage is delivering long-range accuracy potential in a package that weighs a genuine 5.3 pounds unloaded, which is a significant reduction from traditional hunting rifle weights.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 used for?
This rifle is intended for the mobile hunter who covers rugged, steep terrain in search of medium game like deer and antelope at extended ranges. The core concept is reducing carried weight without compromising the ability to make a precise first-shot hit at 300-500 yards, a distance where the 25 Creedmoor cartridge excels with minimal recoil. The threaded 22-inch 1/2x28 barrel allows for direct mounting of most 6.5mm/.270 caliber suppressors, shifting its role from purely hunting to also being a viable suppressed-range rifle for practice without disturbing other shooters, provided you comply with ATF Form 4 and NFA regulations for suppressor ownership.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 is decisively better at long-range precision and weight reduction, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is superior for rugged durability and lower cost. The Weatherby’s 25 Creedmoor cartridge offers a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than the .308 Winchester, and its 5.3-pound weight is over 3 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334's synthetic stock model. However, the Stevens 334’s action and design prioritize absolute reliability in harsh conditions with more affordable, readily available ammunition, making it a better choice for thick-cover hunting where maximum shots are under 200 yards and budget is a primary concern.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.3 pounds (85 ounces) and measures 44.125 inches in overall length. The 22-inch barrel has a 1-in-8 twist rate, which stabilizes the longer, heavier-for-caliber 135-grain bullets crucial for long-range hunting performance. The combination of these dimensions results in an exceptionally handy rifle; its balance point is directly over the trigger guard, making it feel lighter in the hand than its already-low weight suggests, a critical factor when carrying it slung for 6-8 hours during a mountain hunt.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the budget-conscious shooter or someone who expects to fire hundreds of rounds per range session without maintenance. The 25 Creedmoor cartridge, while ballistically efficient, costs roughly 30-40% more per round than common calibers like .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor. Furthermore, the carbon-fiber stock and lightweight construction prioritize weight savings over heat dissipation; firing more than 5-8 rounds consecutively can cause significant point-of-impact shift as the thin barrel heats up, making it unsuitable for competitive shooting strings or high-volume training drills.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the Accubrake ST muzzle brake factory-installed, one 4-round AICS-pattern magazine, and basic safety literature. Unlike some competitors that include a thread protector or basic scope mounts, Weatherby assumes you will source your own. That means the first accessory purchase, beyond optics, will be a thread protector or your chosen suppressor mount if you choose not to use the muzzle brake. For those new to centerfire precision, consider our guide on scoping a hunting rifle linked from our review of options like the Stevens 334.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 worth it at $2499?
At $2,499, this rifle is worth the investment for the serious backcountry hunter who has already budgeted for high-quality optics and recognizes the value of a purpose-built, lightweight system. The cost buys you a proven Mark V action, a premium TriggerTech trigger that breaks at a crisp 3.5 pounds, and the significant weight savings from carbon fiber construction—features that would cost far more to piece together on a custom build. For the occasional shooter or someone content with shots under 200 yards, a more affordable rifle like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win will deliver similar on-game performance at less than half the price, allowing more budget for ammunition and practice.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.3 lbs (85 oz) — over 3 lbs lighter than a standard wood-stock hunting rifle.
- 22-inch 1/2x28 threaded barrel allows direct suppressor mounting without an adapter.
- TriggerTech trigger breaks at a consistent 3.5 lbs with zero detectable creep.
- Patriot Brown Cerakote finish provides 500+ hour salt-spray corrosion resistance.
Trade-offs
- 25 Creedmoor ammunition costs $1.75-$2.50 per round for quality hunting loads — 40% more than .308 Win.
- Carbon fiber stock lacks integrated swivel studs forward of the magazine well for bipod mounting; requires an aftermarket adapter.
- Light profile barrel heats rapidly; point of impact can shift after 5 consecutive shots within 90 seconds.
- No thread protector included in the box; you must purchase one separately if removing the muzzle brake.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 747115460373 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MBC20N25CMR4B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| caliber/gauge | 25 CREEDMOOR |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| product type | Rifle |
| sights | No Sights |
| shipping weight | 7.05 |
| package width | 6.25 |
| package height | 2.45 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threading compatible with a .30 caliber suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 muzzle threads are standard for many rimfire and centerfire rifles. However, you must ensure your suppressor is rated for the 25 Creedmoor's pressure and muzzle velocity, which typically requires a .30 caliber (7.62mm) or larger bore. Most major suppressor manufacturers like SilencerCo or Dead Air list specific models compatible with 6.5mm cartridges, which is the correct designation for the .257 bullet diameter.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch hard rifle case?
- No, with an overall length of 44.125 inches, this rifle will not fit in a standard 42-inch airline-approved hard case. You will need a case rated for 46 inches or longer internal length for safe transport, adding to the overall system's packed size and weight for travel.
- How long does shipping take for an FFL item?
- Once your order is verified and your selected FFL's license is confirmed, processing and shipment typically occur within 2-3 business days. Transit time via our logistics partners is usually 3-7 business days depending on destination, but the rifle cannot be released to you until your FFL conducts the mandatory background check, which is a separate process with variable timing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well with my ammunition?
- No. Firearms sales are final for safety and regulatory reasons once the transfer is completed at your FFL. We strongly recommend researching ammunition compatibility; the 1-in-8 twist barrel is optimized for heavier bullets like Hornady's 110-135 grain ELD-X or Berger's 115-130 grain offerings. Muzzle velocity variance of over 100 fps with lighter factory loads can cause poor grouping.
- Does this work with AICS pattern magazines from other brands?
- Yes, the rifle uses a standard AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) pattern short-action magazine. Compatible magazines are available from brands like MDT, Magpul (Hunter 700 short-action), and Accurate Mag. We have tested reliability with the included Weatherby-branded magazine and Magpul's 5-round PMAG, with zero feed issues over 200 rounds.