Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 6.5-300Wby Mag LH, 26″ Barrel
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 6.5-300Wby Mag LH, 26″ Barrel is a lightweight left-hand bolt-action rifle built for long-range backcountry hunting with a magnum cartridge. It leverages Weatherby's nine-lug Mark V action with a fluted, thin-profile barrel and carbon fiber stock to hit a 5.2 lb bare weight. This configuration is specifically engineered to deliver the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum's flat trajectory and retained energy at extreme distances while remaining manageable to carry all day.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 used for?
The primary use is long-range hunting of medium to large game in mountainous or open backcountry terrain. The 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum cartridge is designed for hyper-velocity, achieving over 3,400 feet per second with a 127-grain bullet, providing an extremely flat trajectory and excellent wind-bucking ability past 500 yards. When paired with the rifle's 5.2-pound weight, it allows a hunter to cover miles of elevation gain while still making precise shots on elk, mule deer, or pronghorn at distances where standard cartridges would fall short.
How does the Mark V Backcountry 2.0 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 is superior for specialized long-range performance, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is far better for budget-conscious general-purpose hunting. The Weatherby's 6.5-300Wby Mag cartridge has a muzzle energy roughly 30% greater than .308 Winchester and retains it much better at distance, but requires premium, expensive ammunition and generates significantly more recoil. The Stevens 334 is heavier and built to a much lower price point, making it a durable workhorse but lacking the Weatherby's precision-machined action, carbon stock, and specialized brake system for managing magnum recoil in a lightweight platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The bare rifle weighs 5.2 pounds (2.36 kg) and has an overall length of 46.5 inches. The 26-inch barrel features a #1 MOD contour that narrows to just 0.550 inches at the muzzle, and the fluting removes another 10 ounces of weight compared to a standard sporter barrel. The 1-in-8-inch twist rate stabilizes long-for-caliber, high-BC bullets crucial for the cartridge's performance, and the 1/2x28 muzzle threads allow direct attachment of suppressors or other muzzle devices without an adapter.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the occasional shooter, the recoil-sensitive, or anyone on a tight ammunition budget. The 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum is a proprietary, high-performance cartridge; factory ammo averages over $100 per box of 20 rounds, and component brass is similarly costly. The lightweight build exacerbates the cartridge's stout recoil, so while the Accubrake ST and 3DHEX pad mitigate it, repeated range sessions can be punishing. It is a specialized tool for a hunter who specifically needs its combination of light weight and extreme long-range ballistics.
What's in the box?
From the factory, you receive the rifle with a 3+1 capacity detachable magazine installed. It includes the factory-installed Accubrake ST muzzle device and the 3DHEX recoil pad. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, but no scope bases, rings, or optics are included. You will need to purchase and install your own preferred rail or bases, along with a high-quality optic capable of handling the cartridge's extended range; a standard hunting scope from a budget shotgun package will be insufficient.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 worth it at $2,699?
At $2,699, it's worth the investment only if you require its specific performance envelope of extreme light weight paired with a long-range magnum cartridge. You are paying for the proprietary Mark V action, advanced carbon fiber stock, specialized muzzle brake system, and the engineering to make a magnum rifle this light shootable. If your hunting ranges are under 300 yards or you don't face grueling pack-in hikes, a more conventional rifle like the Stevens 334 in a standard caliber will save you over $1,500, which can be put toward a premium optic and ample practice ammunition.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.2 lbs bare — nearly 2 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled magnum rifle.
- 26-inch fluted barrel with 1:8 twist stabilizes long, high-BC bullets for the cartridge's intended 500+ yard use.
- Accubrake ST reduces perceived recoil by approximately 30%, critical in a lightweight magnum platform.
- Left-hand configuration provides correct ejection and bolt manipulation for southpaw shooters.
Trade-offs
- 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum ammunition costs over $5 per round for factory loads.
- Lightweight magnum design results in stout felt recoil, even with the brake, limiting pleasant practice sessions.
- Proprietary cartridge means you cannot form brass from common, cheaper cases; you are locked into Weatherby-headstamp brass.
- No iron sights — requires an immediate optical investment of $500+ for a scope capable of leveraging the rifle's range.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115448494 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MBC20N653WL8B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5x300 Weatherby Mag |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 7.85 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope mounts?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases using the Weatherby Mark V short-action screw spacing of 6-48 threads. You will need bases specifically listed for the Mark V short action, as the hole spacing differs from a Remington 700 pattern. I recommend using a high-quality rail system from Seekins Precision or Nightforce for stable zero retention under recoil.
- Does the muzzle have suppressor threads?
- Yes, the muzzle features a 1/2x28 thread pattern, which is the most common for .22 caliber and many 6.5mm suppressors. However, given the cartridge's high pressure and velocity, you must use a suppressor rated for magnum rifle cartridges; a standard .223-rated can will not survive. Check the manufacturer's specifications for 300 Winchester Magnum or higher ratings before attaching.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For an in-stock item like this, Ironclad Armory typically processes and ships within 1 business day after FFL verification. Transit time via UPS or FedEx Ground is 2-5 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse. You will receive tracking information as soon as the label is created.
- Can I return it if the caliber doesn't suit me?
- No, all firearms sales are final once the transfer is completed at your licensed dealer, in compliance with federal law and our policy. We strongly advise ensuring the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum's ballistics, ammunition cost, and recoil profile meet your needs before purchasing. Consider renting or borrowing a rifle in this caliber for testing if possible.