Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide RH .300 PRC 22″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 8.35 lb — nearly 2 lb lighter than a comparable steel-barreled magnum rifle.
- 1:8 twist barrel stabilizes heavy .300 PRC bullets from 190 to 250 grains for long-range ballistics.
- TriggerTech trigger breaks at a consistent 2.5 lbs with zero detectable creep or overtravel.
- Graphite Black Cerakote finish provides 4-5 times more corrosion resistance than standard bluing.
Trade-offs
- No included muzzle device or thread protector — leaves $50+ in essential parts unbudgeted.
- Proprietary single-stack magazine costs $95 for replacements, limiting affordable spares.
- Carbon fiber stock dampens less felt recoil than a heavier laminate or full-bedded synthetic stock.
- .300 PRC factory ammo averages $4.75/round, making zeroing and practice a significant expense.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide RH .300 PRC 22″? It is a bolt-action hunting rifle engineered for extreme long-range precision in remote, high-altitude terrain, built around a lightweight 22-inch carbon fiber barrel and the proven nine-lug Weatherby Mark V action. This rifle prioritizes a critical blend of minimal weight—8.35 pounds unloaded—and the chambering to deliver consistent, extended-range terminal ballistics where standard magnums fall off. It's configured from the factory for suppressor-ready integration with a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle and a TriggerTech adjustable trigger set to break at a crisp 2.5 pounds for clean field shots.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide used for?
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide is used for hunting large game at distances exceeding 500 yards where pack weight and shot placement are both critical factors, like pursuing elk in mountain backcountry. Its .300 PRC chambering provides a flatter trajectory and higher retained energy compared to legacy cartridges, which is essential for ethical takedowns on animals like mule deer or bear at these extended ranges. The carbon fiber stock and barrel construction specifically target hunters who cover vertical country, saving nearly 2 pounds of carried weight over an 8-mile day compared to a wood-stocked rifle.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide is a purpose-built, long-range precision instrument, while the Stevens 334 Rifle is a cost-effective, reliable rifle for general-purpose hunting inside 300 yards. The Stevens 334 in .308 Win uses a more conventional action and synthetic stock, making it roughly 1.5 pounds heavier but over $2000 less expensive, which is better for new shooters or budget-conscious hunters. The Weatherby is superior for the specific task of delivering match-grade ammunition with consistent sub-MOA accuracy at extreme range, featuring a more sophisticated trigger and recoil-managing stock the Stevens lacks.
What does the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide weighs 8.35 pounds without an optic or bipod, and its overall length from butt-pad to muzzle is 42.5 inches with the 22-inch barrel. Unloaded with a 42mm objective scope mounted, the total carry weight typically reaches 9.8 pounds, a critical figure for backcountry hunters counting every ounce. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 8-40 thread pattern for scope bases, and the forend features Spartan Precision Javelin bipod adapter slots spaced 1.5 inches apart for rapid accessory mounting.
Who is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide NOT for?
This rifle is not for beginners, budget-conscious hunters, or anyone who primarily shoots at ranges under 200 yards in dense timber. The .300 PRC cartridge generates significant recoil and muzzle blast, and factory ammunition costs over $4.50 per round, making it a poor choice for high-volume recreational plinking. If your primary use case is a deer stand at 150 yards, a lighter-recoiling, less expensive option like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win is a more practical and comfortable tool for the job.
What's in the box with the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide?
In the box, you receive the complete rifle, a single 3-round AICS-pattern detachable box magazine, and a factory-signed test target verifying sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards. Weatherby also includes the necessary hex wrench for adjusting the TriggerTech trigger pull weight from its factory setting of 2.5 pounds down to 1.5 pounds. A basic owner's manual and warranty card are included, but notably, no thread protector or muzzle device comes with the rifle—you'll need to supply your own brake or cap for the unprotected 5/8x24 threads.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115457434 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MGS01N300PR4B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the muzzle is threaded 5/8x24 TPI, which is the industry-standard thread pattern for .30 caliber muzzle devices and suppressors from companies like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and SureFire. You must ensure your chosen suppressor is rated for the .300 PRC's pressure and barrel length, as some models require a minimum 20-inch barrel. Direct-threading a suppressor will add approximately 6 to 10 inches and 12 to 22 ounces to the overall muzzle length and weight.
- Does the stock fit an ARCA-Swiss rail?
- No, the Peak 44 Blacktooth stock forend is configured specifically for Spartan Precision Javelin bipod adapters, not a continuous ARCA-Swiss rail. Converting it would require aftermarket gunsmithing to inlet and epoxy a full-length rail, a job costing roughly $150-250. For shooters who require native ARCA compatibility for competition-style tripods, you would need to look at a dedicated chassis system from a manufacturer like MDT or KRG.
- What is the magazine compatibility?
- The rifle uses a proprietary, single-stack, AICS-pattern detachable box magazine with a 3+1 capacity. It is not compatible with standard Accuracy International double-stack magazines or PMAGs. Replacement magazines from Weatherby cost approximately $85-95 each, and aftermarket options from companies like MPA or Hawkins Precision may fit but require function testing. The magazine release is a push-button style located just forward of the trigger guard.
- How long does it take to receive a threaded muzzle device?
- If ordered separately, most major retailers like Brownells or EuroOptic ship in-stock muzzle brakes within 2-4 business days. We highly recommend purchasing a .30 Cal brake, like a Precision Armament M4-72 or a Area 419 Sidewinder, at the same time as the rifle, as the unprotected threads can be damaged during transport. Thread protectors are a cheaper interim solution, typically under $25 and shipping in 3-5 days.