Two new variants in the Mark V Backcountry line of rifles, both equipped with the “lightest and strongest carbon fiber stock on the market”: Weatherby adds the Mark V Backcountry Guide and Guide Ti models to its rifle lineup, with the Guide Ti featuring a titanium action.
Thanks to their BSF carbon barrels and Peak 44 carbon stocks with factory-installed Spartan Precision magnetic mounts, starting at just 2.3 kg the Backcountry Guide models are lightweight rifles, ideal for mountain hunting and easy to carry over long distances and/or difficult terrain. They are offered in a wide range of caliber options – some of which are also available in left-handed configurations: .240 Weatherby Mag (Left-handed available), .243 Winchester (Left-handed available), .257 Weatherby Mag, 6.5 Creedmoor (Left-handed available), 6.5 Weatherby RPM (Left-handed available), 6.5-300 Weatherby Mag., .280 Ackley Improved (Left-handed available), 7mm PRC, .308 Winchester (Left-handed available), .300 Weatherby Mag., .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC.
Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide rifles stock and barrel
The Peak 44 Blacktooth stock is engineered to be the lightest and strongest carbon fiber stock on the market, and each stock features a patented carbon fiber bedding block that engages the front recoil lug, transferring recoil force directly to the exterior shell. This means less felt recoil for the shooter.
The stock is fitted with a 3D Hex recoil pad. This pad, thanks to its patent pending high strength energy diffusing lattice honeycomb structure where the hexagonal voids collapse and disperse the recoil’s energy, further enhances recoil management.
Barrel lengths range from 20”/508 mm to 26”/660 mm, depending on the caliber. The threaded muzzle comes with a machined titanium Accubrake ST that, according to the manufacturer's claim, reduce felt recoil up to 53%. BSF match barrels are made from 416R stainless steel, and the aerospace-grade carbon fiber sleeve is loaded under tension. This way, as the barrel heats up it keeps the rifling straighter, resulting in a stiffer, more rigid barrel. Moreover, since 95% of the carbon fiber does not touch the contoured barrel, the latter cools faster.
The deep spiral-fluted bolt design cuts weight and reduces the overall bearing surface area of the bolt for a smoother and more reliable bolt cycle. Bolt throw is just 54 degrees, allowing for faster follow-up shots and greater bolt-to-scope clearance. The bolt knob is removable. Receiver, bolt and safety have a durable Graphite Black Cerakote finish.
The Backcountry Guide comes with an adjustable TriggerTech trigger. Magazine capacity is 3+1 or 4+1, again depending on caliber.
As a last note, all Mark V rifles come with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee (3-shot group from a cold barrel when used with Weatherby factory or premium ammo).
Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Guide and Guide Ti (with titanium action)
The Mark V Backcountry Guide stock has olive green and “backpack” sponge pattern accents, while in the Guide Ti the stock has carbide black sponge pattern accents. This on the aesthetic level. The main difference between the two models is the fact that the Guide Ti uses a titanium action which is not only lighter than traditional steel actions, but is also naturally corrosion-resistant and ready for any hunting condition.
The prices are $3,299.00 for the Mark V Backcountry Guide and $3,799.00 for the Mark V Backcountry Guide Ti.
