With modern materials like carbon fiber and titanium, Weatherby’s new Backcountry 2.0 rifles have set the lightweight hunting rifle bar extremely high (or low?). Starting at an incredible 4.7 lbs light, these rifles won’t weigh you down when hiking in the back country. Better yet, the recoil pad looks really comfy.
TTAG will get its hands on one of these bad boys for review soon. In the meantime, Weatherby’s press release follows:
Sheridan, WY – Following on the heels of the highly successful Weatherby® Mark V® Backcountry™ and Backcountry Ti, the next generation of this rifle family will hit dealer shelves in fall 2021. The updated Backcountry 2.0 and the all new Backcountry 2.0 Carbon models are equipped with a brand new carbon fiber stock that is the lightest in the industry. The Backcountry 2.0 Carbon adds a BSF® tensioned carbon fiber barrel as well as a hotter chambering previously not available in the Backcountry, the 30-378 WBY MAG — the fastest and flattest-shooting production .308 caliber cartridge.
An ultra-lightweight big game rifle, the Backcountry 2.0 Ti starts at just 4.7 lbs and much of the credit is owed to the new Blacktooth™ carbon fiber stock from Peak 44™, the lightest version of which tips the scales at under 20 ounces. This new Blacktooth stock features the Rock Solid Carbon Link™ bedding system which engages the recoil lug and evenly distributes recoil throughout the stock without the weight of a traditional aluminum bedding block, making the overall stock both lighter and stiffer.
Weights for all models depend on chambering:
Backcountry 2.0 – 5.3 lbs (308 Win) to 6.2 lbs (257 WBY MAG)
Backcountry 2.0 Ti – 4.7 lbs (308 Win) to 5.6 lbs (257 WBY MAG)
Backcountry 2.0 Carbon – 5.8 lbs (6.5 CM) to 6.6 lbs (257 WBY MAG)
Backcountry 2.0 Ti Carbon – 5.3 lbs (6.5 CM) to 6.6 lbs (257 WBY MAG)
To mitigate recoil, years of development have resulted in a new generation of the revolutionary 3DHEX® recoil pad. This one-of-a-kind pad is the first in the industry to be 3D printed at a production level. Using a three dimensional honeycomb pattern of collapsible voids, it draws out the time component of recoil — taking away the sharp kick. With the same amount of recoil spread out over a much greater time period, felt recoil is greatly reduced, even with some of the fastest cartridges on the market.
Also killing recoil is the highly-effective Accubrake® ST. Contoured to match the barrel and equipped with 30 symmetrically-spaced ports, this signature Weatherby muzzle brake redirects gasses to eliminate a significant amount of recoil, enabling shooters to fire magnum rounds without the associated magnum recoil that might be experienced with other lightweight rifles.
Available in four configurations and a multitude of chamberings, the new Backcountry 2.0 comes with a steel receiver and the new Backcountry 2.0 Ti comes with a strong and lightweight titanium receiver. Depending on chambering, barrel contours are the super thin and lightweight fluted #1 MOD or #2 MOD carbon steel barrels or in the case of the Carbon variants, a #4 BSF tensioned carbon fiber barrel. Previously debuted on the Mark V Carbonmark, this barrel system set a new Weatherby company accuracy record in 2021, returning a 0.06” group at 100 yards with factory Weatherby Select Plus™ ammunition.
Backcountry 2.0 – MSRP $2499
Backcountry Ti 2.0 – MSRP $3349
Backcountry 2.0 Carbon – MSRP $2,999
Backcountry 2.0 Ti Carbon – MSRP $3749
Left-handers can also rejoice, as the Backcountry 2.0 can be had in magnum chamberings with a left-side bolt, a feature developed for the Mark V platform in 1959 and continued today. Additional improvements include a deep spiral fluted bolt and a skeletonized bolt knob that threads onto the bolt handle. Titanium and steel versions get unique paint schemes, with metal work protected by a hardy Cerakote® ceramic finish, excepting the receiver of Ti models, which are left in raw titanium to show the beautiful machine work. As with all Mark V rifles, the Backcountry 2.0 is fitted with a crisp, user-adjustable single-stage TriggerTech® trigger.
For those who wish to have a more personalized version of the Backcountry 2.0, these rifles will be able to be custom-built through the Weatherby Custom Shop configurator found at weatherby.com/custom-shop/.
With supremely light weight, a feature-rich specifications chart and the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Weatherby is known for, the new Mark V Backcountry 2.0 family of rifles make for the perfect companion on any demanding hunt.
For purchasing information about the new Backcountry 2.0, visit weatherby.com. About Weatherby
Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc. is a family-owned company that continues to fuel the passion of hunters and shooters around the globe by building some of the world’s finest firearms. With a legacy of setting new standards in ballistics and performance, the company is committed to redefining excellence on the range and in the field. The Weatherby line features the legendary Mark V rifles (production and custom), accessible and popular Vanguard® rifles as well as shotguns like the Orion®, Element® and 18i®. Weatherby’s premium ammunition and shooting accessories are also the choice for discerning shooters worldwide. The company is based in Sheridan, WY and invites all hunters and shooters to follow them in social media at @weatherbyinc on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about Weatherby, please visit weatherby.com.