From its new home in Sheridan, Wyo., Weatherby, Inc. announces the release of two new Mark V rifles: the Backcountry and Backcountry Ti. As if a new rifle platform wasn’t enough, the company has also released the new 6.5 Weatherby RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum) cartridge in tandem to maximize the rifles’ potential.
Like its Weatherby predecessors, the 6.5 Wby. RPM sports a non-belted, non-venturi shoulder case with a rebated rim, but was purpose-built for the smaller six-lug Mark V action.
Weatherby is currently offering three loads chambered in the new 6.5 Wby. RPM:
• Weatherby Select: 140-grain Hornady InterLock with a muzzle velocity of 2975 fps
• Weatherby Select Plus: 140-grain Nosler AccuBond with a muzzle velocity of 3075 fps
• Weatherby Select Plus: 127-grain Barnes LRX with a muzzle velocity of 3225 fps
The new Mark V Backcountry and Backcountry Ti rifles were built for long hauls and fast handling while maintaining Weatherby standards for reliability and performance.
Each rifle comes equipped with a new TriggerTech Mark V trigger, a new Slim-line Accubrake ST muzzle brake, a carbon-fiber stock, Weatherby’s 3D HEX recoil pad, a spiral fluted bolt with a scalloped bilt sleeve and hollowed-out bolt handle. The Backcountry Ti (pictured above) sports a titanium action for additional weight reduction.
The Mark V Backcountry (pictured below) and Backcountry Ti rifles are currently available chambered in 6mm Creedmoor, .240 Wby. Mag., .257 Wby. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 Wby. RPM, 6.5-300 Wby. Mag., .270 Wby. Mag., .280 Ackley Improved, 7mm Wby. Mag. and .300 Wby. Mag.
Current Mark V Backcountry models include:
• Mark V Backcountry; standard action weight: 5.3 lbs., magnum action: 6.3 lbs.| MSRP: $2,499
• Mark V Backcountry Ti; standard action weight: 4.9 lbs., magnum action: 5.9 lbs. | MSRP: $3,349
“We set out to produce the best backcountry rifle and cartridge combination ever, it was a project we did not take lightly. At our core, we pride ourselves in ballistic superiority. So, the goal was not to simply achieve the production of a 5 pound rifle. Instead, our team was able to break the 5 pound mark while delivering magnum performance in a firearm that doesn’t demand custom rifle pricing,” says Adam Weatherby. “Additionally, the combination of the stock design, brand new muzzle brake and proprietary patent pending 3D HEX recoil reducer make it enjoyable to shoot. After years of innovation and development, the Mark V Backcountry Ti and 6.5 Wby. RPM combination achieves the weight savings, ballistic performance and price that cannot be found in a production rifle anywhere else.”
For more information on the new 6.5 Weatherby RPM cartridge or the new Weatherby Mark V Backcountry and Backcountry Ti rifles, visit weatherby.com.
