[SHOT 2026] 4-Lb 308 Bolt Gun – The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra
New for 2026 from Weatherby is the Mark V Backcountry Capra, an unbelievably lightweight iteration of the Mark V rifle, advertised as the lightest production bolt-action rifle ever made. The lightest configuration of this rifle is chambered in .308 Winchester, has a 17” barrel and weighs 4 lbs! Yes, four pounds or 1.81 kilograms for those of you who are metric-minded.
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra is available in one of the following chambering options: 22 Creedmoor, .240 Weatherby Magnum, .25 Creedmoor, 25 Weatherby RPM, .270 Winchester, .280 Ackley Improved, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6.5 Weatherby RPM. The heaviest configurations (240 WBY MAG and 25 WBY RPM with 21” barrels) only weigh 4.6 lbs.
The weight reduction is achieved thanks to the use of light materials, lightened components and design solutions that, while decreasing the weight, don’t compromise the rigidity and performance of the rifle. The barrels feature a double spiral fluting with 1/2x28 threaded muzzles, and despite the light contour and heavy fluting, are guaranteed to print sub-MOA groups at 100 yards from a cold barrel when used with Weatherby factory or premium ammunition. The action is machined out of titanium and weighs the 42% of its steel counterpart. The Peak 44 Bridger stock, which is specifically designed for this rifle, is made of carbon fiber and features weight-saving cutouts. The Capra rifles have blind magazines (no hinged floorplate) of two-round capacity, which is also a design choice aimed at weight reduction.
A rifle this light will kick like a mule, even if chambered in .308 Win, so to mitigate the felt recoil, the stock is fitted with a thick 3D Hex recoil pad that has a honeycomb structure and the rifle comes with an Accubrake ST muzzle brake installed, which is advertised to reduce felt recoil by up to 53%.
Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra rifles also feature TriggerTech triggers and threaded bolt handles with removable bolt knobs. The metal parts are Cerakoted with the Graphite Black color and the stocks are hand-painted with grey, white and rust sponge pattern accents. The 6-lug bolt has a 54-degree throw. The overall length of the Capra rifle is 36.5” to 41.25”, depending on the chambering and barrel length.
The price of the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra rifle is $3,499 regardless of the chambering choice. These rifles are built to order with lead times of up to 90 days.
To learn more about the new Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra rifle, listen to Episode 136 of Weatherby’s On Our Mark podcast.
When you pick this rifle for the first time, even knowing its weight, it still blows your mind. Four pounds, without even using a carbon fiber wrapped barrel, is some sort of magic. A Desert Eagle Mark XIX pistol weighs more than four pounds, four 20-round boxes of .308 Win ammo with lighter 147-150-gr bullets weigh more than four pounds…
Managing Editor Being a lifelong firearms enthusiast, Hrachya always enjoys studying the history and design of guns and ammunition. Should you need to contact him, feel free to shoot him a message at Hrachya@TheFirearmBlog.com
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As I am old school MO it don't get much better than the Mk V. Had two int the '80s, one in .30-06 and the other in the 240 Weatherby Magnum. The .240 was my fave!