Weatherby Mark V .280 Ackley Improved Bolt-Action Rifle, 24" Barrel, Gray/White Finish

The Weatherby Mark V .280 Ackley Improved Bolt-Action Rifle represents a serious step up for hunters who demand both performance and minimal pack weight. Built on Weatherby's titanium Mark V action, this 24\" barreled rifle splits the difference between power and portability—a genuine consideration when you're covering mountain miles or hunting remote terrain. Chambered in .280 Ackley Improved, a time-tested magnum cartridge known for flat trajectories and minimal wind drift, this rifle handles the distances that matter to serious hunters without the weight penalty of traditional magnum platforms.

What makes the Backcountry 2.0 Ti version stand out is the obsessive attention to shaving ounces without compromising strength or reliability. The barrel is fluted to reduce mass while maintaining accuracy, and the threaded bolt handle sports an extended aluminum knob that's hollow to save weight. The real showstopper is the Peak 44 Blacktooth carbon fiber stock—lighter than almost anything in its class—paired with Weatherby's second-generation 3DHEX recoil pad. That pad uses 3D-printed interlocking voids to progressively absorb recoil, making the .280 Ackley Improved pleasant to shoot from the bench and manageable afield. The Accubrake ST muzzle brake further tames recoil with 30 symmetrically-spaced ports.

Finish-wise, the action is left raw titanium to showcase the machining, while the barrel and bolt wear a durable black ceramic Cerakote. The carbon fiber stock arrives in a striking gray and white pattern. At 4.9 lbs, this rifle is genuinely light enough to carry all day without fatigue—a serious advantage on long hunts where an ounce of rifle weight is an ounce of ammunition, water, or safety gear you don't have to pack.

Key Features

• Titanium Mark V action for superior strength-to-weight ratio
• 24\" fluted barrel in .280 Ackley Improved with 1-9\" twist rate
• Peak 44 Blacktooth carbon fiber stock with gray/white accents
• Second-generation 3DHEX 3D-printed recoil pad for progressive energy absorption
• Accubrake ST muzzle brake with 30 symmetrically-spaced ports
• Threaded bolt handle with lightweight aluminum extended and skeletonized knob
• Spiral-fluted bolt body for reduced friction and smooth operation
• Raw titanium action with black ceramic Cerakote barrel and bolt finish
• Ideal for mountain hunting, backcountry pursuit, and distance work

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the .280 Ackley Improved a good choice for hunting at distance?

Yes. The .280 Ackley Improved is a time-proven magnum cartridge known for flat trajectories and consistent wind performance, making it well-suited to longer-range hunting. The 1-9" twist rate supports modern, heavier projectiles if you choose to handload or match premium factory ammunition.

How light is this rifle compared to a standard Mark V?

At 4.9 lbs, the Backcountry 2.0 Ti is one of the lightest production hunting rifles available. The titanium action, fluted barrel, carbon fiber stock, and extensive lightening throughout the design all contribute to that low weight without sacrificing durability or accuracy.

What's included with the rifle?

The rifle ships with the Accubrake ST muzzle brake, the 3DHEX recoil pad, and the Peak 44 Blacktooth carbon fiber stock. You will need to add a scope and mount separately.

What does the 3DHEX recoil pad actually do?

The second-generation 3DHEX pad is 3D-printed with a series of interlocking voids that progressively collapse as you fire. This design extends the duration of the recoil impulse and absorbs energy more effectively, reducing both the sharp kick and the overall felt recoil—particularly important in magnum cartridges or high-round-count shooting sessions.