By Tyler Grethen
When the mountain winds howl and the terrain gets rugged, every ounce counts. Elk country, with its steep inclines, dense forests, and unpredictable weather, demands a rifle that doesn’t weigh you down. Enter the Mark V® Backcountry™ Guide—a rifle designed with the serious hunter in mind, and a perfect companion for those chasing elk in the backcountry.
Why Lightweight Matters
Elk hunting is often a game of endurance. Whether you’re hiking deep into the wilderness, traversing miles of rough terrain, or setting up for a long stalk, the weight of your gear can make or break your hunt. Here’s why a lightweight rifle like the Mark V® Backcountry™ Guide can make a difference:
- Reduced Fatigue: Carrying a heavy rifle over long distances can lead to fatigue, which affects your accuracy and decision-making. A lighter rifle reduces the strain on your body, allowing you to stay focused and ready when that trophy bull presents itself.
- Increased Mobility: In elk country, you often need to move quickly and quietly through challenging terrain. A lightweight rifle is easier to maneuver, whether you’re climbing over deadfall, crawling through underbrush, or making a quick adjustment for a shot.
- Stamina for the Long Haul: Elk hunts can be marathons rather than sprints. A lightweight rifle conserves your energy, enabling you to hunt effectively from dawn to dusk. When you’re miles from camp and the weather turns, you’ll be grateful for every ounce you saved—not to mention it saves weight for those heavy packouts after a successful hunt.
- Zero Compromise: If you aren’t sold on an ultra-lightweight rifle, consider this: a lighter starting weight gives you the flexibility to add accessories and heavier scopes that enhance your shooting confidence. Weight from quality scopes, rails, rings, levels, bipods, and slings can add up quickly, so having a rifle that starts off light ensures you can choose the best gear for your hunting style without tipping the scales too far.
The Mark V® Backcountry™ Guide: Cut Ounces, Not Corners
The Mark V® Backcountry™ Guide is a perfect example of a lightweight rifle that doesn’t compromise on performance. Starting at 5.1 pounds, it’s one of the lightest rifles in its class, yet it manages recoil extremely well even with Weatherby’s Magnum Cartridges.
Here are some of the features that make the Mark V® Backcountry™ Guide a standout choice for elk hunters:
- Peak 44 Carbon Fiber Stock: The carbon fiber stock is not only lightweight but also manages recoil extremely well. The proprietary 3DHex recoil pad separates this Weatherby from rifles in its class.
- Integrated Spartan Precision Mounts: Ditch that overpriced and heavy bipod. Spartan Precision makes some of the sturdiest and lightest bipods on the market. The Backcountry Guide Series has two flush mounts keeping your rifle sleek—one where a traditional bipod would be mounted and one closer to the receiver for use with a tripod.
- BSF Carbon Barrel: A carbon barrel gives hunters the performance and accuracy of a heavy steel barrel in a much lighter package. The Guide Series also features shorter barrels than what Weatherby traditionally offers, making it a great option when running a suppressor or hunting in thick country.
- Titanium Action (Guide Ti Model): For those who demand the best, the titanium action option cuts even more weight without sacrificing strength. Titanium’s natural corrosion resistance makes it ideal for the unpredictable conditions of elk country, where rain, snow, and moisture are part of the hunt.
- 54-Degree Bolt: The bolt lift on a Mark V is only 54 degrees, making it the shortest in the industry. This results in smoother cycling and faster follow-up shots.
- Built to Last: The Mark V action cuts no corners and is still touted as the world’s strongest action. The one-piece bolt and receiver with integral recoil lug ensure tighter tolerances and fewer seams for failure points.
A Rifle for the Modern Elk Hunter
In elk country, every ounce saved can make a world of difference. The Mark V® Backcountry™ Guide is a rifle that understands this reality, providing a perfect balance of lightweight design and high performance. Whether you’re climbing the peaks or trekking through the valleys, this rifle is built to help you go further, stay longer, and hunt harder.
Learn More here!