Weatherby vanguard 2. What do you guys think.

M

mooger31

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
3   0   0
Location
Whitecourt, Alberta
I'm currently looking at buying one of these for my hunting rifle. I have read some reviews and even handled one at cabelas on Saturday.

Just wondering if anyone has one out there and what do they think of it.
 
Last edited:
I think you'll find the general consensus around here is that they are EXCELLENT rifles for the money. I have one in .270 and it is my favorite rifle. You definitely cant go wrong buying one.
 
I recently had the opportunity to swap for a Vanguard-2 locally. I was quite impressed with how smooth the action was and how good the synthetic stock felt. The only reason I passed on that rifle is because there is no place for a .240 Weatherby in my current life style. Now, if I lived in southern Alberta, and hunted antelope and coyotes in that country south of Medicine Hat, that might be another matter.
 
I recently handled (and out of curiosity, thoroughly inspected) one while shopping for a friend. Feels like it is built to last. Impressive quality for a budget gun. and a Google search + reading reviews here confirmed. Unfortunately, my friend picked a T3 light at around $200 more, against my advice!
 
Last edited:
I'm also looking at the Vangaurd S2. Any opinions on if the Varmint version would be worth the extra coin? Much accuracy difference?
 
Alleycat said:
I'm also looking at the Vangaurd S2. Any opinions on if the Varmint version would be worth the extra coin? Much accuracy difference?
Click to expand...

I don't think there would be much accuracy difference but maybe more frequent shooting before it heats up with the heavy barrel. Both are SUB MOA.

S2's are great rifles for the money. I just picked up another one in 300wby last week. My new varmint gun ;)
 
I got one of the S2's just to see how they are built and to try it out. Was quite impressed with it only thing I had to do was stone the trigger a bit to get rid of a little bit of gritty feel. Those triggers have very little sear engagement! and are quite crisp. The bbl shoes no sign of copper after 50 rounds and seems to be as well made as the rest of the gun. I do see a opportunity for some accuracy increase by changing out the synthetic stock it's good for the dollar but it's still a flexible plastic stock and the effects of it can be seen on the target

Best quality for the money out there.
 
When I was tryin out the feel at cables I found I liked the way the stock felt compared to the Tikkas. I own three different Tikkas and find the stocks feel so cheap.

The weatherby definitely feels more solid.

Thank for all your comments guys. Definitely feel more confident in picking one of these up now. Probably goin to buy one in 30-06 so I can buy the detachable box magazine set up.

Unless they have a magnum setup. Does anybody know if they have one for the magnums?
 
I own 5 Vanguards....2 are S1's, the other S2's. [I'll remind all that I favor Remington 700 rifles over all others, particularly the "Classic" versions]

They are about as good as it gets for the dollar spent, and I really like these.

Triggers on the S1 rifles can be "iffy", but can be fixed or changed out with a Timney.

All my Vanguards are sub-moa with loads they like, including my 338 Win Mag.
All my rifles are also Wood stocked, since that is my preference.

As has been mentioned, they are NOT lightweight rifles, but very solid and well-built.

Regards, Dave.
 
So far thy are lighter than what I have been using for hunting. I've been using my tikka tactical in .308 and .300. Both are 12 lbs guns so having 8-9 lbs gun will still be lighter.
 
mooger31 said:
When I was tryin out the feel at cables I found I liked the way the stock felt compared to the Tikkas. I own three different Tikkas and find the stocks feel so cheap.

The weatherby definitely feels more solid.

Thank for all your comments guys. Definitely feel more confident in picking one of these up now. Probably goin to buy one in 30-06 so I can buy the detachable box magazine set up.

Unless they have a magnum setup. Does anybody know if they have one for the magnums?
Click to expand...

No I don't believe they have one for magnums, but before you buy one with the detach mag is the one you handled in the store a detach mag model, only reason I ask is I have one and I do not like like it (the detach mag that is). It feels rather cheesy and flimsy along with the whole plastic floorplate on an otherwise very solid rifle. And this is coming from a tikka owner as well, the plastic mag on the tikka doesn't bother me. The weatherby plastic mag just feels like it's not being held in by much.......I really think weatherby crapped the bed on this one to be honest, and I love vanguards I have four of them now.
 
hookedonblacktail said:
No I don't believe they have one for magnums, but before you buy one with the detach mag is the one you handled in the store a detach mag model, only reason I ask is I have one and I do not like like it (the detach mag that is). It feels rather cheesy and flimsy along with the whole plastic floorplate on an otherwise very solid rifle. And this is coming from a tikka owner as well, the plastic mag on the tikka doesn't bother me. The weatherby plastic mag just feels like it's not being held in by much.......I really think weatherby crapped the bed on this one to be honest, and I love vanguards I have four of them now.
Click to expand...

I agree with that. I have had 5 or 6 vanguards now and the plastic mag kit just does not instill a lot of confidence. I'm using one on my varmint rifle right now and it is. Ok on there, but I'm not sure I would trust it on a big game rifle.

Tikka mags also seem a bit cheesy, but they are a much better design than the weatherby mag.

The rest of the S2 rifles are great though. If you want better you have to spend about $1K more...
 
I had my S1 300WSM out today. As usual, It rewarded me with a sub-moa group right off the get-go. :)

It shoots many bullets well, but really likes the 165 Grain Hornady GMX and a stiff load of Reloder 17.

My S2 "Lazerguard" in 30-06, which is, of course a range-certified unit, shot one group at ¾", and the second was just under ½"
That's with a Norma 180 grain hunting bullet, chased by 60 grains of Norma MRP.

What's not to like? All my Vanguards are Hinged floorplate models.....I am no lover of detachable magazines on hunting rifles, personally.

Regards, Dave.
 
I can't say enough good about them . I bought one brand new .243 win , put a box of 58 gr. Vmax Superformance through it and a couple reloads of the same and this gun shoots under 3/4 in. The only beef i have is that Weatherby doesn't make a left unless you want to buy a mark v. Tooling cost is their excuse. Seriously!!!!! If you're going to compete in the cheap gun market and go to the point of improving on the Vangard line , what's the cost factor of that versus making a left for the remaining 12% of the market . I'm sure their competitors have no problem taking up that slice of pie. Anyway..... if you're a righty and haven't decided yet run out and get one . You won't be disappointed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom