Aside from that are there any other pertinent differences ?
The Howa does come with bases / rings included and as near as I can find the Weatherby does not, probably why the Howa costs more.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to stir up an argument, simply curious because I can get either one in the chambering I want and visually they appear to be almost identical..
Aside from that are there any other pertinent differences ?
The Howa does come with bases / rings included and as near as I can find the Weatherby does not, probably why the Howa costs more.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to stir up an argument, simply curious because I can get either one in the chambering I want and visually they appear to be almost identical..
I guess if the respective rifles are identical with regard to barrels, stocks and bedding , etc., then maybe its a matter of one manufacturer having more confidence in their product, enough to offer an accuracy guarantee as a sales pitch...
My experience with the Vanguard is limited to only one and my only criticism is that it was heavier than I thought it should be for a hunting rifle.
Otherwise it shot well and fit and finish were acceptable.
Is it just me or are they a bit on the heavy side ?..... my Vanguard was a stainless in 257 Weatherby and scoped weighed 10.5 lbs.
Aside from that are there any other pertinent differences ?
The Howa does come with bases / rings included and as near as I can find the Weatherby does not, probably why the Howa costs more.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to stir up an argument, simply curious because I can get either one in the chambering I want and visually they appear to be almost identical..
While you're researching you should look for similarities to the Nosler action. Once you ignore the flats milled into the action you'll get a wait a minute moment.
I'd say lack of marketing... Compare the Remington and Savage ads to the Howa ones.
And I agree with others Howa makes solid rifles.
There's a few differences; they have a different bolt-stop, PTG bottom metal and a Timney trigger which isn't any better than the new Weatherby's. Pac Nor barrel is worth something too; but rifles are supposed to come with barrels and if they shoot who cares who made the pipe? You can take the bolt out of one and stick it in the other. I seem to remember light-weight Howas with machining cuts on the receiver too.
Point being, a pimped out Howa seems to be getting all sorts of respect at approximately six times the price.
Ohhhh how I have weakened in my declining years.... after a brief conversation with a fine chap at Prophet River he has put a new Weatherby Vanguard in the mail for me.
Cost - wise it is close to the same as some examples on the EE.
I mulled over deciding between the Howa and the Vanguard and that was tough, but we will see... time will tell ?
What did you get it chambered in? I'd like to hear your thoughts on it once you have it in hand.
My new to me this past week vanguard stainless S2 in 300 win mag is living up to the accuracy guarantee with 73.0 grains of imr 4831, a CCI 250 and a 165 ttsx @ 3.420 COAL. I am seriously considering another one right now.