I am doing research to buy a deer rifle. I will buy a caliber so I can go big game hunting if I wanted to (.308, 30-06). My search has pretty much zeroed down to the Weatherby Vanguard 2 and the Howa 1500. I know that Howa actually manufactures the Vanguards. Could anyone shed some light on the differences (trigger, finish quality, etc.) and what you would choose?
Weatherby Vanguard 2 or How's 1500
- Thread starter Marksman1918
- Start date
I have had both. They are basically the same. Depending on what you are after, you will likely find a model you like in either the HOWA or Weatherby lineup. Weatherby has more high end hunting versions, whereas HOWA has some more target style versions.
I think the only differences are the bolt shroud and the stocks.
I think the only differences are the bolt shroud and the stocks.
Howa's are a more polished blue vs Vanguard's bead blasted matte finish.
Gas vent holes on the bolt are on the bottom of the Howa vs side of the Vanguard.
Different bolt should and primary extraction on them, both work well.
Howa's usually come in a Hogue stock with free floated barrel, Vanguard uses a stiffer synthetic stock with a pressure point on the barrel.
I have a few of both, the Howa's shoot ok in the Hogue stocks, but the Vanguard's always seemed to shoot a bit better with the stiffer stocks and pressure points. All my Howa's are now sitting in Vanguard stocks (couple Vanguard's are now in B&C stocks as well) usually can pick them up cheap off the EE.
They are both big beefy actions, fairly heavy rifles, I find them better suited to long action cartridges with heavier recoil due to this, they match up well together.
This kid of shows the difference in finish, as well as a pic of the hammer forged bores...pretty smooth.
Gas vent holes on the bolt are on the bottom of the Howa vs side of the Vanguard.
Different bolt should and primary extraction on them, both work well.
Howa's usually come in a Hogue stock with free floated barrel, Vanguard uses a stiffer synthetic stock with a pressure point on the barrel.
I have a few of both, the Howa's shoot ok in the Hogue stocks, but the Vanguard's always seemed to shoot a bit better with the stiffer stocks and pressure points. All my Howa's are now sitting in Vanguard stocks (couple Vanguard's are now in B&C stocks as well) usually can pick them up cheap off the EE.
They are both big beefy actions, fairly heavy rifles, I find them better suited to long action cartridges with heavier recoil due to this, they match up well together.
This kid of shows the difference in finish, as well as a pic of the hammer forged bores...pretty smooth.
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Depends on if you want a short action or long in my opinion. Weatherby Vanguard generally have 24 in barrels even for short action chambering. Howa runs a 22 in barrel on most everything as standard. Both are pretty much the same otherwise and great rifles. The stocks will also be different on both brands most often.
That was my impression also. But then some youth Vanguards have 20 inch barrels.
Marketing of the same platform for different needs perhaps?
I think hitch covered it pretty good.
I have had several Version 1 of the Vangards and one series 2 .
I didn’t like the two stage trigger.
Both 1 and 2 shot very well with any ammo I fed it.
But, my attention always went to something else and I sold them.
Good value for the dollar and you get a workout carrying them through the woods.
Rob
I have had several Version 1 of the Vangards and one series 2 .
I didn’t like the two stage trigger.
Both 1 and 2 shot very well with any ammo I fed it.
But, my attention always went to something else and I sold them.
Good value for the dollar and you get a workout carrying them through the woods.
Rob
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
You can get Howa’s with a 20” barrel as well.
