Browning BBR or Weatherby Vanguard as first rifle

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Kidcasio

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hey all,

I'm looking for my first hunting rifle (mostly white tail) and have the opportunity to buy a used Browning BBR in 30-06 (comes with "Japanese make" scope 3x12-40, soft case, strap, lock) in very good condition for $700, or an older Weatherby Vanguard (wood stock) also in 30-06 with Hakko scope 3x9-40 and the same accessories for $680.

After some research I found out a bit about the BBR (pre-a-bolt, good build quality but quite heavy) and a bit about the Vanguard which also seems like a quality shooter.

I wanted to know if y'all thought this was a decent deal or if my cash would be better spent on a used newer M70 or Remmy 700. Are the build quality of these older rifles possibly a bit better? Anyone out there own both and could compare?

Curious to hear you thoughts.

Thanks!
 
first of all...a lot of guys will disagree, but the 30-06 is way overkill for a mostly whitetail rifle...it will however, work fine. I'd go with something like a 25-06, 7-08,260 or 270.

I'd take which ever one feels best in your hands. Balance and handling is big factor in carrying and shooting a rifle in field conditions..
 
thanks Rembo. Ya, it's mostly for whitetail, but I also wanted the option of going up to Moose eventually. from what I gather, 30-06 is a good all-around cartridge.

Still wondering if $680-$700 a good deal for these guys. or should I wait for the tried and tested newer M70 or Rem700...
 
Like Rembo said, go for the one that feels/fits you best. If you have the chance, try them out. If it were me, I'd be most interested in the browning.
 
If I was to only have one hunting rifle, it'd be a 30-06.
I've never had anything to do with weatherby's, but have pretty much only had Brownings(some of which are approaching their third generation in our family). As to which would be better, I honestly don't know, but I can tell you this, the only rifle I regretted selling was a browning abolt 300wm with a 4-12 leupold scope.
It did seem like a heavy rifle, but in those days I was always hunting in the mountains and carrying my camp on my back as well.(hunt in the hills, it's all uphill, even when you're going downhill it's uphill(ha));)
 
Of the two choices given, I'd have to go with the Weatherby. I had the Vanguard synthetic which a buddy now owns and it is an excellent rifle - accurate and well made. I now own the deluxe and am very happy with it.
 
thanks all for your input. in the end I picked the weatherby. while I liked the finish and solidness of the BBR construction, the Weatherby just felt better in my hands and was noticeably lighter. Plus the scope was of much better quality on the Vanguard. Can't wait to take her out!

thanks again!
 
Last I looked the Vanguard was around $600 rifle only. As other people have stated personal preference, whatever feels best. Not to start a fight but both choices IMO are better than the new 700, as for the 70 I haven't been close enough to one to form an opinion.
 
The Browning BBR is a fine Quality rifle Superior to the Vanguard / Howa other than it being a little on the heavy side not a bad thing they are similar to the Weatherby Mark V in fact the large bolt is almost identical they were capable of extreme accuracy Probably the best Browning rifle built / A bolt /X bolt as for the 30-06 being overkill for deer that is simply not the case .
 
Stick with the Vanguard, the Browning is overrated IMO. My Vanguard shoots as good as all my buddies Brownings except I payed $400.00 less for my rifle.
 
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