Lets see your Vanguard/Howa mods.

C

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Picked this one up in my quest for the perfect light..ish varmint rifle. Vanguard RC in .223, put a legacy mag system on it (Thanks Hitzy). Trigger is one of the best factory triggers I've tried, and it feeds so smooth from the legacy mag.

Wondering what other guys have done for stocks, bottom metals, barrels. I think these actions are a solid starting point for a full out build.

Anyway, here's mine.




 
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Yes, the Howas feed more smoothly out of the mag than anything else. My 6.5CM Alpine is a joy. It's a nice light, solid, accurate and utilitarian hunting rig.



I just have the mag mod and a VX-3 4.5-14x40.
 
Been my go-to rifle for close to 20 years now, 300 WM. Had a wood stock when I got it, and would manage 3" groups on a good day. Finally got fed up and ordered a new stock for it, Pacific Research...who got bought out by Borden. My first sight in group measured 5/8ths of an inch. I've since had the action bedded, including first three inches of the barrel. Same time I had the rifle re-blued with a matte finish. The trigger is set to 3 lbs, and can't think of a good reason to replace it with anything else, works very well. Topped off with a VX-III 4.5-14x40 without AO, on Burris dovetail bases and Signature rings. Harris bipod on the front, never leave home without it! Been using up the last of Federal Premium 130 gr Barnes TTSX, which it regularly stuffs into half inch groups. Only complaint is that it gains about two more pounds every season lately for some reason.

These are, IMHO, darn good rifles, even a tad underrated.

Side note: For those with older Vanguards, if you haven't already, take note of this recall...

http://www.weatherby.com/support/safety-center/vanguard-safety-notice.html

Mine fell within the serial numbers, and indeed the bolt sleeve had become loose to the point of rattling somewhat annoyingly, so I contacted Weatherby, whom promptly sent me an envelope to send back the bolt for modification. It was two months before season, and being in Canada I figured I'd be lucky to see it back any time soon. In fact, I had it back inside of two weeks! I was so impressed I called Weatherby to thank them for the great service! First rate company as far as I'm concerned!


 
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I switched stocks not long after I got the rifle from a friend...he was guide outfitter and it was gifted to him after a hunt. I'm guessing I got the stock circa 2000. The stock was recommended by a gunsmith here, (he's gone now, RIP). Pricey at the time, something a shade over $600 installed, without bedding it. My understanding is that Borden Rifles bought the company shortly thereafter, and transferred the equipment to their facility. I also understand that quality of the stocks went somewhat downhill after that...? Checking their current website, I don't see any mention of stocks for sale.

It's a hand laid fiberglass stock, with camo cloth set under the final clear or gel coat...been basically indestructible, hard to even scratch. Very unique camo design, quite dark, never seen another like it. Makes for a kind of one off rifle, which was something I was after. It's not particularly light weight, but that wasn't my main concern at the time. I wanted accuracy, and I got that!
 
Pretty cool stock for sure.

I was just looking around...LAW makes hand laid fiberglass for these. They list them at $330 unfinished and they're 23oz might have to look for someone who can get them up here. The Howa alpine uses this stock as well.
 
I've got both a vanguard s2 and howa 1500 in .30/06. I contacted wildcat composites about a stock but they don't do stocks for these rifles yet. I'm sure if enough emailed them inquiring about a stock, it would sway them to offer vanguard/howa stocks. I am going to have the howa rebarreled soon in a different caliber. Love these rifles.
 
Did the detach mag kit on my older Vanguard in 7mm mag.
I think they are a far nicer rifle than the current offerings.
Easy to adjust trigger and the bluing is far deeper and lush than
the flat black paint used now a days.

Curious?
Do they offer a three shot detach mag for this as well?
Mag holds five rounds and one in makes for some healthy activity.

I'd use a three round instead for easier free hand shooting.
That belly mag makes it a bit awkward.
 
Yeah wildcats would be a nice option. Not sure why they wouldn't want to make them...seems to be a lot of these rifles out there.
 
I recently came across another synth stock that also laid camo cloth under the final finish, but damned if I can remember now who it was....???? Great way to get it done, doesn't wear off one bit!
 
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