Vanguard S2 RC Varmint Reviews?

[csteeves]

Sorry for the double post.

I was hoping someone can give me a decent review of the Weatherby Vanguard S2 range certified varmint rifles. I was looking to get one in a .223 but I would take a review on the .22-250 or the .308.

It's basically an upgraded Vanguard Varmint special which already comes with a heavy contour barrel (.740 at crown)/recessed target crown for 1099 instead of 849.

This is what I perceive the differences to be:
1) Nice B/C Stock with aluminum bedding plate (Value ~$250).
2) Actually Free floated.

For me I see the value, but can anyone actually tell me about using them?
I picked one up today and just about bought it. Thought I better make sure I did a bit more homework before buying my graduation/birthday gift to myself.

Thanks.

 

[1ShotKing]

For the price of the Vanguard you could easily get a Rem 700 and upgrade the stock for the same price or less. With the Vanguard the twist rate is 1 turn in 12 inches which will only allow you to shoot most types of bullets around 55 grain grains and below. If you're looking to use this past a few hundred yards you will find it quite beneficial to chose a rifle with at least a 9 inch twist rate which will allow you to use bullets up to the 69-75 grain range depending on bullet type. These will perform much better in the wind. Remington, Savage, CZ, Ruger, Tikka, Kimber etc all make rifles with a faster 9" twist rate (actually 8 for the Tikka, 7 available in some Savage models). IMO these would likely serve you better.

 

[csteeves]

Just to confirm, the new twist rate is 1:9.
At 1099 with a varmint contour it seems comparable to tikka's varmint at about the same price. Savage hb's run cheaper obviously.

Thanks for the input. As a first time varmint/target gun buyer I am a bit hesitant to pull the trigger.

 

[condomboy]

As a first time varmint/target gun buyer I am a bit hesitant to pull the trigger.

I am trigger happy so I would definately have more money if I was a little more hesitant like yourself. I was looking at something similar, if you're looking at the Vanguard you might want to check out the Howa's, they actually make the Vanguard for Weatherby.

 

[Cteve]

I have the Vanguard varmint S1 and it is my favorite rifle. it is a 308 and can take out toonies at 400 yards all day long!(with a 1-12 twist using 165 grain bullets) they don't make the S1 anymore but if they have improved it any, I can only say WOW! IF I didn't already have one I would probably be getting one. I paid big bucks for it and it was completely worth it.

 

[supernova]

For a cheaper option, the Howa 1500 is a Vanguard but comes in under $600. Add a B&C stock yourself and you're a couple hundred less than a Weatherby branded rifle. The .22 cals are still 1 in 12" twist but the .308 is 1 in 10". Mine shot sub moa with factory ammo and once winter finally dies and goes back to hell, I've got a couple loads to start developing. Out of the box they are much nicer rifles than Remington SPS and Savage but the lack of aftermarket support and metric threading make them a bummer to build on.