Weatherby Mark V vs Vanguard...Here me out

[hunter-4-life]

Looking for others thoughts. First of all, i'm not new to the Weatherby lineup, I have a couple series 1 Vanguards in the safe. And was looking to add another one as a "budget" elk rifle (300 win or 300 wby) and I know, I know, comparing a "Howa" to a Mark V, or a Cadillac to a Impala......here me out

In the past i've only had 1 Mark V. It was a Backcountry in 240 wby. I ended up selling it as I couldn't get it to shoot to my standards, factory ammo or reloads (2"+ at 100m with ANYTHING I fed it). All my vanguards will shoot a bughole with my reloads. So i'm a little hesitant to try a Mark V again, and this will not be my main rifle, it's only coming with me maybe 1 week a year for elk or if we decide to head north moose hunting. I have my 257 wby, 243, 270 etc for deer, antelope etc. Buuuuuutttttt......i'm a buy once cry once kinda guy so......

I found a smokin deal on a Mark V XK7 Hunter in 300 win mag. 26" barrel and a longer internal mag to seat a heavy (200+) bullet out, big perk as a reloader, and we all know the Weatherby freebore.... This combo provides the opportunity to push the 300 win mag a little harder.

I also found a smokin deal on a Vanguard. Its quite literally half the price of the Mark V. 24" barrel, but shorter internal mag length. Sure it doesn't "look" as cool BUT its a tool to me, its going to get scratched and used. And for $650 i'm totally fine with that.

Both barrels are threaded for a brake.

I was ready to drop about $1300 on a rifle (seems to get you a reliable "budget" rifle these days). But the Vanguard is half that, and the Mark V is right in there. I already have a VX3 to top it off with so I don't need to budget for glass.

So I ask, in your experience, is the extra coin WORTH it, in terms of internal mag length, action etc. gambling on the Mark V to shoot? To me, its tough to swallow when I know all my Vanguards shoot....but the perks of the mag length, better action and a little lighter weight could be worth it.

FWIW I was wanting to find something with a 22-24" barrel for the bush cause 26" can be annoying at times in the bush for elk. But I can work with a 26" barrel. Its not a dealbreaker for me.

 

[ShrtRnd]

I’ve never had a MkV but the VG2 i had in .300Wby was a solid rifle throughout. I’d purchase another VG2 in whatever Cal I was looking for without hesitation.

I’ve heard and read of the MkV inconsistencies over the years. It’s a fair chunk of change to gamble on when there are others ie; Fierce/Antler or Christensen that line up in the same price category with better reviews.

However, I’m not sure I’d jump up to some of the “higher end” Vanguards ie; First Lite, Hush or Meat Eater editions etc. The extra $$ for some Cerakote, a fancy painted OEM Stock and someones branding is not worth it imo, as your almost 2/3ds of the way to a MkV or the others mentioned above.

So all said n done, I’m in the Vanguard Camp

 

[DGY]

Are the vanguard and markv using the same barrels? The same actions? Is the markv you are looking at a wood stock or synthetic? Was your 2”+ markv in a synthetic or wood stock?

 

[Desjard]

Mark V and vanguards aren't the same action for sure but vanguards shoot awesome.

 

[156821]

I like the 3 position saftey on the series 2 vanguard over the 2 position Mark V. I also like the trigger on the series 2. Both are push feeds…. Anyway I would get the vanguard.

 

[hunter-4-life]

Mark V and vanguards aren't the same action for sure but vanguards shoot awesome.

I know they aren’t, not even close to the same. That’s why I asked if the extra coin is worth the mark v action essentially. And I quite enjoy the vanguard actions, at least the series 1 actions. My 257 is slick.

 

[hunter-4-life]

Are the vanguard and markv using the same barrels? The same actions? Is the markv you are looking at a wood stock or synthetic? Was your 2”+ markv in a synthetic or wood stock?

I’m not sure if they’re the same barrels or not. I’m going to assume not. And the one I’m looking at is synthetic, the 240 was a Peak 44 synthetic as well. My 257 vanguard is a lazerguard, wood stock.

 

[jjohnwm]

I don't own any now but have had a number of Vanguards over the years, as well as a couple of MkV's. Generally speaking, the Vanguards seemed to shoot a bit better...somtimes a lot better... out of the box, were more consistent, and after they brought out the Gen2 guns, the "S" version, the Vanguards also had better triggers. Vanguards aren't the lightest guns on the rack, but they always work. I guess if I had to find something to complain about, it would be that you couldn't get a 26-inch barrel in a Vanguard, at least I never saw one.

MkV's are "real" Weatherby's; usually more finely finished, maybe a wee bit smoother, and could be had with the 26-inch tubes on many chamberings. They seemed to be pickier, definitely less consistent, just cooler and more exciting. If you want a high-gloss, high-grade walnut Weatherby, it's gonna have to be a MkV...although I had a Vanguard Deluxe that could give any MkV a run for its money when it came to cosmetics.

So, as much as I love them both...in terms of value per dollar, the Vanguard is so far ahead of the MkV that there's no comparison, IMHO. The only real reason to pay extra for the MkV is because you just want a MkV.

 

[hunter-4-life]

I don't own any now but have had a number of Vanguards over the years, as well as a couple of MkV's. Generally speaking, the Vanguards seemed to shoot a bit better...somtimes a lot better... out of the box, were more consistent, and after they brought out the Gen2 guns, the "S" version, the Vanguards also had better triggers. Vanguards aren't the lightest guns on the rack, but they always work. I guess if I had to find something to complain about, it would be that you couldn't get a 26-inch barrel in a Vanguard, at least I never saw one.

MkV's are "real" Weatherby's; usually more finely finished, maybe a wee bit smoother, and could be had with the 26-inch tubes on many chamberings. They seemed to be pickier, definitely less consistent, just cooler and more exciting. If you want a high-gloss, high-grade walnut Weatherby, it's gonna have to be a MkV...although I had a Vanguard Deluxe that could give any MkV a run for its money when it came to cosmetics.

So, as much as I love them both...in terms of value per dollar, the Vanguard is so far ahead of the MkV that there's no comparison, IMHO. The only real reason to pay extra for the MkV is because you just want a MkV.

My Lazerguard 257 would easily give a Mark V a run for its money too. It’s my favourite rifle I own. I just have a sour taste in my mouth from the Mark V 240 I had that wouldn’t shoot. But I think I’m going to stick to my guns and order the vanguard and save a few bucks. Have a “true budget” rifle. I always recommend a vanguard to newbies over anything else. I guess I should practice what I preach haha

 

[maifire]

My vanguard shot as good as i can. I definitely do not see a need to spend more money. Use the savings on a chassis, ammo or some nice rum. My .02

 

[257hunter]

I found a smokin deal on a Mark V XK7 Hunter in 300 win mag. 26" barrel and a longer internal mag to seat a heavy (200+) bullet out, big perk as a reloader, and we all know the Weatherby freebore.... This combo provides the opportunity to push the 300 win mag a little harder.

The mark V in a 300 win mag has no more freebore than any other factory 300 win mag. That dimension is set in the sammi specs for the cartridge. Weatherby cartridges have longer freebore, not Weatherby rifles in general.

 

[Desjard]

I know they aren’t, not even close to the same. That’s why I asked if the extra coin is worth the mark v action essentially. And I quite enjoy the vanguard actions, at least the series 1 actions. My 257 is slick.

IDK if I would spend the extra. I've had 4 vanguards/howas and they're great. I'd buy an alpine if I came across the right one. I stupidly sold my alpine in 308 I wish I had kept it

 

[Desjard]

My Lazerguard 257 would easily give a Mark V a run for its money too. It’s my favourite rifle I own. I just have a sour taste in my mouth from the Mark V 240 I had that wouldn’t shoot. But I think I’m going to stick to my guns and order the vanguard and save a few bucks. Have a “true budget” rifle. I always recommend a vanguard to newbies over anything else. I guess I should practice what I preach haha

Not sure about the new mkv but the older ones were always less accurate than the vanguards and back when vanguards were $500 they put a hurt on the more expensive wbys for sure lol

 

[Falconflyer]

I used to collect MkV rifles and I can tell you that (IMO) the USA built MkV's are not the same quality as the Japanese built MkV's. They were (again IMO) the best MkV's and better than even the German built guns.
Having said that, and even though I hold the MkV in high regard, I have seen more than one rifle have feeding issues from the magazine. There is however probably not a stronger action than the MkV regardless of where it's made. If I ever have a kaboom with a rifle, I'd want it to be with a MkV action, they are very strong!
The Vanguard/Howa rifle are by far a better buy as far as price vs accuracy goes though and for something to thrash around the bush I'd probably opt for one of those.

 

[wasrupzuk]

I’ve had one Mk5 in 300 Weatherby and it just didn’t speak to me.
The bolt was less than smooth or fast and I prefer detachable magazines.
But it was well made and accurate, I sold it to my BIL and it’s worked great for him, he loves it.
As for Vanguards I have a bunch of them and love them; I’ve got an early version (pre 1979), several S1’s and S2’s, some deluxe and some stainless.
The Vanguard is basically an evolved Sako L61R that’s made in Japan.
Some of the S1 triggers were not great but not expensive or difficult to replace.
Reliability and accuracy has always impressed.
So could I justify the added cost, no.
If I was spending Mk5 money I’d buy a Sako 75/85/90.

 

[hunter-4-life]

The mark V in a 300 win mag has no more freebore than any other factory 300 win mag. That dimension is set in the sammi specs for the cartridge. Weatherby cartridges have longer freebore, not Weatherby rifles in general.

Good to know. I always knew the weatherby cals had the freebore but I was under the impression that it was also weatherby rifles.

 

[hunter-4-life]

Thanks guys. I’ll keep the $600 in my pocket and just order the vanguard, put it towards some good brass for it. Like I said, I love my vanguards I have now, I just thought I’d see if the newer Mark V’s had gotten any “better” if you will.

Now, 300 wby, or 300 win...

I don't really care about the price of brass, price or availability of factory ammo, i'll order ADG (300 win) or Peterson (300 wby) brass
I'd like to run a 200-215gr bullet, Barnes TSX/TTSX, 208/215 Berger Hybrid, 200gr Accubond etc. So I think mag length will play a factor....

 

[toebako]

Thanks guys. I’ll keep the $600 in my pocket and just order the vanguard, put it towards some good brass for it. Like I said, I love my vanguards I have now, I just thought I’d see if the newer Mark V’s had gotten any “better” if you will.

Now, 300 wby, or 300 win...

I don't really care about the price of brass, price or availability of factory ammo, i'll order ADG (300 win) or Peterson (300 wby) brass
I'd like to run a 200-215gr bullet, Barnes TSX/TTSX, 208/215 Berger Hybrid, 200gr Accubond etc. So I think mag length will play a factor....

If you go vanguard then the 300wby is longer than a 300win so those big bullets won’t be able to take advantage of the freebore. If you stick to barnes then they like to jump.
I have shot many mkv’s and some vanguards. I have seen about the same amount in each not shoot well. My biggest group from a mkv was 2” for the load I hunted with but that was a 460. 450gr tsx at 2700 or so. It hurt to shoot off the bench. To me either one is a gamble but for the price you can buy two vanguards. Keep the best shooter sell the other.

 

[hunter-4-life]

If you go vanguard then the 300wby is longer than a 300win so those big bullets won’t be able to take advantage of the freebore. If you stick to barnes then they like to jump.
I have shot many mkv’s and some vanguards. I have seen about the same amount in each not shoot well. My biggest group from a mkv was 2” for the load I hunted with but that was a 460. 450gr tsx at 2700 or so. It hurt to shoot off the bench. To me either one is a gamble but for the price you can buy two vanguards. Keep the best shooter sell the other.

I was leaning win mag for that reason exactly. And I like barnes, but I also like a good Accubond, or even a berger.

 

[Dogleg]

If money is a consideration it has to be the Vanguard. I’ve got a fair amount of both.
Between the 300 Win and the ‘bee I come down on the Wn side. I’ve had several 300 Weatherbys and they have always been a bit of a struggle to get to shoot, and the difference in velocity with handloads has been little or nothing. Near as I can tell, that extra powder just goes to recoil and noise. Oddly, I’ve had great luck with the 257 and 270.

The 300 Win the easy way, the 300 Weatherby is a classic itself, but its one of the hard ways to go fast in a 30.