Weatherby Vanguard Adaptive Composite (VAC) (Pic heavy)

Canadiankeeper

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
61   0   0
Location
Alberta
Well, I picked up a VAC on sale at a LGS. I knew about it but they seemed to be hard to come by. By some miracle my LGS had some in stock... They are very weird like that. Mind you it seemed they just got a big Weatherby shipment in.
This rifle was listen on the Weatherby site, it is not anymore. Not sure whats going on there.

I will slam some base stats out there and then fallow up with my own thoughts. Range trip soon to come.

Weatherby Vanguard Adaptive Composite6.5 Creedmoor
20" #3 Contour Cold hammer Forged Barrel
1:8" Twist
Threaded 5/8x24
5 Round Capacity
Fully Adjustable Composite Stock with wide forend
Rubberized Grip Panels
Right handed shooter setup only
Limbsaver Recoil Pad
SUB-MOA Guarantee
Adjustable Match Quality Two-Stage Trigger
Fluted Bolt Body
One Piece Machined Bolt Body
Fully Enclosed Bolt Sleeve
3 Position Safety
Integral Recoil Lug
Hinged Floorplate
Length of Pull 13-1/4" to 14-1/2"
Overall Length 39.5 to 40.75"
Approximate Weight 8.75 lbs
Metalwork features Matte Bead Blasted Blued Finish
Matte Black Stock

h ttp://www.grsriflestocks.com/models/grs-berserk (link to check out the stock)

I went with a bushy 4500 6-24. Was tempting to get the 6500 4-16 (was on sale) but didn't end up walking out with it.
Heads up on the "weatherby tally rings and base's " Dont bother with them, night mare to level an optic with. Go get a rail and some traditional rings.

I have had A LOT of rifles. From the Remington sps tactical, the Ruger precision rifle, Sagave axis's to many weatherbys and even a tikka. I almost always end up dropping them into a chassis or modifying them to my own liking.
I will be comparing this rifle mostly to my recent Weatherby with a bell and Carlson stock, the Bergara b14 and the Ruger precision. Although the stock does remind me of Hogue stocks.

I went with 6.5 CM because that is a basic "north america" round. I can plink, shoot long distance or drop mostly any game. This may be as close to the one and done rifle as anyone can get.
Now I would have preferred a 22" barrel but as I said, I dont shoot that far that often. So the 2" difference is minimal to me when being realistic.

The threaded barrel is nice, so if 6.5CM is to heavy a muzzle device can be attached. I will be attaching a muzzle device and a "blast shield/guard or Linear muzzle brake" Just to give buddies hunting with me less concussion and give it that uber tacticool look! Reg thread pattern of 5/8x24 so I have my pick of the litter for muzzle devices.

Now a lot of this rifles competitors have detachable mags. For me that is not a MUST as I dont plan on doing any tactical competitions with this rifle or be in any situations that REALLY require a quick mag switch. Even though there are DBM kits for this rifle I dont think I will be getting one. Have tried them before on another build and the plastic felt cheap and the mech holding the mag in was... Cause for concern if ever not sitting at a bench.

The trigger is a quality adjustable 2 stage trigger. I personally prefer 2 stage triggers. There is no creep with a crisp break and it is adjustable but I found the factory setting more then appropriate for my needs. The bergara I had my hands on had a nice trigger with no complains other then not two stage. The RPR I owned was a GOD AWE FULL trigger for a "precision rifle" with excessive creep and a squishy break wall. Trigger guard is metal. Same with the bottom floor plate.

The bolt is a nice bolt, fluted body. No real difference from the Bergara but the RPR was much sloppier. The VAC has a nice handle with a slightly enlarged knob. Works fine with gloves on, not so big it will get snagged.

The finish, is about on par with what you would expect. Mind you the RPR let me down but most rifles in this price range have good blue no burrs ect. Nothing to complain about or state that is extremely better then any others.

The stock. Now this is personal preference but I love this stock. It has taken into account of what modern shooters want in terms of economics and combined it with what someone who also hunts would like. Its grip reminds me of houge although the front "grip" area is EXTREMELY grippy. Much more then Hogue. The rest of the rifle is similar in texture. It free floats the barrel. It is rigid also there is no movement or bend when on a bipod. When You have a 210 LBS man push the barrel down you can get it to touch but I dont think anyone shoots with a 210Lbs man pushing down their barrel. So no real issues with flex in the stock. The palm swell is LARGE and at this point in time only comes for right hand shooters. Sorry lefties. Even right handed shooters I recommend get the rifle in their hands to make sure it fits properly. It provides a nice full grip inlet for thumb around. Also it gives a nice "ledge" for those who like to lay the thumb forward while shooting. (see pics) As for the adjustments, it is quick and solid lock ups. Only the cheek peice on the VERY highest setting is a little tippy. I dont see anyone ever using that piece that high. I personally use a VERY high cheek piece and I dont come near it. It also comes with a front swivel stud for bipods and side Flush cup sling mounts and push button sling loops included. So very nice for carrying!

Now the weight of this rifle is awesome. My "custom" build came in around 13 lbs with no optics or ammo on board. The RPR is just over 10lbs.
This rifle only 8.75 lbs ! This is due to the pillar bedding Blocks made from 65% glass fiber as standard. So no heavy metal inlets or big bulky chassis to lug around. Now if this is a positive or a negative only time will tell... The Weatherby guarantee is 1 moa or better with match ammo so I cant see it being an issue.

Now the range report to come, but from handling and research I can tell this will be one nice rifle to lug around to hunt with or shoot with!

View attachment 139844
View attachment 139845
View attachment 139846
View attachment 139847
View attachment 139848
View attachment 139851
View attachment 139849
View attachment 139850
 
Last edited:
Looks interesting. I personally find it about as cosmetically attractive as a dog turd on a beach towel, but I did have a chance to handle one of those GRS stocks at a gunshow and found it to be extremely comfortable and ergonomic. For target or varmint work I could see it being very effective. I also like floorplates...or even blind magazines (gasp!)...but I wonder how this will sell without a detach mag. Nowadays everybody seems to want them.

The Talley rings are a bit of a PITA to adjust for level, but if you step up to the screw-detachable type that problem goes away. Does this rifle come with those rings/bases? You have them mounted reversed with respect to one another. In order to ensure proper alignment I would make sure both were mounted facing the same way (base-clamping screw either on right for both, or left for both).
 
Going to chime in on this one:
I have the HOWA HLR in 6.5 Creedmoor see link below:

https://www.legacysports.com/catalog/howa/howa-long-range-rifle/

I have Talley Rings and a bushnell 4500 scope - my rifle came with a break in procedure to follow. I have not shot it because it's too damn cold now and the first 10 shots will take just under an hour and the next ten about 1/2 hour. They also recommend factory ammo for the break in period. I purchased two boxes (40 rounds) of Hornady 120g ELD match.

I will post an update on how it performs do believe that both Howa and Weatherby are excellent value for the money - my Howa looks well built, smooth action, and the adjustable trigger breaking at 3lbs from factory (which I like) not going to adjust it.

post an update once you take her to the range

ivob
since 1967
 
Looks interesting. I personally find it about as cosmetically attractive as a dog turd on a beach towel, but I did have a chance to handle one of those GRS stocks at a gunshow and found it to be extremely comfortable and ergonomic. For target or varmint work I could see it being very effective. I also like floorplates...or even blind magazines (gasp!)...but I wonder how this will sell without a detach mag. Nowadays everybody seems to want them.

The Talley rings are a bit of a PITA to adjust for level, but if you step up to the screw-detachable type that problem goes away. Does this rifle come with those rings/bases? You have them mounted reversed with respect to one another. In order to ensure proper alignment I would make sure both were mounted facing the same way (base-clamping screw either on right for both, or left for both).

As far as I can tell, all is lined up and they do not have a specified "way" to face. The rifle does not come with the rings/base's just the only ones at the LGS that worked easily for sure. Looking back on it now, I should have just orderd some online. They will be getting changed out because I just simply dont like the look of them lol.

I dont mind the look, sure it doesn't LOOK like some awesome military tac rifle but that is not what im after. I wanted a modern day ergonomic rifle that was comfortable to shoot.

On a side note about looks, I have had farmers tell me NOT to hunt with certain guns on their land. The RPR and any chassis are basically out of the option for a surprisingly large amount of farms I had permission on. Many expressed their disdain even with a SR 10/22 !
So I switched back to my bolt action wood stock rifle for tree rats, definitely will not bring out some tactical monster yote hunting as some stands are within eye sight of their homes. (they tell me to hunt yotes there, one in specifically because they have tried to nab their little dog lol) I feel that this rifle still maintains modern day ergonomics we want, with out scaring away my property owners thinking im out there with a "sniper rifle" or "assault gun".

It is by far the best FEELING chassis I have sat behind yet. I found on most the hard plastics would make my face sore from sitting behind the rifle for so long at the range. Would have to glue on pads or use 2 sided tape to put padding on.
 
Going to chime in on this one:
I have the HOWA HLR in 6.5 Creedmoor see link below:

https://www.legacysports.com/catalog/howa/howa-long-range-rifle/

I have Talley Rings and a bushnell 4500 scope - my rifle came with a break in procedure to follow. I have not shot it because it's too damn cold now and the first 10 shots will take just under an hour and the next ten about 1/2 hour. They also recommend factory ammo for the break in period. I purchased two boxes (40 rounds) of Hornady 120g ELD match.

I will post an update on how it performs do believe that both Howa and Weatherby are excellent value for the money - my Howa looks well built, smooth action, and the adjustable trigger breaking at 3lbs from factory (which I like) not going to adjust it.

post an update once you take her to the range

ivob
since 1967

Did it really come with a procedure? Can you take a picture of it ? Please?

 
As far as I can tell, all is lined up and they do not have a specified "way" to face. The rifle does not come with the rings/base's just the only ones at the LGS that worked easily for sure. Looking back on it now, I should have just orderd some online. They will be getting changed out because I just simply dont like the look of them lol.

No, I don't think they specify which way to face them; all I meant was that you have one mounted with the clamping screw on the left, and the other on the right. I think that putting them both on the same way...either way...might be better for keeping the front and rear rings perfectly aligned. Probably just my OCD...:)

I just recently started using these bases, along with their screw-detachable and lever-detachable rings, and they have a lot of good features. They are definitely some of the easiest types to use when it comes to getting your crosshairs level. Vertically split rings like yours, where the clamping action on the base and the grip on the scope is achieved by the same screws, are indeed a huge PITA to use. Talley does not do a great job of explaining the differences on their website.
 
No, I don't think they specify which way to face them; all I meant was that you have one mounted with the clamping screw on the left, and the other on the right. I think that putting them both on the same way...either way...might be better for keeping the front and rear rings perfectly aligned. Probably just my OCD...:)

I just recently started using these bases, along with their screw-detachable and lever-detachable rings, and they have a lot of good features. They are definitely some of the easiest types to use when it comes to getting your crosshairs level. Vertically split rings like yours, where the clamping action on the base and the grip on the scope is achieved by the same screws, are indeed a huge PITA to use. Talley does not do a great job of explaining the differences on their website.

Yea I also just prefer normal rings (after working with this type) new and unfamiliar is scary lmao

Ordered a rail, once it comes in ill go scoop up some new rings. I think they look funny in general.
 
Back
Top Bottom