Weatherby Vanguard - who's got one?
- Thread starter gitrdun
- Start date
I had one of the first models when they re-introduced them a few years ago with the ram-line stock. It wasn't a .223 though, but a .338. It shot 3/4-1 inch groups using Federals cheapy 225 grain soft points. Much better than the factory target, which was right at the 1 1/2 inch mark. Good rifle, worth the money. And with the new stocks, I like these even more.
I have the .257 Wby that mylesrom used to own, and indeed it is a great rifle. I also have one in .270 WSM, and did have one in .300 Wby. They are a great rifle for the price. I do prefer the wood stock to the synthetic, but the price is right!
And I did have a couple Howas, made by the same folks of course, all good guns.
never had one in .223, sorry............
Doug
And I did have a couple Howas, made by the same folks of course, all good guns.
never had one in .223, sorry............
Doug
Had one in 270 back in 1990....bought it new in Texas for $333...it was a very good shooter.....
A few years back I had a Smith & Wesson in a 223 heavy barrel. It shot VERY well. Sold it to a friend in a weak moment...it's in Ontario now.
IMHO...the Vanguard is the best deal in a new rifle out there for guys who have an aversion to plastic on rifles...in some cases I think they are a better deal than a 700.
A few years back I had a Smith & Wesson in a 223 heavy barrel. It shot VERY well. Sold it to a friend in a weak moment...it's in Ontario now.
IMHO...the Vanguard is the best deal in a new rifle out there for guys who have an aversion to plastic on rifles...in some cases I think they are a better deal than a 700.
I have a 7mm and it shoots really amazing groups. Soon I am going to buy a really nice scope for it so I can hit way out. I think this rifle is capable of 1000 yards with LOTS of practice and a $ 1000.00 scope. So far 500 yards is no problem with a 3-9 scope. Very good value this rifle.
- Location
- South Cariboo, BC
I can't comment on shooting one, but I've handled both the wood and synthetic versions in .338 and I was very impressed. Great looking wood, and the synthetic had a rubberized texture that would make for fantastic control in wet weather.
Notice that as a Stevens 200 owner it's the quality of the stock that catches my attention.
Notice that as a Stevens 200 owner it's the quality of the stock that catches my attention.
I had a chance to handle one today at Canadian Tire. The wood stock was really nice, good quality blueing job. It was a .257 WM, had it been the .223 Rem (EDIT) that I'm after, I probably would own it right now. What I really, really want though is a Mod.70 Classic Featherweight in .223 Rem (EDIT). Problems is, I can get the mod70 new, but in .223 WSSM, and I surely don't want that caliber. Wait or go for the Vanguard? what is a man to do?
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I meant Rem. Now, I best go back and do some editing.I've shot a couple, my old high power/service rifle club had them converted to use AR15 magazines and diopter sights. I couldn't give you a realistic view on their accuracy as I'm not the greatest shot with iron sights, but they seemed fine to me and were very reliable.
I'd buy a synthetic blued Vanguard as a back up gun or a loaner but wouldnt fork out the extra dough for the stainless and certainly not the MOA models, they are almost double the price
I seen a synthetic 270 Win Vanguard that had its test target stuck to it, half inch 3 shot group. Very impressive for a $1550 rifle let alone a $550 rifle.
I seen a synthetic 270 Win Vanguard that had its test target stuck to it, half inch 3 shot group. Very impressive for a $1550 rifle let alone a $550 rifle.
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They're all right. The new 'deluxe' stocks are great, overall it makes a pretty gun, with an overall superb finish. Triggers aren't great but are passable for a factory gun. Accuracy is OK - they're not match rifles, but most are in the MOA vicinity, with is certainly 'good enough.'
I prefer them to the Remington 700 series of late, and I much prefer them to the tikka t3 synthetics.
I prefer them to the Remington 700 series of late, and I much prefer them to the tikka t3 synthetics.
Gitrdun
I have a Howa Varminter in .308. It came with a Boyd thumbhole stock that I've had glass bedded. Shoots ridiculously well with both 150 and 165 gr bullets. Hear the same about the rifle in .223.
The trigger had unacceptable creep that had to be 'smith tuned out of it. Another option is an after-market trigger. Weatherby/Talley mounts come with Torx screws for mountiung, the best thing since sliced bread.
I'd buy another Howa over a 700 now that i know the trick about the trigger.
Todd
I have a Howa Varminter in .308. It came with a Boyd thumbhole stock that I've had glass bedded. Shoots ridiculously well with both 150 and 165 gr bullets. Hear the same about the rifle in .223.
The trigger had unacceptable creep that had to be 'smith tuned out of it. Another option is an after-market trigger. Weatherby/Talley mounts come with Torx screws for mountiung, the best thing since sliced bread.
I'd buy another Howa over a 700 now that i know the trick about the trigger.
Todd
RR, that is....well, how can I say it....###Y rifle. I think that my next custom stock will be a Richards. Congrats.
Todd, I think that right now...I'd buy just about anything but a 700, yours is a nice choice though.
WSS didn't have a Vanguard in stock, so I settled for a Stevens 200. Thanks for your input guys.
Todd, I think that right now...I'd buy just about anything but a 700, yours is a nice choice though.
WSS didn't have a Vanguard in stock, so I settled for a Stevens 200. Thanks for your input guys.
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