Weatherby's Vanguard

Handloader · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:01 pm Post subject: Weatherby's Vanguard

The current issue of "Rifle" magazine has a feature article on the Weatherby Vanguard. They conclude, and I agree, that it is a top dollar value.

We sell an increasing number of them each year; in fact, Vanguard sales have overtaken the sales of Remington and Savage combined. My direct experience shows why it is such a superb dollar value. A recent test with a Vanguard HB in 223Rem produced outstanding accuracy with most commercial ammo and went consistently into the .5 MOA with some tailored handloads. In all, 300+ rounds were fired and the average of all five shot groups was SUBMOA, although, this is a standard production rifle. My largest group was 1.3".

Barrels are hammer forged, super smooth, not prone to foul and the action comes from the factory with smooth raceway for the bolt. The bolt uses a Sako style extractor that is substantial, positive and, apparently, flawless. Vanguards can be had in many configurations, too, including synthetic, wood, upgrade wood, stainless or blue.

My only "knock" against it is the weight, more than a 700CDL by about 10oz.

Anyone on the forum have one? If so, what's your evaluation of the Vanguard?

Vince · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:02 am Post subject: Re: Weatherby's Vanguard

I've had a Vanguard for about 4 years now. It is a synthetic stock, black barrel model in .243 WIN.

I've never had a problem with it. It doesn't foul badly, is easy to clean and very accurate. It feeds, and ejects, anything I put in it, from 70gn to 100gn bullets positively. Only complaint I have is the action. The trigger is a bit "creepy" and needs an action job to make it glass smooth.

It can get a little heavy carrying it around the scrub, but a broad sling assists in easing this problem by spreading the weight.

I believe that I got damn good value for money with this rifle. I like it, a lot.

Cheers, Vince

codybrown · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:24 am Post subject: Re: Weatherby's Vanguard

I have a Vanguard VGX that is blued, with a wood stock. It is a 22-250. I have shot it a little around here, but I am waiting until I go out to Montana in July to give it a real test on those little prairie rats!!!! From how much I have shot it, I am pretty satisfied. I'm looking at getting one in a .243 configuration.

sask boy · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:23 pm Post subject: Re: Weatherby's Vanguard

Hi, I done a little of research on the Vanguard and if they made it in a left hand model I think I would give it a try.
There a number of web sites that state it is the most accuarate rifle out of the box.
I spoke to a couple of guys that shoot them and they advised me that they would not trade them.
Good working mans rifle.

Dan Very Happy

wncchester · Member Joined: Apr 08, 2006 Posts: 160

My .243 Vanguard was one of the first Weatherby produced, I got it in '71-72 I think. It is picky about bullets in the varmit weights but really shoots well with those it likes, about 3/4" or so. It's deadly on crows to 200 yards, even with me shooting! Very Happy

For several years it was my only deer rifle too. It easily shoots either Hornady and Rem SPCLs 100 gr. pills into 1 1/2 inch or less. Never lost a deer, I don't get to hunt often but it's put down something like 15 for me.

I love it. The trigger is good, accuracy is good and it's purty too!