Author Topic: Weatherby Vangaurds (Read 2269 times)

Mac11700 · « **on:** February 17, 2005, 08:19:35 AM »

How good are they,as compared to the rest of the $500 rifles out there...I'm still looking at the Sub-Moa rifles and am trying to get one in 30-06 that are new this year in the Vangaurds...and am very interested...seems that the 30-06 is a all round caliber that will do just about everything....and having a 3/4" or less shooter would be very nice...

Mac

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2005, 08:28:41 AM »

They are essentially Howa actions but the gun itself is a bit "Weatherbyied up."

Yes, they are good guns in that price range. i still like the Remingtons and Tikkas, but the Vanguards are nice too.

The only thing that I don't really like about them is that Weatherby puts some really thin contoured barrels on them.

Zachary

Lawdog · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2005, 09:38:25 AM »

The Weatherby Vanguard seems to be well worth the money. Everyone that owns one swears by them(I dont happen to own one). At least they are backed by a Weatherby guarantee which is a big plus. Your choice of a .30-06 is a good one, stick with it. If it were me that was looking for an accurate .30-06 in a new rifle I would be looking at the new Savages. Out of the box they have been out shooting all the others at ranges all over the country. Just an added though. Lawdog

Mac11700 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2005, 06:45:19 PM »

My primary reason for this question is because Weatherby has included the new 2005 Vangaurds for their Sub-Moa rifles...for slightly more money they have taken the all the 3/4" shooters and put them in the FiberMark stocks and gaurentee them to shoot Sub-Moa now...I had a new 280 CDL ordered but due to some problems with the distributer it doesn't look like it will happen...and according to Weatherby...they only make the Sub-Moa's when a order comes in to the factory...4-6 weeks for them to get it to me...I've always liked their stocks...and rifles as well...and it would seem a very good deal...but I really don't know how well they hold up over time...and for a-lot of shooting...I've looked at a bunch of bolt guns this past week...and I'm still drawn back to the 30-06...and the Weatherby/Howa...I don't know how easy it is to adjust the trigger on these...and I know it isn't Savages Accu-Trigger ...but if I can get a Sub-Moa rifle...in a easy to find/load cartridge it should work out all the way around till I can get a larger caliber like a 338-06...or a regular 338...or even a 375 H & H...

Mac

tscott · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2005, 01:16:34 AM »

My 20 year old Vanguard (.270, 20" barrel, nice walnut) has been a fabulous deer rifle for me. I frequently see the modern version, usually in 30-06 at Dick's, or Walmart for less than $400. Ive been tempted to buy, but I am a hunter, and a new Vanguard would not replace what I got!

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2005, 02:50:01 AM »

Quote from: Mac11700

I'm still drawn back to the 30-06...and the Weatherby/Howa...I don't know how easy it is to adjust the trigger on these...
Mac

The triggers on the Howas/Weatherby Vanguards are easily self adjustable, so you don't have to worry about it.

As far as your comparison to the Savage accutrigger - many people like it, but I don't. In fact, I've learned to hate it. Why? It kinda seems like a two stage trigger with one trigger in the middle of another trigger. The Howa triggers are generally very crisp and, as stated, easily adjustable - they are made the right way.

I didn't know about the new sub-MOA guarantee, but then again you can buy a Tikka and get the same guarantee, plus you don't have to wait 4 to 6 weeks AND the Tikka/Sako triggers are one of the finest factory triggers out there and just as easy to adjust - just take out the barreled action and turn the screw to adjust the trigger.

Zachary

Squeeze · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2005, 03:02:30 AM »

Well I can't speak to the Vanguards, but two years ago I won a Howa 1500, in 300 WSM,
at a DU banquet. This rifle is very accurate. With 168gr. Barnes Triple Shocks, I get
consistent sub MOA groups, with the best in the .6 MOA range.

The trigger has two set screws to adjust force and travel. I have mine down to "scarey",
but it took a bit of back and forth adjusting to get it light, no travel, and to have the
safety engage. If one wanted a more typical hunting trigger, that is probably the
way it will come adjusted from the factory. To just lighten it some from that point,
and maybe slightly reduce the travel, should be a simple task.

I see the Howa 1500 as a solid, well built rifle, that has only one negative. The
safety doesn't lock the bolt. Some see that as a positive, since the gun can
be unloaded with the safety engaged. I prefer the 3 position safety, but this
slightly negative, for me, would not get this gun off my rifle rack, and on the trading
block. I am a accuracy freak, and this one is accurate, so I will live with an
unlocked bolt.

Squeeze

glock29 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 18, 2005, 06:28:15 AM »

I'm thinking about picking up a Vanguard in .300 Weatherby at the local WalMart for my next rifle...they have them for $376 and change. Normally I only buy firearms at the two major local gun shops, but neither one will sell this rifle for within $150.00 of the WalMart price !

delta767 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 18, 2005, 07:43:38 AM »

i have a 300 weatherby mark V made in W germany serial number p19101 i just shooting it was thinking of putting muzzle brake on it

mjbgalt · « **Reply #9 on:** February 18, 2005, 09:44:49 AM »

i really like mine.

strangely mine DOES lock the bolt when the safety is on.

i hate that feature because it makes me take the safety OFF to work the bolt to unload the gun. too much chance to bump or grab the trigger and shoot something i dont wanna shoot, should the gun slip out of my hands or should i not get a good grip on it while working the bolt.

-Matt

Donaldo · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2005, 06:20:46 PM »

I think the Weatherby Vangards are excellent rifles. I bought one this summer on a Walmart close out. I have not shot it yet but have had it out of the box fooling with it a bit. It does have a rather nice trigger, easily adjustable. Fit and finish seem above average for me. Certainly better than the average Remington nowadays. The test target with it shows three shots under 1". I started to put one of my extra scopes on it the other day and take it to the range but the only rings I had would not fit. So... it still sits in the box, unfired. I have another project going so I probably will just sell it. It is a 270. If anyone wants one it is available for $310. That includes the new scope bases and 1 box of ammo.

SeaBass · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2005, 06:42:01 PM »

Glock29,
It is my understanding that Walmart is not going to carry the Vanguard anymore. Seems like they're going with the Mossberg ATR100 instead. If they still have one, you might want to snap it up. I'm very happy with mine in .270Win.

dbuck · « **Reply #12 on:** February 21, 2005, 04:23:42 AM »

Purhcased a Weatherby Vanguard 30-06 in March of 2004 and put a Bell & Carlson Medalist stock on it and it shoots tight groups at 200 yards (1.750) with my 168 gr. Barnes XP. Killed a nice 5X5 Bull Elk in Colorado in November with this rifle at 169 yards. One shot, one kill, drop where he stood. Can't ask anymore from a rifle then that.

dbuck

Graybeard · « **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2005, 04:30:03 AM »

Based on my personal experience I'd have to disagree. I am convinced that they either do not shoot these rifles and use a slave for the groups sent with them or they shoot them without the stock. Which I do not know and can't prove my assumptions.

But the one I bought had major bedding issues. Even tho the target showed sum 1/2 MOA or there about the rifle in reality was about a 3-4 MOA gun due to a bedding problem even tho it was in a plastic stock. Rather than hassle with them on it I returned it to the dealer I bought it from.

If you want a really accurate rifle you'd do well to buy a Remington. They have proven consistently accurate for me and have out shot all others I've owned.

Lawdog · « **Reply #14 on:** March 01, 2005, 11:24:25 AM »

Quote from: delta767

i have a 300 weatherby mark V made in W germany serial number p19101 i just shooting it was thinking of putting muzzle brake on it

That will cut the re-sale value of it. Before I would ruin that Mark V I would try a mercury insert first(less then $75.00). They work great without screwing around with the barrel and causing hearing damage. Lawdog

delta767 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 02, 2005, 05:22:55 AM »

where would you get a mercury insert the value of my mark V is about 2500 i will not put a muzle brake on it

Mac11700 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 02, 2005, 11:38:09 AM »

Quote

they only make the Sub-Moa's when a order comes in to the factory...4-6 weeks for them to get it to me.

This is what I was told the first time...so I knocked around the caliber about 100 times...and settled for 270 Win...not the WSM..or the WM...just the good ole 270...called backed yesterday...and was advised that it might take as long as October or Novermber before seeing it...they had about 57 units on order... ahead of mine...and really couldn't tell me even remotely when it would be done...only that their guess was conservative....

I found a regular synthetic Vangaurd in 270...on a different rack in the store...hadn't picked it up before...had them pull the box from their warehouse to check the factory target...I realized I didn't have to wait all that time for a Sub-Moa rifle...... I had them put a set of Leupold turn in bases on it...a set of Burris Signature rings and mount me a new Leupold 3x9x40 on it.... the factory group was showing the first 2 bullets practicly in the same hole...with a .019" group...and dead right the other bullet hole...opening the group up to ..501"...now to replace the stock with a B&C tan Medalist and I'll be good to go....as to not having a 30-06...this was taken care of since I got my 30-06 Ultra back in the trade...and wound up pre-ordering one of the new Remington Sparten 45-70 double rifles while I was there...I figure if I'm going have to wait on a rifle... it might as well be worth it afterall :wink:

Mac

Weatherby223 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 02, 2005, 12:08:17 PM »

I agree with Lawdog about the Bedding on these rifles with the Butler Creek stock but dont get me wrong, i love my Weatherby! The 3 shot sub moa group is not hard to achieve with three shots in a cold barrel but with a warm barrel the groups start to widen (Bedding).Lets face it, in the field how many hot barrel shots are taken? For a budget priced Rifle i think they are hard to beat and with a bit of TLC they become a real shooter. I have messed with the bedding and trigger myself and i am no gunsmith but the rifle is deadly accurate even when the barrel heats up. I would however (if i was in the US) buy the Weatherby and replace the stock with the new Bell & Carlson stock or get one from Boyds. Then you will have a rifle like mine that matches it with any medium weight barrel for a cheaper price...Happy Hunting

Mac11700 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 02, 2005, 12:14:22 PM »

Weatherby223:

I couldn't agree more about the stocks on these...the tan medalist stock looks real good on these...I handled a 243 Weatherby Sub-Moa...with it on it...and before I head off hunting with it...it will be replaced with one...the action is nice and slick...no bolt rattle on it...and I'll have to find out how to lighten the trigger up on it a-bit...it's right at 6lbs with no creep in it now...but would like to take it down around 3lbs...

Mac

quickdtoo · « **Reply #19 on:** March 02, 2005, 12:29:44 PM »

Congrats Mac!!! The gun gods have smiled upon you!!! :-D I Don't suppose ya want to trade that 270 UltraComp for the V, do ya??

Mac11700 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 02, 2005, 01:23:22 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo

Congrats Mac!!! The gun gods have smiled upon you!!! :-D I Don't suppose ya want to trade that 270 UltraComp for the V, do ya??

Mac

but thanks for the offer.......

randually · « **Reply #21 on:** March 02, 2005, 03:55:49 PM »

I bought one of those Walmart specials this summer and am very happy with it. Factory group was .88" with Win. 130 gr. but couldn't get it to shoot better than 2" with Win. Ballistic tips. Then I tried a brand my Savage .308 liked. It is Fed. Premium 130 gr. boat tail s.p.. They shoot .63" and they do a number on the deer. To each his own. If you think it is a good deal then buy it and shoot it. That it the only way you will ever know if it is worth it. If you do be sure to try several different loads to see which one shoots best. Remember not every gun will shoot the same load as another one. They are individuals as we are. Good luck on your choice. Also the new Vanguards use the Weatherby style stock whereas the older ones don't. I forgot to mention it was a .270 Win.

delta767 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 03, 2005, 12:04:01 PM »

after inquiring about my Mark V 300 weatherby mag Made in W.Germany the value of the mark V is about 2500 to 3000 bones it has a # 2 contour barrel on it i still have the original barrel that came with it all markings on the rifle say
Weatherby
300 magnum
made in W.Germany
sn is P19101
so i going to leave it alone and put a limb saver recoil pad on it and hold on :twisted:

mjbgalt · « **Reply #23 on:** March 05, 2005, 01:52:21 PM »

sighted mine (.243) in today with 80 grain winchester varmint loads.

80 yards in a sitting position, sling wrapped around my arm, two three-shot groups, and they both came out right at an inch to an inch and 1/8.

i imagine a bench and sand bags would improve this...but in a hunting position and at a decent pace (not slow) i will take an inch any day.

cant complain.

at 100 yards the groups are the same size with this ammo.

-Matt