Stock upgrade / replacement for Vanguard Synthetic

[Revvv]

I have called and spoken to the Custom shop, but I have a couple more questions before I purchase a new S2 stock. I believe I spoke with Josh; a great guy with plenty of knowledge.

The rifle is a Vanguard Standard Synthetic. It has a #2 barrel contour with the standard 24" barrel. The gun is 18 years old and still shoots with an amazing accuracy when benched.

The reason I want to change the stock is due to a small stress crack on the front action mounting screw position. I think it may be superficial, but I am having a hard time trusting the stock. Also, the old flat-top synthetic is less than comfortable and lacks the presence of what I know Weatherby's to display.

Before I jump out and add a few more dollars to my aging Vanguard I want to know a little about how adding an S2 stock will affect the rifle.

From my understanding replacing the stock is a simple swap that does not need any bedding or adjustment. That is a huge positive.

Concerning the stock itself; I understand that the Vanguard is designed to be supported rather than free floated. Will the change in stocks give me an increase in accuracy?

How well are the griptonite inserts mounted? The reviews I have read all say that these inserts are basically glued in rubber. My rifle experiences a large variation of weather climates. My biggest concern is that the grips will release in extreme heat or prematurely wear. I am sure Weatherby has addressed this issue. I can't imagine gun company with a reputation such as Weatherby to present the public with a sub-par product.

I also want to know if the trigger, magwell, ect will remain positioned flush without any form of counter sinking or over-extension.

I know I am asking a lot of questions, but I prefer to be overly cautious. I can likely think of several more things to ask, but at that point I am likely being trivial.

My greatest concerns are in accuracy, performance, and the overall quality. I hope to see this rifle being used for another 18 years.

[coreydelong]

A Bell & Carlson stock is probably your best bet. Stocky's Stocks has a really nice selection for Weatherby stocks for a few hundred dollars.

Free floated is the way to go.

[oldchet]

You can also upgrade to another Weatherby Vanguard stock such as the Fiberguard. Take a look at the custom shop production rifle upgrades for other styles.

[Chip]

Yes it's a simple swap and no you should not have to do any bedding work unless you want to do it. As for the number 2 contour barrel not shooting well without being supported somehow by the stock that's a lot of noise.  Think about all the rifles that have number 2 and even smaller contour barrels that are free floated and still shoot sub MOA. I have a VGL in a wood stock that's free floated and shoots under MOA all day.  Drop your action in torque it in and it should be fine. 
Chip

[Truck Driver]

I upgraded my Vanguard S1 to a B&C Medalist and it was the best thing I could have done for this rifle. Groups were over an inch and all over the place. After replacing the stock things started to come together. I also changed the trigger and put a Timney in it but the stock allowed the action to settle in and shoot consistently.
Being a tinker I had to play with the pressure point that was molded into the forearm and slowly removed it to test it's affect on accuracy until it was full floated. As pressure was relieved the groups got smaller. I'm not saying all barrels will respond in this manner but mine did. The Vanguard is a 300Wby  with the #2 contour barrel.
Here's a picture of my final results using a 25yd pistol target with the X ring being one inch in diameter, 3 shot group at 100yds off sand bags. along with the rifle used.