Old VS Vanguard 270 WBY Magnum Help Needed

[Ricksbuild1959]

Hey guy's and Gal's old guy needs some help. My First Post I own 25 plus of these amazing Weatherby's and I just purchased a new one at a estate sale today. Just my luck Weatherby not opened today. Its a serial number of VS 20### Vanguard pretty but no forearm cap or diamond cap below. looks like old version of a sportsman. I am told Vanguard did not come in a
270 WBY M. Vanguard in the VS but not only that the barrel has brakes cut into it like shark fins. I am confused what I have here mounted under a old leupold scope. Thank you for any response I may get.
FOR THE RECORD
Go to for big Game Mark V Synthetic 300 WBY M.   Favorite Vanguard 30:06 Japan My First. 
Most accurate Vanguard 270 WBY M. 80's Japan Model Tack Driver    Favorite Caliber 257 WBY M.
Pride nd Joy 257 WBY M. Vanguard Birthday present just to pretty to shoot its only out of safe to clean not even a scope on it yet.
Want One Vanguard 22 Tube fed Japan I sold mine in early 80' s to buy our wedding ring. Would do it again, Thanks

[HighDesertHunter]

Welcome to the Nation. Yes, there was a Vanguard 270 WBY Magnum. You may have a VGS made between 1984-1989 by Howa in Japan. I've heard that originally the V G S was a plain jane stock like you describe.

[Ricksbuild1959]

 Thank you my friend for your expertise and knowledge on my rifle I did get it out of the safe and found out a few more details it does say made in Japan but it also says Southgate California my serial number is VS 205XX  with that few  of serial numbers I’m assuming the gun is old it does have the walnut stock like you described however somebody told me that the shark fin break cuts at the end of the barrel were done by Weatherby at one time they say that if it says Southgate California  it’s a Mauser gun. Really confused on this one and I also think that it might have a recall on it and I’ve been down that road before and it was perfectly seamless Weatherby did everything exactly right as always.
Thanks again and I will add some photos that may help

[HighDesertHunter]

Referencing pictures from the Weatherby book, it appears that you have a Weatherby/Vanguard Classic I. I think the dates are pretty close. You do not have a Mauser action, it is a Howa action patterned after the classic Weatherby Sauer 9 lug action except I think yours is a two lug. Someone here will correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not the most knowledgeable but I try. Your rifle was made by Howa in Japan. Some assembly may have been done in Paso Robles, Ca. but for the Vanguards I think that means more that this is where Weatherby was located.  The newest rifles will say Sheridan Wyoming.


Your rifle is not old compared to me so stop saying how old you think it is.. Just kidding.. LOL.

[224KING]

VS is Vanguard Sporter I believe.That's why it doesn't have the cap on the forearm and the pistol grip cap.