Discuss the Weatherby Vanguard® Synthetic

[jaeger777]

I can't agree more about the Vanguard.  I bought mine (a synthetic in 30-06) because the price was right and I wanted a 30-06.  After a couple of range sessions I found a load that shot two consecutive three shot groups under an inch at 200 yards and used it for opening day deer and elk.  I got a 5 point bull elk (my first) with one shot from my Vanguard.  It's value has gone up considerably for me since then.  I also have an Accumark in .340 but you really can't beat the value of the Vanguard.  It is just built the way a bolt action should be built.

[NotaVegetarian]

At the moment this is my favorite rifle.  This one is a shooter, sub MOA at 100.  Its topped with a Redfield 6x20x56 Target, maybe a bit much for hunting, but it sure make those deer on the other side of a hayfield look close. 

[Doc2005]

notavegetarian:

Don't feel bad; I use a 36X when developing my handloads.  For hunting, I still use either a 6-24, or a 4.5-14.

Doc2005

[ropehorseguy]

please chamber this fantastic rifle in 338 federal or 338-06.

[Bear596]

I have finally, after a lifetime of wishing, purchase a Weatherby. I thought the gun shop was cutting me a deal since they have had this one in stock since 2005. I paid 400 dollars for it and then after I peeled off all the stickers I found that it originally sold for 418. At least they could have thrown in scope mounts. . It is a fantastic feeling weapon the balance is uncanny and I can hardly wait to fire it. I took it to Cabelas where they installed scope mounts and an old simmons scope that I took off my 1917 enfield. Hopefully I will get the chance soon to use this weapon I've waited almost 30 years to own. I guess I am apprehensive about maybe being let down after so long. But I doubt it. I feel that this rifle will surpass the old savage I owned in the 90's, of which I made a unbelievable head shot at 726 yards at a drop of only 8" I will probably never have that happen again. I feel from the factory target and the comfortable feel of this wonderful creation I can surely AT&T the elusive bucks that seem to stay just out of reach. The Enfield I own is nice but the shot was not impressive to me at only 168 yards this Remington was off a good 2 feet from aimpoint. I still bagged the huge 8 point but had to crawl through briar and bramble to track it down. At first I thought I had scared it to death  but then I saw where I got it. The 30.06 didn't seem to live up to stories. Now with my Weatherby I can bring back the thrill of a long range, one shot one kill accuracy I grew accustomed to.

[tgc4949]

I recently went rifle shopping for a new "deer" rifle and I was sold a Weatherby Vanguard Varmint Special (in .308) at Cabellas.  I don't think they knew what they were selling me because nothing was ever mentioned that I was buying a varmint rifle.  I have some questions regarding this rifle for anyone who may know the answers:

1.  What makes this rifle a "varmint" rifle besides the 2cm shorter barrel?
2.  Why does this gun sell for more then a standard Vanguard Synthetic?  I paid $499 with a MSRP of $579 (in my research).  Does it have more features then the standard synthetic?
3.  Will I be satisfied with the long term performance of this rifle for taking small to medium sized game (coyotes, ferrel hogs, white tail deer, mule deer, antelope, elk and possibly moose)?

The reason I purchased a .308 was for the verstility of the caliber and the availablity of ammunition.  The reason I purchased a Weatherby was due to the great reputation.

Since purchasing this rifle I have sighted it in using Federal 150 grain ammunition with a 3/4" group at 100, 1-1/2" at 200 and 1-1/2" at 300.  I have also killed 1 doe and 1 cull buck each weighing in at just under 90 lbs. undressed (Texas Hill Country Deer are not very large).  Both shots were only 50-70 yards from my blind with each deer running about 40-50 yards through the thick brush before dropping from perfectly placed lung shots (meat saver shots).

I am looking for someone to tell me everything there is to know about this rifle as I am a huge fan of it already just wish I would have known that I was buying a "varmint" rifle... if that matters.

Thanks for your input on my query.

Todd

[dubyam]

The two primary differences between the Varmint Special and the Synthetic are that the Varmint Special comes with a 22" barrel (instead of 24") and it comes in a heavier contour barrel, which should help out with accuracy as the barrel heats up.  Unless the rifle is too heavy for your style of hunting, I'd stick with it.  It sounds very accurate, and beyond accuracy, there's only beauty and ballistics to consider as far as rifles go.  Sounds like you have a great setup.

[MTELKHUNTER]

Can anyone tell me if a synthetic stock is sold aftermarket for a vanguard. I have an older wood stock that needs some help.  I was thinking of just replaceing it with a Synthetic one Can anyone help?

[JBond]

Midway has a lot of after-market synthetic stocks for the Vanguard.  Here is the link:

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowseProducts.aspx?pageNum=1&tabId=9&categoryId=12815&categoryString=10636***10560***10466***11671***

[dubyam]

You should also check out the prices on the Bell & Carlson Medalist series stocks from

www.lockstock.com

I believe they are the lowest price around.  You can get various options on these, as well.  I recommend the $25 MaxxGuard coating.  It's a clear rubberized topcoat that is much like the duracoat on some Browing synthetics.  It makes a synthetic stock really grippy, which in cold weather with gloves is a great thing.

[A_Gamehog]

On the first trip to the range after I picked up my new 22-250 I had some issues with the trigger pull, the groups I had were acceptable and one was as good as it gets.
Favorite powder so far:
___________________________________________
H380- 39.0 grains
Midway dogtown 34Grain Varmit hollow points.
Lake City 08 brass from Berry's Mfg. (500) @ 89.00 $
CCi Large rifle standard primers
___________________________________________
For the 399.00 $ I paid for this new rifle I have nothing but praise for the makers of this rifle and the great value of this weapon and it's accuracy is dependant on my shooting skills. To get a "one hole " 3 shot group @ 100 yards with little or no experience loading this 22-250 says volumes about the info you can get from this website . Everyone has a favorite load, bullet, etc. I shoot high volume and like the 34 grain Midway dogtown's @ 10 $ + for 100 in my 223 as well. When one barrel gets hot/warm I now have an alternate to shoot.

[swane333]

I just bought my first centerfire rifle, a Vanguard 30-06 saturday, and just had a chance to get out and shoot today. I am ecstatic with the performance of my gun. I put about 15 rounds through it and got the scope dialed in pretty well. I can't be more thrilled with the groupings I was getting. I am not going to say that my groups were incredible by any means, but for what I use the rifle for to get it in about an inch was more than what I am looking for. I was using some Federal 180 gr. factory ammo. I intend to begin reloading and as I get more used to shooting such a powerful gun I am sure that my groups will improve and I will begin to enjoy the rifle even more. For what I paid I am sure that there is no other gun new or used that would be a better value than my Vanguard.

[Bummer]

I got lucky and won a Weatherby Vanguard in 22-250, I haven't gotten a chance to shoot it yet so I can't elaborate on that yet. I'm sure it will perform well, all of you are very satisfied with your rifles, I'm sure that mine will be just as impressive. I like the rifle well enough so far, everything seems to be well built, the trigger isn't too bad, about 3lbs11oz. out of the box, which is better than the approximate 7 lbs that Remington comes with out of the box. I do have one issue that bothers me with this rifle that I thought I should try and discuss this and have somebody explain to me why this is a benefit. The bolt cannot be opened on the Weatherby Vanguard without first taking the safety off and putting it to the fire position. This rifle will be used for hunting as well as target shooting. While hunting, many times you load up the rifle and never fire a round. When unloading, you can drop the shells out of the hinged floor plate but you still must unload the chamber, which forces you to take the gun off of safety. Not quite sure I like that...any thoughts on this??? I own several Remington 700's and an older Herters 270 which I can completely unload all with the safety "on" which I think is a heck of a lot safer. I don't see any reason to lock the bolt "closed" which is what the safety is doing on the Vanguard. Am I missing the reason that this is possibly a benefit?

[pbrktrt]

Bummer, your problem is easy to fix. first, let's address your questions. a two position safety is going to work in one of two ways. as you've noticed, on the Vanguard it locks the bolt but not on your other rifles when on safe. to some, it is better to have it lock the bolt especially when hunting or walking through brush to avoid an accidental & usually unknown opening of the bolt when snagged or just inadvertant bumping. on the other hand you are correct in the safety factor of having to put the rifle in the fire mode to unload the last shell. normally not a big deal to someone trained in firearm safety. but to the good news. since you have very little cash outlay in this rifle i would suggest buying a Timney replacement trigger for a much better trigger than factory & with it you get the bonus of three positions. back is safe & locks the bolt, center allows cycling the bolt while still on safe, & forward is fire. it is a drop in replacement normally & will give you a better shooting rifle & eliminate the safety question(pun intended) you have with the factory.

[Bummer]

Thanks for the response. That is actually what I planned on doing, just wanted some outlook on the safety situation, having to put it on fire to unload. I have been planning on replacing triggers on my other rifles as well, but haven't gotten around to it. My spending is limited with this recession. I'm in construction so I'm taking a beating. When I do get around to it though, do you prefer the Timney triggers, or am I better off to spend a little extra and go with the Jewell trigger. Or isn't the extra money worth it. My hunting buddy bought a Jewell and loves it. I've never shot a rifle with anything but the stock triggers so I have no experience with them.