Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Rifle

When I was in the market for a new hunting rifle I contemplated numerous criteria. Of course I was on a budget so I could not just go buy a high priced European or other high valued rifle. I was looking at getting a synthetic stock rifle even though I like the look of wood I realize synthetic was more appropriate for the British Columbia climate in which I hunt in. I also decided on a blued barrel because of economical reasons but looking back I really wish I went with a stainless steel barrel. I thought about getting a Remington model 700 or a Tikka T3 but I really liked the warranty, Howa action, accuracy guarantee, and price of the Weatherby Vanguard. The rifle came with a target that had a 3 shot group measuring under the 1 1/4″ M.O.A. accuracy guarantee. Seeing how this rifle can start as low as $399 I think you will be hard pressed to find better value. The rifle specs are as follows on the .300WM: 7 1/2 lbs. 44 1/2″ overall length, 24″ #2 barrel with 1-10″ twist. I could not wait to take this gun out to the range with some hand loads. Here is an example of 3 shots inside of 1 M.O.A with 168 grain Barnes 168 grain bullets. After further shooting I did another 3 shot group with a dirty barrel and you can see the accuracy decline in this case.

At 200 yards with the same bullets I also had a respectable grouping. Not bad for a $400 rifle.

I have also had a good time hunting with this rifle in the field. I topped it with Leupold rings and  3-10x50mm Bushnell elite 3200 scope and put a Winchester bi-pod on the stock. I took this 4×3 mule deer in October 2009 from 150 yards with a free hand shot.

In the spring of 2010 I took this grizzly bear using 200 grain Barnes TSX hand loads out of my 300wm Weatherby vanguard:

I have also taken a few bears with this rifle in the spring of 2009.

This Boar below was around the 5’6″ mark from nose to tail.

Below is a 6′ sow I took in the Harrison area.

As you can tell I have used my Weatherby Vanguard quite a bit in the past year hunting and at the range. I have had no issues and feel the quality is just fine for hunting. The only thing is I have had surface rust on the blued barrel from hunting in extremely wet conditions for extended time periods. A good cleaning and oiling took care of the rust. The internal magazine holds 3 bullets and the floor hinge plate works extremely well. The one piece machined bolt has given me no problems and I have not encountered any jams or broken parts. I also like the fact that it has an adjustable trigger. The trigger does break very nice from the factory and complements your shooting.

UPDATE: after finding some cracks in my barrel where the scope mounts in 2015, I went through the warranty process with Weatherby to get a new rifle. Although the process was long and hard, they did credit me with a replacement Weatherby Vanguard at the new current market price, which was very nice of them.