How old is this Vanguard?

[TRWalker]

I bought this Weatherby Vanguard yesterday in a pawn shop. I've been watching it for a couple months now and couldn't resist any longer.  Do any of you have an idea when these were made? It is a .300 Win. Magnum caliber and it came with a Leupold Vari-X II scope and Weaver Rings.  It says Patent Pending on the barrel and it is made in Japan. I found out that the bolt has been recalled and I will send it in next week for a modification. Any information appreciated.

[Brithunter]

Nice rifle and I am not a fan of Weatherby's but then again as Weatherby never really made anything it's a Howa  really.

As to dating it the only thing I have to go on really is the stock and that stock almost screams mid 1960's. It's very similar to the one BSA were fitting to their Monarch rifles but the chequering pattern is different. The BSA and Parker-Hales of that time also had the white diamond inset into the rosewood grip cap and rosewood fore end tips. The stock is so similar in style to the Monarchs it makes mewonder if the stock was outsourced from SILE of Italy. SILE had distributers in the US so? Cannot Weatherby supply a date?

Yep that's a very good find and one of the best looking "Weatherby's" I have seen 

[EVOC ONE]

What a sweet looking rifle.  Congratulations.

 

[charles p]

Still got one like that I bought in the late 70's.  It was used then but in like new condition.  My serial number is V28266.  Mine is a 7mm Rem Mag.

[MGMorden]

No clue, but it is indeed a beautiful piece of wood on that.  Seems like even the slightly cheaper guns got nice stocks back in the days of yore .

How much you pay for it, if you don't mind me asking?

[TRWalker]

Thanks for the  replies and comments. The asking price was $650 for the outfit  but they agreed to sell for  $550 cash.  I tried for an  even  $500 with no luck.

[TXSPIKE]

I bought one just like it in a 25-06 in 1976.I paid $229.00 for it brand new.

[robert4570]

I have the same rifle , caliber , and scope , except for the scope mounts.
Mine was made in the late 1970's if Im not mistaken these were made by Howa.
Good shootin gun ,and great looker kinda reminds me of that era when Weatherbys and Golden Eagles were popular.

Enjoy it, get some venison with it and dont let it become a safe queen.
You done good on the price .

[TRWalker]

Thanks for the replies.  I mailed the bolt to Weatherby for the upgrade on Monday. Today, Saturday,  I get it back.  It was repaired and returned in less than a week.  I'm impressed!  I've been buying 300 Magnum ammo whenever I find it at a good price. So far I have 4 boxes, each at less than $20/box and one box  had nickel plated cases and Nosler partition bullets. I'm really looking forward to using this rifle during deer season.
Regards,  Walker