Guns Magazine, July '09 re: Weatherby Vanguard

[safetysheriff]

Group,

I've found John Barsness to seemingly be an honest gun scribe.   In an article he wrote for July, '09 he states, ''One of my two present .257 "Roys" is a factory Vanguard Spotter that will put three shots into half a minute of angle all the way out to 400 yards.'' (Somebody mis-spelled 'sporter' for the magazine....)    His article can now be found on the web at www.findarticles.com

I'm thinking that the next time you are looking for a good rifle, in a standard-issue format, think about the Weatherby Vanguard.    You may find that the $399 Vanguard is, for now, the best-buy out there in a 'usually-accurate' rifle.

Good shooting,

ss'

[mjbgalt]

they are definitely heavy duty. i have owned 5 and all have shot an inch and a half or less at 100 yards for 3 shots. several of them shot WAY under MOA. but average of about an inch. and they are built like a tank.

the only complaint i have is the weight, they weigh 7 1/2 pounds.

-Matt

[Zachary]

Before the sub-moa Vanguards came out, it was more likely to get a regular vanguard to shoot sub-moa.  Now, however, it seems that they are testing the rifles so that the sub-moa ones get that designation and thus higher price.

Zachary

[mjbgalt]

i thought that too. but apparently they stop at a certain point when the number of sub moa's is filled. because i have bought 2 in the last year that had targets with .600" or less and they were both regular priced vanguards.

both shot VERY well.

-Matt

[Swampman]

Is there only one action length?  I was looking at a stainless .243 a couple of days ago and the action seemed very long.

[mjbgalt]

no theres a short and long action.

[Zachary]

i thought that too. but apparently they stop at a certain point when the number of sub moa's is filled. because i have bought 2 in the last year that had targets with .600" or less and they were both regular priced vanguards.

both shot VERY well.

-Matt

I didn't know that about the sub moa's having a quota that is filled.  But hey, if anyone can find a regular Vanguard that has a test target of .6" or less, and knowing that these rifles are inexpensive (relatively speaking), I would definitely buy one!

Zachary

[mjbgalt]

i have bought 4 that had targets like that. 2 before the sub moa came out and 2 after.


so the good ones are still out there.

-Matt

[safetysheriff]

I don't say that the synthetic Vanguard is my favorite rifle, even in 'blued' format. 
However, I do think it is a great shooter, having owned one myself.   If the Model 700 ADL synthetics were still widely available I'd prefer one of those.    But the Vanguard would seem to be the best value in a rifle presently being manufactured. 

[Old English]

I have one in 247 Roy and the factory target was 1.2". My handloads cut that in half, it is a joy to shoot, even the trigger is good on my rifle. Gotta agree with Swampy, I wouldn't get one in 243, it is certainly not a trim, lightweight short action rifle. It is however a great choice for any long action cartridge, which is what I bought it for.

[Ahab]

Is there only one action length?  I was looking at a stainless .243 a couple of days ago and the action seemed very long.

I have one and it has the short action.

[DKA]

Have 2 Vanguards, 30 06 & 7MM Remington Magnum. Both had about 1" targets included with them, but using my handloads, could do sub MOA. Very accurate rifles.

[Lost Oki]

Walmart in my area has the Vanguard on clearance...paid $350 for a 270.  Target with it
shows 3 shots submoa at 100 yrds