Vanguard Archives – TopGunReview

The Vanguard rifle imported by Weatherby has been around for a long time. This action is a push feed design that features a relatively large rotating extractor affixed to one of the bolt lugs and an enclosed bolt face. In design the Vanguard is very similar to the push feed version of the Model 70, but has met with greater success. Ergonomically the rifle has much in common with the Remington 700 but can be produced at a lower cost. This combination of good ideas has made the Vanguard very appealing to shooters.

The Vanguard has a reputation for accuracy and dependability at a reasonable price. Until recently, the Vanguard line was considered lacking in flash, but the introduction of the Series II rifles is a departure with special purpose models and more features. The Series II rifles are the same reliable action the Vanguard always had with a new, rather ingenious, three-position safety and the addition of extras like special coatings, bedding blocks and adjustable triggers.

Now that the Vanguard line has begun to offer special models, the sky is pretty much the limit with a flexible design like the Vanguard’s; given the low initial cost of production the Vanguard may even pop up some day in different action lengths. In their current versions, any of the Series II rifles are an excellent value available at prices lower than can be had for similar rifles from other companies.

The Vanguard lost one point in our comparison in the category of Ergonomics because the bolt throw can at times feel less-than-smooth with an occasional bit of binding. We also deducted one point in the Long Term Cost of Ownership category because the Vanguard can be a little difficult to find replacement parts for due to its foreign manufacture which, seeing as Vanguards rarely require replacement parts, is not that big of a deal. Two points were also deducted in the Versatility category due to the fact that the Vanguard’s design does not lend itself to conversion and it is not factory chambered for a very wide variety of cartridges, somewhat limiting the possibilities with this action.

Ranked #5 of 7 in our Best Bolt Action Rifle Comparison

The Weatherby Vanguard has been around for a while now. It was originally introduced to give people the option of having the Weatherby name without the high price tag of the company’s very popular, but rather expensive, Mark V rifles. The Vanguard is even adorned with flutes on the bolt to give the appearance of a Mark V at first glance.

While the Vanguard was supposed to be something of a sideline, Weatherby now probably sells as many, if not more, Vanguards every year than their higher-end offerings. This is because the Vanguard is priced like a compromise, but usually turns out to be everything the average rifleman is looking for. The rifle can even be found in some of the more popular Weatherby cartridges, which allows people to give one of Roy’s bottle-necked offspring a try without investing a house payment in a Mark V.

The Vanguard is often compared to the Remington 700, which may or may not be cheaper depending on how dealers interpret MSRP, and there really is little that differs between the two functionally. The extractor on the Vanguard is larger than the one found on most of Remington’s offerings, a characteristic some would say results in correspondingly better extraction. This is a debate that has been going on for some time and is not likely to get worked out any time soon. For now, let’s just say the extractor on the Vanguard works well and leave it at that. The new model features a two-stage trigger and a safety with a third position that allows the bolt to be opened while the rifle cannot be fired. This is an improvement and is in line with the current trend in safeties. Weatherby now offers a conversion kit for the rifle that allows you to use detachable box magazines. This is also in line with current trends, but I’m not sure how many people will opt for it as the original magazine design works very well.

You may notice that the Vanguard lost a point in the scope mounting category. This does not mean that there is anything wrong with the mounting system used on the Vanguard – the mount is probably better than some employed on the other rifles in the comparison, but it’s not free. A first-time buyer will appreciate being able to go out in the field without first learning to install a scope mount so the Vanguard loses a point.

The Vanguard Synthetic now comes with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. This means that if you use Weatherby or other premium ammunition your Vanguard will shoot a 3 shot group less than .99 inches in diameter at one hundred yards. While it is nice to see this in print, this guarantee has more or less been a matter of course since the Vanguards started rolling off the line. With good glass and a shooter behind it that knows what they are doing, Vanguards will shoot one inch groups all day. Many Vanguard owners discover early on that with a little careful hand-loading these rifles with shoot well under an inch, even in magnum calibers.

The Vanguard is a lot of rifle for the money and, while some people might purchase them as an entry-level rifle, many become mainstays.

Ranked #1 of 7 in our Best Budget Bolt Action Rifle Comparison

Weatherby Vanguard Series II Review

Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Review