Weatherby Vanguard Series 2?

[WapitiTalk1]

Anybody have any background with these?  Getting real close to pulling the trigger on one of these in 7MM REM MAG , .308, or 30.06 for an all around deer/elk rifle.   

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Weatherby-Vanguard-Series-Rifle/1370484.uts

[Bango skank]

Im also real close to pulling the trigger on one of these, in .308.  Let me know what youthink

[2labs]

Own one,and just about to buy another! Both Howa's.   quality way above Rem.
Buy one of the Howa Houge packages for less money and put a better scope on it.
Comes with a one piece picatinny  base. Sell the fish club scope.
You can get a way better deal than that link you posted. I've seen them for under $500 with a scope.

[Larry S.]

I wrote this about two years ago. I'm even more satisfied now:

"I'd been wanting to buy a 30-06 for several years to provide a little more downrange energy on elk than my Howa Model 1500 in .270. After looking at quiet a few rifles in 30-06, I finally stumbled across the Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 and was pleasantly surprised at the feel and fit (for me) of this rifle.

I'm not a believer in "barrel break-in" as I've never done it on any rifle I've ever owned and have had great accuracy from all of them. That said, I took three sets of ammunition and my new Vanguard to the range. The amunition included Federal 150g Sierra Game King BTSP, Federal 180g Vital Shok Nosler Accubonds, and my hand loaded 165g Nosler Accubonds.

The Federal Sierra Game Kings produced a 5 shot group at 1.05" with 3 rounds clover-leafed. The Federal Vital Shok had a 5 shot group at .905". The handloaded 165g Nosler Accubonds (5 rounds) grouped at .82" with a 3 shot cloverleaf. These were shot after an initial barrel cleaning, but with the gun being brand new and unfired to that point.

I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Buy this rifle. Fit, function and finish are great and you will not be disappointed."

Great rifle.

Larry S.

PS...Note that the Vanguard S2  = Howa Model 1500 with a different stock. Again, a great rifle

[JDHasty]

Best value/dollar around. Hands down.  The Howa was when it was Mosberg, when it was Smith & Wesson and still is.

The Weatherby stock looks a little "off,' but they actually are comfortable to shoot.  It will shoot 1" groups w/handloads, I can almost guarantee that.   

[257wbymagkiller]

Would have to agree they did a good job on the vanguard  and the vanguard 2 there are really accurate  out of the box. 

[jasnt]

Love my vanguard! I swaped the stock out for a blackhawk axiom stock.  Mine is 300wm

Shot this coyote in the head at 433 yards with 125gr sst @3350. 30 cal in nickle size out. I cleaned him up a bit for the pic

[Mark251]

I have three of the new Vanguard Series 2 rifles.... one is chambered in .223 Remington, one is a 30.06 and the third is my stepson's favorite the - 7MM Rem Mag.  All three are great rifles.  The Series 2 rifles are an upgrade from the Series 1, coming with improvements to the trigger and the stock.  The Series 2's have good out-of-the-box accuracy and the fit and finish are admirable for a rifle in that price range.  The only other rifle that I've found to be comparable in the Vanguard's price range would be the Tikka t3- lite.  Both are great rifles and offer good value for the money.  I think you'd be happy with a new Weatherby Vanguard.  Just my thoughts.......  Good luck with your decision!

[JDHasty]

This rifle gets you away from the junk, for very minimal more money you have a rifle you can hand down.  It is an investment and all others in that class are disposable items. 

That is the Alpha and the Omega about what you are asking.  But EVEN if you were willing to spend more... all you would be getting is name recognition until you are up in the realm of looking at Walnut stocked rifles that have a lot of hand work invested in their manufacture. 

Or a heck of a lot more and were looking at an ultra light sheep hunting rifle or a target grade synthetic stocked hunting rifle.  It is a "no brainer."  It isn't the best looking action, but it is far from the worst.  Go for it.   

[Mark251]

...And if you're a wood stock guy, Weatherby offers the "Sporter" model as well.  It's the Series 2 hardware set in a beautiful walnut stock.  You probably won't find one in your neighborhood gun shop but they can be special ordered.  Beautiful rifles for the money.  Good luck, Phantom!

[WapitiTalk1]

I have no patience for too much shopping. Mrs. Phantom accompanied me to the new Bass Pro Shop in Tacoma to pick up a few things. It seems they had a small sale on a particular boom stick I've been looking at...Gotta go put a bolt in it and check out the accessories.     More to follow...

[grundy53]

I have no patience for too much shopping. Mrs. Phantom accompanied me to the new Bass Pro Shop in Tacoma to pick up a few things. It seems they had a small sale on a particular boom stick I've been looking at...Gotta go put a bolt in it and check out the accessories.     More to follow...

Nice! Which caliber did you get?I have one in .257 Wby Mag. I love it.

[WapitiTalk1]

Gus is sensing my excitement with whatever is up on the counter... Check out the RPM's on that tail!   

[2labs]

Labs will do that for a used Kleenex!  Whatdya get.

[WapitiTalk1]

You're right about that 2labs.  I think I'm more excited, owning my first rifle in probably 30 years.    Probably moving to N Idaho in the next 1 1/2 years (final, final retirement) so I figured it was time I picked up an all purpose hunting rifle as I'll actually be able to continue my bow carnage on elk during the SEPT rut, and, have an entire another month or more to hunt with a rifle.. (watch out deer).     

[Mark251]

Congratulations, Phantom 

[WapitiTalk1]

Thanks Mark.  Had a Leupold CDS scope put on the new rifle (with Leupold hardware).  Now I just have to figure out how the darn thing works  .  I've had a few guys recommend these scopes over on another forum so I figured I'd give this scope it's day in court. 

[Mark251]

I love VX-2 scopes...one of the best for the money.  Great choice and paired with your new Vanguard, you'll have a set-up that you'll enjoy for years.  I was looking at the ammo you have, Hornady Superformance.  Hornady make great ammo but I've not had much luck getting the Superformance loads to group well in my Vanguards.  If you have the same problem, don't get discouraged.  Just move to a different ammo until you find one that your rifle likes.  If I can help at all, please let me know...

[WapitiTalk1]

Sure will, thanks Mark.  I really just grabbed a few boxes of what looked like good ammo but honestly, don't know much about the various manufacturers.  I'll give them a shot and if not happy, will move on.  Do you have any factory loads you can think of off the top of your head I may wish to try in the future?  Thanks again for chiming in.  RJ

[2labs]

No rifle pic. .  I'll assume it's a buety.  Got a leuy on mine Also! Congrats.

[WapitiTalk1]

Putting it all together, this is what I ended up with.  Weatherby Vanguard Series II, .308, Leupold VX-2 CDS 3X9, few boxes of ammo (will see how they shoot as Mark251 mentioned), a sling, soft rifle case, and grabbed a long gun cleaning kit (all I have for cleaning gear is for pistols).  Anxious to get out to the range as soon as I can. 

Any tips before I head out and fire some rounds?  Had the rifle bore sighted when the old boy put on the scope.

   

[WapitiTalk1]

I feel like, well........................... 

[2labs]

If you've been out of the long gun game for awhile Bore Snakes are really handy for a quick clean up. Nice rifle very adjustable trigger.

[Mark251]

Love the pictures    I've used many different types of factory loads in my Vanguards but a good starting point for me has always been the old standby Remington Core Lokt ammunition.  They seem to group well in just about every rifle I own.  If the Hornady rounds group well, I'd stay with that.  If not, Nosler also makes some great premium ammo, but it can be pricey.  If nothing seems to group as well as you'd like, I'd ask some of the reloaders on this forum what they might suggest.  They might share some great information with you about custom loads that can be worked up for you.  In my experience, the .308 win. is a great round and tends to be very forgiving in terms of handling variation in ammunition loads.  I think you'll be able to find a stock ammo that works for you....  Have fun, RJ!

[lamrith]

Soon as I heard you were heading there earlier I knew something would follow you home!!  You are like me, get ind set on something it is DONE!  I think you will be really happy with that set-up, can't wait to see it!

Labs will do that for a used Kleenex!  Whatdya get.

HAH!!!   

Thanks for making me spit out what I was drinking!!