First Bolt Action...looking at Weatherby

[Cab]

So I am in the market for my first bolt action rifle. I am looking for something that will be my go to hunting rifle for all big game. I have gone to multiple stores and checked out the Weatherby Vanguard S2,Ruger American, Savage 11/111 trophy, Mossberg Patriot, Remington 700, Howa Hogue, and Tikka T3. Out of all of them I really liked the Weatherby Vanguard S2 in Stainless .308 for 600$. I haven't read many reasons not to buy the Vanguard and I wanted to see if anyone had any negative experiences with it. The only thing I can think of is that it weights more then something like the Tikka. That said 600$ for a stainless rifle seems to be a really good price. Any thoughts?

[chester]

If you handled all those guns and liked the weatherby best of all , buy it .

[bobcat]

Great rifles, about the best you can buy for the money in my opinion. And you got it, the only negative I've ever heard is that they're slightly heavier than some other rifles. My Vanguard in 30/06 is one of the most accurate rifles I own.

[bearpaw]

your assessment is spot on, I own several weatherby's and like them all

[JDHasty]

Weatherby Vanguard/Howa is in a class by itself in that price range. 

[Buckmark]

I say get whatever you want, but remember its not what you shoot but how you shoot that counts. 

[bigfish9684]

The S2 comes with an MOA guarantee.  My 243 is excellent.  They're a bit heavy for hauling all over the mountains in the backcountry. 

If weight is a concern, get the Howa lightweight rifle (same as the Vanguard which is made by Howa) or get the T3 Lite.  All will give you excellent accuracy.  Note: Tikkas only come in one action length- long. 

[C-Money]

Weatherby Vanguard is an outstanding rifle. Filled my freezer many times with one chambered in 30-06. I also like the Browning A-bolt.

[Mark251]

I have several Weatherby Vanguards and everyone is a great shooter....

[Magnum_Willys]

Have .300 wm, .338wm. 338-378 and all are nice and 90% of the game I've taken have been with the bee's. .  However if I was a reloader I would look at a rifle that doesnt have the 3/8" headspace the bees have.   There is just not much you can tune on the weatherbys.   They like bedding to perform best also.  However 1.5" or better moa is outa the box possible with their factory ammo,  Better if you get lucky.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Look for a pre 64' Winchester.

[hunter399]

Rem 700 , No comment after that being said.

[bobcat]

Have .300 wm, .338wm. 338-378 and all are nice and 90% of the game I've taken have been with the bee's. .  However if I was a reloader I would look at a rifle that doesnt have the 3/8" headspace the bees have.   There is just not much you can tune on the weatherbys.   They like bedding to perform best also.  However 1.5" or better moa is outa the box possible with their factory ammo,  Better if you get lucky.

He's talking Weatherby Vanguard, it's not the same as all the other Weatherby's. The Vanguard is just a Howa with the Weatherby name stamped on it.

[2labs]

Rem 700 , No comment after that being said.

 

[WA hunter14]

I have a older weatherby vanguard, 11 years old I believe. Solid gun shoots great doesn't seem heavy to me but there is one thing I absolutely hate about it.... The trigger, total garbage. I don't know if they have fixed the trigger or not in the new ones.