Rifle question

[deerbandit]

Hello everyone relatively new to this site, third post I think.  This is a very informative site to be able to tap into other shooters experinces with other rifles.  My question is simple, I am looking for a new rifle.  It wil be either 300 win mag or 300 win short mag and I am looking for recommendations.  Just so you know the simple economics have whittled my choices down to either a Weatherby Vanguard or a Savage model 111.  Any recommenedations or info. discouraging either will be appreciated.  Just so you know I have owned and shot Savage rifles but not with an accutrigger.  I have no experience with the Weatherby Vanguard.  Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

[satchel3006]

ive got a weatherby vanguard in .30-06 and it shoots right around an inch i had a .223 and it shot a little better my dad has a .243 thats about the same i like the vanguard they are a little on the heavy side though.

[coop2424]

Over those two I personally would pick the Savage.  They are not all the prettiest guns but they sure do shoot good.  Also parts are very common if you wanted to update stock or needed a new barrel or what not in the future.  Just my    I personally have never shot a vanguard so can not talk to them but I know a lot of long range shooters will use the savage along with rem 700..

[C-Money]

I would go with the Weatherby Vanguard. They are great rifles in any class, and they are a huge bargain with the low cost. I have been around the 300 win mag more than the 300 short mag, I think ether one will be fine! I'd get the 300 win mag just cause that's what I am more familiar with, and have access to reloading dies.

[Big10gauge]

The Vanguard and the Howa are the same action, or at least they used to be.

[high country]

as an owner of both, pick the one that fits you best. both have a great rep for accuracy, both are heavy and slightly crude. they are two fine selections for the $$$. the cartridge choice is about the same...a touch more horsepower can be had from the big win, but otc they are for all practical means equal. the win mag is easy as pie to find shells for in even the smallest towns and feed better, the wsm is very efficient and saves action length......a non issue to me.

[jackelope]

I will agree with h/c on this one...you won't go wrong with either one. I prefer the Vanguard stock over the Savage tupperware if you're talking plastic stocks...The vanguards are heavy but guaranteed 1.5moa out of the box which you can't beat. I'd probably also choose the 300 win mag for the sake of ammo availability and assume it might be a touch less expensive.
Handle both rifles and choose which one feels more comfortable to you. I think the Vanguard feels like a more solid rifle to me.

[h2ofowlr]

You can find .300 Win Mag in any store that sells ammo. It is a lot cheaper than .300 short mag ammo.  It probably doesn't kick as much.  .300 short mag is good for those that have to take lots of shots at there game as it's a shorter throw.  I would just pick up the .300 Win Mag and practice.  1 shot 1 kill.

[Curly]

300WSM will kick less than 300 Win Mag ammo.............less powder = lesser kick

[b23]

The Howa action is a great piece and they look good too.  Not saying the Savage isn't because they are a good action but their recievers are big chunky and overall fugly IMO.  The accutrigger is certainly a plus for the Savage but with some work the Howa/Vanguard can be turned into a nice pull as well.  IMO if you go with the 300win mag it gives you a better plat form to build on if you ever want to rebarrel to some other Magnum caliber.

They both more often than not will shoot better than the shooter.  Though I'm not a big fan of Savage rifles if the choices were 300WSM in the Vanguard and 300win in the Savage I would choose the Savage.  Since the Howa and Weatherby Vanguard are one and the same I would save the extra money and look for a Howa chambered in 300win mag.

[Intruder]

as an owner of both, pick the one that fits you best. both have a great rep for accuracy, both are heavy and slightly crude. they are two fine selections for the $$$. the cartridge choice is about the same...a touch more horsepower can be had from the big win, but otc they are for all practical means equal. the win mag is easy as pie to find shells for in even the smallest towns and feed better, the wsm is very efficient and saves action length......a non issue to me.

Pretty much sums it up.  All things equal I'd lean marginally to the Savage just for the trigger.  Would also lean to the Win Mag vs. the Short just because of the availablity of loaded ammo and brass.  Hard to go wrong with either cal in either gun though.  You will essentially end up with 1 gun that can do it all for N. America and Africa plains game.  Throw a 3-9 Bushnell 4200, Leupold VII or Vortex Viper (all for around 300) on it and you're set.  Pretty much go to the grave w/ it or hand it down.   

[high country]

I will second the 3x9 4200. add a mc edge and it will be a loved one......forever

[deerbandit]

I wanted to say thank you to all who responded, as you can tell the choices were split 50-50 with neither coming out ahead.  I will make my decision soon and post it here.  Again thanks to all who responded, and may repond after this.

[thinkingman]

It doesn't matter what you buy, as long as there's a Leupold on top.

There, got that out of the way.

Saved the others the trouble.

[high country]

It doesn't matter what you buy, as long as there's a Leupold on top.

There, got that out of the way.

Saved the others the trouble.

I actually prefer the talley rings to hold my better scopes...........lol

[drbones]

I've never owned or fired a Weatherby, but I bought a Savage 111 in .270 WSM last fall and I'm very happy with it.  No complaints whatsoever.  I don't think I could have done better for the money.