Advice: New All Weather Rifle - What is your call?

[MDGrand]

So, I just returned from Alaska on a spring black bear hunt (unsuccessful)... saw 5 bears.. only one let me put a stalk on and she ended up being a sow.. large but oh man was she rubbed up! Almost bald on one side! Bit disappointed but apparently the winter was REALLY mild in SE Alaska this year and black bears have been out for a while and getting more skiddish. Anyway.. came home with 150lbs of fish so I am happy.

ANYWAY.. that leads me to my topic of discussion. SO.. I brought my Mauser 300 wetherby custom rifle with me.. and it got a bit rusted up and required a good cleaning. It has some barely noticeable new scrapes too.. and even though I fall in the camp of "life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle" .. I am starting to fall into the camp of composite stock and stainless steel. Thinking about getting the same caliber, 300 weatherby that way I can switch rifles if I want to on a nice weather hunting trip (because I just love my mauser).

Accuracy is KEY for me.. and love the Weatherby Sub MOA vanguard.. and the price, 8-900 bucks is a pretty smokin deal. That being said, Weatherby vanguard does not come with a 26" barrel.. something I like having in my mauser.

What are your guys thoughts? Just to rehash: All Weather, Durrable, Accuracy guarantee, Nothing less than a 24" barrel

?

[Austrian Hunter]

Remington 700 XCR .300 WSM
Extreme conditions call for an extreme gun. And never before has a rifle this durable and rugged been introduced to the world of hunting. The cutting edge in rifle design, the Model 700™ XCR™ (Xtreme Conditions Rifle) uses Remington’s proprietary new TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System to make the Model 700™ XCR™ virtually impervious to even the most extreme conditions. The TriNyte System takes firearm protection further than it’s ever been before by using proven corrosion-fighting materials and an innovative, state-of-the-art application process. The result is a finish that provides scratch and corrosion resistance far superior to stainless steel alone and better than any other gun on the market.
Designed for shooters by shooters, the Model 700™ XCR™ is built for superior handling in adverse conditions. Its feature laden synthetic stock is not only stylish and comfortable, but a technological marvel. Features patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® – a revolutionary technique incorporated into the grip and fore-end areas to provide the surest grip even in the slickest environments. The new standard in rugged durability, the Model 700™ XCR™ Xtreme Conditions Rifle will have you delivering your appointed rounds while the others stay home.

Key Features:
Proprietary TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System provides unprecedented corrosion resistance
New stock featuring patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® on grip and fore-end areas and swivel studs
Features a 24" standard caliber, or 26" magnum clean barrel
Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
Receiver machined from solid-steel bar stock resulting in uniformity and strength
Cylindrical receiver design provides a solid bedding area in the stock for consistent shot placement
Recessed bolt face locks up inside the counter-bored breech of the barrel which is surrounded by the receiver, forming “three-rings-of-steel” enclosing the cartridge case head for unparalleled strength
Integral extractor is set in a groove inside the rim of the bolt face, uniformly supporting the cartridge head
New X-Mark Pro™ Trigger on select models – featuring super-tight tolerances and mirror-like surface finishes, it breaks like glass and is adjustable for trigger pull weight

[bobcat]

Is the Vanguard really only a 24 inch barrel in the 300 Weatherby? I wouldn't want that, you need a 26 inch barrel with that cartridge. Otherwise, the Vanguard would be a great choice. They are relatively heavy, but that may be a good thing with the 300 Weatherby, as it would help to reduce felt recoil.

[longrange7mm]

Remington 700 XCR .300 WSM
Extreme conditions call for an extreme gun. And never before has a rifle this durable and rugged been introduced to the world of hunting. The cutting edge in rifle design, the Model 700™ XCR™ (Xtreme Conditions Rifle) uses Remington’s proprietary new TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System to make the Model 700™ XCR™ virtually impervious to even the most extreme conditions. The TriNyte System takes firearm protection further than it’s ever been before by using proven corrosion-fighting materials and an innovative, state-of-the-art application process. The result is a finish that provides scratch and corrosion resistance far superior to stainless steel alone and better than any other gun on the market.
Designed for shooters by shooters, the Model 700™ XCR™ is built for superior handling in adverse conditions. Its feature laden synthetic stock is not only stylish and comfortable, but a technological marvel. Features patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® – a revolutionary technique incorporated into the grip and fore-end areas to provide the surest grip even in the slickest environments. The new standard in rugged durability, the Model 700™ XCR™ Xtreme Conditions Rifle will have you delivering your appointed rounds while the others stay home.

Key Features:
Proprietary TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System provides unprecedented corrosion resistance
New stock featuring patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® on grip and fore-end areas and swivel studs
Features a 24" standard caliber, or 26" magnum clean barrel
Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
Receiver machined from solid-steel bar stock resulting in uniformity and strength
Cylindrical receiver design provides a solid bedding area in the stock for consistent shot placement
Recessed bolt face locks up inside the counter-bored breech of the barrel which is surrounded by the receiver, forming “three-rings-of-steel” enclosing the cartridge case head for unparalleled strength
Integral extractor is set in a groove inside the rim of the bolt face, uniformly supporting the cartridge head
New X-Mark Pro™ Trigger on select models – featuring super-tight tolerances and mirror-like surface finishes, it breaks like glass and is adjustable for trigger pull weight

 

[MDGrand]

Is the Vanguard really only a 24 inch barrel in the 300 Weatherby? I wouldn't want that, you need a 26 inch barrel with that cartridge. Otherwise, the Vanguard would be a great choice. They are relatively heavy, but that may be a good thing with the 300 Weatherby, as it would help to reduce felt recoil.

Yep.. unless you order a 26" barrel from Weatherby's custom shop.. you get a 24" barrel. Honestly.. that is the standard for MOST production rifles.. I rarely see a 26" barrel anymore.. you pretty much have to ask for one. But yes, I am with you... for a 300 weathery cartridge, 26" is the ideal..  BUT.. I am starting to consider it.

Think I like best about the vanguard Sub-MOA is the accuracy gaurantee and the fact you can get one for UNDER 1K.. thats pretty great for a production rifle!

[WDFW-SUX]

I rusted out a stainless rifle in alaska on the the salt. the only thing that wont rust are the ceramic coatings and titanium nitride.  I have falcon coat on my Weatherbys and its bomb proof. I highly recommend it.

http://www.falcongunfinishing.com/falcon/index.php

I wouldnt own a 300wby if it didnt have a 26in pipe on it.  Ive got an ultralight with the 26in.

[bobcat]

Maybe you could consider a 300 Win. Mag. or even a 300 WSM (if it's an option) in the Vanguard? The 24 inch barrel would be better suited to those cartridges. I don't think having both rifles in 300 Weatherby would be that much of an advantage anyway, because they each may not "like" the same load, and if that was the case you'd have to try to keep the ammo separated somehow. It would be easier, in my opinion, if they were different cartridges altogether. 

[MDGrand]

Remington 700 XCR .300 WSM
Extreme conditions call for an extreme gun. And never before has a rifle this durable and rugged been introduced to the world of hunting. The cutting edge in rifle design, the Model 700™ XCR™ (Xtreme Conditions Rifle) uses Remington’s proprietary new TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System to make the Model 700™ XCR™ virtually impervious to even the most extreme conditions. The TriNyte System takes firearm protection further than it’s ever been before by using proven corrosion-fighting materials and an innovative, state-of-the-art application process. The result is a finish that provides scratch and corrosion resistance far superior to stainless steel alone and better than any other gun on the market.
Designed for shooters by shooters, the Model 700™ XCR™ is built for superior handling in adverse conditions. Its feature laden synthetic stock is not only stylish and comfortable, but a technological marvel. Features patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® – a revolutionary technique incorporated into the grip and fore-end areas to provide the surest grip even in the slickest environments. The new standard in rugged durability, the Model 700™ XCR™ Xtreme Conditions Rifle will have you delivering your appointed rounds while the others stay home.

Key Features:
Proprietary TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System provides unprecedented corrosion resistance
New stock featuring patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® on grip and fore-end areas and swivel studs
Features a 24" standard caliber, or 26" magnum clean barrel
Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
Receiver machined from solid-steel bar stock resulting in uniformity and strength
Cylindrical receiver design provides a solid bedding area in the stock for consistent shot placement
Recessed bolt face locks up inside the counter-bored breech of the barrel which is surrounded by the receiver, forming “three-rings-of-steel” enclosing the cartridge case head for unparalleled strength
Integral extractor is set in a groove inside the rim of the bolt face, uniformly supporting the cartridge head
New X-Mark Pro™ Trigger on select models – featuring super-tight tolerances and mirror-like surface finishes, it breaks like glass and is adjustable for trigger pull weight

How about this one?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=170843278


ACCURACY THOUGH!.. what can I really expect from these rifles?

[MtnMuley]

I would have to agree on the XCR.  I'd go with something other than a short mag though.  One thing you must do if you decide to go with an XCR  --  Completely check the gun thoroughly before you walk out the door.  The last 3 Remington guns that I know that were purchased were sent back to Remington immediately for flaws.  One was a problem with the magazine (300wsm).  One had a good sized ding in the crown.  One had two dings in the barrel and a chip out of the stock.  I'm a big Remington fan, but they've been kicking out some flawed guns lately.

[longrange7mm]

remingtons shoot great and the 700 is one of the most solid actions you can get off the shelf. For all around accuracy and durabilty
 in the 300 rum I think you found a deadly replacement rifle  

[Austrian Hunter]

How about this one?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=170843278


ACCURACY THOUGH!.. what can I really expect from these rifles?
[/quote]

That's one of them!  I love it!!

[MountainWalk]

keep the rifle and get a new stock and get some bake on laquer. Not a new gun, but cheap.

[MDGrand]

keep the rifle and get a new stock and get some bake on laquer. Not a new gun, but cheap.

Cant do that.. its a custom mauser mark X action, shilen barrel and walnut stock. To nice to devalue by putting laquer on. Good idea though for a lower grade firearm.

[littlemac]

I made the move to synthetic after a similar trip to Alaska.  I have three Weatherby MK V's and the 378 I ordered thorugh Kesselring's and the Weatherby Custom Shop in synthetic.

One thing i have found in the synthetics fromt the custom shop, they group way better than my wood stocks.

But back to the need for synthetic.  after using my .340 Wthrby as a walking stick while climibing an avalanche chute, I decided two things.  Get a synthetic stock and don't try climbing another avalanche chute in waders

[MountainWalk]

A high grade gun that doesn't do you any good can't be worth much to you.  Naw, brownells sells a wonderfull bake on paint for metal work. Save the good walnut.