I used to have a “SubMoa” model that was pretty legit but haven’t touched a Weatherby in years. How’s the quality of the new vanguards? Specifically looking at this
https://www.smga.com/weatherby/vanguard-308win-bottomland-24-5485

That’s like budget rifle price. Are they cheapo now?

It's a howa 1500 they tend to shoot well.

Vanguard? 308?

Whatsamatta with you? This is the Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor forum! Scope must be a Nightforce.

Lmao. I’d rather have a 257 if I’m going to buy a weatherby but that price looks hard to beat.

Don't worry people will come along to tell you that you are doing it all wrong and educate you.

On a serious note, I've bought several guns just because they were bargains and the novelty wore off quickly and they don't get used. Get what you really want.

The vanguard is a good rifle. I bought my son one and I’ll be honest, I like it. They are great shooters.

The action is a howa 1500 and they have the same two stage trigger. Weatherby puts a few of their touches on them and rebrands them as their own in the vanguard like. More options with the vanguard than with the Howa line.

It’s not a “ true “ Weatherby like you get with the Mark V, but I would be willing to bet they sell more Vanguards than Mark V’s 10 to 1. The Vanguard deluxe is a very nice rifle for those not wanting to buy the Mark V deluxe and looks extremely similar at less than 1/2 the price.


I’m a huge Weatherby fan and imo the rifle you posted is a much better buy than any Savage, the Ruger American and the Tikka ( there, I said it )

Troll!

I agree wholeheartedly. No one can touch Japan for the quality and price point. I am saving my pennies for a walnut Vanguard in .257 wby. I don't think it can be beat under $800, or maybe more.

Where can I find one under $800.


How are the triggers in these?

I can't really tell you much more than that, just conpare them with other rifles in the store when you see them. Fit/finish goes to Weatherby, the quality is apparent.

Comparing a Vanguard to a Remington 700 is like comparing a Diana to a Crosman.

They go for around $650.

https://www.midwayusa.com/rifles/br?cid=23852&targetLocation=%2F_%2FN-23852%2B4294906323%2B4294964493%3FNp%3D2%26Nr%3DAND%2528p_visible%253A1%252Ccustomertypeid%253A1%2529%26Nrpp%3D24%26Ns%3Dp_metric_sales_velocity%257C1%26Ntpc%3D1%26Ntpr%3D1&customerSelectedSort=False

Goes for rifle scopes as well. I'm to the point where I only look for made in Japan.

They have a nice, crisp 2 stage trigger. Honestly the trigger on the Vanguard is better than my Mark V's if you can get used to the 2 stage design ( basically there is some travel then when it tightens up it breaks very clean opposed to a traditional trigger under tension )

They have really come a long way with the Vanguard line in the last couple of years. My biggest complaint with them is they did not offer a .257 wby with a 26" barrel, which is what it needs, if you don't get it might as well get a .25-06. Now they offer most of their Vanguards with a 26" in that caliber. They have fantastic options with that line as well and has gone from being an entry level gun with only a few models to being their most popular line with multiple options and styles to suit just about anyone.

I know that they are the same factory, but pass on the Howa and get the Weatherby, even if you have to pay a little more. Warranty work for Howa goes to an incompetent gun shop in Reno NV. Weatherby goes to one of their authorized service centers across the US.

Don't ask me how I know.

Thoughts on .308 for 14 year old girl who’s a wimp lmao?

Heavy rifle, reduced recoil ammo(roll your own or buy it). Problem solved.

Depends on your kid and how much she shoots. I would give her a lighter cartridge and if there is any question, then still give her more time. If I gotta wait until she is old enough to vote I am not gonna risk putting mine behind a high powered rifle too soon. If that means she never kills a deer thats fine we will just bash cottontails and greys.

I tried a cheap .243 (ruger American) for a family rifle but because of the light weight and probably geometry of the stock, it really slapped the crap out of you. Like in the cheek. Wife wouldn't even shoot it more than a couple of times and she will shoot slugs or buckshot no problem. I will be honest I didn't care for it either. But it was accurate and easy to carry. I sold it.

I am looking at the vanguard too and kind of a family rifle not so much for the kids though. Me and probably wife. Maybe when they grow up.

I am thinking open sights or something with a scout mount. I am paranoid of my kids getting hit with the scope. In the heat of the moment you never know.

But I will be real honest you probably know as much or more than I do... just my opinions...

Last edit, I promise- one of the things I like about the weatherby is the stock, it is supposed to direct recoil AWAY from the face. Could make or break the deal right there.

For a short time, Weatherby offered what they called a “Deluxe Sporter” version of the Vanguard 2 through Walmart, Bass Pro, and Cabelas. At a glance you would swear it’s the $1200 Deluxe Model. It came with the same polished blue metal and high gloss stock as the Deluxe, but without the trim pieces between the cherry wood and walnut at the end of the forearm and between the recoil pad and buttstock. It’s also missing the cap on the pistol grip of the stock. I picked one up when Walmart was offering them for $570. They would later disappear in a flash when Weatherby stopped offering them and WM dropped the price to a ridiculous $349. A believe a few guys here got in on that deal. The Vanguard appears to have free-floated barrel but actually uses a pressure post near the end of the forearm. Weatherby says it improves barrel harmonics and the design can be found in other rifles made by other manufacturers. Mine is probably the most accurate of any that I own even though it’s become more of a safe queen. They can be found on the resale market still new for a lot less than the Deluxe model.

Weatherby Vanguard Deluxe Sporter

I have a light weight .308 with 120's that she is welcome to try it's got a brake also. Can meet you in MW or just come to that storage place. PM if you want to.

I think it’s a little stout for her in my opinion

My daughter is 13, not very big but fairly tough I don’t think my daughter would want much of a .308 personally

Muzzle brake fixes a lot of issues.

The reduced recoil loads also mitigate a lot of kick

Do both