[Magwa45]

My main hunting rifle is an old Savage 99 which I love like nothing else. But if I go hunting out west and have to ship or fly a hunting rifle out there, I sure don't want those idiots damaging the old '99. I have thought about getting a Weatherby or Remington 700 in 30-06 for that hunting trip, something that I would not cry over if mangled en route. Maybe even an ugly old Savage, but those Savage bolt guns are pretty ugly. Any advice you would give here? Or maybe just a CZ in 7mm-08. Always need a new gun!;-)

[HOOfan_1]

Most of the CZ stuff is kind of expensive now.

How about the Marlin XL7
Tikka T3 Lite
Thompson Center Venture

[chains1240]

If you are just looking for a hunting tool that may get banged up the Weatherby Vanguard, Howa 1500, Savage Stevens 200, or Savage Edge comes to mind.

[hardluk1]

chains1240 good choice's . vangard and howa are the same rifle.

[jimmyraythomason]

vangard and howa are the same rifle. almost.

[Lloyd Smale]

Ive got quite a few 700s and a couple of vanguards. The old vanguards were howas. Ive had excellent luck with both for accuracy. cant go wrong with a savage either but there a bit homely in my opinion.

[cal74]

Vanguards apparently have a very poor trigger that most people end up replacing fairly quickly (figure another 100-150.00) on that.

I replaced the SPS stock right away on my .257, so that was another 220.00 bucks. Was it necessary, not really but I think it looks better now and is a stiffer/higher quality stock.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e12/cal74/Guns/HPIM0401.jpg



Another option would be to get a new Marlin Bolt Rifle, you'd be hard pressed to find a bad review concerning their accuracy.

[DPris]

I have a two-year-old Howa-made .308 20-inch Vanguard carbine.
Trigger is perfectly fine, runs about 1.5 inches at 100 yards.
Bolt is slick, gun is relatively light with factory synthetic stock. Recoil pad is adequate.
Good gun.
Denis

[WNTFW]

I agree with DPris.

I have 2 Vanguards here. Both triggers are very good. They may not impress a target shooter, but will impress most hunters.

The VG and 700 are quite similar and use the same scope bases. The VG has a flat bottomed receiver with an integral lug. The bolt is a little different. VG has different extractor. I like the shroud on the 700 because the firing pin is visible. I just noticed the bottom metal on the VG seems stronger than on my 700.

I own both and in your use I would get whichever one I can find the better deal on. One VG is a .270 in Sporter version. I shot a 1.188" group at 200 with it. So a Long Action VG will do OK. The VG's come with some MOA guarantee. I don't think the 700 does. I love my 700 also . . .

All that said I want to get a Savage - Prolly in .223. Savage has some nice features.

[hardluk1]

jimmyray Howa still makes the vangaurd and atex now makes the rest of the rifles but both or stocked and fitted at weatherby. Howa did make the whole line for many years.

[jimmyraythomason]

hardluk1,they are not exactly the same. The Weatherby has a different stock and bolt sleeve. Howa does manufacture both but they are not identical.

[chains1240]

As already stated the Vanguard and Howa are not the same rifle. Howa makes the action for the Weatherby Vanguard but the stock and I believe the barrel length is different. I was able to lower my Howa trigger to a crisp 1.5# with no slam fires. I brought it back up to 3# and I could not be happier with the rifle as a whole. Paid $500 out the door. I should have also suggested the Marlin xs/xl line. They are getting good reviews.

[Ky Larry]

How about checking the used racks at your local gun stores? A serviceable
Rem-Win-Ruger-T/C-Howa and scope should be affordable and you won't have a lot of sentimental attachment to it. Whatever you do, I suggest you do it soon. Folks are already getting their meat guns ready for the coming hunting season.

[garyhan]

I have come to the conclusion that the Vanguard is the best bolt gun out there for the bucks. The trigger has been improved in the last couple of the years. The trigger on my .338 Vanguard is a crisp three pounds two ounces. My Vanguard shoots MOA, and I consider it a good looking rifle for a synthetic.

gary

[hardluk1]

JIMMY
CHAINS I did say that howa makes the vangaurd action and thats what go's bang ,right? Atex not howa makes the rest of the actions. Stocks and fit are in house but big deal. Which ever one you can buy at the best price,buy.

[Sock Puppet]

I offer another vote for the Vanguard/Howa 1500. The differences have been covered. I bought a Howa 1500 Ranchland (20" barrel, Hogue overmold stock) last year in .223 and have been very pleased. It's a great all-around rifle that I don't worry too much about. Accuracy is very good and I don't have any complaints about the trigger. For $500 they are a fantastic value.

[GarMan]

Geezz. I would perfer the Weatherby, but you would have to get an aftermarket trigger. They are not that bad though. These feel better to me. The Bolt seems smoother too. They offer an accuracy guarantee. Although 700s are pretty accurate too.

The Remmys I have tried did not feel right to me. I hate the stock. Flimsy and a short LOP to me. Although the Weatherby has the same LOP? I would replace the stock with a better aftermarket stock.

To be honest. I would go with a Savage!