Vanguard or Mark V?

[EchoM70]

Hi guys,

I've been on the fence on a new bolt action rifle for some time now and I was hoping to get some opinions on the matter and what might you do given the choices.

Alright, I've been going back and forth on getting either a Weatherby Vanguard S2 Sporter in .270 Win which MSRP is $749.00 or a Weatherby Mark V Sporter in .270 WBY Mag which MSRP is $1,600.00. I know both can be found for cheaper, but MSRP is a good comparison point. I've held both of these rifles and they both feel great in my hands and both are beautiful rifles.

My dilemma is whether or not the Mark V is truly worth more than double the price of a Vanguard. I know the Mark V posses a true Weatherby action while the Vanguard is essentially a Howa 1500. The fit and finish is better on the Mark V and that 54 degree bolt lift is nice and that slick action is nice, but is it $850.00 nice?

 

[dubya450]

Doesn't the mark v have some sort of accuracy guarantee? Even if it does I'd still go with the vanguard for 1/2 price and put the $ I saved into a real nice piece of glass like a Leupold vx-3 illuminated recticle or a Zeiss. Personally though I would just buy another model 70 if it were me because the new ones are the best rifles I've ever shot! Good luck and remember that the scope you choose is just as important as the rifle so you might want to save some $ for a nice one.

 

[EchoM70]

They both have an accuracy guarantee, The Vanguard is sub-moa, and I believe the Mark V is 1.5 inches at 100 yards when using premium ammo. I have a Sightron SII Big Sky waiting for this new rifle, which is one of the best scopes I've ever owned. So much so, when I sold my Remington 700 the scope stayed with me.


I have a pre '64 M70 in .270 Win that is the jewel of my collection, I also own a FN M70 Ultimate Shadow..... in .270 Win. It's a real shooter and a rock solid rifle, I've just been interested in a Weatherby rifle for quite some time. Thanks and I really appreciate your opinion.

 

[elktrout]

You seem to like the Mark V more, based on your comments. You can also save some money by buying used. For instance, I have a Wby Mark V (chambered for 7mm Wby mag) for sale. It has matte bluing (like the Sporter) and an H.S. Precision synthetic stock. It is one that was manufactured in Japan for Weatherby. It is a great shooter. I shot many one inch, three shot groups with it. I am selling it because of a retina repair problem in my right eye that dictates my getting away from the recoil as much as possible. I am looking for $750 for the rifle.

I am not trying to sell you my rifle, but it does show that you can get a good Mark V without paying $1600 for a new one.

 

[jmr40]

Not worth the difference to me. I'd only buy the MK-V if I wanted one of the chambeings it came in that were not offered in the Vanguard. Or maybe if I wanted the Ultra lightweight version. Not for a 270 in an almost identical configuration.

 

[Michael R.]

My dad has a weatherby markv in 270 weatherby and 30-06. He and I like them both. And the wood on the weatherbys is probably the best around.

 

[jehu]

I have a Wby MV and it's a good rifle but if I were going to spend upwards of $1600 I would get a Sako which IMO is a better rifle fit and finnish wise and very accurate.

 

[SwampWolf]

Not worth the difference to me.

Me either. Add to that the fact that I'm no fan of the Weatherby MK V's "California" styling (a purely subjective opinion I readily concede) and you'll understand why I recommend the Vanguard iteration of the Weatherby line-up.

 

[[email protected]]

A few years ago I picked up a vanguard in 7mm Rem mag on sale for 350.00 at wal-mart. It does have the tan and black webbing stock. It was my first vanguard and I was weary as to what to expect out of it. I dont know how well it shoots factory ammo, but it loves the 139 grain hornady sp over a healthy dose of IMR7828ssc. It prints just a tad over one inch a 100 yards if I do my part.
The cost of ammo will be higher for the 270 wheatherby chambering.

 

[jmorris]

I have a submoa vanguard that shoots...well sub moa, picked it up used for under $400. Shoots better than other rifles that cost me more.

 

[EchoM70]

Alrighty, Thanks Guys.

Guess the general consensus here is while the Mark V is nice, The Vanguard can still do the job at more than half the price.

I liked the wood on both, might just get the deluxe Vanguard as the furniture seems almost identical to the Mark V.

-Echo

 

[jmorris]

My submoa is not wood. If you want a rifle to look at or brag about (other than how it shoots) get the MV.

I always thought the lasermark looked had "bling" even before that was a word.