Please tell me about the Vanguard Sub MOA

rjk2475 said:

located one that has been recently re-barreled with Timney trigger; is this used gun worth a consideration>

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Absolutely! I love my McMillan stocked Vanguard. The trigger was the worst part- I considered a Timney, but got acceptable results from judicious stoning, adjustment and lubrication of the factory unit.
I've topped mine off with an 18X- 50mm Burris Black Diamond and regularly shoot MOA with it.
Great rifle!

rjk2475 said:

located one that has been recently re-barreled with Timney trigger; is this used gun worth a consideration>

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As long as the rebarel is well done it should be a fine rifle.

rjk2475 said:

it was re-barreled due to 3000+rounds shot; would this amount of shooting affect the stock integrity or action?

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Shouldn't- Weatherby would not have done the work if it considered the rifle unsafe- too much liability, right?

The Howa action used in these is made from top-quality steel and is very tough. If you really wanted extra peace of mind, you could take it to a machine shop and have them magnaflux the bolt and receiver for cracks- cost about $40.

3,000rnds on a Howa isn’t going to cause any damage. The ONLY risk of damage I would perceive would have been in the rebarrel process, and I expect Weatherby tends to have their **** together for such work. If the price is good, buy it and be merry.

The Vanguard Sub-Moa models were discontinued when Weatherby came out with the S2. Starting with the S2 all Vanguards were guaranteed to be sub-moa so there was no need. Being that it is an older model it doesn’t have the better trigger of the S2, unless an aftermarket trigger was installed. I have one older Vanguard and did not like the trigger at all. A gunsmith can slick them up nicely, that’s what I did with mine.

If the price was right I’d buy the rifle without hesitation.

Edit: I’m bad about missing things, just noticed the rifle has a Timney.

rjk2475 said:

owner wants 400; can't understand why he would have it rebarrled and then want to sell it; at this point, I am not able to shoot it.Ideas?

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Maybe he just needs the money, who knows?

For $400 grab it- especially if it has glass on it! If you don't like it, you can always flip it again.....

IMO, these are a step or three above the bargain offerings from Ruger, Remington, and even Savage you'll find at Walmart for $350ish.

Do it, Brah!

Hoooo Brah, das good advice! Grab em, grab em!

Yeah at 400 id snag it.
What cartridge is it in?

running out of ammo?

The Howa 1500 actions that rifles built on are tough, reliable, surprisingly smooth, and very good quality. If wby did the rebarrel, and its already got a timney trigger id bet your good to go.
Ive been trying to sell my ar to buy a howa mini, ruger american, or even a regular sized howa rifle in .223...much prefer the mini, but basic ars dont sell for much so im limited in options lol.

rjk2475 said:

.223; the man's a regular range shooter with several guns; is there a possible malady I should look for?

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Not beyond the normal function check you should do with any new gun purchase. Work the bolt, see that the safety works, make sure it goes click on an empty chamber (a few dry fires won't hurt this gun)- look down the barrel with a bore light, check for crown damage.

I've never heard of any chronic problems with the 1500 action- aside from being chronically awesome!

Not sure on the Timney, but it may be possible to adjust sear engagement to a borderline unsafe level- this IS doable with the factory trigger if you're not careful. If it seems like the trigger is TOO sensitive, call or E-mail Timney for the proper adjustment procedure.

Does it have the original stock or an aftermarket one? Synthetic or wood?

Id jump on that one personally.

Worst case, it doesnt shoot to your liking and you make your money back. B&C stock, Timney trigger, Howa action, recent Wby re-barrel. Id think it's worth 4 hunit any day.

rjk2475 said:

Before investing too much money, I would try an older BSA platinum 6x24 on it. Do you think the scope would hold up to .223?

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In a Vanguard, .223 recoil impulse is going to be negligible. Though BSAs aren't considered top end scopes, it shouldn't have any shock related issues on this gun.

With an aftermarket stock and trigger I’d definitely purchase the rifle if you want a .223.

LoonWulf said:

running out of ammo?

The Howa 1500 actions that rifles built on are tough, reliable, surprisingly smooth, and very good quality. If wby did the rebarrel, and its already got a timney trigger id bet your good to go.
Ive been trying to sell my ar to buy a howa mini, ruger american, or even a regular sized howa rifle in .223...much prefer the mini, but basic ars dont sell for much so im limited in options lol.

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I'm there with you. I have two Howa's in .223, a mini and a 1500 hbar. I went with .223 because I shoot a lot, probably 2-3 times more than most. I'm retired and I have to watch my ammo costs. I will never say anything bad about a Howa or Weatherby.

If I came across that rifle for $400 and if the guy had the invoice from Weatherby (or wby barrel) I would have it on the spot.

rjk2475 said:

This gun can't shoot 5.56; maybe that's a plus.

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.223 chamber is better for accuracy. The problem I'm hearing about at the range (no personal experience) is the 1/7 twist barrels (5.56) do better with 69 gr. bullets and that ammo is hard to find in FMJ bulk. My Howa's are 1/9 and they like the cheap 55 gr bullets. I reload.

1-12 should be good to 60-65 grn standard bullets. I used to shoot 65sgks from my 1-12, 700.