Rifle selection help

[Big20]

In a previous post I was looking for a TC Encore ProHunter barrel to replace the factory barrel that was a lemon. In the event that doesn't happen, I'll buy a replacement rifle. I've narrowed it down to three:

Thompson Center Venture
Weatherby Vanguard
Ruger Hawkeye

I'm looking for anybody with real world experience with these three to please comment with pros and cons for each. Caliber would be 270 Winchester or 308 Winchester. Thanks.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I have experience with the Weatherby Vanguard. That's my primary hunting rifle. Mine is in .30-06 and I purchased it new at Wal-Mart, on sale for $390. I bought mine back when they came with the targets in them. They have a 1.5" guarantee and mine will do it all day long with anything I feed it. I was very pleasantly surprised with how well it shot with various ammo. I had previous experience with a very picky rifle.

My only negative about the Vanguard is it's weight. If you're going to be hunting a stand, then it's a dandy. If you're going to be doing a lot of stalking, I'd go with something a little lighter.

Overall, very much worth the money. One of the best values going IMO.

 

[jsj127]

I have 2 ventures and had 2 vanguards. I also have a ruger but not he newer hawkeye but it is on my short list of next rifle to buy. My take is you wouldn't go wrong with any of the 3.

I haven't got to play with my 308 venture yet but if it's like the 270 I'll be very happy. The venture has a great trigger out of the box. The 270 was 3 pounds. I haven't checked the 308. Weaver type scope bases are included but 2 piece bases for a round action savage fit it so that opens up things if you want to go a different way. Some don't like the removable plastic mags but I haven't had any trouble with mine. Also the trigger guard is molded into the stock so it's plastic too. I haven't looked or weighed them but I'd guess they are probably lighter than the vanguard. The price was good on mine and right now Thompson has a $50 rebate.

If I went with a vanguard I believe I'd go with the newer version for this year. I believe it's called the vanguard S2? The one I look at had a very nice trigger and 3 position safety with a moa guaranty. The older vanguards I had both had to have trigger work. One I had was a lemon and the other was a shooter. The vanguards have metal trigger guards and floor plate. No scope bases are included but Remington 700 bases fit so you have a wide open choice there. The vanguard is a heavy rifle though.

I really like the looks and feel of the hawkeye. The ones I've looked at even though the new trigger is an improvement over the older ones could still use some work. With the ruger the scope rings are included no base is needed so that save you some there but the ruger will cost more than the other two. My older Ruger is a great shooting gun. And the Ruger has that Mauser type action and 3 position safety.

The Ruger and Thompson are made in the USA so that's a plus. You'll just have to try them out to see which you like the feel of the best. Really no wrong choice in my eyes. Great caliber choices you've made too.

Hope this helps you some.