Savage 111 vs. Weatherby Vanguard

[misANTHrope]

Looking for some guidance here- I'm looking at picking up my first rifle, intending primarily for whitetail hunting and perhaps occasional "fun" shooting. I've already settled on .270 as my crtridge of choice, and these are the two rifles I'm trying to decide between. On the one hand, for $330, I can get a Savage 111 package combo with a Simmons 8-point scope. At most, I might use that scope for a season or two- it would definitely be replaced with something of higher quality (likely Nikon or Leupold). On the other hand, I can get a Weatherby Vanguard for $360, which does not include a scope. Obviously, the Vanguard is going to require a greater amount of $$$ right off the bat, but I also like the feel of the gun over the Savage (I work at a sporting goods store, so I handle these things nightly and have had some time to get to know each rifle). I know the Vanguards are gauranteed to be accurate- the one I've set asde for the moment has about a 3/4" group on the test target. I also understand that Savage has a great reputation for accuracy.

My big question, I suppose, is how these two rifles are likely to stack up in terms of accuracy, and if anyone could offer any other insights that might be handy to know, that would be great as well.

Thanks for the help.

 

[ojibweindian]

The Savage I had was pretty accurate. I just couldn't get past the trigger and stock.

 

[JohnMc]

I like Savages. For a bang around deer rifle, I don't know that one needs much better than the Savage package rifle. Of course, need doesn't always mean everything. I gotta admit that Savage triggers are a bit, ah, stiff.
If it fits you better and the extra two to three hundred bucks (or more, after a new scope and rings) isn't a problem, then you're probably better off with the Vanguard; they're supposed to be made by Howa, which has a good rep. You'd easily burn that up with a new trigger, better scope, and new stock for a gun that doesn't fit.
All I'd suggest is that you test fit a few more brands, such as CZ, Tikka, Rem, Ruger & Win. Unless you already have...

JohnMc

 

[shooterIII]

Your choice of caliber is good and as far as which rifle is concerned you have indicated that you like the Vanguard. The vanguard is an accurate rifle as indicated by the accompaning target. The Savage you woun't know untill you buy it and take it to the range. As far as the scope is concerned I would buy a good scope. I was asked to sight in a new rifle for a friend and I could not get it to shoot a consistant group. It had a new Simons on it and I replaced it with a used Bushnell Sportview ($40.00 new at Cabela's) and it shot 1" groups with factory ammo. You can get some good used scopes on eBay.com or gunbroker.com for reasonable prices.

IMHO

Stan