trigger on Weatherby 399 vanguards, any good?

[akodo]

The question says it all. Is the trigger on the Weatherby Vanguard a good one, or should I get a Savage with accutrigger instead.

Any other lower priced rifles that have good triggers, or are known for being easy to replace the trigger or get it working great?

Anyone still putting in two stage triggers?

I have a Winchester Model 52 in 22LR with a two stage trigger, and while I am not set on a two stage trigger, that thing is so wonderful compared to my stock Ruger 10/22 that I think I will regret not spending a bit more for a fine trigger on my next rifle.

I am looking at getting a 223 bolt gun, but NOT a dedicated varminter gun. It will be more of a light, fun shooting rifle for long range pesky cans, zapping the occasional pest squirrel, and maybe some long range varminting work, but not a ton.

CZ triggers, they any good? Both the Lux and the American are interesting, but I am often tempted by the lower priced guns.

about the only name in triggers I know is Timney. I stopped by their sight and saw this

http://www.timneytriggers.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=44 $100 for a trigger that works with the Stevens 200. The stevens 200 I have alway been told was simply a Savage without the accutrigger (of course, there are also savages without the accutrigger, and they are priced higher than the Stevens) so I am wondering how much of a gun I'd have if I got a Stevens and a Timney trigger vs say a Weatherby Synthetic vanguard 399 and a Timney Trigger ($110)http://www.timneytriggers.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=18

The two rifles that are the least expensive are
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/14603
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/69121

will a $400 rifle + $100 trigger (+$50 for a gunsmith to put it in) end up superior to a $500-550 rifle?

I am planning on topping it with a bushnell 3200 elite 2-7x scope with a 32mm lense, as I like a light little scope on a light little gun, and like the scope to be set low on the gun (that's where a 32 comes in handy) but a bushnell 3200 elite in 3-9x with a 40mm is temtping too.

Either way, I am not putting on a mondo big varminter scope, nor will I be getting a rifle with a heavy varminter barrel.

 

[elktrout]

Weatherby says that they improved the triggers on the Vanguards with some honing and smoothing of the parts and sear, IIRC. My Dad's old Vanguard had a terrible trigger and required a local gunsmith to get it right.

I looked at a new one two weeks ago. The trigger pull was crisp and sufficiently light for a hunting rifle.

Go try one at a store. That is the only way to be sure it will satisfy your expectations.

 

[jester_s1]

If the out of box trigger pull is your only criteria, then get the Savage. That said, the Savage synthetic stocks stink, and as good a pull can be had on a Remington with a little screwdriver work. Vangards have a more reliable action with the seperate extractor, but for punching paper that's no big deal.

 

[GodGuns&Guitars]

I have a VanGuard in 300 Weatherby. When I first got it the trigger was somewhere near 7lbs and stiff. It now is a crisp 3lbs. You can adjust the trigger on the VanGuard but you have to take the stock off the reciever group to do so, then there are two different areas to work with to get the trigger down to a crisp pull. Gun smith can do this fairly easily.

 

[ArmedBear]

I have a Vanguard Sporter from a few years back in .30-06.

I lightened it up with the screw on the receiver (per above, you have to remove the stock). It's fine now, perfect for hunting and doesn't keep me from getting 1/2" groups when load testing. Unlike Remington, Weatherby tells you how to adjust the thing, although I think a competent 'smith could do better with it, also per above.

My gun is for hunting. It isn't a target range toy. If it were, I'd want something a tad lighter.

My target-specific and match .22 pistol's trigger is really light and crisp, mostly new parts and all 'smithed up. I like it that way. The similar plinker .22 pistol I have, I left alone, even though it is equally accurate. I can shoot it about as well. It's safer to handle. For putting in a long session at the range, where field safety is a non-issue, or when someone is keeping score, I just find a really light, crisp trigger to be less fatiguing.

 

[Arkel23]

The new Vanguards have the best trigger you can ask for, at least mine does. My trigger is like a hairpin just a VERY TINY squeeze and BOOM. You can adjust the trigger weight.

 

[ArmedBear]

Yeah, I should have mentioned that.

There's little or no creep, no play. Just squeeze and boom.

I like mine.

I just think there's a difference between a true target trigger and a hunting trigger, no matter how smooth it is.

I've shot with guys who have 2 oz. -- not pound, OUNCE -- triggers. They have non-locking safeties, load one round, get in position, take of the safety, then touch the trigger to fire. These guns might go off when you close the bolt with the safety off. They're completely and utterly useless and unsafe for anything but benchrest target shooting. BUT... If that's what you're doing, they have their advantages.

The Vanguard has a nice hunting trigger. It will work just fine for target shooting. Furthermore, you'll have to cool the barrel anyway, so fatigue is not a significant issue IMO.

I'd get one.

 

[Geno]

I have no complaints about the trigger on my synthetic Vanguard in .270 Win. The factory target measured somewhere either 5/8" or 3/4" (can't recall which) and it'll do all of that and then some. Which leads me to say Weatherby over Savage...you see it's target ahead of time. If you don't like the trigger, I assure you, Ed will have it fixed. Go to www.weatherbynation.com There are several threads there about this matter. Ed is a top-notch man, just like his father. He will take care of you if you get a bad product.

 

[BMF500]

I'm very happy with the trigger on my Weatherby. A pleasure to shoot right out of the box.

 

[jpwilly]

I've only squeezed them at the store. The Weatherby has a nice crisp 3-3.5lb pull. I wouldn't have any issues with one...the trigger is adjustable too.

 

[akodo]

thanks guys, you gave me something to think about.

To be clear, however, I am not talking about the standard Weatherby Vanguard

Instead I am referring to the SUPER-ECONOMY gun made probably by a third party and stamped with Weatherby's name, the Weatherby 399 Vanguard Synthetic

also, I am not going for bench rest trigger pull, I am shooting for the lightest of the hunting triggers. Ideally 2-3lbs, I just keep on hearing about 'lawyers' and the requirement to have heavy triggers resulting in 6-7lb grainey triggers

 

[jpwilly]

I'm talking about the inexpensive Weatherby Vanguard that's made by Howa for $399 too. Good rifle for the money.

 

[Geno]

Actually, if I am not mistaken, they are both the same manufacturer. One slaps the name "Howa" and the other the name "Weatherby". Same rifle but less "flash" in the Howa.

 

[BMF500]

All Vanguards are machined in Japan by Howa, and assembled in the US by Weathereby. The only real differences are the standard/Sub MOA versions. Then of course, S/S or matte finish length of barrel, type of stock, etc.....

 

[JohnBT]

Heck, the trigger on the cheap Howas 10 or 15 years ago would adjust easily and shot just fine.

A buddy bought one of the synthetic .223s and it was accurate as heck with that 300-rounds-for-$40 battle pack ammo. Those were the days. He was always calling me up to go get him another one at the gun show because he bought one with the last of his money and had already shot it up.

John

 

[Dallas Jack]

All Vanguards are made by the same people (Howa in Japan) including the $399.00 Vanguards. And all Vanguards have the 1.5 inch guarantee except the Sub MOA. So for $399.00 you get a blued/synthetic rifle with an adjustable trigger and a guarantee of 1.5 inch accuracy (with good ammo) and if you are not happy with the trigger (to heavy or creepy) you can send it back for a fix.

I bought two of the standards ($399.00) one .243 and one 25-06 and am very happy with both. I also bought a limited run ".223 Varmint Special" (think Vanguard Predator without the camo and varmint stock) for $550.00 and it will shot sub 1/2 inch groups with the right load.

Good luck with what ever you buy.
Dallas Jack

 

[akodo]

thanks guys, the 399 vanguard is really looking like the thing for me.

 

[dougwx12]

If you poke around weatherbynation, you'll find posts by Ed Weatherby stating that if the trigger sucks, send it in for warranty work.

I did, it came back really really good.

 

[Reid73]

See this previous thread, and this one.