I was just reading reviews of Weatherby Vanguard class rifles. Do they hand pick rifles from one batch for price ranges? I notice each class of rifles gets a guaranteed accuracy mark. So when the label says "guaranteed for at least 1.5 MOA" will it actually just be between 1MOA - 1.5 MOA and the sub-moa rifles are sold as a new class for a higher price?
Weatherby Rifle Standard
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rbernie
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The SubMOA line is functionally distinguished from the standard Vanguards by having the Vanguard action installed in Bell & Carleson Medalist (aluminum bedding block) fiberglass stocks. The price difference between the SubMOA and the standard Vanguard is largely attributable to the cost of the B&C stock. I've heard that Howa/Weatherby test fires each action before putting it in a stock and that the actions that shoot best are put into the SubMOA line, buit I don't know that for a fact.
I have a SubMOA in 308; it's a nice, accurate rifle that will demonstrably shoot subMOA groups out-of-the-box with several factory 150gr loads.
I have a SubMOA in 308; it's a nice, accurate rifle that will demonstrably shoot subMOA groups out-of-the-box with several factory 150gr loads.
My "standard" rifle test target was close to 1 MOA. I get 1.5 MOA with cheap hunting ammo, first shot generally is X-ring with a cold barrel. I think I can get <1 MOA with carefully chosen ammo, but it's my hunting rifle, not a range toy, so I don't care. Dead on with a close-to-center followup shot is all the performance I need from it, so if I can get that with Wal-Mart Winchester soft points, I'm not going to dink with it.
I have a walnut-stocked Vanguard Sporter in .30-06. I like it a lot. Fits and feels great. Trigger needed adjustment, but that was just a screwdriver and wrench job; the manual tells you how. Snap caps are your friend.
The Sub-MOA barreled actions are from the same lot, from what I've read in a review when they first came out. I believe Weatherby just selects the barreled actions that shoot the best on the test target, then stick them in the fancy pillar-bedded aramid/fiberglass stock. (EDIT: I didn't know it was a Bell and Carlson. That's worth a little money; those things aren't cheap if you want to get one aftermarket!)
Remember, though, if you get the sporter weight barrel, it'll heat up and lose some accuracy after a few shots, unless you let it cool. Hunting rifles are made to carry comfortably and point well, not to keep their barrels cool for a long time.
You can get the same gun, in a few calibers only, with a heavy barrel (Varmint Special and Sub-MOA Varmint). It's not THAT heavy, just a step up from a sporter.
I have a walnut-stocked Vanguard Sporter in .30-06. I like it a lot. Fits and feels great. Trigger needed adjustment, but that was just a screwdriver and wrench job; the manual tells you how. Snap caps are your friend.
The Sub-MOA barreled actions are from the same lot, from what I've read in a review when they first came out. I believe Weatherby just selects the barreled actions that shoot the best on the test target, then stick them in the fancy pillar-bedded aramid/fiberglass stock. (EDIT: I didn't know it was a Bell and Carlson. That's worth a little money; those things aren't cheap if you want to get one aftermarket!)
Remember, though, if you get the sporter weight barrel, it'll heat up and lose some accuracy after a few shots, unless you let it cool. Hunting rifles are made to carry comfortably and point well, not to keep their barrels cool for a long time.
You can get the same gun, in a few calibers only, with a heavy barrel (Varmint Special and Sub-MOA Varmint). It's not THAT heavy, just a step up from a sporter.
Weatherby = Awesome
I especially like the Vanguard. I have been able to beat the factory-supplied target everytime! The best I have had from the facoty was about a 1/2 inch group vertical. I tuned it with hand-loads down to all 3 shots into a single hole. Theya re extraordinary!!! My current Mark V .300 Win Mag is awesome too. The recoil with Weatherby is what impresses me most. The stock design "casts off the recoil". I do not regret any of my Weatherby purchases.
Doc2005
I especially like the Vanguard. I have been able to beat the factory-supplied target everytime! The best I have had from the facoty was about a 1/2 inch group vertical. I tuned it with hand-loads down to all 3 shots into a single hole. Theya re extraordinary!!! My current Mark V .300 Win Mag is awesome too. The recoil with Weatherby is what impresses me most. The stock design "casts off the recoil". I do not regret any of my Weatherby purchases.
Doc2005
SoCalShooter
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At 423yards my weatherby vanguard chambered in .300 weatherby magnum hit the place I intended to on the deer. And mine is 1.2 MOA, You get an accuracy paper that comes with it, of course if your not happy with that accuracy you could probably request a different rifle, but you will not be disappointed, Weatherby makes great rifles. What are you looking for and what are you going to use it on?
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