Weatherby Vanguard S2

[HisStigness]

I'm set on getting a Weatherby Vanguard series 2 for my next hunting/target rifle. I also want to get into long(er) range shooting (200+ yards). I for sure want one with a synthetic stock and a full length 24 inch barrel. This leaves a couple options that I would like some help with:
1. Am I right to assume that stainless is going to be as accurate as a blued barrel, plus be less prone to corrosion on the outside, and be easier to clean on the inside? If that is the case, I think the hundred odd extra would be worth it.
2. I already load 30-06. Is there any reason that I shouldn't get the gun in that caliber?
3. Weatherby also offers their X-Series rifles. Is there any particular difference between those and the standard blued model (besides price)?

Thanks in advance for the help.

P.S. I'm not interested in a Remington 700, Savage 110, Ruger American, etc. so don't even try.

 

[Jackal]

Check out the Howa 1500 too, same rifle ( Howa builds the Vanguard for Weatherby) but has a better stock and lower price tag. Here's a link: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...id/49446/Howa+1500+.30-06+w+Green+Hogue+Stock

 

[Bio-Chem]

1. I own this rifle in the blued version (25-06), I would be surprised if the barrel material makes any difference other than personal preference. Accuracy with that rifle is guaranteed MOA regardless of being blued or stainless so that won't be a difference. I've never noticed any difference in cleaning the barrels of my rifles between blued and stainless.
2. only reason to go other than 30-06 would be if you want to have something else in your collection. it'll certainly shoot past 200 yards and deliver enough energy for hunting anything here in the lower 48.
3. unknown

 

[Gtscotty]

I know the original Howa 1500s were the same as the original vanguards, but do the current production Howas have the same updated action as the Vanguard S2s?

 

[HisStigness]

Check out the Howa 1500 too, same rifle ( Howa builds the Vanguard for Weatherby) but has a better stock and lower price tag. Here's a link: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...en+Hogue+Stock

Can I get the Howa 1500 in a 24 inch barrel like the vanguard?

I know the original Howa 1500s were the same as the original vanguards, but do the current production Howas have the same updated action as the Vanguard S2s?

That's what I was wondering. In my searches I found that the vanguard is based on the Howa 1500 action, but that doesn't make them identical. I am also unsure about the two stage trigger as some 1500's have it and some don't. The only thing I can find that is for sure different about the vanguard is that it has a fluted bolt.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

nothing wrong with an 06 out to 350 yards. Hard to pick an overal better round.

 

[HexHead]

Check out the Howa 1500 too, same rifle ( Howa builds the Vanguard for Weatherby) but has a better stock and lower price tag. Here's a link: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...id/49446/Howa+1500+.30-06+w+Green+Hogue+Stock

You're probably referring to the original Vanguard synthetic stocks, not the Series 2 one.

1. Accuracy/cleaning should be the same.
2. Only if you'd prefer the quicker short action. Or get it in a Weatherby caliber like .257 WBY Magnum.
3. Stocks are different, like the skull camo versions, and they offer other barrel/stock combinations.

I have three Vanguard S2s, two Synthetics in .308 & .223, and a Sport in .257 WBY. All are very accurate, easily surpassing Weatherby's sub-MOA guarantee. Last time I took my .308 to the range, I shot a 5-shot 1.5" group at 200 yards.

The .257 (Roy's favorite caliber) has no more recoil than the .308.

 

[Radagast]

The Howa comes in 20, 22 & 24 inch barrels, depending on caliber. The .30-06 does not come in a 24 inch barrel.
The list of barreled actions is here:
http://www.legacysports.com/barreled-actions

As for accuracy? I used to shoot Fullbore/Palma out to 800 yards, RPA Quadlock was the preferred action All of the competitive rifles had stainless steel barrels.
I also shot with a club that did a 'sort of High Power' match using stainless steel Weatherby Vanguards fitted with competition sights and AR magazines as club rifles. No complaints about accuracy, although those who built their own tended to use the Tikka T3, again in stainless steel.

 

[1948CJ2A]

I own 3 Vanguards, but none are the S2 generation. Barrel material should have no affect on accuracy. Regardless of the material, I'd use the same cleaning practices. A bore with less crud in it is going to be more accurate.

As far as the cartridge goes, I'd recommend looking at some of the Weatherby rounds. A couple years back they made the 240 WBY Mag available in the Vanguard. I have a 240 and it's pretty slick. If you're into handloading then it becomes more practical. I also have a 257 WBY Mag and 300 WBY Mag in the Vanguard and love them as well.

I guess I look at it like this: You can buy a 223, 243, 7-08, 7 Rem Mag, 308, 30-06, 300 Win Mag, etc. in just about any manufacturer or configuration. But for proprietary or less common cartridges, those usually cost more $ and are more rare. Again, if you handload, this would make more sense.

 

[jmr40]

Howa sells actions to Weatherby to build the Vanguard on. Same action, but the rifles are quite different. While all the parts interchange since they are built on the same action, the barrels, safety, trigger, stock, and bolt are different.

Comparing the original Vanguard to the Howa, I actually preferred the Howa. But since upgrading to the S2, buy the Vanguard. The stock is far better than the Hogue Howa uses. and several other minor changes where made.

Both of those are the heaviest rifles made. It doesn't make sense to buy one in a light rifle like 243 etc. I'd only buy the Howa/Vanguard in a heavy recoiling rifle where the extra weight and barrel lentgh would be a benefit. If I were looking at a magnum, yes. A 30-06 is borderline. I'd probably prefer a 30-06 in a lighter more compact rifle, but it wouldn't be out of place on this rifle.

I like SS, worth the extra $$$ to me.

A lot would depend on what rifle your other 30-06 is. I like the idea of using multiple rifles in the same caliber. But having both set up very differently. For example one heavy rifle with a scope with a lot of magnification and a 2nd rifle in a lighter more trim package with a lower powered scope.

 

[hiplains]

Weatherby V series

1 - SS or blued makes no difference in accuracy nor inside cleaning
2 - I am a huge fan of the .257, but be aware, it is a hot factory load/chamber/rifle. That said, it is as fun and trustworthy as Roy demanded.
3 - The X series is nothing more than an offering for the "younger" crowd. Different combinations of caliber, stoctks and such. I've been looking at them and will most likely pick one up along the way.

I have two V2's and one older Mark V. Both V2's are synthetic stocks, the only syn stocks I own of any mfg. I'm a wood nut. The Weatherby syn stocks are top notch, I have no complaints of any kind. I intend to get a V2 in the 'deluxe'....wood stock and it will be in .257 since I don't have one..imagine that.

Whichever way you go, have fun and happy shooting. kb

 

[scottishkat]

257 WBY like a laser beam on whitetails

I love my 257 WBY recoil about the same as 30-06 a little more expensive to reload for.