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Weatherby Vanguard Sporter or Savage Classic 114

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SigLaw

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Dec 31, 2002
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It is time to add a 30.06 to the collection. The above rifles are roughly the same price, I plan on hunting (mostly pigs but plan an African Plains hunt in 3 years) and range work, I will likely mount a Leopold 3-9. I have read as much as a can about both and I am looking for any last minute insight. Thanks.
 
I have a Vanguard Sporter in .30-06. I really like it. It's well-made, the stock is really nice, but some of the reasons I like it are intangible: it just feels great to shoulder it.

It shoots well (trigger needed to be adjusted when I got it; fortunately that just takes a screwdriver), and it's built well. The barrel is 2" longer than the Savage, though AFAIK the gun is less than 1" longer overall.

It balances really well for me, just fits like a glove. I used low rings on a Burris 3-9x40, similar dimensions to the Leup, and it just falls into place for me. As a most-of-the-time shotgunner, I'm picky about balance and fit in ways that a lot of rifle shooters aren't.

The Savage has the Accu-Trigger, which is wonderful. I'd say, though, that the Weatherby wins on other counts, for me. If the stock doesn't fit you, then your opinion may differ. Also, the Savage is lighter. That might or might not be desirable, depending on your list of priorities.

As far as range work, though, the Weatherby stock isn't a benchrest stock. It's undoubtedly meant for field use, and used without proper care on the bench, it has slammed my jawbone (exactly the opposite of field shooting positions, where the Weatherby design does a GREAT job of redirecting recoil away from my face). Looks like the Savage is meant for field shooting, as well. That suits me fine; I have no desire to shoot .30-06 off the bench, other than sighting in.

Bottom line:

I think they're both good rifles. I'd choose between them by fondling them both. Close your eyes and shoulder them. Which one points where you want it? Which feels best balanced? Which feels better in your hands? That's probably how I'd choose.

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Then again, the Vanguard Deluxe is awfully tempting...
 
Dad has a "real" Weatherby
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've always liked the way they feel, but I don't really need a $1500 rifle, a $2 cartridge, or jackhammer recoil.:)

I'll say that the Vanguard Sporter gives you Weatherby's ergonomics and balance, and a really attractive rifle, for a much friendlier price than the Mark V. The Howa action, while it's not whiz-bang short-throw lots-a-lugs like the Mark V's, is excellent in quality. The Mark V action is really overkill for a regular cartridge, anyway.

(By no means am I putting down the Mark V; I'd like to own a few at some point, like when I have enough cash that I don't notice what I just paid for the thing.)
 
Savage package gun. cost is about 400 bucks, take off the scope and sell for 30. accutrigger is most excellent, and you can switch bbls yourself if you have to , or ever shoot yours out.
 
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