Vanguard® RC

(27 customer reviews)

NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION

The sounds and smell of freshly-burned powder make the range my favorite place on earth. Maybe it’s because I earned my coveted Range Certification on the firing line. All I know is my proven accuracy has prepared me for the moments of truth we’ll share in the field.

Temporarily Sold Out on Website

SKU: VMT Category:

Description

A day will come when we need to pull off the toughest shot we’ll ever face. Maybe it’ll be a whitetail breathing on 200 B&C inches. Or perhaps a bruin with a head the size of an 8-gallon keg. When that day comes, you can count on me to deliver. I am a Range Certified Vanguard and I come with official paperwork from the Oehler Ballistic Imaging System. The certification includes specific load/ballistic data and a computer image of the actual 3-shot group I fired at the Weatherby range. It’s signed by my boss Adam Weatherby to make it official.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

  • Range Certified with SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee (.99” or less 3-shot group at 100 yards when used with Weatherby® factory or premium ammunition)
  • Comes with printout from Oehler Ballistic Imaging System, including specific load/ballistic data and computer image of actual 3-shot group. Signed and certified by Adam Weatherby
  • Adjustable Match Quality, Two-stage Trigger
  • Fluted Bolt Body
  • One-piece Machined Bolt Body
  • Fully Enclosed Bolt Sleeve
  • 3-Position Safety
  • Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
  • Integral Recoil Lug
  • Hinged Floorplate

STOCK:

  • Pillar bedded composite stock with composite Monte Carlo raised cheekpiece
  • Spiderweb accents

BARREL AND METALWORK:

  • Matte, bead blasted, blued finish
  • 24″, #2 contour barrel
  • Range Certified engraved floorplate

Learn more about the Vanguard features HERE.

27 reviews for Vanguard® RC

  1. Dean

    bought this in 223 remington about 30 years ago its the varmit gun never failed to perform on deer and coyotes very accurate i wouldn’t trade it form any modern rifle its a shame they quit manufacturing it

  2. J.Asselin

    Very good rifle, I bought one few years ago , Very satisfy of the accuracy with 110 gr bullet ,I can ‘t imagine a better rifle for deer hunting. Thanks mr weatherby.

  3. Patrick Cross

    I purchased this rifle 2 years ago to go elk hunting in Colorado. I drew a bull tag this year and took this magnificent rifle into the field for the first time. I love the weight, handling and performance of this rifle. I was able to bag a nice 6x, my first elk ever on day one at last light.Hunt of a lifetime because of your excellent product! Weatherby Range Certified and field verified, you cannot purchase a finer rifle at any price! Thank you Weatherby!

  4. Milldawg

    Had been eyeing one of these for a long time. A very long time. I have weatherby vanguard series one in .270 Winchester. Love it. So my wife bought me one for Christmas 2017. Long story just now getting time to actually shoot it. First thing trigger is wonderful for production rifle. Makes me not like my other rifles. Second the recoil is non existent with it in 25-06. I put a leupold vx3i 3.5-10×40 on it. It obviously needs more glass. That’s in the plans. Third once you find the ammo it likes watch out. I wasn’t able to find Barnes vortx in 100 grain at first so I tired several other premium brands and did ok but not lights out. Well let me tell you today I got out with the Barnes that the factory target said it was tested with. Well it said it printed .88 I was able to beat that I printed a .750 today. And I’m terribly out of practice. I will post a flow on review when I get more time behind gun. All can say is the deer are not safe in my neck of the woods.

  5. Tomoz

    I bought the Stainless version IN .243 when it was referred to as the “Sub MOA” a few years ago now as I had a teenage son looking to bag some medium game. The load testing I did was very brief, it shot everything I loaded and fed it into the same hole. It has in the years since collected numerous deer, Boar and Goats. Never needs to be re-sighted (except for the time I used it for a snow ski when falling in a rock scree on the side of a mountain), even then it was only a few shots getting on the mark again. The carbon stock apart from surface scratches was fine and it is my go to rifle for some fun on novelty targets. A great investment for any Hunter, Shooter.

  6. csmith

    I own an earlier model in 7mm-08 Vanguard S2 RC from 2017. The rifle is nearly perfect and with the recommended ammo the gun shoots better than my actual abilities. One thing everyone I think forgets about is the Weatherby stock design. It’s ability to absorb recoil is uncanny and with the more stiff kicking rounds (ie30-06/270 Weatherby Mag) it really shines. I own 4 Weatherby rifles (2 mark Vs and 2 Vanguards) and frankly, this might be my favorite one of them all.

  7. StevieT

    I researched the Weatherby line of Vanguard Rifles in addition to several other brands with the goal of adding a mild recoiling rifle that would be accurate out of the box, handle well and look great. A high value rifle to compliment my 30/06 go to hunting rifle. Well, I believe pilar bedding is the best way to bed a rifle for consistent accuracy when combined with an excellent trigger. The Weatherby Vanguard, Range Certified model hit all of my criteria. I really like the dark green black webbing stock finish too. I purchased the Vanguard RC in .243, added a Leupold 4.5-14 AO VX3i Scope and couldn’t be happier. It was a consistent 1/2 inch rifle out of the box. So happy I bought a second Weatherby Vanguard Range Certified Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. Same story. It was also a 1/2 to 3/4 inch rifle with almost everyt cartridge type I tried. I added an older Leupold 6.5-20x40mm AO scope and couldn’t be more satisfied with both of my Weatherby rifles. Thanks for building and offering such s great product Weatherby. I recommend this rifle all the time. It’s the only pilar bedded stock in the Vanguard product line. Thanks

  8. Sweden Rifleman Hristo

    Bought Weatherby vanguard varmint cal 308 RC ,
    put a Leopold scope 3-4*40 TMR on it ,
    REAL TACKDRIVER , prescion is 15 mm at 100 meter with Hornady 150grains ammo , I could shoot 3 times in row , I was impressed , I have heard from my friends that with Norma 150grains cal.308 Jaktmatch the precison is 9mm .
    I had only one BIG problem that was the Warne bases that were defective ,
    When I mounted the Warne bases and scope , the rifle didnt hit a target size 150cm*150cm at 100meters , Bought second warne bases and the same happens again , Then I mounted a expensieve picanntyrail and problem solved. Extremly satisfied with the rifle , fore the money I cant buy a better rifle .

  9. Jimmy

    Durable tack driver. I shoot federal premium in 7mm and it does the business on most anything. Not light but I have 100% confidence that when it hits the pack something is going in the freezer.

  10. Riley

    At 65 I have used Weatherby rifles for many years and the performance has always been dependable. I had a cheap .223 for my daughter and she handed it back to me because of its bad performance. I bought her a Vanguard “RC” .223 and after she shot it, I got the “Best Dad” award. I tried it and it is amazing. Never thought Weatherby rifles could tighten up the pattern – I was wrong. Congrats and recommend buying an “RC”

  11. palehorse

    I have carried a Weatherby since the early 70’s, I now own 7, just call me Weatherby fanatic. All of them are beautiful long guns and accurate, I handload for all seven.
    p:s each one of them has a grand childs name on it.
    3 of them hunt with their respective Weatherby already, Miranda my oldest grandaughter has taken three elk 3 years in a row!

  12. Milldawg

    Just received this rifle in 25-06 for Christmas present from my wife. Actually got it the week before. And my initial thoughts after getting it home and inspecting the rifle is, job well done. I didn’t find anything loose or misaligned. The quality control on this rifle is impressive. Wasn’t sure I’d like the stock but after handling it my mind has changed I really like it. Also wasn’t sure how I felt about the finish but after getting it I love it. I thought that it would be a bleak flat black. But it almost has a velvety feel and color. Its a deep deep dark blue. And the trigger well I can’t say enough good things about it. Overall it has impressed the socks off me. And I haven’t even shot it yet. When I get it to the range I will post an updated review. If your thinking about ordering one just go ahead and do it. You won’t regret it. I already have one weatherby that you couldn’t buy for any price. Now just figuring out which one will be next is the hard part.

  13. Marine Captain

    Mounted Nightforce 5-20×56 on the 6.5 creedmoore version, and after walking the rounds on at 100m shot two 3 shot groups. First was about 7/8in and the second was 3/5in with the third shot passing through the same hole the fist shot made with Hornady Precision hunter ammunition. Stock is great, love this gun.

  14. Skippy

    I’ve been shooting since I was 12, and I’m 68 now. I thought that I was only a mediocre shot until I bought this .22-250 Weatherby Vanguard RC. It makes me look like an expert marksman. After boresighting with my green laser, I went through a 20- cartridge box of Hornady 50 grain V-Max Varmint Express. Always sub-MOA groups, but my best 3 consecutive shots were a 3/8 inch group at 100 yards using a 3-9x40mm Leupold scope. This rifle handles well, is light enough to carry all day, and the trigger pull is good for me. The next rifle I get will be another Weatherby.

  15. Me

    I have the RC in 6.5 Creedmoor. I’ve since sold a .243 and a 7 mm Rem mag. This caliber does it all, and with less recoil. The rifle’s ‘skin’ is very tactile and good looking. I routinely shoot cloverleafs – something my hunting camp doesn’t believe for me! I love the weight and rigidity of the stock. Well done Weatherby!

  16. Mark Lpz

    For my first Weatherby and 50th BDay gift to myself, I chose the RC in 30-06, and use Fed Premium 165 TSX or HSM 180 TSX. In my fourth season of tough, wet hunts, the proof is in the pudding…success every year for those pesky Colorado Bucks. Don’t get me wrong, those Mark Vs and wooden gorgeous bolt actions make me drool but crawling, falling, scraping, mudding and getting at those critters would wreck that art work and make me cry.

    In the end, I am happy and intend to use this rifle until the end.
    Thanks Weatherby for making quality within reach of the regular guy!
    Mark Lopez

  17. Spletz

    My Weatherby Vanguard RC is in 6.5 Creedmoor. After topping it with a Nikon 4-16 x 50 mm scope, I was amazed with it’s performance right out of the box. I was shooting sub-MOA within minutes!! The rifle handles well, it’s light enough for an all day carry, recoil is very minimal (very important to me, even though I am a big guy at 6’2, 210#, I’m recoil adverse and accuracy prone). Trigger is solid, a small amount of creep, but I know this can be adjusted. All, and all, I cannot promote this one enough.

    I’m 46, have been hunting for 32 years in Michigan. I’ve owned and shot .243s, 7 rem mags, .30-06, 12 ga slug guns. But I have found my nirvana with this rifle!

    If you have questions, I will check in on this post from time to time.

    I couldn’t be happier! Thanks to the Weatherby family for all you do!!

  18. Douglas

    I have been a Weatherby rifle owner since the 1960s. Not everyone can fit a Mark V in their budget, but there’s a Vanguard just right for most shooters. I decided to try one just to see what it could do, figuring on handing it off to a grandchild. I bought the regular sporter RC version in 270 Winchester. The factory group measured 0.82″. I chose a Leupold VX-3 in 3.5-10x40mm, mounted in Talley lightweights. With two different weights and brands of off-the-shelf factory ammunition, the rifle stayed sub-m.o.a. Using those cartridge cases and neck-sizing only, Seirra 135-grain MatchKings shot into 9/16- to 3/4-inch groups. Four different hunting bullets ran from 5/8- to 7/8-inch groups. This is honest, consistent, sub-m.o.a. performance. Excellent rifle.

  19. KR

    Purchased this rifle several years ago and worked up a good handload which shot <3/4" groups at 100 yds. While preparing for a Canada moose & caribou hunt I noticed the rifle would not feed from the magazine. Called Weatherby & shipped it to them and they sent me a new rifle, no questions asked. I switched optics and rings to the new rifle and using my same handloads, it shot the same size group and with the same velocity. Talk about quality and customer service. I could not be more pleased!!

  20. tiger

    i just recently bought a vanguard 6.5 creedmore RC i love it i will only buy weatherby absolutly astounding !

  21. .larry4831

    Nice rifle! I have it in the 257 Weatherby Magnum and mine will shoot 100 grain Barnes TS X bullets in about a quarter inch at 100 yards. I like it so much I’m going to get another one.

  22. Lsivertsen

    I just bought this rifle it’s my first rifle I love it it’s the best rifle ever I also intend on purchasing the weatherby Camilla weatherby is truly the best!

  23. PA Hunter

    After playing with a few round combinations , I found a FACTORY 175gr round that consistently shoots 3 shot groups at 1/2″ at 200 yds with this rifle. My reloading supplies haven’t been touched since discovering this. Not too many factory guns will print 1/4 MOA groups with factory ammo. It’s a little on the heavy side , especially when scoped , but that helps tame the 7mm cartridge a little. Recoil is completely manageable. Comfortable and fast to shoulder. Perfect for all of my hunts here in the East. When the very rare occasion arises where I need to reach out to 300-400 yards, this gun will do it all day, if I do my part. With proper loads, this is the ideal deer , bear , elk gun. 1 rifle to do it all for me. Well done Weatherby

  24. crossbowme

    I have a .204 and a .308 and they’re deadly. The .204 shoots .5 MOA at 100yds and the .308 shoots less than MOA at 200yds. You can’t find this accuracy at this price anywhere!

    I’m so please I just bought a Mark V Terramark RC in .338 Lapua.

  25. 257wbymagkiller

    I picked the rifle up to go with my .240 wby and 300 wby. This gun really does shoot lights out. with 120gr partions i am getting 3 shot groups at just over 3/4″

    Once again thank you every one at Weatherby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  26. E. Brown

    Toyed between buying this rifle and a Browning X-Bolt. Purchased the Vanguard RC in 270 win. The accuracy of this gun is elite to say the least, and the ergonomics are top notch. Held 1/2 inch groups at 125 yards like clockwork. Such a comfortable gun to handle and shoot. Thanks Weatherby!

  27. T. Woodall

    I have owned this rifle for over a year now. I have 4 brothers and we all hunt and shoot, between us we have more rifles than I should say and this rifle is special.
    It has a good feel and balance, great trigger, quality fit and finish and even with my 61 year old eyes shoots under MOA.
    Experience tells me spend a little more, get something you will be happy with and it will save you in the long run.
    Thank You Weatherby for a great rifle.

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