While other rifles may talk the talk, this one would prefer to walk the walk. For example, there are guns that tout being SUB-MOA, but this one will guarantee it from its Vanguard action, hammer-forged barrel, and match-grade trigger.
FINISH
Barrel/Receiver/Trigger Guard – Matte, bead blasted blued finish
Stock – Monte Carlo Griptonite® stock
Michael clim –
I have the vanguard synthetic in 30-06. I opted for a vortex scope and an adjustable saddle type cheek piece. The gun functions flawlessly and is easy to carry in the deer woods. As for the accuracy, this gun shoots great. I like the detachable mag! With the flexibility/versatility of the 30-06, as well as the availability of ammo. I need no other rifle from varmints to elk. Good job Weatherby!
Terry Rice –
Previous review forgot to mention I was shooting at 100 yrds
Terry Rice –
Bought in 223 rem first time out shot 0.467 four shot group with food no fact ammo didn’t finish my five shot group became my scope is a lot bit weak and could only see where my first round went. Moved to another target thinking maybe I was completely off the paper but after collecting targets was surprised to see my groups. Next time out shot a 0.534 three shot group went to three shot groups resting different ammo absolutely love this rifle
Ted –
Ted sept.30 2019 bought a brand new vanguard synthetic in .240 weatherby a few weeks ago. Had brass from previous. .240 . Made handloads with 80 gr.berger varmint ,56 gr. Rel.22 fed 215 primer seated to 3.200 o.a.l first three shots at 100 yards 3/8 of an inch. One group and done. All of my weatherby have been great shooters but this one is exceptional right out of the box.i am 77 yrs old and still get great satisfaction from an accurate rifle. Live well and keep shooting .
Paul –
Bought a vanguard series 2 in a .223 bull barrel with a 1:8 twist. Shoots awesome. (.75 shot group at 80 meters with cheap ammo. ) Can’t wait to see what it does with good ammo.
Ryan –
I have one in a 308 and absolutely love it, it’s super accurate. I also own a 300 win mag but I’d like to get the accubrake put on it though but still a great rifle.
Dan –
Great rifle, reasonably priced even in Australia. I have taken down a variety of size of feral pests with my vanguard stainless 257wby. Handles handloads ranging from 100gr to 117gr projectiles.
Looking at purchasing another 1 maybe 2
forester –
The Vanguard action is one of the best out there. It is smooth, reliable, strong, and safe. The synthetic model is a great value. The stock is as good as a factory synthetic stock gets. The rifle is accurate as advertised. It’s not a lightweight, so I think it shines best with heavier calibers from 30-06 up. This rifle would be competitive if it was significantly more expensive. As is, it’s the best value in rifles, period. You don’t have to compromise quality to get an affordable rifle.
Lujan –
Own a 30 06 and absolutely love this gun.
Randy –
Purchased in 6.5 creedmoor cut same hole at 100 yard with Winchester Deer season 125 grain ammo. Checked trigger on electronic trigger gauge out of the box 3 times was set at 2.5 pounds. This is an exceptional accurate rifle at a exceptional price straight out of the box. Thanks Weatherby for producing a rifle that doesn’t break the bank.
varmitr –
I have this gun in a 257 weatherby I’am getting 1/8 in groups at 100yds. with 110 gr ELD-X bullets at 3654 fps. 6th. weatherby gun. Weatherby guns are the best!!!
God bless Roy Weatherby!
Ridge hunter –
Picked up a .243 for the kids to use deer hunting. They have both now filled tags with it. Both one shot and done. The gun definitely did its part. Worth every penny since it was kinda shooting against my buddies kid using a Savage.243. There was no comparison
Now to pick up a 6.5 Creedmoor
BobbyG –
It just doesn’t miss. Using Federal Blue 180 grain soft points, and it just knocks the deer down. Purchased in 2009, and I could not be more satisfied in it’s performance.During that time four others have used it with the same results.
We call it “the grey ghost”. I think I should retire it, and maybe make a wall hanger out of it, but I can’ do it. Lol!
B-Ray –
bought 2 vanguards a few months back,1 grey synthetic .7mm-08 from a dealer and select model from wally world in .270. I agree with previous post that both guns shoot hornady ammo better,
at least my 2 do.the 7mm-08 once sighted put 3 shots in bullseye 100yds with 2 touching and the 270 put 2 out of 3 in bullseye . I am by no means a shooter so I used a lead sled to help sight-in. I’d say that’s pretty good for guns right out of box with factory ammo, hornady American whitetail. good job weatherby.
Needs Accubrake –
I have enjoyed my vanguard in 300 wm a ton. I can shoot reliably out to our range max @ 600 yrds and it does well with even cheap ammo.
In 300 wm it was kicking a lot and hard to control, so I got the accubrake installed and except for the weight it’s now the perfect hunting rifle – cheap enough to not feel bad about dragging it through anything, but tough enough to handle it.
I easily get 3 shot sub MOA @100yrds with handloads.
JS –
I bought a VANGUARD in 7mm Rem Mag, and have been thoroughly impressed with the quality and durability of this firearm. The rifle was mated with a 50mm Bushnell banner when i purchased it, and i would put this gun up against any of them out there. Well done Weatherby!
Jeremy laxton –
At first, the rifle had a stiff sturdy feel that after about 350 rounds started grouping like it claimed. If you want the MOA it advertised, you have to let the barrel cool between shots. The trigger is a little creepy, but not to bad overall. I would buy it again knowing its performance first hand.
Andy –
Great deer hunting rifle
I thought the 308 from Walmart when they were discontinuing and had a great price I have killed too nice dear already very pleased with the Performance
Vladimiri1189 –
One of the best rifles I’ve shot at this price point, you can’t really beat a Weatherby. Have mine in the classic .257 Wby Mag and put 5 shot groups inside a dime at 300 yds. Love this Rifle.
D Groves –
Nothing not to like about this Rifle. I got it in the 270 caliber, shoots better groups than any costume rifle I own. I shoot long ranges on the plains of Colorado and have been doing so for 45 years. Elk , mule Deer, pronghorns beware . LoL we’ll done Weatherby
Daniel –
I bought it this year for my first gun for me to buy and put my single shot rossi away this year to try out my new vanguard and i love it
Dogbertx –
Not nearly the most expensive rifle I own but the best value and rifle I own.
Always been a .270 fan.
Was my go to rifle for hunting as it was inexpensive and carrying on the quad can be damaging.
Then I found it shot better than my more expensive ones at the range.
The trigger has zero creap and is light and crisp.
Changed the internal magazine to an external. That works really well.
Tried multi ammo and handloads.
Federal is the least accurate in this rifle. Sako hammerhead 156 grain is very good out of the box ammo. Too heavy for deer.
Hornady is great all round.
DoubleTap is very good.
All round after some exploring this is the best rifle I own. It treats me far better than I treat it.
LGB3 –
i own two vanguards extremely happy with both .one in 270 and one 30-06. both deadly accurate.
Bronco –
Bought the Weatherby Vanguard 30 years ago in 7mm Mag. Very accurate, low recoil, and perfect size with the 24” barrel. Still looks like new. Put the extra cash in your scope or binoculars!
Rune –
Just bought a 308W Vanguard S2. The machined bolt body had to my surprise some surface rusting/corrosion, which I only noticed when I brought the rifle home from the dealer (xxl.no). As I was not able to remove the rust by polishing with gun oil, I brought the rifle back to the dealer. Their in-house gunsmith immediately machine polished away the corroded areas, resulting in smoother bolt action.
Later at the shooting range I have extensively compared the new Vanguard to my trusted 30-06 Sako 75 Hunter, and to my surprise I liked the less than half price Vanguard better! Consistent trigger and nice feeling of the rifle made me more confident and relaxed on the range.
The Vanguard range have a strong following here in Norway, next step is possibly modifying the synthetic stock to make the barrel free floating.
Great buy and service from dealer!
Alito 357 –
Bought this as my first rifle and its quality is excellent and it groups well.
The best purchase in years.
Congratulations
K up north –
Got a Vanguard chambered in .243 Win. Works awesome on coyotes and I can hit squirrels no problem too, haha, tho you can’t find much left of them.
Jerry –
I needed another rifle like another hole in the head. BUT, it was a Weatherby, ON SALE! Would have gotten the Vangard Deluxe Sporter, but it would have never seen the gun safe. It would be hanging on the wall in a glass case, just to look at… These rifles make the other guy’s look like dog food. I already have a 4 x 16 x 40 Bushnell scope (another sale item, I might use someday…). Can’t wait to dial it in @ 100 yards. The fellow next in line behind me was purchasing the VDS in .308 for his 12 yo grandson for Elk Hunting in November. He owns 4 Weatherby’s himself! The kid is already shooting sub 1″ moa’s with Gramp’s rifles (He is currently enrolled in a gun/hunting safety course.).
Paul –
I own two Vanguard Synthetics, one in 270 WSM and one in 240 Weatherby Mag. Both are accurate and reliable. The 240 WM routinely shoots 1/2 MOA with several different loads and the 270 WSM shoots 1 MOA with several different loads. You can’t ask for more. I have successfully taken many species from feral pigs to deer to elk to scimitar oryx with the 270 WSM. I have ZERO complaints the Vanguards. They are just right.
KeithN –
I bought the Weatherby Vanguard in 300 Weatherby Magnum the week it hit stores. I was impressed with the accuracy claims and features. To say the least I was blown away! I own several Mark V Weatherby rifles in 300 Weatherby Magnum and 270 Weatherby Magnum. The Synthetic Vanguard out shoots them all! In a vise shooting factory 165 grain ballistic tips the gun shoots the same hole every time! I’m now buying a Synthetic Vanguard in 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum. What gun in this price range shoots a guaranteed .99” group has a 3 position safety and a 2 stage adjustable trigger? None! All my other Weatherbys have to have the saftey in the fire position to unbolt a round. The new Synthetic Vanguard has three positions safe, fire and safety on unload. I really like this added saftey feature! Thanks Weatherby for delivering yet another AWESOME rifle to your line up!
LIL JOE –
Let’s start off saying I have a lot of rifles but these are special
Solid feeling and highly accurate,,,,granted barrel isn’t free floated ,,,doesn’t hinder the accuracy,,if you don’t heat up the barrel to much
I shoot paper and don’t hunt,,,either case I have 3 Vanguard’s and they shoot under 1 moa all day long with over the counter ammo
243 cal 3 shot group you can cover with a dime at 100 yards
Been considering a Mark V but I can’t get over theses Vanguards
If I only had 1 high power rifle,,,it’ll be one of these
300 Anguish –
I may have bought the ‘dud’ in the entire series but this is the most disappointing rifle in my collection.
I’ve spent more than 300 or even 400 rounds just getting a load to perform close to acceptable conditions. Carnival or Circus guns would outperform it.
This is a dire disappointment. Sorry, I love the gun but not its performance 🙁
East Prairie hunter –
I had gotten my first Weatherby as a gift it is a mark V 300 weatherby mag (to expensive for me) best gun i have even though its a left handed gun (I am right handed) the next was a vangard series 2 in a 270 win both are sub [email protected] and have never let me down had to sell the 270 due to financial problems but i want another vangard in the 300 weatherby mag
Tyson22250 –
Have serval other weatherby vanguards, and couple Mark v’s with no complaints. I have one Weatherby Vanguard S2 in 22/250 and have never been happy I’m going to burn the barrel out just trying to find something it shoots good.Not very accurate at all. Makes patterns instead of groups, no matter what I do.
DC –
I Ran a gun shop years ago.Weatherby has always stood for qaulity,and still does .while other company’s are in a race to produce junk,weatherby stands for quality.thanks for not selling out!
LIL JOE –
First off I own a lot of High Powered Rifles
Out of these I own 2 series 2 Rifles and the most accurate
270 and a new 243
1st trip to the range with this rifle
Topped with a 4x16x40 mm Bushnell Banner
After zeroing at 100 yard 3 shot group you could cover with a Dime
Used Federal Fusion 95gr
What I’m trying to say these Rifles are a solid platform,,barrel isn’t free floated ,,but with this accuracy it doesn’t need to be the harmonics are excellent
The Vanguard series 2 Rifles are super nice Rifles ,,always have a place in my home
Josh –
I reload and no matter what I feed it 168 eldm through 212 eldx all bullets are touching at 100 yards with higher than average velocity. Thank you Weatherby for such an amazing product.
Steve in MD –
I bought a Vanguard Synthetic in .308 Win and loved it so much that I bought another in .375 H&H Mag. The .308 shoots 0.7 inch 3-shot groups at 100 yards and the .375 shoots 0.6 inch groups — and that is with me behind the gun — a better shooter could probably cut those group sizes.
The trigger is great. It shoots great. It fits me great — being 6’3″ tall with long arms some guns don’t fit me well, but this gun does. Love it! Thanks, Weatherby!!
Tgib –
I have used and sold weatherby vanguard and Mark v rifles for many many years. The only rifle and company we delt with that you never had a concern over quality and reliability. Great products and great company.
Stetz –
Purchased a Stainless Vanguard 2 in 30.06 last year. A great gun for the money in every aspect. As advertised, sub MOA with all the factory ammo I shot. Shoot’s an amazing 5 shot group with Federal Premium Trophy Copper 165 grain, .43″ at 100 yards. You won’t be disappointed with this rifle.
1shot –
I can cover a five shot group with the base of my 300wdby mag ! A great value out of the box and 18 years later !!!!!
Paul –
My Vanguard 30-06 screamed quality from the time I bought it. The trigger is smooth and breaks like glass and the bolt works silky smooth. The stock is so well designed that it feels like a part of me when I shoulder the rifle. Couldn’t be more pleased.
Douggie –
Easily the best bang for your buck on the bolt rifle market. Thank you Weatherby for still making quality guns in an age of cheap, platic junk. Hope that never changes!
Josh –
This gun is amazing! I bought my 300 hoping to find my match and I think it’s the one. It’s extremely accurate and has a very comfortable stock. I can hit many targets quite easily. It goes in small and leaves a devastating exit. This is a great gun and I’m very satisfied
ChrisB22 –
I have been shooting with this .308 for about a year now. I love this rifle for its accuracy and versatility. I get groupings under 1” at 200meters with home loads. Keep up the good work team!
Phila –
I bought my first VG 2 in 308 win. Shot it at the range and hunted with it. Followed up with VG 2 s in .223 and 7mm Remington magnum. All very accurate, consistent sub moa performers with factory ammo. The 7mm being amazingly accurate out to 200 meters, likely much further, limited only by the range distances at my club. Accuracy dropped off due to loose bolts, re-torqued the mounting bolts and accuracy returned to original performance. I have not found an equal in other makes in this price range. Excellent value.
Tyler –
Weatherby claims MOA or better at 100 yards, but boy, they do better than that. I have the stainless version in .257 Weatherby, and when using their factory loaded 115 grain ballistic tip cartridges, touching holes are achievable, and about .75-1″ groups at 200 is my average. The rifle has an extremely comfortable stock and the two stage trigger is the best I’ve ever squeezed on a production rifle. Feeding cartridges from the magazine is so smooth it doesn’t feel like I’m chambering anything. The gun has a little bit of extra weight to it compared to rifles of some other big names, but I think that contributes to the quality feel that it has. A second Vanguard rifle in a .30-06 is in my near future.
WASP –
At 100 yards, my Weatherby Vanguard 2 can consistently put 3 rounds in the size of my little fingernail.
It makes me wonder if I really need the new 6.5 creedmoor….
Tim M –
I am seriously impressed with this rifle – and so are the guys I shoot with. Without stress, I can make a single hole at 100 yards no-problemo. What else do you need? I can’t say enough good about this gun.
Robbie –
I use 165 gr. hornady red tips i have no reason to change for the money you cant beat it
G. Man –
I have two S-2’sone in 243 win and one in 300 win mag
Both are one shot rifles
Also have a weatherby mark -5 ultralight in 7mm-08 they are all fine rifles but for your $ the S-2 is hard to beat
10ft5x –
I have three of the Vanguard S2 rifles,30-06,270,6.5CM,and soon a 25-06.I find the fit,and finish,performance,and price make these rifles a great value.All of my S2 rifles shoot exceptionally well.It seems every rifle has a particular round it performs best with.I took the time,and sampled every round available till I found “THE ROUND”each rifle performed best with!All of my rifles have great glass on them,Zeis,or Vortex,and this is where you really want to spend the money,a value packed rifle,combined with great glass,and you have an outstanding piece of equipment that will last for generations!
Craig –
Bought a Vanguard 4 years ago for an elk hunt and worked up a load. Outstanding performance. Just fo