The Weatherguard Bronze is a burnt bronze cerakoted barreled action paired with a unique hand-sprayed polymer stock. Each rifle is hand fitted for exact alignment and stability making the Weatherguard Bronze a hunters dream. Combining the quality and looks of a high-end hunting platform at an entry-level price point the Weatherguard Bronze delivers exceptional reliability and aesthetics at an affordable price.
FINISH
Barrel/Receiver/Trigger Guard – Burnt Bronze Cerakote
Stock – Polymer Monte Carlo synthetic stock with bronze webbing
Kevin Valasek –
Excellent rifle for the price. I wanted to a 30.06 for a general purpose backup to take on my elk and mule deer hunts. Couldn’t be happier with the rifle. Great accuracy using Hornady Superformance ammunition withgr. CX bullets.
Cedric –
Bought this rifle in 30-06 and overall am happy with it. I wanted a do all big game rifle and was looking in the neighborhood of the Tikka T3X, Bergara B14 and the vanguard, what I consider to be the trinity of value rifles. Accuracy was not an issue, I tried 8 different boxes of ammo and mine particularly sems to like ELDX and Fusion, though I plan on going through the process again this year now with more shooting experience in my pocket. I ended up picking this rifle over the others for a few reasons.
1) price point, at my local store it was on sale and less money on the gun means more for ammo.
2) It is a great looking gun. Part of that is due to the cerakote finish which along with style has brought me to the decision that any hunting gun of mine will likely be cerakoted. Its tough as nails and doesn’t scratch.
3) The factory threaded muzzle (which should be standard on all big game rifles IMO). I wasn’t sure if I wanted it braked or not, (no suppressors where I live) but I appreciated having the option. Ended up that I was OK with the recoil and don’t like hunting with the brake. Also it just makes for a good selling point if I ever wanted to sell or trade.
4) The three position safety. Fantastic safety feature, why not have it.
5) Good factory butt pad.
A couple things I’ve noticed over the last year though:
1) Despite the rifle’s monte carlo stock. I still found myself having to raise my head to get a good line of sight through my scope. Yes, it is a 50 mm objective and yes it is mounted as low as safely possible. This combined with the raised cheekpiece makes it difficult to use conventional stock packs or risers to help adjust. I ended up taping some neoprene onto the stock and putting a cartridge sock over it. Its functional and could be a me issue though it seems worth mentioning.
2) The groove around the grip and the forestock are a little sharp and I ended up sanding the edge to stop from getting cut when handling the rifle. Its small but it seems like something that could be easily addressed.
Neither a negative or a positive, the rifle is 7.5lbs as advertised. Its not a lightweight if you plan on hiking a lot with it. On the flip side, the stock is super stiff and the weight helps mitigate the recoil if like me you don’t want to go the muzzle brake route. I’m flirting with the idea of an aftermarket stock to go a bit lighter. TBD
Like I said, overall, very happy with the rifle and would 100% recommend.
Isaac –
Ive never before had a rifle thats so accurate that it shoots better than i do. Ive put about 400 rounds through this rifle and i can still get rounds to go through the same hole at 100 yards. Im super happy they have a cold hammer forged barrel as well, especially with mine being in 300 Wby. I can’t speak highly enough about the vanguard in general. Yes i would love a MK V, but it doesn’t have a 3 position safety, and my scope isn’t big enough to need the 54° boot throw. Having the threaded muzzle is tremendous, the accubrake st fits like a glove and cuts the recoil of my 300 by an enormous amount. If you’re looking for the best bolt action rifle for under 1000, this is it, and always will be.
lynsander –
This review is not only about the gun but also about Weatherby’s customer service. I initially purchased a Vanguard in .300 WM and after trying 2 different brands of ammo I was unable to achieve anything close to spec’s. The short version is customer support could not have been more professional from issuing the RMA, providing updates on the testing/repair process, eventually letting me know there was a defect and Weatherby would be replacing the entire firearm. Since the model I returned was discontinued, Weatherby offered the more expensive Weatherguard Bronze as replacement. Pictures do not do justice to this gun. The barrel marries the pattern in the stock making the transition seamless and the gun is lighter than I expected. It’s 95 in Ga so I’ve not tried it with gloves but with sweaty hands and the gun’s weight, it’s easy to handle without having readjust your grip. Accuracy is better than advertised. I’ve waited a long time for a Weatherby and I’m very happy with the look, fit and finish and more over the accuracy of the Vanguard.
Glen Zarboni –
Bought this rifle in 6.5 creedmoor. My group is touching at 100 yards. Love the feel and the look of this rifle. I can not wait for deer season. For the price I think it can’t be beat.
Rocky Lavigna –
For the price a no brainer.great looking and nice shooting.I would like to tell Clayton that I did put a brake on my 300 weatherby bronze weatherguard and I must say it is very pleasant to shoot with hot loads.
Travis –
After a 1 shot 1 clean break in period, my first 3 shot group was right at a 3/8” group w/factory Nosler ammo! Fantastic gun.
Clayton –
Fantastic rifle. Bought it for an elk gun in .300 WBY Mag. Manageable recoil without a brake for such a light gun. Still going to put a muzzle brake on it to make it more enjoyable. Overall accuracy is great for a production rifle under $1000.