Weatherby Vanguard
Weatherby, Inc. · Rifle · In Production · 1970
Also known as: Vanguard, Vanguard II
Overview
The Weatherby Vanguard is a bolt-action rifle introduced by Weatherby in 1970 as a more affordable companion to the flagship Mark V. Built on the Japanese Howa 1500 barreled action, it is a push-feed, two-lug design with a cold-hammer-forged barrel, an adjustable two-stage match trigger, and a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee on current production models. It is offered in an exceptionally wide range of chamberings, from the flat-shooting flagship .257 Weatherby Magnum to standard cartridges like .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and 6.5 Creedmoor.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1130 mm (44.49") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Adjustable Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1140 m/s (3740 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4210 J (3105 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Synthetic |
| Finish | Matte Blued |
Calibers
- .257 Weatherby Magnum · primary — also known as .257 Wby Mag, .257 WM
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
- .30-06 Springfield · 7.62x63mm — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
- 6.5 Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, .300 WM
- .300 Weatherby Magnum — also known as .300 Wby Mag, .300 WM
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety
- Features: Howa 1500 Action, Push Feed Action, Two Lug Bolt, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Adjustable Match Trigger, Monte Carlo Stock, Sub Moa Guarantee
Variants
- Weatherby Vanguard Modular Chassis — Chassis
Production
Production years: 1970-present
Long-running civilian hunting rifle line; the updated Vanguard II was introduced in 2011.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Roy Weatherby
Notes
This base Weatherby Vanguard is distinct from the Weatherby Vanguard Modular Chassis variant. The Vanguard shares its action with the Howa 1500, which Howa supplies to Weatherby as a barreled action.
Background
The Vanguard let Weatherby compete in the value bolt-action market without diluting the premium Mark V line, by outsourcing the proven Howa 1500 action from Japan and finishing the rifles to Weatherby's accuracy standard.