Weatherby Vanguard Badlands
Weatherby, Inc. · Rifle · In Production · 2018
Also known as: Vanguard Badlands, Vanguard Series 2 Badlands
Overview
The Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is a bolt-action hunting rifle built on the Vanguard (Howa 1500-derived) action and distinguished by its Badlands Approach camouflage stock and Burnt Bronze Cerakote metalwork. Chambered here in 6.5mm Creedmoor, it feeds from a hinged-floorplate internal box magazine, wears a 24-inch cold hammer forged #2-contour barrel, and carries an adjustable match-quality two-stage trigger. Like all Vanguard rifles it ships with Weatherby's Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee, printing a three-shot group of under one inch at 100 yards from a cold barrel.
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 | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 11 N (2.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 838 m/s (2749 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3094 J (2282 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
Calibers
- 6.5mm Creedmoor · primary — also known as 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 CM, 6.5 CR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety
- Features: Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Fluted Bolt Body, Hinged Floorplate, Monte Carlo Stock, Badlands Approach Camo, Adjustable Two Stage Trigger, Sub Moa Guarantee
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters and sport shooters
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Part of the broader Vanguard/Vanguard Series 2 line introduced in 1970 and revised in 2011
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Weatherby / Howa
Notes
Marketed as the first production rifle offered in the Badlands Approach camo pattern. The Vanguard action is manufactured by Howa of Japan and assembled/finished for Weatherby. Specifications given are for the 6.5 Creedmoor, 24-inch barrel configuration; other calibers and barrel lengths change overall length, weight, and twist rate.
Background
Weatherby introduced the Vanguard in 1970 as a more affordable companion to its flagship Mark V, using the robust Howa 1500 action. The Badlands edition, launched in the late 2010s, paired that proven action with First Lite's Badlands Approach concealment pattern to court backcountry big-game hunters.