Weatherby Vanguard First Lite
Weatherby, Inc. · Rifle · In Production · 2018
Also known as: Vanguard First Lite
Overview
The Weatherby Vanguard First Lite is a bolt-action hunting rifle introduced in 2018, a variant of the Vanguard built for backcountry hunters. It pairs the Howa 1500-based Vanguard barreled action with a synthetic stock finished in First Lite Fusion camouflage and a cold-hammer-forged, fluted, threaded barrel wearing a Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish. It ships with a recoil-reducing Accubrake, a match-grade adjustable two-stage trigger, a three-position safety, and Weatherby's sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. Magnum chamberings such as the flagship .257 Weatherby Magnum use a 26-inch barrel.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3290 g (116.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1168 mm (45.98") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Adjustable Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed 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 | Flat Dark Earth Cerakote |
Calibers
- .257 Weatherby Magnum · primary — also known as .257 Wby Mag, .257 WM
- .300 Weatherby Magnum — also known as .300 Wby Mag, .300 WM
- .30-06 Springfield · 7.62x63mm — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
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, Fluted Barrel, Threaded Muzzle, Accubrake Muzzle Brake, Adjustable Match Trigger, First Lite Fusion Camo Stock, Sub Moa Guarantee
Variants
- Weatherby Vanguard First Lite Specter - Camo Edition
Base model
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Civilian hunting-rifle edition of the long-running Weatherby Vanguard line.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Roy Weatherby
Notes
Offered in eight chamberings: four Weatherby Magnums (.240, .257, 6.5-300, .300 Wby Mag) and four traditional cartridges (.270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .300 Win Mag). Magnum calibers use a 26-inch barrel; non-magnum and .240 Wby use a 24-inch barrel. The threaded muzzle accepts the included Accubrake or a suppressor.
Background
Weatherby partnered with camouflage maker First Lite to dress the value-priced Vanguard in the company's Fusion pattern, aimed squarely at the western backcountry and mountain-hunting market.