Weatherby Vanguard Modular Chassis
Weatherby, Inc. · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2020
Also known as: Vanguard Modular Chassis, Weatherby VMC
Overview
The Weatherby Vanguard Modular Chassis is a bolt-action precision rifle built on Weatherby's proven Vanguard action housed in a CNC-machined 6061 aluminum chassis system. Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and .223 Remington, the rifle features a cold hammer-forged barrel with a threaded muzzle and recessed target crown, Weatherby's two-stage adjustable trigger, and a LUTH-AR MBA-1 fully adjustable stock with adjustable comb height and length of pull. The aluminum chassis provides rigid, consistent bedding that eliminates the stock-to-action fit variations common in traditional stock-and-bedding systems. At approximately 8.5 pounds in 6.5 Creedmoor, the Vanguard Modular Chassis delivers chassis-rifle precision at a price point well below dedicated precision rifle platforms, backed by Weatherby's SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3856 g (136.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 997 mm (39.25") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 11 N (2.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3115 J (2298 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 6.5 Creedmoor · primary — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, 7.62 NATO
- .223 Remington · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm NATO, .223 Rem
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Safety
- Features: Aluminum Chassis, Free Floating Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Threaded Barrel, Adjustable Trigger, Luth-Ar Mba-1 Stock, Adjustable Comb, Adjustable Lop, Picatinny Rail, Suppressor Ready, Recessed Target Crown
Variants
- Weatherby Vanguard Adaptive Composite — Composite Stock
- Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic — Base Model
Production
Production years: 2020-present
Continuously produced. Exact numbers not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Weatherby guarantees SUB-MOA accuracy (3-shot group of 0.99 inches or less at 100 yards) with premium ammunition on all Vanguard rifles. The cold hammer-forged barrel is a Weatherby hallmark that produces a smoother bore than button-rifled barrels, potentially improving accuracy and barrel life. The LUTH-AR MBA-1 stock is a modular buttstock assembly that provides extensive adjustability. Thread patterns are 5/8x24 TPI for 6.5 Creedmoor and .308, and 1/2x28 for .223. Available in both 20-inch and 22-inch barrel lengths depending on caliber. MSRP is approximately $800-$900.
Background
Weatherby, founded by Roy Weatherby in 1945, built its legacy on magnum cartridges and premium hunting rifles. The Vanguard Modular Chassis represents the company's recognition that modern precision shooters demand chassis-system rigidity and adjustability, marrying Weatherby's cold hammer-forged barrel technology with a contemporary tactical platform at a competitive price.