I'm looking at a couple different rifles and don't know just a lot about either other than the name. One is a Weatherby Vanguard S2 Deluxe in 270 Winchester the other a Savage 114 American Classic in the same caliber. For a trouble free, out of the box accurate without having to do any bedding, which would be the better option? I know opinions will vary but I need something to go on.
Choice of Rifles
- Thread starter ColColt
- Start date
Wow, that would be a tought choice for me. I like classic lines and natural wood. Just guessing- the Savage may get a few more nods from folks for accuracy potential. However, the Weatherby, is a little sleeker without the dreaded barrel nut and all that bolt and action sticking out of the stock.
If they were priced even remotely in the same ballpark- I would probably go with the Weatherby because the .270 is a known more for a hunting round than a target round- and the actual difference in accuracy probably won't be all that substantial.
If they were priced even remotely in the same ballpark- I would probably go with the Weatherby because the .270 is a known more for a hunting round than a target round- and the actual difference in accuracy probably won't be all that substantial.
tahunua001
New member
You really cant go wrong with either but the vanguard is guaranteed sub moa... to my knowledge savage isnt
Neither would be my 1st choice, but if I were going hunting and could only pick from those 2 I'd take the Vanguard.
Savage puts a good looking stick of wood on the 14/114 rifles, but it is still bolted to the most butt ugly rifle made. Savage certainly makes a good rifle, I just don't like a lot about them. I can live with their budget guns, especially their short action versions. Due to their design their long actions are a bit troublesome and hard to mount scopes on. At least any scope and mount I'd prefer to use.
I don't mind an ugly $300-$400 gun, but if spending the money they want for the walnut stocked Savages I can do a lot better for the same or less money.
Both have a reputation for being accurate and reliable. The Vanguard will be much heavier which is my only real complaint. I much prefer the Vanguards controls, floor plate release, safety, etc.
Savage puts a good looking stick of wood on the 14/114 rifles, but it is still bolted to the most butt ugly rifle made. Savage certainly makes a good rifle, I just don't like a lot about them. I can live with their budget guns, especially their short action versions. Due to their design their long actions are a bit troublesome and hard to mount scopes on. At least any scope and mount I'd prefer to use.
I don't mind an ugly $300-$400 gun, but if spending the money they want for the walnut stocked Savages I can do a lot better for the same or less money.
Both have a reputation for being accurate and reliable. The Vanguard will be much heavier which is my only real complaint. I much prefer the Vanguards controls, floor plate release, safety, etc.
Just got a Vanguard in 243, just 30 or so rounds thru it so far it is by far the most accurate out of the box rifle I have ever bought. Before I got it I was definitely going to change the syn stock for a boyds custom, now I am not so sure. Very happy with the rifle overall..
I love my Weatherby Vanguard. I did replace the trigger with a Timney BUT I understand the S2 has a great trigger right out of the box.
I have never drank the Savage Kool aid because I don't like the accu trigger. The ones I have tried just feel like a "creepy" trigger to my finger.
I have never drank the Savage Kool aid because I don't like the accu trigger. The ones I have tried just feel like a "creepy" trigger to my finger.
I can't say anything bad about Savage bolt rifles, I've never owned one and most all of what I read is positive. I do have a Vanguard S2 in 243 Winchester and it impressed me enough that I recommended it to a friend. He purchased one in 270WSM and he is just as impressed. We both agree they are the most accurate factory rifles we've ever owned.
steveNChunter
New member
Either one is going to be a great hunting rifle, period.
It's mostly a matter of preference. Shoulder both rifles in a store, dry fire them to feel the triggers, notice the differences in the comb of the stock. The Weatherby has a raised cheek piece, the Savage doesn't. I prefer the shape of the stock on the Weatherby, but that's just me.
The factory trigger on the Weatherby, which is a 2-stage trigger, at is lightest will be between 2 and 2.5 pounds. The Savage accu-trigger can usually be adjusted down to 1.5 pounds.
Do you need a trigger as light as either of these to hunt with? Not really unless your shooting several hundred yards, but it sure is nice IMO to have a light trigger. Again, that's more of a preference thing.
The Weatherby has a 24" barrel, the Savage has a 22" barrel. The 24" will give a slight velocity advantage with the .270 cartridge, but not a whole bunch, maybe 100 fps or less. If maneuverability it tight places is an issue for you, the shorter barrel on the Savage might be more to your liking.
The Weatherby has a hinged floorplate, holding 5+1, the Savage has a detachable magazine, holding 4+1. If given the choice on a hunting rifle I will choose a hinged floorplate every time. If you are a fan of the detachable mag and want the Weatherby, they sell a DBM kit with 5 or 10 round mags and it's relatively inexpensive.
The Weatherby has a sub-MOA guarantee which is a plus, the Savage does not. But if you buy a Savage that doesn't shoot sub-MOA, there's more than likely something wrong with it and you should check a few simple things or send it to Savage and let them make it right for you. I have never seen a Savage rifle with a bore and crown in good condition, action screws tight, decent scope, etc. that wouldn't shoot MOA or better with the right ammo. I'd say they may have made a few, I've just never seen one. So don't let the whole guarantee thing sway you too much.
There's also a slight price difference in the two rifles. MSRP on the Vanguard is $1149, MSRP on the Savage is $922. Real world I'd say you should probably expect to pay about $850-900 for the Vanguard and $700-750 or so for the Savage. The difference is small enough IMO that you shouldn't really let it sway you one way or the other. Get the one you like best regardless of $100-200 dollars. You'll be happier in the end.
Don't let anyone talk you into or out of either of these rifles, because they are equally good at what they do. Find which one fits you best and go for it.
It's mostly a matter of preference. Shoulder both rifles in a store, dry fire them to feel the triggers, notice the differences in the comb of the stock. The Weatherby has a raised cheek piece, the Savage doesn't. I prefer the shape of the stock on the Weatherby, but that's just me.
The factory trigger on the Weatherby, which is a 2-stage trigger, at is lightest will be between 2 and 2.5 pounds. The Savage accu-trigger can usually be adjusted down to 1.5 pounds.
Do you need a trigger as light as either of these to hunt with? Not really unless your shooting several hundred yards, but it sure is nice IMO to have a light trigger. Again, that's more of a preference thing.
The Weatherby has a 24" barrel, the Savage has a 22" barrel. The 24" will give a slight velocity advantage with the .270 cartridge, but not a whole bunch, maybe 100 fps or less. If maneuverability it tight places is an issue for you, the shorter barrel on the Savage might be more to your liking.
The Weatherby has a hinged floorplate, holding 5+1, the Savage has a detachable magazine, holding 4+1. If given the choice on a hunting rifle I will choose a hinged floorplate every time. If you are a fan of the detachable mag and want the Weatherby, they sell a DBM kit with 5 or 10 round mags and it's relatively inexpensive.
The Weatherby has a sub-MOA guarantee which is a plus, the Savage does not. But if you buy a Savage that doesn't shoot sub-MOA, there's more than likely something wrong with it and you should check a few simple things or send it to Savage and let them make it right for you. I have never seen a Savage rifle with a bore and crown in good condition, action screws tight, decent scope, etc. that wouldn't shoot MOA or better with the right ammo. I'd say they may have made a few, I've just never seen one. So don't let the whole guarantee thing sway you too much.
There's also a slight price difference in the two rifles. MSRP on the Vanguard is $1149, MSRP on the Savage is $922. Real world I'd say you should probably expect to pay about $850-900 for the Vanguard and $700-750 or so for the Savage. The difference is small enough IMO that you shouldn't really let it sway you one way or the other. Get the one you like best regardless of $100-200 dollars. You'll be happier in the end.
Don't let anyone talk you into or out of either of these rifles, because they are equally good at what they do. Find which one fits you best and go for it.
The one aspect of the Weatherby I was unsure of was whether it had the traditional free bore but I think probably not as that's no doubt reserved for Weatherby cartridges-not those like the 270 Winchester.
It depends on which you want. They make one with the detachable box and one called the "HF" that's the hinged floor plate. Unfortunately in my hunting around I only could find the detachable(DBM) rifles.
Pricewise, not a lot of difference and $50 or so wouldn't sway me one way or the other.
It depends on which you want. They make one with the detachable box and one called the "HF" that's the hinged floor plate. Unfortunately in my hunting around I only could find the detachable(DBM) rifles.
Pricewise, not a lot of difference and $50 or so wouldn't sway me one way or the other.
kilotanker22
New member
Both are really nice but the weatherby is a much better looking gun. Not sure what advice I could give you other than if you are planning to any upgrades it is likely that there are more after market parts for the savage
Either will serve you admirably, but the Savage does offer more versatility for future caliber changes, and being a blue/wood kind of guy, I'd probably pull for the Savage.
But I have shot one of the earlier Vanguards in 7mm-08 and it was scary accurate!
Good luck!! you can't go wrong with either one! 
But I have shot one of the earlier Vanguards in 7mm-08 and it was scary accurate!
Good luck!! you can't go wrong with either one! It's kind of funny. I went to Bud's to make an offer on their Model 114 they have listed an they came back with it's too low. I make another offer, still too low. I made a tried offer and this time it was just $20 less than their list price and it's still too low "for this item". I don't think they want to sell it.
Unlicensed Dremel
Moderator
There ya go.
Unlicensed Dremel
Moderator
Bud's already has low prices. My guess is that it's gonna be a rare occasion that they take a lower offer than listed. I'm surprised they even hassle with that.
Things are not as they use to be. There use to be several places here that sold reloading supplies. Not anymore. Once there were half a dozen places you could go to look at rifles/pistols...precious memories. There may be a couple two or three now and the choices are most limited and for sure you wouldn't find any Weatherby rifles and most likely no Savages as well. It's a sad state of affairs. So much for being able to handle both of them around here.
It was Bud's where I got the Zeiss Conquest and got it for $50 less than their price by making them an offer. It didn't work with the Savage rifle.
It was Bud's where I got the Zeiss Conquest and got it for $50 less than their price by making them an offer. It didn't work with the Savage rifle.
idnative1948
New member
I have had (donated to grandsons) a couple of Savages and they are really accurate right out of the box.
Unlicensed Dremel
Moderator
Oh, ok - sorry. However, that kind of makes sense to me...guns are lower-margin item than scopes.