I did not know they make the barrel for weatherby
The first Vanguard I purchased was
many years ago from Walmart.
I was confused when I saw it in the case because as I understood it, the line was discontinued by Weatherby at least five years before.
I asked if it was old stock and the clerk said no, it was just in.
So I went home and phoned the Weatherby rep out in California.
I explained what I had seen in a local department store and asked what was up. He asked if I had seen the rifle in a Walmart.
He went on to explain that Walmart had contacted Weatherby after they had moved production back to the US from Japan and discontinued the Vanguards.
They expressed their desire to carry their rifles but found selling Mark Vs costing a grand or more, a rather difficult task with their typical customer base.
So Weatherby agreed to bring back their Vanguard line exclusively for Walmart.
Only four standard calibers, .243 and .270 Winchester, 30-06, and 7mm Remington magnum in basic black synthetic stocks.
He told me that they did a limited production run once or twice a year depending on what Walmart ordered.
Barrels were manufactured two inches shorter with a more satin blue finish than the Japanese Mark V, but otherwise they were the same.
That was his explanation in his own words, over the phone to me.
I went back to Walmart and bought one for just over $300, then talked a buddy into doing the same. Great value and neither of us has ever had any regrets.
It was just a few years after that time when I noticed other calibers being offered, even some Weahterby calibers. Just after that they were available most everywhere, not just from WallyWorld, so I guess that Weatherby chose to expand and capitalize on a lucrative endeavor. I'd say that it's paid off for them.
The Howa factory is the same that produced the Japanese Weatherby MarkVs and does still produce the Vanguards.