Weatherby Vanguard S2?

R

Ron Jeremy

Inactive
I have been looking for a new .308, my price range is aroung $400-500. I searched around and found the Weatherby Vanguard S2. I've done some research and it seems like a nice solid rifle and fit well within the price range.. Does anyone have any experience with this rifle? If so could you give me some pros and cons?
 
I don't know about the S2 but I liked the original when I was shopping. The only thing I didn't like was the creepy, grindy trigger. If you can try the trigger and it's good you'll have a winner!

And Ron, could you tell us about some of your recent "exploits" in the adult movie business? :p
 
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I saw an ad that Cabela's has limited quantities (no rain checks, limited to stock on hand) of Weahterb Vanguards for a bit over $300 through the end of the month.....
 
Had a friend just buy one of the S2 30-06s in the last month. Shot moa groups with factory ammo out of the box. Personally I love my TC venture with weathershield in .308, much lighter than the vanguard imo
 
+1 for Jimbob. I got the same Cabelas ad and also got one from BassPro for the same rifles but $30 more. Now, the BassPro in St. Louis will match the Cabelas price for anything they stock also.


The pros:

Great rifle, mine in .270 win shot 1" out of the box
Triggers are adjustable for weight of pull.

The cons:

For me, I couldn't get the trigger creep adjusted to what I like so purchased a Timney trigger and dropped it in. I'm finicky about triggers so it probably wasn't really necessary.
 
For me, I couldn't get the trigger creep adjusted to what I like so purchased a Timney trigger and dropped it in. I'm finicky about triggers so it probably wasn't really necessary.
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Exactly what I found on the (not S2) Vanguard. The new S2 might be better?

:confused:
 
I didn't like the trigger on my Vanguard either, so I installed a Timney, it's so sweet, 2.5 and 0 creep.:D

Damn fine rifles for the money man!!;)
 
I have a Vanguard Sporter in 30-06. There is no creep in the trigger. It's not as good as my Tikka T3 but it's plenty good. If I had a need for another rifle, I'd get the S2 model. For the price, can't beat the MOA guarantee.
 
I dont have the 2nd gen but my vanguard in 300 WBY MAG is a real bruiser. it's more accurate than most shooters but that could be because EVERYONE flinches when they shoot it :D
 
The Vanguard Series 2 has a two stage trigger, so if you do not like taking up some slack before the trigger breaks you may want to look elsewhere. I sought out the S2 mainly because of the trigger, which breaks like glass. It is also heavier than many other rifles in the range so it is better suited to stand hunting than hiking up and down hills all day. The fit and finish is excellent, and all the reports of accuracy have been positive (I have yet to get mine to the range).
 
You guys probably already know this, but a clarification regarding the S2 is in order. The old Vanguard has a single stage trigger with a two position safety, and if you are willing to pay a premium you can get one that is guaranteed to shoot one MOA. The new Vanguard S2 has a two stage trigger with three position safety and the base rifle is guaranteed to shoot one MOA (and based on the posts here, it does). Since the S2 hit the stores retailers have been having special deals on the old Vanguards, so bargain hunters can make out like bandits.
 
If I am not mistaken the Mossberg 100ATR, Howa 1500, and Weatherby Vanguard are the same action design. I do not know if they are all manufactured in the same plant or to same tolerances.
 
Hoff, the Howa and Vanguard are essentially the same action. Howa manufactures the Vanguard action. I am not sure about the Mossberg - based on the picture it has a different trigger. The Howa 1500 has been marketed by several American firms over the years, including Smith and Wesson.
 
That's my understanding too, Joe. In looking for replacements for my 100ATR I discovered Mossberg has used at least 3 different triggers, the accutrigger on newer ones, and on older models, some have a nose for alignment and those are interchange with Howa and Vanguard, or others like mine have the same trigger except they use an alignment pin instead of the nose. They are the ones that are not available aftermarket. If I ever have to or want to replace my modified factory trigger, I would consider having a good machinist grind off the nose and drill the alignment hole. I don't think it would be that difficult for someone with the the skills and tools required to do it.
 
I can't comment on the S2, but the Vanguard is an accurate rifle, no doubt about that.

I have a walnut stock 243 I bought last year. Best 3 shot grouping so far is 5/8" at 100 yards, but most of my 3-shot groups are at an inch or just under. I think that 5/8 inch group was a fluke I think. I get similar accuracy from every 100 grain factory load I have tried. On the other hand, I have not found a 95 grain load that works. Who would have thought that 5% change in bullet mass would make a difference?

My cousin has a synthetic stock vanguard in 308 and he also gets 1 MOA or better groups. His gun likes factory 150 grain loads, and he gets good accuracy out of a 165 grain hand load he worked up.
 
I have a vanguard varmint special in .223 rem. I love the gun, trigger is great, its adjustable. its not the sub moa or the S2 but it will shoot under an inch all day long with Vmax. If I was to buy a new gun it would be a S2 or a Tikka. People complain about the weight of the vanguard, but its really not that bad. I've shot my buddys Tikka in .270wsm and it is a handfull. My browning in .270wsm can be a handfull. For the money the new or old vanguard cant be beat. That walnut stock is gorgeous.
 
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