Weatherby Vanguard

R

RedSkyFarm

New member
Anyone have an opinion on the Weatherby Vanguard synthetic being a fully bedded stock? Am considering getting one. They have a good reputation for being accurate. Just wanted to get some thoughts on it not being a free floated barrel.
 
I haven't messed with the new S2 enough to say. But the older versions were just fine as to accuracy. The S2 is supposed to be an improved design. I know it has a 3 position safety vs 2 position on the older version and the stock is lighter and more comfortable to me.

If you feel the need to free float it is an easy DIY project with any of the cheap synthetics.
 
I have a vanguard s2 in 243, I would not change a thing about it, it shoots 1/2 groups out to 200 yds as long as I do my part, the synthetic stock is NOT a thing of beauty and I have toyed with the idea of putting a boyds thumbhole on it but it shoots so good I am afraid if I free float it it will change.
 
I have the older version. the factory stock was pretty cheesy in appearance and had a pressure point on the barrel. It did work well enough however, and my rifle shot small groups on a regular basis. So good I was hesitant to replace the stock, but I did anyway since it seemed like it deserved better.

I purchased a Bell & Carlson Medalist and dropped it in without doing a thing to modify the bedding. The rifle picked right up where it left off but now has the look and feel of a much classier firearm. I believe I recall seeing two small rectangular "pads" in the forearm channel of the B&C that apply some pressure on the barrel.

The only change I might make at some point in the future is to have the barreled action professionally Cerocoated for some wet weather protection. That however, isn't super high on my priority list as I'm not all that keen on hunting in the rain anyway.
 
I have the S1 in 3006, i free floated it slightly by sanding the stock around the barrel. It is a great shooter. The Plastic stock is better than some of the ones on other rifles in my opinion

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk
 
I'll say this is that I would put ZERO faith in Weatherby's accuracy guarantee. I know many people own them and are very happy, but if your's had a problem like mine did I wouldn't expect Weatherby to help you out. From my experience I just can not reccomend them, however I really did like the feel of the rifle and if you get one and its accurate, you'll be very happy.

If you are curious here is my personal experience with a Vanguard S2 read carefully at what I post it seemed a few people misunderstood what I was saying.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/weatherby-7-08-fiasco-help.765821/
 
I have an older Vanguard in 257 Wby. The barrel contact is needed to reduce the barrel whip from the light contour factory barrels(IMHO). I ended up with one of the "barrel de-resonators" about 4" in front of the fore-end in order to get even close to "good" accuracy.
I'd suggest shooting the rifle enough to actually determine if you have a problem and/or need to make adjustments.
The "lighter caliber" Vanguards' accuracy is quite good but the "hotrods" seem to have problems. Part of the difficulties I had with the 257 Wby stemmed from the lack of weight upfront causing a hard to control barrel flip/rise upon firing.
 
I own a S2 in 243 Winchester and a friend has one in 270WSM. Both are very accurate rifles for sporters and shoot sub MOA. For a hunting rifle I don't have any problem with the barrel not being free floating.
 
A free floated barrel guarantees nothing. It's something that every rifle either likes or doesn't. The only way to find out if yours does is to try it. If the rifle doesn't shoot better with proven good ammo, putting a pressure point back in is not a big deal. It's just a dab of epoxy bedding material an inch or so aft of the end of the forestock.
Don't bother if the action isn't glass/pillar bedded though. That's far more important.
 
I just sighted in a Vanguard S2 a few weeks ago. Shot well. My experience is that they shoot well as is.
 
Vangard Synthetic?

The early Vangard Synthetic that I bought is a 25/06. The only things I have done is scope it and change out the trigger springs. With 100gr Partitions it shoots sub-MOA out to 300yds(haven't shot it farther).It is one of my favorite whitetail rifles.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!!
 
Thanks for the responses. Will have a chance to shoot one a friend owns before I make a decision. It is still stock. So I will see what a "factory" one feels/shoots like. Thanks again for all your inputs.
 
The rifles are designed to have that pressure point & I really would not advise messing with it.
Denis
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top