Can someone tell me about the vanguard?

[Tikkamike]

I just aquired a weatherby vanguard stainless/ synthetic in 300 wby. My question is what makes a vanguard a vanguard? how do the differ from a mark 5? Do they have freebore? Why can I not find it in the weatherby website? Do they use the same critereon barrels that the other weatherbys come with?

[Broz]

Originally Posted by Tikkamike

I just aquired a weatherby vanguard stainless/ synthetic in 300 wby. My question is what makes a vanguard a vanguard? how do the differ from a mark 5? Do they have freebore? Why can I not find it in the weatherby website? Do they use the same critereon barrels that the other weatherbys come with?

The vanguard is a Howa 1500 action. The Mark V is a Wby action with the 9 locking lug bolt. Both are great actions in my book.

Yes, if it is chambered for a Wby cartridge it will have freebore. If it was a vanguard in a non-wby round like a 25-06 it would not have the freebore.

Weatherby has changed barrel makers over the years. The year it was made will determin what barel.

I will add, I am a fan of the Vanguards. The two I still own and all I have owned before have shot very well.

Jeff

[angus-5024]

excellent action. probably one of the best IMO.

[Tikkamike]

What is the rate of twist in a 300 wby in the vanguard? I want to try the 220 SMK's

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

I have custom built on that same action its great.

[Broz]

Originally Posted by Tikkamike

What is the rate of twist in a 300 wby in the vanguard? I want to try the 220 SMK's

Mike, most likely a 1 in 10. But check it to be sure. Should be a 24" tube too as I think the 26 was only offered on the Mark V.

Jeff

[calhunter805]

i own a wby vanguard sub moa in 30wby. its a relaly nice gun IMO, out of the book with what ever factory ammo i bought it shot under 1in groups. all vanguards chambered in wby cases have a 24in tube and mine is a 1-10 twist. it has a bell and carlson stock on it becuase its a SUB MOA edition. meaning that when they tested the barrel action it shot under 1" and is set aside for the special setup. i bedded the stock and handload 78gr IMR4350 with 168gr barnes tipped tsx and push it around 3100fps wiht .4" and under all day. I got the gun from a gun deal had it left over from the last time he got a shippment in i pay $500 for it was a deal i thought. just my two cents its a great rifle.