I don't know why people keep insisting on comparing Vanguard to MarkV
No, they're not the same, they never will be. If you want to lie to yourself that's not a biggie, you do whatever feels good, but at the end of the day you know it's untrue.
Far from being similar, even in performance, let me give you a couple of my reasons:
1. Strongest available commercial action with 9 lug bolt
2. Long barrels 26" min on most magnum cartridges
3. Bedded and kevlar reinforced stock.
Look, I have both, 25-06 and 30-06 in Vanguard. They're terrific rifles out of the box, you can (I did) trick and use to them to their full potential, but don't confuse a race horse with a Clydesdale.
My 30-378 Accumark has less, yes LESS recoil than my Vanguard 30-06. Put that into perspective when you're comparing them. Same with the .257 Weatherby, no matter how hot I'll load them, the Weathermark is still easier and more pleasant to shoot than the 25-06, 30-06.
Now, if I want to go bushwacking and kill a bear at 5-10 yards I'll never reach for the MarkV. I'll take the Vanguard S2. It's always been reliable, it's always got the game, and it's **** heavy enough that I can club the bear to death if all else fails to work.
Two different animals. They both work. Don't insult them by saying they're the same.