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Hi, I'm looking at buying a 2nd hand Weatherby Vanguard .308win from a local H&F. Price seems sharp, as the rifle barrel has lost a good amount of bluing (maybe it got rusty and someone cleaned up up with a scourer pad?), and the plastic stock has been "customised" with some inset logos/dog rego tag. But I don't care about the looks. Action feels sweet, and barrel looks mint.
Had anyone had any experinces with these rifles, or can otherwise provide comment? Cheers.
Howa used to make them for weatherby, a friend's got 2, a 223 and 270. They are heavy compared to a savage, Tikka etc but do the business
yes I had one in .270 shot well trigger was great seemed well made only fault was the stock to me was noisy in the bush seemed hollow and sounded like it brush against anything and scratchy noise -I sold it because of that and got a timber stocked Tikka
Thanks all, sounds good enough. I'm still ok lugging around something a little heavier, and it'll be South Island open country rifle, so the noisy stock shouldn't be an issue... though I'll check it again. I saw its made in Japan, was thinking it might be Howa or Miroku made, good to have it confirmed. Hoping it'll be accurate enough for some longer range shooting, we'll see.
Well made accurate rifles. As others have said made by Howa & pretty much same:same
Very good rifles, I have owned two, still have one but it's become a bit of a safe queen after being my go-to for nearly 20 years.
How much is it?
I've had my 270 for 20 years, and that probably tells the tale of why my right arm is longer than the left. Carrying the heavy bastard. Never had an issue with it. Very accurate.
Switched to 308 few months back so that i can run something shorter for the bush.
$660 incl scopeQuote:
Originally Posted by TimC
Not a bad buy with the leupold scope. Offer them 500 and go from there
I brought one awhile ago as my first 308 rifle.
Ended up putting a timney trigger on it as hated the creep of it.
I also put a leupold vx3 on it.
Now its a heavy gun but it still is pretty accurate.
I would recommend.
Good, 'cause I bought it for $600!Quote:
Originally Posted by jusepy81
It is this one if anyone is curious: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...ing/4972087017
I noticed the trigger creep too, I think I've been spoiled a bit by my Bergara single shot... I'll see how it goes at the range before doing anything though, it was only very slight creep, may be ok.
I remember the noise thing mentioned earlier..... Suggest filling hollow of stock with expandite foam.
A few guys on here can tell you how to adjust the trigger and get it better.
I just bit the bullet and upgraded it but will probably never sell or buy another 308 so Im happy.
Heaps of information online about these guns, pretty much a howa 1500.
You're squeezing the trigger until it goes bang. Creep doesn't bother me. Unless it's the peeping through your windows at night kind of creep, that would bother me. I've got an old 270 that has heaps of creep and I actually like feeling when it's right on the edge of going bang.
Yep I've got one in 308.
Stug stock, vx5 2-10, 20" suppressed. Only had one brand of factory ammo that wasn't sub 1 inch. Shoots reloads 0.5 MOA with ease. Would absolutely recommend one and you will not go wrong.
Most importantly if the fit and feel is right then don't sweat the small stuff.
In more recent times Howa introduced the H.A.C.T. trigger unit - this is easily adjusted for weight and usually feels crisp enough (there are always exceptions with mass production). The older Howa and the Weatherby Vanguard you have use an older unit that is best given to a reputable gunsmith to improve it safely. Depending on how creepy it is that might be worth spending a few bucks on.Quote:
Originally Posted by bjp
I have a Timney single stage on one of my Howas and it's fantastic but obviously costs a load more.
I thought my Howa HACT was nice until I found a ripper deal on a Timney, now that's a real nice trigger.
I wouldn't hesitate to get a Wetherby Vanguard or another Howa
I just picked it up, first thing I did was get the stock off and check things. Trigger pull was 4.5lbs, so I backed the screw right off, dropped to 4lbs. The little bit of trigger creep was able to be adjusted out by giving it 1/8 turn more of the screw on the back of the trigger group - just before it stops the safety from engaging.
Can just see inside the rear of the stock under the recoil pad (glue has lifted on one side), it looks like the rear stock has been filled with foam. Doesn't sound hollow when you tap it. Fore-end still hollow, but maybe it won't be too noisy.
I won't do any more until I take it to the range and put a few shots through it, but from what I've read trigger lightening should be possible by carefully trimming down the spring. Looks similar to the HACT triggers in the videos online, but with another adjustment screw at the rear for 1st stage pull? I won't be cutting any springs yet though, will find something similar to replace it with first from my box of bits and try that
I'll be interested to see what the velocities are like from the 24" barrel compared to my 16.5" Bergara...
A good 4lb trigger is vastly superior to a dodgy 2-3lb trigger. In hunting situation I find 4lb better than 2lb,it's more deliberate. I suggest you leave it be for six months n rethink it then. Might be creating an issue where none exist. Folks who cut teeth on a SMLE laugh when reading about how bad a modern trigger is supposedly....
Yeah good point, I've never thought "I wish the trigger pull was less" while looking through the scope at an animal....:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Micky Duck
I can handle a single stage trigger but feel more comfortable with 2 stage. The hact in my opinion is as good as they get on a hunting rifle
Well for what it's worth I can tell you my one seemed to like the 178gr A max better than the 168gr A max. I'm happy to give you some data( obviously with caution for obvious reasons) as it might get you ball park.Quote:
Originally Posted by bjp
I found my one shot the White tail 165gr around .8 MOA from memory as it's been a while since I shot factory.
Keep us posted please.
Thanks, I will try and pick up a sample pack (if they have them) at Gunworks next time I'm there. I currently have 125gr Pro Hunter and 168gr A-max, plus a few randoms... I'd be keen to see what you are loading, maybe PM me? I tend to keep things fairly conservative anyway...Quote:
Originally Posted by Rock river arms hunter
I used to have one in 270 was my main rifle for 5 ish years good gun, did the business, accurate, triggers not to bad etc main issue is they are bloody heavy but other than that good value!!!
The vanguard you have @bjp is a Howa 1500, just with a different logo. Americans are a bit funny about using guns made in Japan...
I had a 270 vanguard as my first centrefire rifle, good rifle and did all the things it needed to. I put a lighter trigger spring in, bought online from GunBloke in australia. Pre the HACT trigger in the newer Howas.
If I set the adjustment screws to 3lb or less trigger pull there was gritty creep in the trigger. Felt like sand over glass sort of thing.
With a heaver pull weight that wasn't an issue. They are well made rifles and work well.
I have a Vanguard in 270wsm quite heavy compared to say a t3 but easy to shoot never threaded just use ear plugs
I did the same and the rifle was just fine...Quote:
Originally Posted by jusepy81
Finally got a chance to take the new (to me) Vanguard 308 to the range, without fiddling with anything checked zero at 25m then shot some quick groups at 100m with 168gr projectiles I had loaded with 2208. Sierra HP 4 shot group first, 29mm group, followed quickly by 4 shots 168gr A-max, 31mm group (I didn't have much time before I had to pick up kids from school). By that time the barrel was literally too hot to touch, so I was fine with the fact the 2nd group had opened up a little (vertically strung - was within 5mm of each other horizontally). Trigger felt fine at a crisp 4lbs. All in all, pretty happy with it.
On your way. There's probably no need to do much more it's running fine.
I reckon that’s bloody good buying with a leupold on it!
I have the exact same rifle, but in mint condition, it’s shot way less 100 rounds.
Shoots well, I should sell it, never use it..
I have owned 6 Howa/Weatherbys over the years. I sold the 243 and 7RM and then picked up a 30-06 on clearance and a 308 a 6.5 and a 22-250. The only turd has been the 22-250. I thought it had a 12 twist but turns out it’s a 14. I struggle to keep a consistent 1.5” group. Probably rebarrel that one but the rest have all shot under an inch for 5 shots.
The 6.5 Howa Alpine is a favorite. It’s light and keeps 120 NBTs right at .5” or less depending on my coffee intake. I really like the triggers on the ones I have. 2 are single stage and 2 are the HACT. The only bad thing to say about them is the action is heavy but I overlook that considering I also have heavier rifles and ARs that I shoot a lot more than the Howa/Weatherbys.