Thread: Vanguard by Weatherby Rifle - any experiences or reviews?

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.

Originally Posted by bjp

Good, 'cause I bought it for $600!

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.

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.

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....

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

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....

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

Originally Posted by bjp

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...

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Rock river arms hunter

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.

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...

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

Originally Posted by jusepy81

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.

I did the same and the rifle was just fine...

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.