Weatherby Vanguard Rifles

By Chuck Hawks

The Weatherby Vanguard bolt action rifle was introduced in the late 1960's as a Weatherby rifle for non-Weatherby calibers. The line was revitalized in 2003 and is now the heart of the Weatherby line. Sales of Vanguards far outnumbers Mark V sales.

The original Weatherby Vanguard and the subsequent VGD and VGX Deluxe models looked almost identical to the Mark V Deluxe rifle, and sported a very similar walnut stock, right down to the checkering, forearm tips, grip caps, line spacers, and recoil pads. The stock finish was high gloss and the metal finish was the renowned Weatherby high luster blue. These deluxe models were discontinued in the early 1990s.

Between 1994 and 2002 Weatherby Vanguards were offered only through Wal-Mart stores. These were Weatherguard models with a synthetic stock and a choice of blue or stainless steel barreled actions in most of the old Vanguard calibers. There was also a Deluxe model with a checkered walnut stock and contrasting forearm tip in .300 Weatherby Magnum caliber. This rifle had a satin blue metal finish and lacked the contrasting line spacers at grip cap and forend tip of the new 2006 Vanguard Deluxe.

Weatherby Vanguard is a Howa 1500, so yeah. I'm a big Winchester fan and find them to be some of the best rifles off the rack today. Push feed vs control round feed is really moot for 98% of shooters. For dangerous game hunters where extraction is a must crf is the only option. The S2's all have serial numbers beginning with 'VB'. It seems that you have provided a serial number for a late model S1 and the Weatherby sub-MOA guarantee does not apply to that rifle. By the way, I don't have a sub-MOA guarantee on my Howa either (which is an almost identical barreled action) but it will print sub-MOA 3-shot groups with.

In 2003 Weatherby reintroduced the Vanguard as a regular catalog item. New Vanguard Stainless and Vanguard Synthetic models were again available from all Weatherby distributers and dealers. The Synthetic comes with a matte black carbon steel barreled action, and the Stainless comes with a matte silver stainless steel barreled action. Both models come with 24' barrels, are 44.5' in overall length, and weigh 7.75 pounds. Calibers range from .223 Remington to .338 Win. Magnum.

1. The action for Vanguard is made by Howa in Japan. For many years, Weatherby shotguns were made in Japan or Italy. Current models are made in Turkey. The family-run firm is currently run by Adam Weatherby, the 3rd generation Weatherby at the helm. Weatherby moved operations from Paso Robles, California, to Sheridan, Wyoming, in 2019.
2. Prefix: Years of Production V: 1970-1984 VS: 1984- 2010 VL: 1984-1993 VX: 1984-1994 VB: 2010-Present.

The new Vanguard synthetic models use a black synthetic stock in the typical Weatherby 'California' style. This injection-molded composite stock is checkered, has comfotable lines, and comes with a recoil pad.

In 2004 the Vanguard Sporter was introduced. This was essentially the new version of the Wal-Mart Deluxe model, what I think of as a semi-deluxe Vanguard. In 2005 a stainless steel action was made available with the walnut stock as the Sporter SS.

2005 also saw the introduction of the Vanguard Compact-Youth. This blued/synthetic model comes with a shortened stock and a full size stock. Bigger news in 2005 was the introduction of the Vanguard SUB-MOA models; more about these shortly.

For 2006 the Vanguard Deluxe has been re-introduced as the top of the Vanguard line. And once again the Vanguard Deluxe is the spittin' image of a Mark V Deluxe. Also in 2006, a Varmint Special took its place in the Vanguard line. This comes with a blued, heavy #3 coutour 22' barrel and a varmint stock. The 2006 Vanguard line is the most complete in history, and custom Vanguard models are available through the Weatherby Custom Shop. Special stocks, fluted barrels, and AccuBrake muzzle brakes are among the available Custom Shop extras.

All Vanguards are based on an action using a one-piece forged and machined, flat bottomed receiver and a machined steel bolt with dual opposed locking lugs. This modified Mauser action is built to Weatherby specifications by Howa in Tokyo, Japan.

The Howa bolt action is a good one, and the version produced for the Vanguard incorporates many of the features of the Mark V. The cartridge head is contained within Weatherby's famous three rings of steel. The one-piece bolt body is fluted, there are three gas escape ports in the side of the bolt and a streamlined bolt sleeve shrouds the rear of the bolt. Also similar to the Mark V is the flush mounted claw extractor at the front of the bolt and the plunger ejector in the recessed bolt face.

The two position Vanguard safety locks the bolt closed in the 'safe' position, just like a Mark V safety, but it is not as quiet in operation and is shaped differently. There is also a Mark V type cocking indicator for added safety. The magazine floorplate is hinged, and the release is in the front of the trigger guard.

The bolt lift is 90 degrees, not 54 degrees like the Mark V. The barrel is cold hammer forged. The trigger is not externally adjustable, but the two adjustment screws (secured by small lock nuts) on the front and rear of the trigger assembly can be accessed by removing the stock.

All Weatherby rifles, Vanguard and Mark V alike, come with a 1.5' MOA accuracy guarantee specifying a 1.5' or smaller 3-shot group at 100 yards from a cold barrel when used with Weatherby or premium factory loaded ammunition, and they are supplied with a test target to prove it. Often Vanguard rifles will shoot considerably smaller groups right out of the box.

This did not escape the notice of the Weatherby testers, and it led to the introduction of the premium Vanguard SUB-MOA models. These are hand picked Vanguards, pillar bedded in upgraded Fiberguard composite stocks with non-slip black or gray spiderwebbing. Both matte blued and stainless steel barreled actions are available as SUB-MOA models in all standard Vanguard calibers. There is also a Vanguard SUB-MOA Varmint model that comes with a special beavertail varmint stock with ventilation slots in the forend

The question always arises: since it is not based on the Mark V action, is the Vanguard a true Weatherby? And the answer is unequivocally 'yes.' Weatherby puts their name and reputation on the line with the Vanguard, and if they say it is a Weatherby rifle, then I will take their word for it. The Vanguard is no longer the poor stepchild in the Weatherby line. As mentioned in the opening paragraph, it is now the heart of the Weatherby line.

The following specifications pertain specifically to the 2006 Vanguard Deluxe, Other Vanguard models are functionally similar.

The Deluxe (product code VGX) has a 24 inch barrel and is 44.5 inches in overall length. The catalog weight is 7.75 pounds. Length of pull is 13.5'. The cartridge capacity is 5+1 in standard calibers and 3+1 in magnum calibers. 2006 MSRP is $865.

In appearance the new 2006 Deluxe is almost identical to a Mark V Deluxe and also to the earlier Vanguard VGX Deluxe, with a high luster blue finish on barrel and receiver, and a nicely figured claro walnut Monte Carlo stock with cut checkering and a rosewood forearm tip and pistol grip cap set off by maplewood line spacers. There is a traditional Weatherby diamond inlay in the pistol grip cap.

In summation, the Weatherby Vanguard line for 2006 is pretty much complete. Vanguards range from basic blued/synthetic models to the ultra-accurate SUB-MOA models and Deluxe models stocked in beautifully finished claro walnut. Many knowledgeable gun dealers and hunters alike consider the Weatherby Vanguard to be the best value available in a centerfire hunting rifle today.

Note: Complete reviews of the Vanguard Deluxe, Vanguard Sporter, Vanguard Varmint Special and Vanguard SUB-MOA rifles can be found on the Product Reviews page.

Rugged versus Refined:
The Weatherby Vanguard and Tikka T3

By Jon Y. Wolfe

This article will compare and contrast the Weatherby Vanguard synthetic, and the Tikka T3 Lite synthetic. I chose to compare and contrast these two rifles because both are fine hunting rifles, they have a similar market price, an out of the box accuracy guarantee, similar cartridge options, and are entry level offerings from two respected firearms companies. Howa of Japan manufactures the Weatherby Vanguard action, and Tikka is a subsidiary of Sako of Finland.

300 Weatherby Serial Number Vx44382

I hope the title is not misleading, as I believe both rifles have many desirable qualities that represent both ruggedness and refinement. These terms do, however, express in a general sense my overall impression of these two rifles.

Bear in mind that the Vanguard was designed to be a standard weight rifle and the T3 was designed to be a lightweight rifle. The following table provides a basis for the overall comparison.

As can be seen from the above chart, these rifles differ in many ways. In addition to the above items, there are a few issues that should be addressed.

Out of the box, the trigger mechanism on the Weatherby Vanguard did not meet my satisfaction, but thanks to Weatherby it was an easy fix. When I received my rifle, the lowest I could adjust it was 4.5 lbs, and when I tried to remove the creep, I was unable to find a satisfactory setting that didn't disable the safety.

I called Weatherby and they instructed me to send it to one of their certified service centers. I chose a local service center and they told me many of the springs in the Vanguard rifles were too heavy, and they had seen a fair share of triggers that would not go below 4 lbs. They claimed this was because the vendor for the springs used on the Vanguard line had supplied Weatherby with a batch of heavy springs, and that Weatherby did not catch the problem before assembling the rifles.

The service was excellent and I had my rifle back in a week. My trigger is now set at a clean crisp 3 1/4 pounds, and creep is nearly absent.

The trigger on the Tikka was crisp and a clean 3 pounds out of the box. It is as easy to adjust as the Vanguard, and the adjustments seem more precise. Please note that Weatherby stands behind all repair work done at their authorized service centers, and I couldn't be more pleased with the privately owned shop that repaired mine. I believe Weatherby has a great concept in letting you choose from a list of authorized service centers. I believe that all warranty work for Tikka goes to Beretta, USA.

Weatherby Vanguard Rifle Serial Numbers

The bolt on the Tikka is extremely smooth and the 75 degree lift is easier to cycle than the 90 degree on the Weatherby. However, the Vanguard has a heavy duty one-piece forged bolt, while the Tikka is stainless steel and not one-piece, but it is machined very precisely. The Weatherby is fluted with three gas escape ports and a fully enclosed bolt shroud. In the event of a ruptured case or other emergency, the Vanguard action handles escaping gas extremely well. The added strength and safety features may be more desirable features for those who reload.

The ejection opening is large on the Weatherby, so it is easy to single load cartridges at the range or in the field in an emergency. The ejection port on the Tikka is small and cartridges should be loaded through the magazine, even for single shots, a slower process.

Tikka T3s come with a set of combination scope bases and rings that will accommodate a scope with up to a 42 mm objective bell diameter. The Weatherby is drilled and tapped for conventional scope bases and will accept rings of any height, but they must be purchased separately. No scope base or rings are supplied.

Weatherby Vanguard Serial Lookup

The barrel on the Tikka is free floated, while the Weatherby's barrel is firmly bedded. The latter system allows tighter inletting, but the former is cheaper to produce. Both have a good reputation for accuracy, which is guaranteed. The Weatherby comes with a target demonstrating a 100 yard, three shot group from the rifle, fired from a cold barrel.

The raised checkering on the Weatherby, executed in a typical point pattern, ensures a solid non-slip feel. The Tikka's checkering is slightly smooth and is divided into several small patches, but it's ergonomic.

As one might imagine, both rifles performed well at the range. The Tikka is chambered for .308 Win. and the Weatherby for .270 Win. This particular Tikka seemed to shoot somewhat more consistent groups. That could change with different calibers, brands of ammunition, and bullet weights.

I would say both rifles shoot very well. I've only had one rifle that would place three consecutive bullets on top of one another from three consecutive shots. That rifle was glass bedded and cost 3 times as much.

Overall, the Weatherby is a very rugged design that incorporates many heavy duty features into its bolt, receiver, trigger guard, and the recessed bolt face encloses the case with three rings of steel. The Weatherby feels solid, weighs more, and has a raised cheek piece, fluted one-piece bolt and a good trigger.

The Tikka has an extremely smooth bolt, well designed stock, crisp trigger than will safely go to a pull weight of 2 pounds, and weighs a pound less. The longer barrel on the Weatherby should provide greater velocity using the same calibers, and even though the 22 7/16 barrel on the Tikka is adequate, I'm a fan of 24 inch barrels on standard calibers and 26 for magnums.

Those who load to the maximum pressure should appreciate the additional 1 1/2 inches provided on the Weatherby, as muzzle blast is reduced and velocity increased. The Weatherby kicks less, cartridge and load being the same, as it is heavier. Also, the Weatherby stock design seems to push recoil down and away from the shooter's face, which reduces the subjective effect of recoil.

Both are hunting rifles, and both should satisfy even the most demanding hunters. As is the case in any product selection, you must pick the product that has the function, form, and features that you most desire.

Weatherby Vanguard Serial Number Dates

Note: Individual, full length reviews of the Tikka T3 and Weatherby Vanguard rifles can be found on the Product Reviews page.