In the realm of bolt-action hunting rifles, the Weatherby Vanguard is known for chambering a long list of Weatherby Magnum cartridges with an affordable price tag. It also offers a host of safety features similar to those in the company’s high-end Mark V line.
Originally introduced in 1970, the Vanguard replaced the Mark V as the brand’s workhorse offering. Built on Japanese Howa push-feed actions, the Vanguard is still produced to Weatherby’s specifications and under their supervision in Sheridan, Wyoming. Unlike the largely imported rifles that saturate the market, Vanguards combine American craftsmanship with modern good looks.
The Vanguard is a light, well-balanced gun that handles recoil nicely. It’s available with wood or synthetic stocks in a variety of lengths and finishes to suit a wide range of shooters. The 6.5 Creedmoor model that I tested weighs 7.15 pounds, with a 24-inch fluted, cold-hammer-forged barrel that’s threaded 1/2x28 for the addition of a muzzle brake. The Accubrake ST promises to reduce the 6.5’s already mild recoil by up to 53 percent, and it does just that.
Like other Weatherby rifles, the Vanguard is easy to top-load through its generous ejection port. The safety is a rocker-type that can be manipulated with gloves, and it locks the trigger when pushed backward so brush or limbs can’t inadvertently open the action while shooting. It can also be manipulated silently so a shooter can keep his or her finger on the trigger when approaching game.
