300 Wby Mag Vanguard Synthetic Stock

14 November 2010, 05:24

chuck375

Hi, I'm in the market for a 300 Weatherby Magnum in a synthetic stock to take to Alaska and potentially to Africa for plains game as well. Any comments on the Vanguard for a basic, reliable, rugged hunting rifle? I have a 500 Jeffery for the big stuff, but it's got a wooden stock so not sure how it will work in Alaska for me.

Thanks,

Chuck

14 November 2010, 08:12

Captain Finlander

Buy a light weight gun slip for the wood gun. If you were living and guiding in that extreme environment I'd tell you different but just taking a trip there will not last long enough to strain a wood stock IMO. Keep in mind that we have been using wood stock for more than a few centuries and we continue to do so every day.

If you really must have a synthetic stock opt for the MOA version which uses a Bell and Carlson Monte Carlo which is far superior to the plastic fodder found on their budget rifles. The Vanguard is a very reliable and accurate platform that will service your needs just fine. Though I am not fond of the 300 Weatherby it will surely do the job. I am an old school hunter and find the 30-06 to be more than sufficient to hunt everything on this continent and if allowed, would not feel under gunned in all of Africa. Keep in mind that the lowly 7x57 was used extensively on lions , leopards & elephants.

14 November 2010, 08:54

buffybr

I hunted for many years with a .30-06 and I can't argue with it being sufficient for North American animals and African Plains Game.

However, this past week I killed the first elk with my new .300 Wby Vanguard. Sweet rifle! I only wish I had bought one 30 years ago.

14 November 2010, 10:04

Fat_Albert

Here you go They are the three at bottom
http://www.ableammo.com/catalo...ort=3a&filter_id=105

14 November 2010, 10:29

Zeke

I have that exact rifle, You made a good choice.

I strongly suggest you replace the tupperware stock with a Bell and Carlson Medalist or get the MOA model as suggested by another poster.

The Medalist stock is far better than the Vanguard's tupperware stock.

14 November 2010, 21:55

ovny

I'm waiting for the Vanguard Sinthetyc, but I guess you will have the opportunity to prove his rifle before me, so I hope to tell his experience.

By the way, buffybr thank you very much for your private message.

Oscar.

15 November 2010, 03:23

chuck375

quote:
Originally posted by Captain Finlander:
Buy a light weight gun slip for the wood gun. If you were living and guiding in that extreme environment I'd tell you different but just taking a trip there will not last long enough to strain a wood stock IMO. Keep in mind that we have been using wood stock for more than a few centuries and we continue to do so every day.

If you really must have a synthetic stock opt for the MOA version which uses a Bell and Carlson Monte Carlo which is far superior to the plastic fodder found on their budget rifles. The Vanguard is a very reliable and accurate platform that will service your needs just fine. Though I am not fond of the 300 Weatherby it will surely do the job. I am an old school hunter and find the 30-06 to be more than sufficient to hunt everything on this continent and if allowed, would not feel under gunned in all of Africa. Keep in mind that the lowly 7x57 was used extensively on lions , leopards & elephants.

I've got a lovely CZ in 500 Jeffery I want to take brown bear hunting, but thought having a 300 Weatherby in synthetic would be a good backup, a good elk rifle and African plains game rifle as well. Here's my buddy holding my 500 Jeffery when I first got it ...

Thanks all, the MOA version seems like the way to go.

Best Regards,

Chuck

15 November 2010, 10:58

Captain Finlander

That gun will be perfect for the big browns and you certainly won't be under gunned. Depending upon the country, landscape, you may want to put em down quick. The shrubbery can be tall and you wouldn't want to be pursuing one into the thickets.

15 November 2010, 11:18

jackguthary

The Weatherby Vanguard (or Howa 1500) is a superb rifle that will most definitely get the job done, in fact I personally think it is a better action than the Remington 700 and the like.

15 November 2010, 21:08

Fat_Albert

Why are you thinking a 300Weatherby? For what you want it for a, 338 Win Mag sounds a lot more practical. Fatter bullets, bigger bullets (up 300grs) and a whole lot less kick. In the real world,like 44 Mag pistols,there is probley 10 times the people out there that have bought 300 Weatherby than still owen them. Have you looked at the cost of 300 Weatherby brass? You can get a wheelbarrow full of 338WM cases for what 100 Norma Weaterby cases will run.

15 November 2010, 22:09

Jason22

I have had my wby vanguard in 300 wby for about 7 years. It is one of my favorite rifle. I have shot 110 to 220 grain bullets out of that rifle. Almost any weight bullets shoot well. Most of my 100 yard groups are about 1 inch. With match bullets my rifle shoots .5 to .75 inch. I am happy with my rifle!

Jason

15 November 2010, 22:18

Captain Finlander

quote:
Originally posted by Fat_Albert:
Why are you thinking a 300Weatherby? For what you want it for a, 338 Win Mag sounds a lot more practical. Fatter bullets, bigger bullets (up 300grs) and a whole lot less kick. In the real world,like 44 Mag pistols,there is probley 10 times the people out there that have bought 300 Weatherby than still owen them. Have you looked at the cost of 300 Weatherby brass? You can get a wheelbarrow full of 338WM cases for what 100 Norma Weaterby cases will run.

I agree with just about everything you stated except for recoil. IMO they are about the same in the recoil department and what do you mean by flatter bullets?

The Weatherby is a flatter shooting gun and its velocity advantage equals out the energy.

16 November 2010, 03:56

chuck375

I'd rather have a 375 H&H or 375 Weatherby (rechamber a M70) than a 338 Win Mag. It will shoot just as flat and hit harder. Maybe that's my "gap filler" after I get a 300 class magnum.

17 November 2010, 09:18

MileHighShooter

Dang if you would have posted this last week, I would have made you a killer deal on my M70 300 Wby and you could have put it on a B&C Medallist for a lot less then the Sub MOA lol But, its off to the smith for a new lam stock.

Get the rifle, you won't be disappointed, but like suggested several times over, get the sub MOA model. Its a top notch stock with a full length alum bedding block that even extends into the wrist.

17 November 2010, 21:25

Sevens

Chuck,

I think you would find the Vanguard/Howa to be everything you asked it to be. I've got a Howa 1500 S/S in 30-06 that I use for pretty much all my hunting. It's accurate (MOA groups), not finicky about ammo, has a Sako-style extractor, and has performed well from Montana to Texas. Mine still sits in the factory stock it wore when I bought it 8 years ago too.

The only complaint I have about it is it's a little on the heavier side. Still lighter than the CZ though (got one of those too).