I'm trying to get into some long range shooting just for fun. I inherited a Weatherby Vanguard in 30-06 that is maybe 10 or 15 years old but has only had a few rounds through it. Is this gun even worth putting a tactical scope on and trying some long range shots? I tried the dollar bill between the foreend and barrel trick and it got stuck on something about 3" in. Doesn't seem like a good sign. Also, any recommendations on a factory ammunition?
Weatherby Vanguard?
- Thread starter Skeld1
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Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
Probably not the best platform for the job, but it can be done depending on what your expectations are.
Probably not the best platform for the job, but it can be done depending on what your expectations are.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
the vanguard is one in the same as a Howa 1500, great actions in my opinion. I'd build off what you got no questions asked, but first thing I'd do is re-stock it, older wood laminates seem to flex at times and the newer hogue overmold flexes like a beech. I'd look at Manners stocks.
As fer scope, drop the word tactical, it needs not be "tactical" just get you a great optic and you'd be in real business. There 16 metric shit tons of threads on here on whats a good scope.
cant help ya on a factory load for a 30 ort 6 as I reload and dont do much 30'06 loadings
you got a solid platform to build off of, enjoy it and good luck
the vanguard is one in the same as a Howa 1500, great actions in my opinion. I'd build off what you got no questions asked, but first thing I'd do is re-stock it, older wood laminates seem to flex at times and the newer hogue overmold flexes like a beech. I'd look at Manners stocks.
As fer scope, drop the word tactical, it needs not be "tactical" just get you a great optic and you'd be in real business. There 16 metric shit tons of threads on here on whats a good scope.
cant help ya on a factory load for a 30 ort 6 as I reload and dont do much 30'06 loadings
you got a solid platform to build off of, enjoy it and good luck
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
When I say "tactical" I guess I mean a scope that can be dialed. Other than a reticle I don't see how you're going to measure holdovers to shoot longer than 250 yards or so. Then again I'm new at this so I only know what I have managed to read or find here and there.
Is there anything I can do with the existing stock or not really?
When I say "tactical" I guess I mean a scope that can be dialed. Other than a reticle I don't see how you're going to measure holdovers to shoot longer than 250 yards or so. Then again I'm new at this so I only know what I have managed to read or find here and there.
Is there anything I can do with the existing stock or not really?
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
well initially you could sand down the channel a bit and make sure its not contacting the barrel and get to shooting, see how well it does and go from there. A good stock, a great scope, quality base and rings are all things to squeeze out accuracy, the gun can get you practicing today though
well initially you could sand down the channel a bit and make sure its not contacting the barrel and get to shooting, see how well it does and go from there. A good stock, a great scope, quality base and rings are all things to squeeze out accuracy, the gun can get you practicing today though
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
I have a Vangaurd that my dad Dad bought me as a kid. I replaced the trigger with a drop in Timney. My barrel still contacts the stock. One of these days I will get around to getting a replacement stock for it.
I have a Vangaurd that my dad Dad bought me as a kid. I replaced the trigger with a drop in Timney. My barrel still contacts the stock. One of these days I will get around to getting a replacement stock for it.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for your help. The trigger also feels like it has little travel and is kind of abrupt. I think I will take it apart and see if I can lube or adjust it to see if it gets any better. </div></div>
Don't waste your time. Howa triggers suck and most efforts on them yield little.
Buy a Timney drop-in trigger, install it and throw the factory trigger in the trash. You might have to make a little bit of room in the trigger well for the front adjustment screw, but that is time well spent, and not much of it at that.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for your help. The trigger also feels like it has little travel and is kind of abrupt. I think I will take it apart and see if I can lube or adjust it to see if it gets any better. </div></div>
Don't waste your time. Howa triggers suck and most efforts on them yield little.
Buy a Timney drop-in trigger, install it and throw the factory trigger in the trash. You might have to make a little bit of room in the trigger well for the front adjustment screw, but that is time well spent, and not much of it at that.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
What's a tactical scope? A big, heavy scope is out of place on a sporter weight hunting rifle, but otherwise, the Vanguard is a good package and most are accurate enough for what they are designed for. Long range shooting is not a problem for the rifle.
TC
What's a tactical scope? A big, heavy scope is out of place on a sporter weight hunting rifle, but otherwise, the Vanguard is a good package and most are accurate enough for what they are designed for. Long range shooting is not a problem for the rifle.
TC
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Top Cat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's a tactical scope? A big, heavy scope is out of place on a sporter weight hunting rifle, but otherwise, the Vanguard is a good package and most are accurate enough for what they are designed for. Long range shooting is not a problem for the rifle.
TC </div></div>
Sorry. Apparently I have the wrong terminology. I am installing a scope with turrets...and not a very good one either, but that's all I can afford right now if I'm going to buy a range finder and spotting scope at the same time. A Bushnell Elite Tactical 3200 5-15.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Top Cat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's a tactical scope? A big, heavy scope is out of place on a sporter weight hunting rifle, but otherwise, the Vanguard is a good package and most are accurate enough for what they are designed for. Long range shooting is not a problem for the rifle.
TC </div></div>
Sorry. Apparently I have the wrong terminology. I am installing a scope with turrets...and not a very good one either, but that's all I can afford right now if I'm going to buy a range finder and spotting scope at the same time. A Bushnell Elite Tactical 3200 5-15.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: proneshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for your help. The trigger also feels like it has little travel and is kind of abrupt. I think I will take it apart and see if I can lube or adjust it to see if it gets any better. </div></div>
Don't waste your time. Howa triggers suck and most efforts on them yield little.
Buy a Timney drop-in trigger, install it and throw the factory trigger in the trash. You might have to make a little bit of room in the trigger well for the front adjustment screw, but that is time well spent, and not much of it at that. </div></div>
Have to disagree with this statement. In the hands of a competent smith, the Howa trigger is actually quite good. Pete Lincoln is one Smith known here who happens to like the Howa Triggers.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: proneshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for your help. The trigger also feels like it has little travel and is kind of abrupt. I think I will take it apart and see if I can lube or adjust it to see if it gets any better. </div></div>
Don't waste your time. Howa triggers suck and most efforts on them yield little.
Buy a Timney drop-in trigger, install it and throw the factory trigger in the trash. You might have to make a little bit of room in the trigger well for the front adjustment screw, but that is time well spent, and not much of it at that. </div></div>
Have to disagree with this statement. In the hands of a competent smith, the Howa trigger is actually quite good. Pete Lincoln is one Smith known here who happens to like the Howa Triggers.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
I am nothing but an amateur. I still managed to get my howa trigger to be where I consider nicer than my SSS on my savage or the rifle basix on my rimfire.
I am nothing but an amateur. I still managed to get my howa trigger to be where I consider nicer than my SSS on my savage or the rifle basix on my rimfire.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
After I adjusted the trigger and put some oil on it last night it feels a little better. Weatherby does not want you to mess with the "creep" screw. Any thoughts on that? Obviously it's not worth making the gun unsafe so my thought is I shouldn't touch it.
How much of a problem is the light weight barrel? Are light weight barrels inherently less accurate than a heavy barrel, or do they just not hold up as well to shooting multiple shots in quick succession?
After I adjusted the trigger and put some oil on it last night it feels a little better. Weatherby does not want you to mess with the "creep" screw. Any thoughts on that? Obviously it's not worth making the gun unsafe so my thought is I shouldn't touch it.
How much of a problem is the light weight barrel? Are light weight barrels inherently less accurate than a heavy barrel, or do they just not hold up as well to shooting multiple shots in quick succession?
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After I adjusted the trigger and put some oil on it last night it feels a little better. Weatherby does not want you to mess with the "creep" screw. Any thoughts on that? Obviously it's not worth making the gun unsafe so my thought is I shouldn't touch it.
How much of a problem is the light weight barrel? Are light weight barrels inherently less accurate than a heavy barrel, or do they just not hold up as well to shooting multiple shots in quick succession? </div></div>
With this group of questions, you will get a mixed bag of answers. on heavier brawn cartridges, the lighter barrels flex more than the heavier, more rigid barrels. that being said, I have seen some pencil barreled 7mmRem Mags and the like shoot lights out, so I guess it depends on the steel temperment. they will heat up faster, which is where the flex will be incurred when running it hard. with the trigger, Weatherby said not to mess with the creep because it is a safety deal, in case some moron wanders around the woods with the safety off and his finger on the trigger. I say tighten up the creep, but test it a lot as you adjust it to make sure you don't over adjust, or just take it to a smith. as VAJayJay said, sand down the barrel channel in the stock to free float the tube, then I would take it a step further and bed the action. your choice of optics will work fine on that rifle. incidentally, Bushnell Elites are some of the best bang for the buck. Hope this helps
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">After I adjusted the trigger and put some oil on it last night it feels a little better. Weatherby does not want you to mess with the "creep" screw. Any thoughts on that? Obviously it's not worth making the gun unsafe so my thought is I shouldn't touch it.
How much of a problem is the light weight barrel? Are light weight barrels inherently less accurate than a heavy barrel, or do they just not hold up as well to shooting multiple shots in quick succession? </div></div>
With this group of questions, you will get a mixed bag of answers. on heavier brawn cartridges, the lighter barrels flex more than the heavier, more rigid barrels. that being said, I have seen some pencil barreled 7mmRem Mags and the like shoot lights out, so I guess it depends on the steel temperment. they will heat up faster, which is where the flex will be incurred when running it hard. with the trigger, Weatherby said not to mess with the creep because it is a safety deal, in case some moron wanders around the woods with the safety off and his finger on the trigger. I say tighten up the creep, but test it a lot as you adjust it to make sure you don't over adjust, or just take it to a smith. as VAJayJay said, sand down the barrel channel in the stock to free float the tube, then I would take it a step further and bed the action. your choice of optics will work fine on that rifle. incidentally, Bushnell Elites are some of the best bang for the buck. Hope this helps
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
dude we are trying to help but damn, there are alot of threads on here talking about barrel contours and the pros and cons of heavy barrels, in a nutshell heavy barrels are more rigid which assists accuracy, they take longer to heat but are heavy and cool slower.
I adjusted the trigger on my howa and it works just fine, OR do as mentioned and get a drop in Timney, if you dont feel confident in making adjustments yourself then dont, get a timney.
Point blank brother, get out and shoot the damned thing and see how she does at say 300+ yards..............
dude we are trying to help but damn, there are alot of threads on here talking about barrel contours and the pros and cons of heavy barrels, in a nutshell heavy barrels are more rigid which assists accuracy, they take longer to heat but are heavy and cool slower.
I adjusted the trigger on my howa and it works just fine, OR do as mentioned and get a drop in Timney, if you dont feel confident in making adjustments yourself then dont, get a timney.
Point blank brother, get out and shoot the damned thing and see how she does at say 300+ yards..............
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Weatherby does not want you to mess with the "creep" screw. Any thoughts on that? Obviously it's not worth making the gun unsafe so my thought is I shouldn't touch it. </div></div>
The "creep" screw controls sear engagement. You can adjust it but you have to adjust very little and test to make sure that the sear won't release the firing pin on its own even with very rough handling.
IOW, reduce sear engagement a little, lock it down, then abuse the rifle. Smack it sideways hard, smack the butt of the stock on the ground hard, and cycle the bolt fast and hard. If the firing pin releases, you took out too much sear engagement and you have to put some back on.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Weatherby does not want you to mess with the "creep" screw. Any thoughts on that? Obviously it's not worth making the gun unsafe so my thought is I shouldn't touch it. </div></div>
The "creep" screw controls sear engagement. You can adjust it but you have to adjust very little and test to make sure that the sear won't release the firing pin on its own even with very rough handling.
IOW, reduce sear engagement a little, lock it down, then abuse the rifle. Smack it sideways hard, smack the butt of the stock on the ground hard, and cycle the bolt fast and hard. If the firing pin releases, you took out too much sear engagement and you have to put some back on.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
i had a weatherby vanguard in 30-06 with a wood stock.
it was a very accurate rifle. i think weatherby sells their rifles with a 1.5 MOA guarantee, but my rifle shot 0.5 MOA with handloads (i'll dig up the load data if you want it).
because it had a pencil thin barrel, it heated up quickly.
if you want to make it into a good hunting rifle, clear the barrel channel and have it pillar/glass bedded.
IMHO, don't spend your money on a rangefinder. add that money to your scope budget and buy a better scope with a mil dot reticle. it takes a little math on your part but it never runs out of batteries and is always with your rifle.
i had a weatherby vanguard in 30-06 with a wood stock.
it was a very accurate rifle. i think weatherby sells their rifles with a 1.5 MOA guarantee, but my rifle shot 0.5 MOA with handloads (i'll dig up the load data if you want it).
because it had a pencil thin barrel, it heated up quickly.
if you want to make it into a good hunting rifle, clear the barrel channel and have it pillar/glass bedded.
IMHO, don't spend your money on a rangefinder. add that money to your scope budget and buy a better scope with a mil dot reticle. it takes a little math on your part but it never runs out of batteries and is always with your rifle.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Norwiscutter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In the hands of a competent smith, the Howa trigger is actually quite good. Pete Lincoln is one Smith known here who happens to like the Howa Triggers. </div></div>
Maybe so. But the guy I use tried his best and he's been at it for probably close to 30 years and BTDT. I don't have time to find someone else in the states that I have to ship the trigger to and wait. And much less someone in Germany.
Timney shipped me one in three days and I spent 15 minutes changing it including the time to remove and replace the stock and bottom metal and the time to grind out some more room for the trigger weight adjustment screw.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Norwiscutter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In the hands of a competent smith, the Howa trigger is actually quite good. Pete Lincoln is one Smith known here who happens to like the Howa Triggers. </div></div>
Maybe so. But the guy I use tried his best and he's been at it for probably close to 30 years and BTDT. I don't have time to find someone else in the states that I have to ship the trigger to and wait. And much less someone in Germany.
Timney shipped me one in three days and I spent 15 minutes changing it including the time to remove and replace the stock and bottom metal and the time to grind out some more room for the trigger weight adjustment screw.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
you may not need a spotting scope and rangefinder this early in the game. how often are you going to be shooting at unknown distances? with better glass you may be able to spot your shots with the scope. i dont have either, but id like to have a rangefinder now that i hunt in an area where i can stretch out to 500yds.
you may not need a spotting scope and rangefinder this early in the game. how often are you going to be shooting at unknown distances? with better glass you may be able to spot your shots with the scope. i dont have either, but id like to have a rangefinder now that i hunt in an area where i can stretch out to 500yds.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VAJayJayPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dude we are trying to help but damn, there are alot of threads on here talking about barrel contours and the pros and cons of heavy barrels, in a nutshell heavy barrels are more rigid which assists accuracy, they take longer to heat but are heavy and cool slower.
I adjusted the trigger on my howa and it works just fine, OR do as mentioned and get a drop in Timney, if you dont feel confident in making adjustments yourself then dont, get a timney.
Point blank brother, get out and shoot the damned thing and see how she does at say 300+ yards.............. </div></div>
That's a good point...just waiting for the stuff to come in and then I will.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VAJayJayPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dude we are trying to help but damn, there are alot of threads on here talking about barrel contours and the pros and cons of heavy barrels, in a nutshell heavy barrels are more rigid which assists accuracy, they take longer to heat but are heavy and cool slower.
I adjusted the trigger on my howa and it works just fine, OR do as mentioned and get a drop in Timney, if you dont feel confident in making adjustments yourself then dont, get a timney.
Point blank brother, get out and shoot the damned thing and see how she does at say 300+ yards.............. </div></div>
That's a good point...just waiting for the stuff to come in and then I will.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
I have a newer Vanguard in '06, and it will shoot under one MOA with three rounds at 100 yds with hand loads once in awhile, but it is a functional rifle. My trigger isn't bad - about 4 pounds and a decent feel, so some cleaning and lubing might help. I believe Weatherby subscribes to the "light contour barrels need pressure at the forend" school of thought, and, while I am planning to bed the action to minimize movement, you may not want to fully free-float that barrel. Obviously, you can try it, and build a pad later if necessary.
I have a newer Vanguard in '06, and it will shoot under one MOA with three rounds at 100 yds with hand loads once in awhile, but it is a functional rifle. My trigger isn't bad - about 4 pounds and a decent feel, so some cleaning and lubing might help. I believe Weatherby subscribes to the "light contour barrels need pressure at the forend" school of thought, and, while I am planning to bed the action to minimize movement, you may not want to fully free-float that barrel. Obviously, you can try it, and build a pad later if necessary.
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
Not necessarily...
I'd happily trade fractionally larger groups to eliminate any potential of a wandering zero, but every single one of my rifles is free-floated and I haven't seen any larger groups... a properly bedded action does help accuracy overall.
TC
Not necessarily...
I'd happily trade fractionally larger groups to eliminate any potential of a wandering zero, but every single one of my rifles is free-floated and I haven't seen any larger groups... a properly bedded action does help accuracy overall.
TC
Re: Weatherby Vanguard?
I have a Howa with a Krieger barrel and McMillan A2 stock. Great action. The previous owner took the trigger down to about 1.5# and it is excellent.
I tried to do a trigger job on a friend's rifle and the adjustment screw was buggered by the factory so you could not adjust it.
Take it to a competent 'smith and see what he can do with it.
david
I have a Howa with a Krieger barrel and McMillan A2 stock. Great action. The previous owner took the trigger down to about 1.5# and it is excellent.
I tried to do a trigger job on a friend's rifle and the adjustment screw was buggered by the factory so you could not adjust it.
Take it to a competent 'smith and see what he can do with it.
david
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