Weatherby Vanguard "Wilderness" .270Win Rifle (with accuracy testing)

Published on March 12, 2021
Duration: 9:58

This review of the Weatherby Vanguard "Wilderness" Edition in .270 Win highlights its design for lightweight, walk-and-stalk hunting. While praised for its low weight (3kg/6.75 lbs) and comfortable 2-stage 3lb trigger, its accuracy with non-premium ammunition was fair but not exceptional. The rifle's pencil-thin barrel heats up rapidly, making it unsuitable for sustained range fire, a key trade-off for its portability.

Quick Summary

The Weatherby Vanguard "Wilderness" Edition in .270 Win is a lightweight rifle (3kg/6.75 lbs) ideal for walk-and-stalk hunting. While it features a 2-stage 3lb trigger and a 24-inch fluted barrel, its accuracy is sensitive to ammunition, and its thin barrel limits sustained fire due to rapid heating.

Chapters

  1. 00:42Introduction and Rifle Overview
  2. 01:14Rifle Features and Calibers
  3. 01:34Barrel Specifications and Accuracy
  4. 02:19Action, Trigger, and Safety
  5. 03:13Optics and Stock
  6. 03:48Pricing and Manufacturing
  7. 04:34Ammunition for Testing
  8. 05:08Accuracy Testing Results
  9. 06:51Concrete Block Test
  10. 08:19Final Thoughts and Trade-offs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary design purpose of the Weatherby Vanguard "Wilderness" Edition rifle?

The Weatherby Vanguard "Wilderness" Edition is specifically designed for lightweight, walk-and-stalk hunting. Its low overall weight of 3kg (6.75 lbs) makes it an excellent choice for hunters who cover significant ground.

How does the Weatherby Vanguard "Wilderness" perform in accuracy testing?

Weatherby guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with premium ammunition. However, testing with Federal Power-Shok 130gr yielded a 1.5-inch group, and Winchester 130gr Power-Points resulted in a larger 3.3-inch group at 100 yards, indicating ammunition sensitivity.

What are the main trade-offs of the Weatherby Vanguard "Wilderness" rifle?

The primary trade-off is its pencil-thin barrel, which heats up rapidly, making it unsuitable for sustained range shooting. While lightweight for hunting, this design limits its utility for extended target practice sessions.

Where are Weatherby Vanguard rifles manufactured?

Weatherby Vanguard models, including the "Wilderness" Edition, are manufactured by Howa in Japan. This partnership is known for delivering quality firearms at a competitive price point.

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