We Ignored This Budget Rifle For Years... That Was A Mistake

Published on May 18, 2026
Duration: 13:49

This review of the Weatherby Vanguard, specifically the Obsidian version in 6.5 Creedmoor, highlights its surprising accuracy for a budget-friendly hunting rifle. Despite a non-free-floated barrel and a stock design that isn't ideal for modern prone shooting, the Vanguard delivers excellent group sizes. The review details accuracy testing with various ammunition, long-range engagements, and a 'deadest moose test' to assess feeding reliability. The rifle is compared to competitors like the Ruger American and CVA Cascade, with the Vanguard praised for its Howa 1500 action and potential for aftermarket customization.

Quick Summary

The Weatherby Vanguard is a surprising budget rifle that excels in accuracy, even with a non-free-floated barrel. It utilizes the reliable Howa 1500 action, offering good customization potential and demonstrating impressive performance in long-range shooting and practical feeding tests.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Budget Rifle King?
  2. 00:07Accuracy Testing Begins
  3. 00:19Ammunition Performance
  4. 00:35Initial Accuracy Impressions
  5. 00:46Final Accuracy Numbers
  6. 01:11Rifle Identification: Weatherby Vanguard
  7. 01:33Accuracy Notes: Suppressor & Barrel
  8. 02:15Long Range Engagement: 400 Yards
  9. 02:36Long Range Engagement: 600 Yards
  10. 02:59Scope: Burris Veracity 5-25x50
  11. 03:17Action & Build: Howa 1500
  12. 03:49Trigger Analysis
  13. 04:04Steel Ball Challenge
  14. 04:36Stock Design & Ergonomics
  15. 05:47Stress Test: Deadest Moose Test
  16. 06:40Comparison: Ruger American & CVA Cascade
  17. 07:58Customization Potential & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Weatherby Vanguard a surprising budget rifle?

The Weatherby Vanguard surprises with its exceptional accuracy, especially considering its budget-friendly price point. Despite a non-free-floated barrel and a stock design that isn't optimized for modern prone shooting, it consistently delivers tight groups, challenging expectations for rifles in its class.

How does the Weatherby Vanguard perform in long-range shooting?

The Weatherby Vanguard demonstrates impressive long-range capabilities, successfully engaging steel targets at 400 and 600 yards. Its accuracy allows for precise shots, and it performs well in practical tests like the 'deadest moose test,' showcasing reliable feeding under pressure.

What are the key features of the Weatherby Vanguard's action and trigger?

The Weatherby Vanguard uses the robust Howa 1500 action, offering excellent reliability and a vast aftermarket for customization. Its two-stage trigger, while having some take-up, provides a clean break and is generally considered good enough not to require immediate replacement.

How does the Weatherby Vanguard compare to its competitors?

Compared to the Ruger American, the Vanguard offers better accuracy and feeding, though with fewer adjustable features. Against the CVA Cascade, the Vanguard may have a slight accuracy edge and significantly more aftermarket support due to its Howa 1500 action, making it more customizable.

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