Weatherby Vanguard Review: How accurate is it?

[@johnmcgowan1794]

Just off the top of my head: you get three good shots and the fourth one is off the mark. You walk out to check the target, come back, fire three good shots and the fourth is off the mark. The process repeats itself. The walk out to the target allows the barrel to cool, hence the three good shots. The barrel heats up after three shots and the fourth goes wide. Your rifle doesn't like a hot barrel. Give it time to cool down and you'll put four through the same hole.

[@702havingfun]

Your right hot berrel, give it time I between every 2 shots

[@freedomisntfree9525]

My thoughts as well.

[@danielboggan2479]

My preferred format would be you guys open with the caliber, weight, trigger pull, and other general information like weather the trigger guard is metal be in the beginning with you guys in the office, then show the actual shooting. I think it’s just personally easier to follow that way. However I enjoy every format you’ve done and will continue watching

[@northernoutdooradventures3883]

For hunting profile barrels averaging five 3 shot groups is more informative than three 5 shot groups.

[@playbytherootz4777]

It's heating up n touching stock I bet

[@northernoutdooradventures3883]

@@bearkawiboy6246 While hunting most people rarely shoot more that three times consecutively. If your going to test a hunting rifle's accuracy with 15 rounds of ammunition, it's better to use 5 tests of 3 consecitive shots. This lets the barrel cool between tests and doesn't heat the barrel more that it would during the use it was designed for ie. hunting. They shot it five times let cool, then shot five times let it cool, then finally shot it 5 more times. That added more heat to the barrel than would be expected in a hunting situation. When a barrel gets hot it's point of aim moves all over the place. Sorry for not making it clear in my first post.

[@waynecastleman1363]

@@northernoutdooradventures3883 I was gonna say there isn't no shame in that rifle at all !

[@gewtube3794]

@@bearkawiboy6246 how is the leg room in the short bus these days?

[@danialcompton3093]

exactly. he's expecting way to many rounds out of a hunting profile barrel without POI shift due to heat. there is a reason bench resters performed heavy barrels........ he's expecting benchrest performance out of a light wwight hunting barrel. this is also why weatherby specifically states 3 shoot group. they know the limitations of the barrel. the barrel is plenty accurate, it just doesn't deal with heat well.

[@geoffochsner3934]

It’s kinda hard to tell for sure because of the editing, but I think the flyers are being caused by chambering the round (when hot) and then waiting a longer time to shoot, in essence, cooking the round. Example: the first group, the flyer is the forth shot. After the 3rd shot, you chamber the round, talk about the trigger, shift around a bunch, then get the flyer. You seem to follow up with the 5th shot immediately which is a fine shot. If I’m right, the 5th shot didn’t have time to cook. Same thing on that 6th shot in the last group. You chamber the round, get settled in behind the rifle (presumably taking longer to acquire the target than normal because you were just talking to the camera) and then send the 6th round on top of the 5th round. Again, the video editing makes this real hard for me to confirm. If you've got the original video, you could check this theory pretty easily. This theory might explain why the flyer in the 3rd group was the second shot. All that said, if you've done the exact same loading / firing / filming procedure with the other guns, this is still a bad mark for the Vanguard. BUT this is the first video we've seen where you did the commentary at the range. It's possible the new format is going to cause inconsistencies in your data when you get to the overall $750 comparison. I'd like to see you comment on that in the full review coming out later this week. Still enjoy the videos, keep up the good work!

[@backfire]

I have wondered if this is a factor, but at the same time, with almost all of these rifles, they have been shot this way as well. I am curious as to how much of a factor this may play. Thank you for your input and watching!

[@dondoyle8474]

Geoff Ochsner you’re right on heat increases bbl wip

[@michaelcayer8358]

Astute observation friend. Think your explanation is money!

[@billmclaughlin8321]

You are checking barrel temp with laser? Check the case of ammo before and after you chamber it,you are changing the powder Temps...Geoff nailed it..👏

[@JesseG085]

Comments like these keep me reading comments. Thank you!

[@anthonybonavia2570]

Shoot 3 shot groups and validate Weatherbys garantee. Those are hunting rifles, typically you won't shoot more than 3 shots at game. Barrels usually get too hot after 3 shots, it is great that you are checking barrel températures. Good review.

[@bustabass9025]

Handloading reduces a lot of the inconsistencies you get with off the rack ammo. Remember, despite their claims, they are made just to function safely in every rifle manufactured for the selected cartridge. Unless you're a competition shooter, the variance in group points of impact usually doesn't matter; since the deer or other game animal you're hunting will be just as dead with that flier. I have the same Vanguard in 6.5 Creedmo', sans the eye-wearying psychedelic paint job. My handloaded cartridges don't produce any fliers, unless it's easily attributable to operator error. Which is often very likely the case, when buck fever sets in.

[@mcnewlane]

I have the weatherby vanguard in the burnt bronze weatherguard 6.5. The other day with hand loads I put 4 shots in a .5" group and the 5th one flew right an inch and a half just like this. Happens every time. Let that barrel cool down between shots and its a dang shooter. Shooting hand loaded 143gr ELD-X

[@dashizzle3721]

I have a weatherby Vanguard lazerguard 7mm rem magnum. It will put three shots dime size at 100 yards. The trigger is amazing!!! Its arguably my favorite gun right next to my tikka t3x ss hunter in 270 win. Both are tack drivers.

[@nate.hanlon]

my dad has a tikka t3x and of course i’m trying to out do him and lookin at a few rifles but i don’t have the 1000-1200 budget he does im lookin about 6-750 any ideas thoight about the vangaurd meater and the cva cascade and the thompson center venture because i have the compass and for the price you won’t find a better gun.

[@dashizzle3721]

@nate.hanlon In my opinion you can't go wrong with a vanguard or a Howa. They are made in the same factory and are essentially the same rifle. Check out options for both and I bet you could build a tack driver for less than a grand. Good luck. 👍

[@nate.hanlon]

@@dashizzle3721 thinkin about the weatherby vangaurd

[@nate.hanlon]

@@dashizzle3721 my dad just bought his t3x today so now i’m wanting to buy one lmaoo

[@nate.hanlon]

@@dashizzle3721 what’s the equivalent of the howa to the meat ever weatherby vangaurd?

[@chrisabens2915]

Tested 17 different kinds of factory ammo in my new .308 the other day. I measured the cartridge overall length of each individual round. 2.7950-2.7970 C.O.A.L. Shot same hole but .5” high and an 1” right. 2.7920-2.7940 was sub .5” inch groups with Barnes TTSX and Hornady ELDX. 2.7910 C.O.A.L. and shorter, shot low and to the left. A 3 shot group with a short, medium and long COAL made a +2” inch group. Sort the ammo out and that goes down to .5” group. Cheapest way to tighten up your groups without getting into reloading

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

The increased barrel temperature is causing the flyers. Great video.

[@nmelkhunter1]

Yep

[@vacayooper4728]

Yep 2

[@howardsteffens4710]

I thought the same thing, but the stray bullet happened at different times each in each round, only one was at the end.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Absolutely!! Anyone should know that.

[@Chris-D9]

@@howardsteffens4710 factory loads, no matter what you buy, nothing compares to handloads. A simple chrono test with any 20rd box off the shelf will prove that.

[@Theother1089]

I bought a second hand weatherby Vanguard in 223, kept shooting high and to the left, no matter what scope adjustment was made, put on a different scope and will test at the range tomorrow.

[@fjb4932]

After the shot, eject the fired case and allow air to enter the receiver, chamber and barrel to help cool it while you adjust the scope. As others have said, pick up a folding table and chair with a sun umbrella. It'd be an immediate 20 deg's cooler and shooting from shade will improve your accuracy.

[@backfire]

The day I was shooting this. It started out at about 65-70 degrees and when I finished it was maybe 85 tops. That was why I didn’t have my canopy out. Most any hunting rifle I feel will heat up quickly and those 4,5,6 shots will always start to drift. Thanks for the input and thanks for watching

[@matthewschlegel4188]

You guys talking in the office together is why I watch. Love the Chanel. Keep it up!

[@willowpony3000]

If you listen to the shots on playback, you will hear a different sound from the miss. Either a primer or powder charge.

[@thews9237]

I noticed the same thing.. 👍🏼

[@howardsteffens4710]

I noticed the same thing on one of the flyers, but also noticed none of the strays happened in the same sequence.

[@quest4adventure495]

Agree this is an ammo issue not a rifle issue

[@chadwallace3598]

Every time it was the 4th. If it was an ammo issue it might be the first or second right? I think it’s a temperature thing with the barrel.

[@eddielombera5862]

@@chadwallace3598 right lol these comments don’t make sense

[@johnnevils506]

Hmmm....not so sure that the flyer on each group is strictly a barrel heating issue. Upon review of each grouping shot the flyer occurred on the round indicted as follows: Group 1: 4th round (approx. 2:15) Group 2: 5th round (approx. 3:02) Group 3: 2nd round (approx. 5:15) Group 4: 5th (& 6th) rounds (approx. 7:01) I find Group 3 (2nd round flyer) to be particularly puzzling. Perhaps he started with a fairly hot barrel on that group? Maybe it is a barrel heating issue which results in the barrel deforming and losing free-floated condition? As someone else mentioned, maybe it is a bedding (lack thereof) issue? Anyway, if one could confirm that the rifle would consistently deliver 3-shot groups without flyers (for example the Group 3 flyer on Round 2 ends up being an anomoly) then you probably have yourself an accurate rifle for hunting applications. Thanks for the review!

[@TJ-bg4fw]

The company themselves also recommends breaking in the rifle as well, that could be a factor as well but probably not enough of a factor to consistently cause flyers. It's also a light barrel so it's heats up faster so perhaps there were rounds he cooked a little by doing some waiting, talking, ect. We don't see the whole recording of the shots and what he does during them so we can't say entirely what did or did not not happen to possibly create a flyer.

[@davesullivan972]

Wasn't Group 3 the Barnes, all copper bullets? They shouldn't be mixed with copper-jacketed bullets.......

[@mattherring3196]

I really like my TR model Vanguard. Same stock profile on the rear as the badlands, but with a wider flatter for-end with the double sling mounts. Super comfortable fit for my long arms. I picked Talley mounts so I had more clearance for loading than under a Pic rail. Leupold Back Country mounts were my second choice with their similar design. Groups are running less than an inch with basic hunting loads. Federal Non-Typical 140 was wider but more consistent, mine had more flyers from tighter groups with Hornady Outfitter, Varmint Express, and American Whitetail. It wasn't as extreme as you saw, but it was enough to push a .5 or .75 group out to 1.125 or 1.25. I am hoping to tighten those flyers up after completing break in, but I'll take sub-MOA to near-MOA with hunting ammo on an out of the box rifle. There is plenty of float clearance on mine, but I might bed the action to take any remaining flex out of it. It is solid and smooth, with a nice beefy action design. I like the split format including the office talk, but this range review portion was really nice. Keep it up guys. I subscribed a while back, here's to growing the channel. I like what you guys do.

[@backfire]

We appreciate you watching and being a long time follower! We are working hard to grow this channel and we want to our best. We feel the same about the pic rail and making it harder to load the rifle. If you are in a hurry, maybe a hunting situation, you could definitely slice your finger open if you're in a hurry. We are curious as well, to shoot these rifles over time and see what a good break in period would do.

[@dankoziol2434]

I like this style but also appreciate your breakdown and additional information from the office. Keep it fresh with a little of both

[@tomburrows3608]

There is no reason to shoot five shot groups with a sporter weight hunting rifle. In almost all your groups you have 4 rounds very tight and the barrel gets too hot and you throw your fifth. In most hunting scenarios you would not shoot more than two rounds.

[@lylesmith6304]

That is really good accuracy for what it cost. You could play around with glass bedding and what have you. That challenge is part of the fun. For me if three shots aren't going to do it then no worries. Really what counts is the first shot out of a cold barrel. Just MHO. Love the vidio.

[@gabrielkrivinko7564]

That's your barrel getting hot

[@altruisticscoundrel]

Wow, even with those flyers this rifle is shooting well. Within the last week, a big box outdoor store had Weatherby Vanguard on clearance for $150...yes, out of stock. Great, concise video, as always! Which ammo was he using? A few points: 1) Hope his ankle feels better. 2) Taking the lid off a bottle of Diet Coke? That's pretty cool! 3) I'm making another request for you to try a barrel tuner, such as Limbsaver and other plastic ones for less tha $30 to even the more expensive muzzle brake types, on your poorer performing rifles. 4) Also, I'm still interested in that Mossberg Patriot update video you teased some time ago. 5) More videos of long range pistol shooting? Elmer Keith, noted father of the 357 and 44 Magnums, was known to make 300+ yard kills with a 44 magnum revolver.

[@altruisticscoundrel]

For the curious: BassProShops Weatherby Vangaurd Series 2...$149.50 still listed right now.

[@jgordon5408]

I grew up reading Elmer Keith. Great writer but his ethics on shooting game animals the ways he did are very questionable. Sure he proved it could be done but the shots were always followed up and never clean. Plus one on all the rest though.

[@ChattanoogaDave]

Great review! I like this style better than just the studio/house. Nice to see you guys shooting them.

[@mtnhunter5578]

You are heating up the barrel and consequently you're rounds start to walk.....I have the Weatherby Vanguard Meat Eater edition in 6.5 Creed and it does the same thing if you get it hot. Once you let it cool down it goes right back to shooting smaller groups.....your test shows this consistantly. I have over 500 rounds through my setup and I can make it walk every 4-5th round like clock work if I just keep shooting and do not let it cool. This is with every thinner profile sporter barrel....hunting this will never be an issue.

[@drankurbaruah]

I think it's not the barrel heating up.. it's your trigger finger. You're pulling slightly right instead of squeezing back.. Make sure you put the EXACT same part of the trigger finger on the EXACT part of the trigger everytime. Don't hurry your shot. Don't push left (inadequate trigger coverage by finger), don't pull right (, finger crossing over the trigger too much).. squeeze neutrally, follow through until the rifle comes to rest. Just my suggestion as an ISSF 50 metre prone shooter. It may or may not be the problem in your case, but this is a very common issue when we start getting flyers. Once we become more aware of trigger control, the flyers usually go away. Just my 2 cents. Just trying to help. Cheers from India!!! Edit: Could be the wind too.. or like everyone is saying, the barrel heating up. Or a combination of all of them.

[@handcannon1388]

Remember that what you are shooting is primarily a big game rifle. How useful is it to know where the fifth rapid-fire shot goes? If your animal isn't down at least after the second shot, something is wrong. A more useful test might be to shoot six shots - shoot two and let the barrel cool completely ... and then repeat twice more. Even then, I would place more weight on where that first bullet lands, providing that any necessary finishing shot would likely find vitals at any range you are willing to shoot at game.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

I wonder if groups are changing on 5 and 6 rounds as the barrel heats up and the rifle not being free floated. I wonder if you space your shots a bit more and let it cool a little if it would change the groups. Wonder if this phenomenon happens with the Howa rifles that are floated?

[@mcnewlane]

Letting it cool definitely improves the groups.

[@Mountain14406]

I was about to say the same thing

[@geoffochsner3934]

It's not all the 5th and 6th rounds. Group 1, 4th shot is flyer Group 2, 5th shot is flyer Group 3, 2nd shot is flyer Group 4, 5th and 6th shots are flyers. So heat is part of it, but I think it's because he's letting a round be chambered for a longer than usual time before the flyer. The 5th shot on the first group was right on the money. I think because it was fired in quick succession after the 4th.

[@alphasolutions2325]

the thin barrel is far more of a problem than whether or not its free floated

[@NYstranger74]

My vanguard does this. My howa does not. The howa has a shorter barrel and i think its slightly thicker.

[@candetko]

Really like the video just love when the rifles are explained as well as shown the accuracy thanks a lot for sharing

[@mrjeffjob]

I have a 223 and a 7 Rem Mag in the Vanguard model. I dumped the cheap stocks and got HS Precision fiberglass stocks with the aluminum bedding blocks. I also dropped trigger weights to 2.0 pounds and put Steiner 2-16x42 scope on the Mag and a Vortex 6-24x50 on the 223. You can’t hit what you can’t see. I put stocks, triggers and good glass on any gun I get before I ever fire a shot. Even if it shot well with factory it will always shoot better with aftermarket stocks. The triggers on both of mine are great which is rare for factory guns.

[@1LonePuma]

*FIRST THING IS, YOU CLEAN YOUR BARREL BEFORE THE SECOND 5.* *I RAN A SNAKE AFTER THE FIRST SHOT AND PROCEEDED WITH THE NEXT SHOT, DOING IT WITH EACH SHOT UNTIL A TOTAL OF 5 SHOTS WITH 5 CLEANINGS.* *P.S. ALL I EVER USED WAS 130 GR WITH REMINGTON AMMO; I DIDN'T FEEL I NEEDED TO SPEND THE BUCKS FOR THOSE OVER-EXPENSIVE ROUNDS!* *AT 100 YARDS, ALL MY SHOTS WERE TOUCHING EACH OTHER CONSISTENTLY WITH NO FLYERS.* *I DO ADMIT, I HAD A CUSTOM BARREL THE NEXT LEVEL ABOVE A SPORTER TO ELIMINATE ANY HARMONICS WITH A 26.5" LENGTH AND A 3 IN 1 TWIST LIKE A TRIPOD WHICH STABILIZES THE BULLET.* *(REGARDLESS OF WHAT PEOPLE SAY) *IT'S A TACK DRIVER FOR SURE!!* *I WOULD RECOMMEND A 4 TO 14 LEUPOLD SCOPE WITH MICROMETER ADJUSTMENTS, YOU'LL BE GLAD!!* *QUALITY ALWAYS WINS OUT!!* 🤠👍

[@GeorgeSemel]

Well lets see, the magazine holds three and one in the chamber that would make 4. That rifle is plenty accurate for big game hunting. I would suggest that you shoot four shots like you have than on the same target shoot another four shots. My guess its a heat issue. I have a Mark V in 7mm WM that would do that at 200 yards. I also have a Mk V in 340 WM that I bought for a song, a Maine gun. The fellow that had it said it would not shoot. Well I bought mounted a 3.5 x 10 Leupold on it, my gunsming checked and torqued the floor plate screws to specs, I zeroed it and he was at the range that day expecting to laugh at the sucker. 4 shots 210 Nosler Partitions group you could cover with a quarter. I shot a lot of game with it. Thou I thing the 338 Winchester Mag is a better round. I have a Sako 75 ss so chambered and I am going to be buried with it. Maybe the best rifle I ever bought and I had a lot of guns over y 68 years.

[@evanshaw8311]

I really think it’s the ammo. In the group at 2:00, the 4th shot kicks right, but the 5th is dead on. It couldn’t have cooled down that fast.

[@J_ismyname48]

I would like to see someone review the base model Weatherby Vanguard in .308 Winchester. Nice video btw.

[@krisrhebergen]

I have one and it performed the same as this until I free floated the barrel and bedded the stock. Now it can throw a 10 shot group of federal nato into one moa. Yeah its hard to believe haha.

[@jackbuendgen389]

@J Harris check out nutnfancy's channel. He has one

[@johnganshow5536]

I shoot from a folding table, while sitting on a folding chair, Bipod front, sandbag under the rear. Couldn't imagine laying on the ground here in Arizona, if I don't have to. That would be pretty frustrating throwing that 5th shot, maybe the barrel starts heating up and pushing on one side of the stock. A little moto tool action might fix the problem...

[@Eggomania86]

I'm not sure what material the stock is made out of. I think it's a combination of a couple of issues. I find that most manufacturers that use a plastic stock have issues with heat. I think you can pull those groups if you use a Bell and Carlson Stock or McMillan stock or you can bed the existing stock. The Bell and Carlsons along with the McMillan stocks have aluminum bedding blocks built into them. The McMillan and Bell and Carlson use carbon fiber or fiberglass. They are less susceptible to heat, Fiberglass or Carbon fiber coupled with an aluminum bedding block absorb and resist that heat better than a factory polymer stock. The factory stocks warp because of the heat. As the barrel heats up on a plastic stock rifle, the stock expands. On a hot day this issue is exacerbated. Having a thin profile barrel doesn't help it heats up the stock much quicker. A lot of these factory polymer stocks don't have much internally to support and mate with the action to free float the barrel to allow the barrel to whip properly. Each time the barrel heats up the barrels harmonics change. Since that plastic stock is warm and expanded the barrel hits the inside of the stock each time you send a round down range.

[@billmoran935]

Maybe let the barrel cool longer between shots especially on a hot day. You obviously can shoot well so hot barrel is the culprit in my nonprofessional opinion. And yes, this format is enjoyable to watch. Thank you

[@brodypayne2671]

i like it mate, good to see some field testing. i like the other style too though, good to have a mix

[@brandontanner97]

Almost exactly what I just said. 👍

[@saintnick8290]

That’s the problem with light barrels. They heat up quick and lose accuracy. Great for hunting, bad for target practice.

[@backfire]

@Ron Stone Ive spent a summer in the hot weather in texas. Not fun. And there aren't any mountains, so unless I'm hunting there, I don't care to go back lol. Just kidding, I love Texas. As far as hot, when I launched the video, it was starting to get into the high 90's by afternoon. The last couple weeks, we have had 100+ temps. Take care and thanks for watching.

[@Bongo_Fury]

I enjoyed the shooting footage. You should do part of it in the studio and part of it in the field.

[@vincetytler6175]

I enjoy your guys content, this review works as does the office talk type of review variety is nice. As for the rifle I had a rifle with a light pencil barrel that did that same thing, the warmer the barrel the less accurate the rifle became .. ok for a hunter that’s going to put 10 rounds through it in a busy year, but not was looking for. Looking forward to your next review

[@melvinsacromentoe]

I like a combination of both types of reviews. Love seeing the actual shots and in the field but I like in the office for closer looks at rifles and stuff and more of a discussion

[@ronniehallmark1278]

In my opinion the best gun for the money.

[@claritytion1989]

Bought a 6.5 in a savage model 12fv. I shoot 7 round groups. Shoot wait 3 minutes. Between each round letting the barrel stay cool. It’s a very accurate platform. I’ve bought weatherby, Remington 700, m77, mausers. Nothing has outshot a savage for me out of the box. I’m feeling ya about that fifth shot flyer. Doesn’t mean your rifle is inaccurate. Give it a rest between shots and see how it does.

[@johnkendall6962]

That's why the 3 round warranty. IT'S MUCH HARDER TO SHOOT A 1 inch 10 shot group than a 3 shot one.

[@number55283]

Your lightweight barrel reaches temperature by round 4.

[@ronws2007]

I was thinking the same thing. I saw this vid some time ago when I had a different account. And spoiler alert, I know the other two talked about it affordable rifle comparisons. The big problem was the accuracy going downhill with temperature increase. Granted, most times hunting, you might only shoot once. I have been hunting almost every weekend of this whitetail general season and I have not shot once, not even at feral hog or just anything. In practice at the range, I usually shoot 40 rounds. My rifle has a bull barrel and it handles heat very well. Sub MOA at 100 yards and the difference between cold bore shot and warmed up shot is less than an inch. Cold bore is slightly low and slightly left. So, this Weatherby he tested might fine and all the other parts of the build are great, I think. Sweet trigger, smooth and solid action First 4 shots are tight, which might be all you need to get your harvest. But it is still a nagging thing. I think it is the barrel. It has a different way of handling heat and once it starts flexing, that is where you get the two to four inch drift.

[@bhuff4748]

Yeah I don’t get why he didn’t let it completely cool down and then see if the 7th shot pulled back to the center. If it did ….no issue for a hunting rifle.

[@jimpalmer4916]

I've got 2 vanguards in 300 win. mag. Reload my own and both will put 3 shots into a nickel at 109 yards. These 2 guns are the older ones and one has a wood stock, the second has a composite stock for bad weather hunting. Both have single stage triggers.

[@imafreakinhistorian2169]

Thanks for posting, ! I also have a Howa Full Dip 6.5 Creedmore same ammo as below does well

[@Bergara65]

This style. Best review yet!

[@VitoBb1978]

I own Weatherby Vanguard series 1 in 7MM Rem Magnum it’s never failed to give groups that I can cover with my thumb. The trigger is smooth as silk. What brand and model of rest was used during the testing ?

[@jamesmooney5348]

Get an hvac wrap type thermometer. Take accurate temps after each shot and learn at what temp bullet placement jumps out. Or do a 10 shot group and don't complain about it.... 3 shot groups for that rifle (barrel thickness) is great!

[@BradGroux]

Thanks for the coverage for this. I just ordered a Vanguard Badlands is .308!

[@douglasborgaro6801]

The slender barrel of this rifle is impacted by the heat. This rifle model is a hunting rifle, not a target/benchrest rifle. A heavier barrel will be able to fire more rounds without being affected.

[@drdes9609]

I think with a gun like that three shot groups is appropriate it’s a hunting barrel so it heats up after three shots. It’s not a long range competition barrel. Great review

[@christianeriksson4733]

03:06 It´s so good to see someone demonstrating great safe firearm handling.

[@backwoodscharlie8483]

Who have you noticed not being safe?

[@BallewBlade86]

Great video, I'm buying one of these rifles because of your honest reviews on it. What brand picatinny rail is on that rig? Thanks!

[@MDCreekmore]

I noticed you have a link in the description to Sportsman's warehouse where the rifle is for sale... that's great but isn't that against KZbin's policies?

[@natewolf1479]

So I love the review of this Weatherby, but I'm interested in a comparison between the Weatherby Vanguard and the Howa Hs Precision. A review of build quality, features, accuracy and price. Keep up the good work on videos.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

Are you aware that Howa makes the Vanguard for Weatherby?

[@mfarrell123456]

After 4 shots, the barrel heats up and you get flyers. It's made for hunting and I don't think that takes away from the rifle at all. If all you're going to do is shoot targets than buy a rifle with a heavier barrel.

[@backfire]

I almost think there is a bedding issue or something because every now and then, it will do it on 1st, 2nd,or 3rd shot. I’ve shot it multiple other times and it does it as well. Just not all the time

[@skylerhinman6600]

i think the weatherby vanguard is the perfect rifle it shoots in a lot of calibers its an amazing rifle and the groupings are so tight for the first 4 shots but i feel like the 5 and 6th shot only takes a hard right because the barrel overheats but when your shooting 300 or credmoon barrel always overheats fast but the fact that even the 4th shot is part of the tight group is amazing so i learned that this thing is great for hunting cuz most of the time you only really take at least 2 shots witch means all 6 rounds will shoot accurately when you give them space to cool in between.

[@mimicocto8]

Don't own a Vanguard, but I'd like too. Barrel heat seems to be a problem with most barrels with a hunting profile, at least that's what I've found. I'd be satisfied with a 3 shot group from that fire stick, more than satisfied if it was the pew pew in this video. Agree with your comment about cleaning up where you shoot. I will add this. PLEASE do your part to keep public lands free of trash. If you care, pick up more than your own refuse. Leave it better than you found it.

[@timferguson593]

Short heavy barrels work best for me. Don’t care about the velocity loss. Nice review.

[@cavscout62]

I’ve had great luck with Weatherby Vanguard’s as hunting rifles. The cheaper Weatherby rifles aren’t free floated and have pretty light tubes on them but then again they typically only claim 3 shot groups but man the triggers and that super slick action!

[@garrettscott4094]

You should take temps of the barrel after each shot and figure out if its the barrel temps that throughs that last shot.

[@Elksniffer1]

That's exactly what I was thinking. By the 5th shot the barrel is too hot and throws out of the grouping.

[@pete1735]

People dont realize when you get a big gun you need a really good scope they even tell you that when buying a Weatherby

[@jasonwomack6876]

I like this format!

[@alphasolutions2325]

LOL.... No bedding is going to fix this problem.... its the #2 barrel contour.... It get's HOT fast.... 4-shot limit and then you have to let it cool....

[@whyisgamora846]

@ I have seen animals without any sense Sooooo...

[@YurrNext]

Yup, and that is why there are hunting rifles and there are target rifles.

[@rockymountainhomestead]

So I'm going to buy this rifle because what I'm seeing is that a three-shot group which is all you need for hunting accuracy is ridiculously sufficient for the price of this gun. Stop shooting five-round groups on on a hunting rifle I think the commenters are correct

[@TheStraycat74]

I have the Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic in 308 winchester and a Leopold V1 Optic (weatherby vanguard scope mounts) absolutely love it

[@johnmorganjr769]

I like your approach to sighting in.I cool my barrel between shots also. We are like minded!! Have a good one.

[@bmoorear]

Nice video and review, thanks for posting. Yeah I hear you on the 5 shot groups, hate to give you the bad news but this rifle more than likely just is not going to do it. I have a Vanguard S2 in 25-06 and it does the same thing every single time. It has a thin #2 contour hunting barrel so it does not bother me a bit. It will drill 3 in there on top of one another but after that.........they open up. In 25-05 my barrel is hot after 3 shots.

[@backfire]

As to be expected by pretty much any hunting rifle. I still really love how this rifle shot!

[@bmoorear]

@@backfire No doubt. I have most of the budget stuff, Ruger ranch, Axis II XP, Stevens 200.... along with some nicer rigs. For 490 bucks, I am not sure you can do better than a Vanguard S2, SO much rifle for the money.

[@cbwelch4]

It would be one thing if the. Vanguard was light, but it isn’t. That is definitely an issue with the barrel heating up. That doesn’t happen with my Tikka. As an American I want the Vanguard to kick ass.

[@Robo-dr8tk]

👍outdoor reviews. I almost bought a Weatherby today, but can't find one in a .243. Great video !👍

[@keegancrue7432]

Change your brand of bullet. All gun barrels like their own brand of their choice in bullets. For those who don’t understand that saying, your barrel will like 1 or maybe 7 different bullets made by different or even the same manufacturer. But the next barrel won’t like any of those. So find the bullet that marries the barrel’s likings, its specific application and purpose. You’ll see those flyers disappear.

[@KathrynLiz1]

You have a bedding issue there...as the barrel warms it throws those flyers. Check the bedding of the barrel in the forend.... That's most likely where the issue is....

[@edjett2631]

I feel like I have to mention that the "flyer" in the 3rd group was the 2nd shot. Something is moving! I'm really impressed with that rifle!

[@evanbane1]

Noticed several things in this accuracy "test" and his complaint about flyers ... first off, as people already mentioned, 5-shot strings push the barrel temp way up, so flyers are a LOT more likely. I don't care what rifle brand/caliber/ammo you shoot -- hot-barrel flyers are the norm as shot strings go up. Suggestion: Just do 3-shot strings ... I mean, seriously, how many shots are you going to take at a game animal in the field? Maybe two? Second, most of his flyers are to the right -- could be he has a slight left-to-right wind downrange. Third, the Caldwell rest he's using under the forend wiggles ... A LOT ... if you watch closely -- i..e, not very rock solid. Fourth, human error -- we've all had range sessions where -- if we're honest -- we can actually call a flyer ... we know we pulled it, plain and simple. Finally, ammo -- he doesn't spell out the different mfrs. and/or bullet grain weights he's "testing," but again, real shooters know ... there's ammo a particular rifle shoots a dime-sized group, and other ammo that shoots pretty much all over the paper, so to speak. In the end, when you look at the 4 out of 5 shots this guy puts in the diamond, why is he griping about the flyers?! Said another way, cold bore shots out of this Weatherby are going to put meat in the freezer.

[@mattboxwell7506]

I like a mixed format. Good to see the gun in action but then maybe back to the office to give a run through of the rifle and final thoughts

[@johnl5974]

It's a thin barrel, they heat up and may wander. That's why benchrest rifle barrels are so thick/heavy. Consider what it was built for.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Great review. Enjoyed the content, attitude & approach. Thanks

[@TXHAWGKILLA]

Damn bro, that optic looks high as hell. You don't look like your cheek is even touching the stock. Is that a personal preference? All the best.

[@joelstanhope7231]

After spending the time to mount the scope and check its zeroed . Why did you take the scope off ? Seems stupid to me , now you'll have to do it again prior to hunting with it

[@everettbrown2501]

I have just bought a weatherby vanguard 30-06. What ammo do you recommend to get the best accuracy. I hunt white tail at about 200 yards normally

[@davesullivan972]

Do you think the flyers were caused by the barrel heating-up? Also, I don't think it's good to mix copper-jacketed bullets with all-copper bullets without a full cleaning between between. Great video.

[@39MercFlathead]

Howa 1500. About 30 years ago I bought the Mossberg Version in .270 for one of my sons as his first big game rifle. He shot his first elk with it at 17 at 475 yards with Winchester 130 grain Black Talon ammo. One shot kill. The 2 position safety doesn't lock the bolt and the trigger is a POS. I replaced the trigger with a Timney and it is a dream to shoot now. A few years ago I bought the Weatherby Vanguard version in .270 and replaced the stock with a Bell and Carlson with a 14.25 inch length of pull to fit me. Shoots fantastic. The new 3 position safety locks the bolt so it doesn't inadvertently open in the brush and the new trigger, while not as good as a Timney, is as good as I have felt on a production rifle. So far it hasn't been worth it to replace the trigger, but each time I shoot my son's with the Timney, I get a little urge to spend the money and go for the best. Overall, I think the Howas are up there with the best of the push feed bolt actions and cost a lot less than most of them. I will probably buy a couple more of these for the grandkids in the next few years.

[@elkhuntr2816]

Wonder if its because the barrel is not free floated. It boggles my mind why they don't free float those.

[@dougkidd4799]

Great video, I'm up by Sandpoint. It looks like IF where you're at

[@johnkaraphillis754]

I know they moved operations to Wyoming a few years ago, but am curious to know where the Vanguard series is built. Enjoyed the review as well as most “Backfire” reviews. Thanks

[@bshadrick]

Japan

[@lelenbates3367]

Take the barrel off and check barrel channel and re-tension the action screws.

[@libertarianGO]

It looks like what your getting with the flyers are cold bore shift. Everything but the barnes tacx did it on the last couple rounds. Try doing two shots as a time and letting it cool but shooting for the same groups. It might get them to tighten up.

[@ALPHAWOLF-wz9sw]

AS YOU SHOOT OFF MORE ROUNDS AT ONE TIME, THE BARREL HEATS UP. THIS CAUSES THE THE VIBRATION OF BARREL TO CHANGE ITS POINT OF IMPACT. I LIVE IN THE NORTH EAST. WE LIKE TO SIGHT IN OUR RIFLES IN THE WINTER WHEN IT IS COLD. DOING THIS, MAKES THE 5TH ROUND NOT A FLYER. IF YOU LET THE BARREL COOL DOWN BETWEEN EACH SHOT, THE FLYER WILL GO AWAY.

[@brianmiller1580]

Weatherby Vanguard is made by Howa essentially same gun...great guns nice alternative to newer Rem 700 which really sucks these days..nice review thanks

[@kurtwilhelm3823]

Just wondering about how good does the stock feel? Good quality?

[@samcovingtonmd]

It seems that, most of the time, your flyers come later in each grouping. I was really hoping that, on that last set, you would have shot one more round. If the last one was part of the "flyer group, it would have been highly suggestive that your flyers are a result of what happens after the barrel heats up.

[@tyronekim3506]

Good shooting. It appears that there is a problem with every fifth shot. I wish you had done a dollar bill pass through test after the 4th shot to check for barrel contact with the stock or whether the barrel is still free floating. Stay safe and in good health.

[@aquadonkey.]

Vanguards arnt freefloated they have a pressure point at the end of the stock. Flyers are from the barrel heating up

[@tyronekim3506]

@@aquadonkey. Thank you for letting me know.

[@aquadonkey.]

@@tyronekim3506 no problem, at least thats what i believe is the issue, i have one in 30-06, the first 3 shots from a cold bore are almost always sub-moa for me, but if i keep going on a hot barrel my groups start doing similar things to this and my groups will open up to 1.5-2moa if i dont let it cool down. It is weird to me that it seemed every shot from his gun with a hit barrel seemed to hit in the same spot tho, when mine heats up it seems a bit more random where a flyer goes tho but about the same size groups as he was getting, maybe a bit bigger, but id wager hes a better shot than i am.

[@tyronekim3506]

​@@aquadonkey.Thank you for letting me know about your experience with the Vanguard.

[@MarkSmith-nw3ey]

Great review! I am trying to decide which rifle, a Vanguard or Ruger American Rifle (in .243), would be the best choice for a hunting rifle and long range target rifle. You've given me some great info. to help in my decision. Thanks!

[@jaybailleaux630]

5 three shot groups is a good test for accuracy . Have stress in barrel steel for a consistent flier in same area.

[@brandonyoung7760]

3 rounds..... 10 minute cool off..... 3 rounds..... 10 minute cool off 😎 👌🏻

[@Workforaliving]

Its not a floating barrel... barrel temp change will make a big difference

[@joedropulich3664]

Good video and some good marksmanship. Don't worry about the flyers, they happen. Thanks!

[@ingelri2]

My Browning Xbolt Speed .28 Nosler with the pencil thin fluted barrel does the exact same thing. I only shoot 4 round groups during load development because the heat always make the subsequent shots change point of impact slightly. As you said, it's a hunting a rifle, and doubtful you'll ever have to shoot more the 3-4 shots anyway.

[@Drivapete]

The advice I've heard on the Nosler offerings is "sight it in, letting the Barrell cool between shots, then leave it alone and go hunting". Barrels will be shot out within 400 rounds! I don't know personally, but this is what a trusted gun smith friend has recommended.

[@Coopaloop-gg3kw]

Glass bedding will pull that flyer back in