22" or 24" Barrel Length?

[LandDiver]

Are you sure the Vanguard is available with a 24 inch barrel in 7/08? The only one I can find on their website has a 20 inch barrel. I do see a 308 with a 24 inch barrel.

Yes it is there. Look through the drop down options under Synthetic. I looked at the details the other day when I was comparing descriptions and prices. The Vanguard S2 was a littler over a $100 cheaper then the Model 70 Featherweight. For some reason the Weatherby site isn't loading on my phone.

 

[HSi-ESi]

I would emphasize the personal fit and balance ahead of the 24" / 22" technical spec debate. Guns that balance to your liking get shot more and will subsequently give you more confidence. I'd handle both side-by-side and make a choice.

You could always go to a Ruger No 1. that will make a 26" barrel balance like a 20/22".

 

[hank4elk]

22" is what mine is,Rem. 700 -06,love it. I shoot game out to 400,but shoot to 600 @ range if I want.
Had a WWII 8mm Mauser in 24" that was a great shooter,but heavy. Peep sight & a 500 yrd gun.
If I got another cal.,longer shooter, it would be a 308 in 24".

 

[efw]

Handling is where it's at; there isn't s big game animal on the planet that'd notice 100 fps.

There is no comparison to be made between a Vangard or Savage to a Winchester Model 70 in my opinion. The former are one class of rifle the latter a whole other.

A Model 70 Extreme Weather or Featherweight would be an awesome rifle. A Kimber 84M Montana or Classic Select would be another step up.

Just my opinion...

 

[Rancho Loco]

I'll take 22" over 24" any day. Except for when I take a 20" over a 22", which is becoming more common for me. Accuracy and handling mean more to me in the field than 100 fps.

 

[mtmuley]

Accuracy and handling mean more to me in the field than 100 fps.

And I have it all. With a 26 inch barrel. mtmuley

 

[Rancho Loco]

And I have it all. With a 26 inch barrel. mtmuley

farthest I would carry a 26" barrel is to the workbench with a hacksaw.

 

[sbhooper]

And I have it all. With a 26 inch barrel. mtmuley

Agreed. A 24-26-inch barrel handles just fine. I suppose that if someone does not like long barrels, they would whine about my 10-pound rifles, too!

 

[mtmuley]

farthest I would carry a 26" barrel is to the workbench with a hacksaw.

Some of us like 200 grains at 3200 fps. Not a damn thing wrong with that. For me, there is zero advantages to a stubby barrel. mtmuley

 

[Fire_9]

Some of us like 200 grains at 3200 fps. Not a damn thing wrong with that. For me, there is zero advantages to a stubby barrel. mtmuley

And that might just be the style of hunting that you do. There's no doubt that more velocity will be a little more forgiving in the wind but anymore I seem to settle on barrels in the 22-24" range depending on cartridge. They just seem to point better for me and if 50-75 fps is going to make me miss a shot, I shouldn't be shooting that far anyways.

 

[wytex]

At one time Howa made the Vangard for Weatherby, we have one in .270 it is a great rifle, but well over 25 years old. I would ditto on the balance issue. Pick the rifle that shoulders well for you and balances comfortably. Get some good glass to put on it.