westernslope
New member
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2018
- Messages
- 14
I'm a big Howa fan, including the Weatherby Vanguard series of rifles. I have a mini action .223 (great rifle, needs a flush magazine or hinged floorplate before I can really recommend it, though) and a Vanguard S2 in .270 Win with the normal synthetic stock.
I really like both rifles, but the Vanguard I own is very heavy. The only replacement stocks that would lighten the rifle cost are pricey, and I'm wondering if the rifle would handle strange with an ultralight stock and the standard contour, non-fluted, 24 inch barrel. And chances are, it would be more cost effective to sell the rifle and just buy a lighter Howa or Vanguard.
The Vanguard Wilderness is appealing because it weighs 6.5 lbs with a drop box magazine and has a 24 inch barrel to get the most out of whatever you're shooting. Long action is an option. It also comes in a ready-to-go package.
The DIY alpine would consist in finding a lightweight Howa action (either separate or already on a rifle) either cerakoted or not, and buying one of the Howa Alpine stocks that comes up on ebay every now and then. I'm not sure what all would go into that in terms of fitting and bedding, so I'm a little intimidated. The advantage is a more compact package and (maybe?) a lighter package.
Any advice? Any firsthand experience with the Vanguard Wilderness or the similar Backcountry?
I really like both rifles, but the Vanguard I own is very heavy. The only replacement stocks that would lighten the rifle cost are pricey, and I'm wondering if the rifle would handle strange with an ultralight stock and the standard contour, non-fluted, 24 inch barrel. And chances are, it would be more cost effective to sell the rifle and just buy a lighter Howa or Vanguard.
The Vanguard Wilderness is appealing because it weighs 6.5 lbs with a drop box magazine and has a 24 inch barrel to get the most out of whatever you're shooting. Long action is an option. It also comes in a ready-to-go package.
The DIY alpine would consist in finding a lightweight Howa action (either separate or already on a rifle) either cerakoted or not, and buying one of the Howa Alpine stocks that comes up on ebay every now and then. I'm not sure what all would go into that in terms of fitting and bedding, so I'm a little intimidated. The advantage is a more compact package and (maybe?) a lighter package.
Any advice? Any firsthand experience with the Vanguard Wilderness or the similar Backcountry?