Thoughts on the $399 Weatherby?

[juwaba98]

Thoughts on the $399 Weatherby? Update: Bought It!

Hello all,

I haven't kept up with rifles the way I should have and my Dad told me I needed to quit borrowing his for deer season and buy my own. So here I am asking for opinions on the $399 Weatherby. I think I've decided I want one but thought I'd better check with you guys first to make sure I don't do something stupid. So here's what I'm thinking:

$399 Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Matte Blued
30-06 cal
Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40mm with BDC (bullet drop compensator)
Undecided on base/rings

I am hoping for this to be my general purpose, long time use game gun. Don't imagine I'll be going after much other than whitetail and occasionally hogs. It won't be a range gun. I am simply looking for a functional tool to put meat on my family's table.

Does the above combo sound like I am in the right frame of mind or am I way off? Opinons please and thanks in advance for your help.

 

[txsyotehntr]

If you don't mind changing scopes it is a good mid range rifle. My Brother in law has one and likes it but we tossed the scope immediately.

 

[juwaba98]

If you don't mind changing scopes it is a good mid range rifle. My Brother in law has one and likes it but we tossed the scope immediately.

The scope is separate, the "package" deal comes with a Bushnell that is a rather low quality scope (or so I'm told and your post seems to confirm), but the Nikon I'm looking at is far from cheap IMO and supposed to be one of the better ones available. I've actually had it recommended over the Leupold VX-1 for the price range I'm in. Thanks for your response.

 

[mac79912]

Go for it.You can always upgrade by buying another scope.

 

[ChicagoTex]

While they're not up to the quality of Weatherby's Mark Vs (duh), I have heard literally NOTHING but good things about the Weatherby Vanguard, which is more than I can say for many rifles of it's ilk (The Remington 710 jumps to mind, for example). I'd be willing to bet it's all the rifle 95% of the hunting population needs.

Unless you're willing to look into something much much more expensive, I see no way you can do better (there are some rifles that might be as good in that price range, but definetely no better).

 

[cowboy45]

The vanguard rifle is made by HOWA which produces several rifles under other names and is a very quality product. It is a nice choice for a very affordable gun.

 

[40Arpent]

Does the above combo sound like I am in the right frame of mind or am I way off?

As others have implied, you are absolutely right on the mark. Go for it.

 

[juwaba98]

Went for it!

Well guys, I appreciate the comments and decided to go for it. Once I got one in my hands I knew I was going to buy it. I was impressed with the overall fit and feel of the gun. It really feels like an exceptionally well built rifle. My Dad and I put it next to his Browning A-Bolt and both thought the quality was equal between the rifles which is especially good since I love his. Now all I have to do is get out and shoot it some to figure out what ammo it likes best.

Specs:
Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic
cal. 30-06
Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40mm scope with BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator)
Cheap padded nylon sling from Academy

and it travels in a really nice heavy canvas soft case made by Boyt Harness Company (man I really love their products!).





And yes here are some pics..........

 

[40Arpent]

A job very well done. When you cut through all the "B.S.", the indisputable truth is that you now have a rifle that will serve you very well for a lifetime and beyond.

 

[picketeer]

The PIC LOOKS a little FUZZY to me!!!!!!!

 

[phatcyclist]

I've talked my brother into getting one of these for a hunting rifle. He'll be getting a .308 because of the abundance of it at my house, I reload it for my hunting rifle.