WEATHERBY VANGUARD BACKCOUNTRY
Posted Jun 16, 2023
The Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry provides an impressive combination of accuracy, reliability, and modern construction in an all-weather bolt action rifle. This rifle features a 3-lug bolt that is adjustable for length of pull and comes with 24 inches of unbelievably accurate cold hammer-forged barrel. The Vanguard Backcountry is designed for extreme accuracy and features the Weatherby Accubrake to reduce recoil and improve accuracy. It is also equipped with a crisp, adjustable trigger and comes fitted with Weatherby’s signature adjustable comb and a Radial Ejector for improved control and cycling of cartridges.
The Vanguard Backcountry's high-end construction and engineering make this rifle well-suited for the experienced or aspiring long range shooter in mind, while its price makes it available to those on a budget. The adjustable comb and the match grade barrel are features more associated with high-end precision rifles, yet the Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry is a fraction of the price of such custom rifles. This allows shooters to enjoy the feeling of shooting a match grade weapon without incurring the custom gunsmith fees.
The rifle itself is constructed with modern Krieger barrel, an adjustable trigger, and an adjustable comb. These three features combine to make the rifle both sturdy and accurate. The Krieger barrel is 8 grooves and one turn per inch. The cold hammer forged method creates a superior quality that allows for consistent performance. Its adjustable trigger makes it easier to trigger precisely, and offers flexibility in the amount of trigger pull necessary to fire. Its adjustable comb allows shooters to find the most comfortable shooting posture, while also ensuring that the rifle maintains consistent and repeatable accuracy.
The Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry is also designed to stand up to a wide variety of weather conditions and environmental factors. The Vanguard's stainless steel construction reinforces its ability to handle tough conditions, while the Cerakote finishing on the metal ensures a lifetime of corrosion resistance. The synthetic stock and 24-inch cold hammer forged stainless steel barrel make it lightweight, yet strong enough to stand up to extensive shooting. The backcountry also comes with Weatherby's signature Accubrake, which reduces felt recoil and improves the gun's accuracy.
The Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry is an excellent choice for the experienced or aspiring long-range shooter who is looking for a high-performance rifle at a reasonable price point. Its accuracy and versatility will appeal to beginner and expert shooters alike, while its features and solid construction will stand up to years of hard outdoor use. Its adjustable triggers and comb coupled with its Krieger barrel and Accubrake make it a great all-around rifle that can perform well in any scenario. This rifle is a great choice for someone looking to take their shooting skills to the next level, regardless of experience or budget.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable construction.
- The modular chassis is adjustable for the shooters comfort.
- It has a crisp, adjustable match grade trigger.
- The chambering choice is versatile and includes popular rounds such as .308 Win, .243 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor.
- It can be used for both hunting and target shooting.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive for a budget rifle.
- Limited options for accessories and modifications.
- Heavier than other backcountry rifles due to its design.
- Lack of after-market support.
Who Should Buy
The Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry rifle is an excellent choice for those looking to take their hunting game to the next level. It is an accurate, reliable and lightweight rifle that is ideal for use in backcountry hunting conditions.
Those who should buy the Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry include experienced hunters who are comfortable with heavier weapons and require a rifle with excellent accuracy, reliability and lightness. Those who already own a lightweight bolt-action rifle may also benefit from the gun’s sleek design and advanced features.
Those who shouldn't buy the Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry are inexperienced hunters or those who may find the gun’s heavy weight and high price tag daunting. Beginner or youth hunters may find the gun difficult to handle, and those on a tight budget may find the gun beyond their price range.
Comparisons
| WEATHERBY VANGUARD BACKCOUNTRY | BERGARA B-14 RIDGE | STEYR PRO HUNTER | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .257 WBY MAG | 6.5 PRC | Various Options |
| Barrel Length | 24” | 24” | 23”&26” |
| Stock | Monte Carlo Griptonite | Woodland Camo Molded with Mini-Chassis Stock | Green Checkered Wood Stock with Black Rubber Recoil Pad |
| Finish | Matte Blued | Matte Blued | Matte Blued |
| Magazine Capacity | 3+1 | 3+1 | 3+1 |
| Weight | 7 lb. | 7.6 lb. | 7.1 lb. |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-06 Springfield
• Action: Cold hammer forged two-lug action; threaded bolt-end; fluted bolt body
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds
• Trigger: Adjustable Match Quality Two-Stage Trigger; Factory set at 3.5 lbs.
• Stock: Monte Carlo, hand-laminated raised comb Monte Carlo style, black w/gray webbing
• Barrel: Hammer-forged, 22", #3 contour, one-piece fluted, threaded
• Muzzle: Threaded 5/8x24 (6.5 Creedmoor & .30-06 Springfield); 3/4x20 ( .270 Win. & .308 Win.• Overall Length: 44"
• Length of Pull: 13-3/4"
• Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz.
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry rifle are slings, optics, slings, muzzle brakes, bipods, and recoil pads. Other popular accessories include magazine extensions, bolt handles, and stock extensions.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry is quite impressive. This rifle boasts a signature cold hammer-forged barrel that has a three-stage crown and a recessed target crown. This helps increase muzzle velocity and ensures that rounds exit the barrel with optimal accuracy. This popular hunting rifle is capable of producing groups of less than 1” at 100 yards with the appropriate ammunition. The Vanguard also features a 9-lug action which helps improve accuracy and reduce recoil, creating an even smoother shooting experience. Overall, people who use the Weatherby Vanguard Backcountry rave about its accuracy, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable hunting rifle.
