WEATHERBY VANGUARD SYNTHETIC
Posted May 26, 2023
The Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic is a great value in a mid-priced bolt-action rifle chambered for .223, .243, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and .30-06. It is an impressive firearm that provides reliability, accuracy, and durability—all at an affordable price.
The Vanguard Synthetic’s stock is made of injection-molded, fiberglass-reinforced, synthetic material that is tough and lightweight. It also features a checkered, pistol-grip stock with a full-length forend and a Monte Carlo-style comb for increased control over your line of sight. The machine-bedded steel three-rings-of-steel action is extremely durable and provides a reliable platform for consistent accuracy. The CERAKOTE finish increases the durability and helps protect against corrosion and scratching.
The barrel is cold-hammer forged from chrome-molybdenum-vanadium steel which increases the surface area—allowing heat to disperse faster which keeps barrel temperatures to a minimum. This process also increases accuracy and barrel life. The barrel is free-floating in the stock for uniform bedding and has a recessed crown for improved accuracy. The barrel has a 1 in 10-inch twist rate and is 24 inches long for increased velocity. The four-round detachable box magazine is easily loaded and unloaded.
The trigger is adjustable and feels comfortable. It is crisp throughout its pull and had minimal take-up. The trigger pull was roughly right at four pounds—which is light enough for accurate shooting. The trigger guard is plenty big enough for winter gloves.
The Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic is suitable for a wide range of hunting needs. It is suitable for long shots on elk and mule deer, as well as hard-charging whitetails. The weight of the rifle is 7.5 pounds and the length of pull is 13.63 inches. The length of pull can be adjusted with spacers for a custom fit if needed.
In the accuracy department, the Vanguard Synthetic did well. I used three different loads of ammunition in the rifle with all three shooting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. The rifle printed a best five-shot group of 0.67 inches with 100-grain Hornady Manufacturing Co. Superformance ammunition. The rifle also printed its best group with 60-grain Hornady V-Max ammunition at 0.88 inches. The last load tested was Hornady’s Superformance Varmint 80-grain ammunition and this load produced the best group of the three tested with a 0.79-inch group.
In conclusion, the Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic is a great value in a mid-priced bolt-action rifle. It provides accurate, durable, and reliable performance at an affordable price. The rifle is suitable for a wide range of hunting needs and produces sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with three different types of ammunition. If you’re looking for a mid-priced bolt-action rifle, the Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic is an excellent option.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight synthetic stock is ideal for comfortable portability and easier maneuvering in the field
- The stock features molded-in checkering for a non-slip grip, plus it is impervious to weather conditions
- Features an adjustable trigger to customize the rifle to your shooting style
- Cold hammer-forged stainless steel fluted barrel with a matte black finish for improved accuracy and increased shot velocities
- The synthetic stock features a Monte Carlo design for improved cheek weld
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than other options in the same category
- Not as durable as a wooden stock, due to its synthetic construction
- May have difficulty accommodating certain optics and accessories due to the synthetic material at times
Who Should Buy
People who should buy the Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic are those who are looking for an inexpensive yet reliable and accurate bolt action rifle for hunting and target shooting. The rifle is also well-suited for those who are looking for a gun with a good balance of lightweight and strength.
People who shouldn't buy the Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic are those who are looking for a compact or lightweight rifle and those who are looking for a rifle specifically designed for long-range shooting.
Comparisons
| Rifle | Magazine Capacity | Total Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Synthetic | 4 Rounds | 43.5"/ 110.5CM | 7.75 lbs. |
| Remington 770 | 4 Rounds | 43"/109.2CM | 7.25 lbs. |
| Savage Axis | 4 Rounds | 42.75"/108.6CM | 6.5 lbs. |
| Thompson Center Venture | 5 Rounds | 43.5"/110.5CM | 7.25 lbs. |
| Ruger American | 4 Rounds | 43"/109.2CM | 7.3 lbs. |
Features / Specs
•Action: Bolt-action
•Barrel Length: 20", 22"
•Overall Length: 41"
•Cartridge: .223 Rem, .243 Win, .308 Win
•Material: Synthetic stock
•Capacity: 4-round magazine
•Weight: 6.5 lbs
•Twist Rate: 1 in 12"
•Trigger: Two-stage trigger
Popular Accessories
- Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic Rifle Stock
- Scope Mounts
- Bipods
- Cleaning Rods
- Shooting mats
- Sling Swivels
- Rifle Slings
- Recoil Pads
- Tool Kits
- Magazines
Accuracy
The Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic is known for its accuracy and reliability. This gun is made with a cold hammer forged barrel to ensure accuracy and consistency. The Vanguard Synthetic also uses the SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee, which guarantees accuracy of .99” or less at 100 yards with a 3-shot group. This gun also features an adjustable, two-stage trigger and a detachable box magazine for quick reloads. All in all, the Vanguard Synthetic is an excellent choice for shooters looking for a reliable rifle with top-notch accuracy.
