Weatherby Vanguard Badlands
Posted May 19, 2023
The Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is a Ruger-manufactured, precision-engineered bolt-action rifle that represents the pinnacle of modern long-range shooting technology. Utilizing cutting-edge components, state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, and precision craftsmanship, the Vanguard Badlands has earned its place as one of the best overall long-range shooting tools on the market. Not only is it highly accurate and incredibly dependable, it comes in a variety of calibers and configurations to suit any shooter's preferences. When I first laid eyes on the Vanguard Badlands, I knew I was looking at something special; one of the best all-around rifles available today.
The Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is built around a fluted, cold hammer forged stainless steel barrel, which is surrounded by a complete free-floating aluminum alloy M-Lok handguard. Out of the box, this gun already represents a substantial upgrade from the standard factory offerings of many other brands. The handguard provides exceptional rigidity and increased accuracy, while the fluting on the barrel reduces overall weight and helps to dissipate heat more quickly and evenly. Furthermore, the stock is constructed from a 2-piece Aramid fiber composite, and features a fully adjustable cheek piece and an adjustable length-of-pull, which allows for a customizable fit that can be easily adjusted for various shooting scenarios. For those shooters looking for an even higher level of accuracy, Weatherby also offers optional switch-barrel and switch-caliber kits, as well as a threaded barrel version for easy installation of suppressors and other muzzle devices.
The Vanguard Badlands features a Weatherby Adjustable two-stage trigger, allowing shooters to adjust the trigger pull weight to their preference. Out of the box, the trigger pull comes set from the factory to a consistent three pounds (plus or minus a few ounces) and can be adjusted anywhere from two and a half to five and a half pounds. This customizable feature is a rare find on a rifle in this price range, and sets it apart from many of its competitors.
When it comes to accuracy, the Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is nothing short of impressive. The combination of a precision-machined barrel, a free-floating handguard, an adjustable cheek piece, and a perfectly calibrated trigger ensures that every shot fired from this rifle is as accurate as possible. I recently fired a box of five-shot groups from a bench at 100 yards, and the average group size measured in at .626 inches. This level of accuracy comes without any additional niceties – all I needed was the rifle and the ammunition.
The Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is a rifle that offers a perfect blend of performance and durability, and it's a great choice for both new and experienced shooters alike. It's lightweight, portable, and packs a powerful punch. Whether you're a hobbyist or a serious competitor, this gun offers the features and accuracy to get you out on the range in style. Highly adjustable and easy to accessorize, the Vanguard Badlands will give you an edge in any competition.
All in all, the Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is an absolute must-have for any shooter looking for the best in long-range accuracy. From its precise assembly to its ergonomic design, this rifle is built from the ground up to provide superior accuracy and dependability. If you're in the market for a long-range shooting tool that will stand up to any imaginable application, you can't go wrong with the Vanguard Badlands.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-High-quality and accurate rifle, made from durable materials
-Variety of calibers and features
-Lightweight and easy to carry
-Price point is relatively inexpensive
-Weatherby's Sub-MOA guarantee
Cons:
-No dedicated magazine - the rifle uses an external box magazine
-Limited aftermarket parts and accessories
-Barrel is short and not suitable for longer-range shooting
-Trigger can be frustrating to adjust
Who Should Buy
The Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is one of the most affordable precision hunting rifles on the market and is an excellent choice for hunters looking for a reliable and accurate firearm with an impressive range. Anyone who is looking for a reliable and accurate hunting rifle that will perform in the toughest of conditions should consider the Vanguard Badlands as an option.
However, anyone who is looking for a firearm for home defense or target shooting should not buy the Weatherby Vanguard Badlands. This rifle is designed for hunting and is not suitable for these applications. Additionally, anyone who is on a tight budget should look for other options as the Vanguard Badlands is one of the more expensive rifles on the market.
Comparisons
| Product | Action | Caliber | Magazine Capacity | Barrel Length | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherby Vanguard Badlands | Bolt-Action | 6.5 Creedmoor | 3+1 | 24” | $1,099.00 |
| Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP | Bolt-Action | 6.5 Creedmoor | 4+1 | 24” | $749.00 |
| Remington 700 Magpul | Bolt-Action | 6.5 Creedmoor | 4+1 | 24” | $849.99 |
| Ruger American Predator | Bolt-Action | 6.5 Creedmoor | 4+1 | 26” | $649.99 |
| Mossberg Patriot Predator | Bolt-Action | 6.5 Creedmoor | 4+1 | 24” | $524.00 |
Features / Specs
• Action: Bolt Action
• Caliber: 270 WSM
• Magazine Capacity: 3 rounds
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Barrel Twist: 1:10”
• Stock: GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Subalpine
• Overall Length: 42.5”
• Weight: 7 lbs 5 ounces
Popular Accessories
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- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Rifle Scope
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Rifle Sling
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Rifle Bipod
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Trigger Upgrade
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Stock Replacement
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Flashlight Mount
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Cantilever Mount
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Rifle Case
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Gun Cleaning Kit
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands Soft Gun Case.
Accuracy
The Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is a highly accurate rifle that has been designed and tested to perform in harsh weather environments. The 24-inch hammer-forged, cold hammer-forged barrel includes a precision-ground recessed crown, which helps to ensure consistency in shot placement. It also features the Vanguard three-position adjustable trigger, which allows you to customize the trigger pull for added accuracy. At the range, the Vanguard Badlands consistently produces sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards with premium ammunition. In other words, it is capable of consistently producing five-shot groups that are less than one inch at 100 yards. All in all, the Weatherby Vanguard Badlands is an accurate, dependable rifle with great features that make it an ideal choice for hunting, competition shooting, and target shooting.
