Weatherby?

Robert · 02-07-2003, 09:25 AM

Whats the difference between a weatherby that walmart sells and GI JOES sales?

Is it true in this situation that you get what you pay for?

bigshark · 02-07-2003, 12:06 PM

Robert

I would assume that the mark5 action is stronger than the vang. but that does not mean that the latter is unsafe. I think you hit the nail on the head when you asked are you getting what you pay for. If I remember collectly these actions are still machined and not cast. Then there is the hand work that goes into a mark 5 to make for smoother movement etc. A top of the line auto does not get you there any better than a bottom of the line but there are reasons why one cost more than another. Its your choice.

TheRogue · 02-07-2003, 11:01 PM

WalMart sells what was called the "Vanguard" series. Less locking lugs (Mk V has 9, Vanguard has 6 or even 3?), lesser quality metal, and a much lesser quality finish. You won't even be able to find the WalMart stuff on the Weatherby website.

I think it's still a decent rifle, though. A buddy has a .270win in the old Vanguard, shoots great!

TR

Robert · 02-07-2003, 11:19 PM

How important are the number of lugs? What do the lugs do? Thanks Robert

TheRogue · 02-07-2003, 11:39 PM

The lugs are located on the end of the bolt. They lock into place in the receiver by the twisting of the bolt at the end of the cycle. The amount of lugs used varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, some have 2, some more. 9 smaller lugs gives a larger surface "holding" area, than 2 large lugs would.

That being said, due to the world of lawsuits and consumer protections, any newer rifle out there is likely double or quadruple over-engineered to withstand pressures inside the chamber that would be responsible for "blowing" the lugs.

I think there's a good explanation of Weatherby's lug system on the Weatherby Home Page

TR

Distilled · 02-08-2003, 06:43 AM

Just as reference Robert, I've got two Vangaurds (.06 and 7MM) and two Mark 5's (.300 and a 7MM) and as far as shooting goes I can darn near drive nails with all of them. The 7MM Mark 5 shoots just a little nicer and I think it's a little better balanced than the Vanguard but other than that the shooting sideof them is pretty comparable.

I would agree that you can see a little difference in craftsmanship but I've had real good luck with all of them as far as finish goes and all.

Catch ya later........

Robert · 02-08-2003, 08:12 AM

How much of a difference is on the craftsmanship and where?

SeanD · 02-09-2003, 02:44 PM

Isnt the vangard actually made by howa? From everything i read, they are a great rifle, and a real bargain. Of course, so are the walmart push feed win mod 70's and rem mod 700's. Take your pick, cant go wrong.

elkcamp · 02-10-2003, 07:19 PM

I have a vangaurd 300 AND I LOVE IT YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG WITH ANY CHOICE THEIR BOTH WEATHERBYS

Distilled · 02-11-2003, 06:05 PM

Well maybe I should rephraise, the craftsman ship and quality is there but if you look at finish, engravings, (don't know about the stock since all but one was used...) you'll see some differences. I've never had a problem with them flaking or anything but the consistency just doesn't seem to be there on the Vanguard.

Also, I've noticed, what seems to be, a more lax tolerance and Q.A. standard in the machining. The trigger assemblies in the vanguard, yet very nice when adjusted properly, just don't fall in to that Mark V category both visiually, if disassembled and cleaning, and physically. I am very picky on triggers and spend a great deal of time picking them apart since I spend every bit of time possible shooting and playing with loads so some may never notice any variance.

All in all I'd buy either one if they were sitting in front of me right now. Especially my favorite ol' 7 Mag... :grin:

Robert · 02-12-2003, 10:51 AM

Thanks for all the info. The vanguards appear to be a great deal and are a lot smoother then most of the guns in its price range.