Vanguard S2 Owner Opinions

Striker1 · February 27, 2015, 10:19 PM

Hi all,

I am heavily considering a Vanguard S2 and would like to hear from owners on what you like or don't like. Use will be range and general hunting purposes.

Thanks

AllenJ · February 28, 2015, 09:56 AM

I got one in 243 Winchester and really like it. Pros are it is very accurate, affordable, and fit and finish is good for its price point. Its only con is it's a little heavier than other rifles in its class. I was so impressed by mine I let a friend shoot it who was in the market for a new rifle and he was so impressed he got one in 270 WSM. Both rifles shoot 3 shot .75 MOA groups consistantly.

Striker1 · February 28, 2015, 10:56 AM

Thanks. FWIW, I don't worry much about slight differences in weight...matter of fact I think it's usually an over blown issue as most rifles are pretty similar in weight. Which model do you have?

rem1858 · February 28, 2015, 12:26 PM

Have one in .308 with my old Leupold VX1 3x9 on it using the Vanguard rings and bases.

Weight and balance and fit is good.
Very comfortable to shoot.
I like the synthetic stock and grip inserts.
Also like the palm swell.
I like the 3 position safety.
The trigger is great.
10 shot group with my reloads at a hundred yards is at an inch firing a round a minute with no stringing.

I guess I cannot come up with any complaints.
For the price and the accuracy, mine is well worth the money I have into it.

Clarence

Striker1 · February 28, 2015, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Have one in .308 with my old Leupold VX1 3x9 on it using the Vanguard rings and bases.

Weight and balance and fit is good.
Very comfortable to shoot.
I like the synthetic stock and grip inserts.
Also like the palm swell.
I like the 3 position safety.
The trigger is great.
10 shot group with my reloads at a hundred yards is at an inch firing a round a minute with no stringing.

I guess I cannot come up with any complaints.
For the price and the accuracy, mine is well worth the money I have into it.

Thanks,
Have you done any work to it or is it factory stock? How far out have you shot it?

rem1858 · February 28, 2015, 03:29 PM

Factory stock.
Only sighted it in at 1.5" high at 100yds.

Clarence

CarJunkieLS1 · February 28, 2015, 07:37 PM

I had a Weatherby Vanguard S2 7-08 and I really like the rifle,but I wouldn't hit the broadside of a barn. I was shooting 4-5 inch groups at 100 yards no matter what I tried. Different scopes and rings/bases no change. I tried handloads and 4 or 5 different factory loads. Still didn't shoot good.

Called Weatherby and I was told "I'd be wasting my time and money to send the rifle in" I had a local gunsmith put in a different stock, rifle basic trigger, barrel swap, and blue printed the action.

I shot a group of .230 @ 100yds today so long story short my Weatherby experience wasn't good.

Striker1 · February 28, 2015, 09:19 PM

Quote:

I had a Weatherby Vanguard S2 7-08 and I really like the rifle,but I wouldn't hit the broadside of a barn. I was shooting 4-5 inch groups at 100 yards no matter what I tried. Different scopes and rings/bases no change. I tried handloads and 4 or 5 different factory loads. Still didn't shoot good.

Called Weatherby and I was told "I'd be wasting my time and money to send the rifle in" I had a local gunsmith put in a different stock, rifle basic trigger, barrel swap, and blue printed the action.

I shot a group of .230 @ 100yds today so long story short my Weatherby experience wasn't good.

Not sure I understand your post...So they guarantee the accuracy but wouldn't fix it?

CarJunkieLS1 · February 28, 2015, 10:47 PM

Yeah precisely the person I talked to said that 95% of the rifles they test for accuracy pass the test and I'd be wasting time and money to send it in. So Weatherby will not EVER get my business again.

jaysouth · February 28, 2015, 11:36 PM

Go for it, you will not be disappointed. Weatherby customer service is Very good and they stand by their products.

Call them up and discuss any reservations you may have. 800 227 2016

NHSHOOTER · March 1, 2015, 10:33 AM

I have a S2 in 243, first day out with it with reloads it shot a .75 at 200 yds and has done better since, have shot many many 1 enlarged hole 3 shot group with many different bullet weights, I was thinking about putting a boyds thumbhole stock on it but it shoots so well and the synthetic stock feels and looks great. I would buy another!!!

turkeestalker · March 1, 2015, 10:44 AM

I own two, one in 30-06 and one in 7mm Remington Magnum. Both shoot very well with what ever I've tried in them, better with some diets.
The thing to keep in mind is that these are built on the same tooling that the Japanese made Mark V was produced on via the same process. You're just getting a 2" shorter barrel and less luster in the bluing on it, but the barrel is essentially the same, which is where the accuracy comes from. I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, but I've never heard of a Weatherby that shot as poorly as to produce 4 to 5" groups at 100 yards until today. My opinion is that the Vanguard is an exceptional deal for what you're getting.

Striker1 · March 1, 2015, 11:41 AM

Thanks guys. Right now I'm leaning towards one in .223 Rem. So far I'm interested in the WBY-X Vanguard TR with 22" #3 barrel.

http://www.weatherby.com/products/ri...yptek-569.html

rem1858 · March 1, 2015, 05:12 PM

Good luck in your search.
I do not think you can go wrong with any of the Weatherby selections.

Clarence

06shooter · March 1, 2015, 10:37 PM

I own one in 3006 , the 150 gr power shoks touch each other @ 100 yards .
When I first got mine, I cleaned the powder out of the barrel from their pressure test, and the first 2 shots was 1 inch apart at 25 yards , after the 6 th round at 100 yards they were touching .

When I first sighted in a rifle years ago , I was shooting it off of a hard surface at 100 yards and the groups were very spread out.

AllenJ · March 2, 2015, 09:56 AM

Mine is the Synthetic, as is my friends. When I was looking to buy a new rifle for deer/varmint hunting the Vanguard S2 was not even on my list but after handling and dry firing I decided to try it. It has not disappointed either.

Striker1 · March 2, 2015, 05:03 PM

I was able to handle one today and it seems very solidly built (except for the safety lever). The stock also seemed sturdy compared to some other plastic stocked rifles I've handled. I did notice the barrel is NOT free-floated but then again, neither is my CZ 550 and it is pretty accurate.

Now to try and find the best deal locally.

crane550 · March 2, 2015, 05:51 PM

Here is mine, chambered in .223. By far the most accurate gun I own. I put a Vortex Viper 4-16x30 scope on it and could not be more happy. Certainly much more gun then my skill will ever dictate. I hand load for it.

Go for it.

btmj · March 2, 2015, 10:14 PM

Be aware that if you go for the walnut stock, you might get one that is so attractive you are reluctant to take it into the woods. This happened to me, my 243 vanguard came with a figured walnut stock that was simply gorgeous.

Accuracy is everything stated above. trigger is great. A little heavy for a 243, but in 30-06 and up, that weight is your friend.

The monte carlo stock used to be the height of fashion, but now not so much... but monte carlo stocks fit some people better, me being one of them.

My buddy has one in 308 with a synthetic stock. We have not noticed any difference in accuracy between the two in any weather or temperature. Both of them will string shots vertically if the barrel gets too hot, but the barrel has to get HOT before it happens, as in burn you hand hot. It is what it is... it is not an AR-10.

Sweet Shooter · March 2, 2015, 10:23 PM

My S2 (.223) would shoot groups in the .75"s week after week. It wasn't until I started loading specifically for it that it showed real accuracy. Then I got bored with the humdrum of .3"s, .25's week after week. The torture. It had to go.
-SS-

Striker1 · March 2, 2015, 11:02 PM

Thanks again.

Even though I like them, a wood stock is one thing I don't want on this one. Glad to hear most experiences have been positive.

NHSHOOTER · March 3, 2015, 04:39 AM

try pricing at buds gun shop

Roadkill2228 · March 3, 2015, 02:48 PM

In currently saving up to get one! I want the s2 stainless synthetic version in .300 win mag. I have the basic s1 in .300 win mag currently and I really like it...but that s2 is just an entire step up in ergonomics,aesthetics, and accuracy guarantee. As was mentioned, it's heavy-ish but that makes it eminently shootable in calibers such as mine...I could shoot many many rounds without much discomfort (except to my wallet...feeding the magnum is hard on my powder stash)

Striker1 · November 4, 2017, 08:33 PM

Hope my 3 year late follow-up post is okay but after all this time, I finally found the Vanguard I have been looking for. After searching the local big box stores I decided to go to a Mom and Pop gun store I have been visiting for many years and there it was in the used rack...a like new Vanguard S2 synthetic in .223 Rem!

It will spend most of it's time as a range gun for my teenage son to move up to after "graduating" from his 10/22.

turkeestalker · November 5, 2017, 09:31 AM

Awesome, hope he enjoys himself!

February 27, 2015, 10:19 PM	#1
Striker1 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: TX Posts: 710	Vanguard S2 Owner Opinions Hi all, I am heavily considering a Vanguard S2 and would like to hear from owners on what you like or don't like. Use will be range and general hunting purposes. Thanks

February 28, 2015, 12:26 PM	#4
rem1858 Member Join Date: December 12, 2010 Location: Surrounded by pines in Wi. Posts: 97	Have one in .308 with my old Leupold VX1 3x9 on it using the Vanguard rings and bases. Weight and balance and fit is good. Very comfortable to shoot. I like the synthetic stock and grip inserts. Also like the palm swell. I like the 3 position safety. The trigger is great. 10 shot group with my reloads at a hundred yards is at an inch firing a round a minute with no stringing. I guess I cannot come up with any complaints. For the price and the accuracy, mine is well worth the money I have into it. Clarence __________________ B.E. Master indoor and out Distinguished Revolver Badge #99

February 28, 2015, 03:29 PM	#6
rem1858 Member Join Date: December 12, 2010 Location: Surrounded by pines in Wi. Posts: 97	Factory stock. Only sighted it in at 1.5" high at 100yds. Clarence __________________ B.E. Master indoor and out Distinguished Revolver Badge #99

March 1, 2015, 10:44 AM	#12
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,115	I own two, one in 30-06 and one in 7mm Remington Magnum. Both shoot very well with what ever I've tried in them, better with some diets. The thing to keep in mind is that these are built on the same tooling that the Japanese made Mark V was produced on via the same process. You're just getting a 2" shorter barrel and less luster in the bluing on it, but the barrel is essentially the same, which is where the accuracy comes from. I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, but I've never heard of a Weatherby that shot as poorly as to produce 4 to 5" groups at 100 yards until today. My opinion is that the Vanguard is an exceptional deal for what you're getting. __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!

March 1, 2015, 05:12 PM	#14
rem1858 Member Join Date: December 12, 2010 Location: Surrounded by pines in Wi. Posts: 97	Good luck in your search. I do not think you can go wrong with any of the Weatherby selections. Clarence __________________ B.E. Master indoor and out Distinguished Revolver Badge #99

February 28, 2015, 09:56 AM	#2
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	I got one in 243 Winchester and really like it. Pros are it is very accurate, affordable, and fit and finish is good for its price point. Its only con is it's a little heavier than other rifles in its class. I was so impressed by mine I let a friend shoot it who was in the market for a new rifle and he was so impressed he got one in 270 WSM. Both rifles shoot 3 shot .75 MOA groups consistantly.

February 28, 2015, 10:56 AM	#3
Striker1 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: TX Posts: 710	Thanks. FWIW, I don't worry much about slight differences in weight...matter of fact I think it's usually an over blown issue as most rifles are pretty similar in weight. Which model do you have?

February 28, 2015, 07:37 PM	#7
CarJunkieLS1 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2013 Posts: 686	I had a Weatherby Vanguard S2 7-08 and I really like the rifle,but I wouldn't hit the broadside of a barn. I was shooting 4-5 inch groups at 100 yards no matter what I tried. Different scopes and rings/bases no change. I tried handloads and 4 or 5 different factory loads. Still didn't shoot good. Called Weatherby and I was told "I'd be wasting my time and money to send the rifle in" I had a local gunsmith put in a different stock, rifle basic trigger, barrel swap, and blue printed the action. I shot a group of .230 @ 100yds today so long story short my Weatherby experience wasn't good.

February 28, 2015, 10:47 PM	#9
CarJunkieLS1 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2013 Posts: 686	Yeah precisely the person I talked to said that 95% of the rifles they test for accuracy pass the test and I'd be wasting time and money to send it in. So Weatherby will not EVER get my business again.

February 28, 2015, 11:36 PM	#10
jaysouth Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2001 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 787	Go for it, you will not be disappointed. Weatherby customer service is Very good and they stand by their products. Call them up and discuss any reservations you may have. 800 227 2016

March 1, 2015, 10:33 AM	#11
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	I have a S2 in 243, first day out with it with reloads it shot a .75 at 200 yds and has done better since, have shot many many 1 enlarged hole 3 shot group with many different bullet weights, I was thinking about putting a boyds thumbhole stock on it but it shoots so well and the synthetic stock feels and looks great. I would buy another!!!

March 1, 2015, 11:41 AM	#13
Striker1 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: TX Posts: 710	Thanks guys. Right now I'm leaning towards one in .223 Rem. So far I'm interested in the WBY-X Vanguard TR with 22" #3 barrel. http://www.weatherby.com/products/ri...yptek-569.html

March 1, 2015, 10:37 PM	#15
06shooter Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2015 Posts: 165	I own one in 3006 , the 150 gr power shoks touch each other @ 100 yards . When I first got mine, I cleaned the powder out of the barrel from their pressure test, and the first 2 shots was 1 inch apart at 25 yards , after the 6 th round at 100 yards they were touching . When I first sighted in a rifle years ago , I was shooting it off of a hard surface at 100 yards and the groups were very spread out.

March 2, 2015, 09:56 AM	#16
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	Mine is the Synthetic, as is my friends. When I was looking to buy a new rifle for deer/varmint hunting the Vanguard S2 was not even on my list but after handling and dry firing I decided to try it. It has not disappointed either.

March 2, 2015, 05:03 PM	#17
Striker1 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: TX Posts: 710	I was able to handle one today and it seems very solidly built (except for the safety lever). The stock also seemed sturdy compared to some other plastic stocked rifles I've handled. I did notice the barrel is NOT free-floated but then again, neither is my CZ 550 and it is pretty accurate. Now to try and find the best deal locally.

March 2, 2015, 05:51 PM	#18
crane550 Member Join Date: August 13, 2014 Posts: 66	Here is mine, chambered in .223. By far the most accurate gun I own. I put a Vortex Viper 4-16x30 scope on it and could not be more happy. Certainly much more gun then my skill will ever dictate. I hand load for it. Go for it.

March 2, 2015, 10:14 PM	#19
btmj Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2011 Location: Near St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 864	Be aware that if you go for the walnut stock, you might get one that is so attractive you are reluctant to take it into the woods. This happened to me, my 243 vanguard came with a figured walnut stock that was simply gorgeous. Accuracy is everything stated above. trigger is great. A little heavy for a 243, but in 30-06 and up, that weight is your friend. The monte carlo stock used to be the height of fashion, but now not so much... but monte carlo stocks fit some people better, me being one of them. My buddy has one in 308 with a synthetic stock. We have not noticed any difference in accuracy between the two in any weather or temperature. Both of them will string shots vertically if the barrel gets too hot, but the barrel has to get HOT before it happens, as in burn you hand hot. It is what it is... it is not an AR-10.

March 2, 2015, 10:23 PM	#20
Sweet Shooter Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2011 Posts: 672	My S2 (.223) would shoot groups in the .75"s week after week. It wasn't until I started loading specifically for it that it showed real accuracy. Then I got bored with the humdrum of .3"s, .25's week after week. The torture. It had to go. -SS-

March 2, 2015, 11:02 PM	#21
Striker1 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: TX Posts: 710	Thanks again. Even though I like them, a wood stock is one thing I don't want on this one. Glad to hear most experiences have been positive.

March 3, 2015, 04:39 AM	#22
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	try pricing at buds gun shop

March 3, 2015, 02:48 PM	#23
Roadkill2228 Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2014 Location: Nipawin, Saskatchewan Posts: 311	In currently saving up to get one! I want the s2 stainless synthetic version in .300 win mag. I have the basic s1 in .300 win mag currently and I really like it...but that s2 is just an entire step up in ergonomics,aesthetics, and accuracy guarantee. As was mentioned, it's heavy-ish but that makes it eminently shootable in calibers such as mine...I could shoot many many rounds without much discomfort (except to my wallet...feeding the magnum is hard on my powder stash)

November 4, 2017, 08:33 PM	#24
Striker1 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: TX Posts: 710	Hope my 3 year late follow-up post is okay but after all this time, I finally found the Vanguard I have been looking for. After searching the local big box stores I decided to go to a Mom and Pop gun store I have been visiting for many years and there it was in the used rack...a like new Vanguard S2 synthetic in .223 Rem! It will spend most of it's time as a range gun for my teenage son to move up to after "graduating" from his 10/22.

November 5, 2017, 09:31 AM	#25
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,115	Awesome, hope he enjoys himself! __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!