There are some irresponsible posts on this thread and I agree with oldelkhunter. First of all "Weatherby's don't blow up" is in poor form. There was a small group of SS Tikka rifles manufactured after Feb 04 that had defective steel....these rifles have been recalled worldwide. The "plastic" used in the new Tikkas amount to a cover and the clip.....let's see here, Steyrs have been using the same polymer in their clips for 50 years now...seems like a 3000 dollar Steyr operates OK. Last I checked, the Weatherby Vanguards are sold in.......Walmart. Now that would be a good store to shop for an engagement ring for your sweetie!!!!! There is a as new Tikka Whitetail hunter deluxe 270 selling for 500 bucks on Gunsamerica right now. I can't buy it cause there is no room left in my safe....it's full of Sakos and Steyrs.....and a tack driving Tikka! That's my .02's. OBTW, argument between a Leupold and a Zeiss???? you've got to be kidding me. LOL. Regards, Rick.