Howa has produced the actions for Weatherby Vanguards since the early 1970’s. Howa has made several rifles for other companies as well, including Smith and Wesson. Legacy Sports International started importing barreled Howa actions into the US and placing them into Boyd’s stocks and selling them, they started using the Howa name. I am not sure but several reviews have noted differences in the available barrel length and contour between Howa’s and Vanguards, maybe Howa makes both barrels but to slightly different specs. I know Weatherby sets quality control for the rifles Howa makes for them, not sure what control measures Howa imposes on their own namesake. While similar in build I am not sure they are the exact same beast.