HuntingNet.com Forums - View Single Post - Final decision would like your input.

04-24-2007, 10:57 AM

#8

Rebel Hog

Dominant Buck

Join Date: Feb 2005

Location: WC FL

Posts: 26,323

RE: Final decision would like your input.

WEATHERBY VANGUARD STAINLESS

Supplied by: Nioa Trading
Weight: 9.5 pounds
Stock: Injection moulded black synthetic all weather
Barrel: Stainless 24 inch, 1 in 12 twist
Trigger pull: 6.75 pounds
Scope: Bushnell 3-9 x 50 Dawn and Dusk
Safety: Locks trigger and bolt
Magazine: 5 rounds
Buttplate: Rubber
Country of origin: USA
Price: $1100
Score: 17
This is the stainless version of the very popular Vanguard model. The actions are made for Weatherby by Howa in Japan, and have some of the features of the Mark V. Reviewers were impressed by the smoothness of the fluted bolt, and no problems were experienced when feeding rounds, even from a full magazine. The trigger on the test rifle had a small amount of creep, but this could be adjusted out by an accredited gunsmith when lightening of the trigger is performed. Accuracy was more than adequate for field use in this country, with this particular rifle showing a definite preference for the PMC 55-grain loading. Reviewers noted that the scope fitted to this rifle would be excellent for spotlighting, but weighed in at 19 ounces, hence the 9.5 pounds overall weight. It was felt that it was a good pairing for feral pest destruction. Cleaning was easy and one reviewer commented on the smoothness of the barrel.

BROWNING A-BOLT II

Supplied by: Olin (Winchester) Australia
Weight: 7.1 pounds
Stock: American walnut
Barrel: Chrome-moly 22 inch, 1 in 12 twist
Trigger pull: 5.75 pounds
Scope: Hakko 3-9 x 40
Safety: Top-tang type locks bolt and trigger
Magazine: Detachable box, hinged floorplate - 5 rounds
Buttplate: Rubber
Country of origin: Japan
Price: $1390
Score: 17.25
The Browning is a classy looking outfit, and all reviewers were surprised at the very affordable price for a rifle of this quality. Easily the lightest rifle in the review, the Browning impressed everybody with its ease of handling and general feel. The 60 degree bolt throw and angled handle were a delight to use. The gold trigger is wider than normal and very comfortable to use. The trigger was crisp, with no discernable creep. The bolt was smooth in its operation, but after removal took some time to replace in the action, as the three locking lugs have to be aligned exactly with the receiver to allow entry. Rounds may be loaded into the magazine through the ejection port with difficulty, but it is better to remove the box magazine to load up. A bit time-consuming, but it is the only way to ensure that rounds are correctly positioned in the magazine. The A-Bolt demonstrated very good accuracy with most ammo tested, no doubt helped by the free floated barrel. The stock has a gloss finish, which looks very good against the blue/black metal work. With its lighter weight, the Browning would be an excellent rifle for those who want to climb mountains chasing feral goats.

Reply