As stated by others it is simply a Howa Model 1500 stamped Weatherby Vanguard. The plus is Weatherby's spec is a 24" barrel. Whereas if you buy the Howa it has a 22" in standard calibers and a 24" in magnum calibers. The plus in buying the Vanguard is that since it's stamped Weatherby it's covered by the Weatherby accuracty guarantee. This is 3 shots in 1.5" using premium ammo. I have an older Vanguard in 25-06 and it will consistently shoot 3/4" at 100 yards using Winchester Supreme Ballistic Silvertips 115 gr. I also load a max load of H4831 and a 117 gr. Sierra Boattail for deer. I have some groups that have measured as small as 1/4" at 100 yards. Over the chrony I get 3019 fps out of a 22" barrel. My Uncle has a Vanguard in 300 Weatherby and with Weatherby factory 180 gr loads his rifle will group 3 right at 1". This is the first and only load he has tried. He said 1" is good enough for him. By looking at the whitetail, mulies, pronghorn, & elk he has taken it should be good enough for anybody.

So, other than the rifle weighing a little more than i like 7-3/4 lbs. I really haven't found any reason to complain. The fit and finish of my rifle is better than the 4 Remington 700's that I own.