The Vanguard is produced by Howa of Japan. These are quality, accurate rifles and when it wears the Weatherby name you have a 1.5" 3-shot group accuracy guarantee. The drawback is that they are on the heavy side. This isn't a mountatin rifle. If you are a stand hunter it will be great and the extra weight will make you a steadier shot. These rifles are $388 at Wal Mart in my neck of the woods. Once or twice a year they will close them out at around $319.