My bad, I thought he was asking about a Abolt vs Vanguard. I don't guess I can really say which one I would have solo. I have both a Mark V and a Abolt and I once had a Vanguard (someone didn't ask if they could use it but took it anyway [:@] ).

The Vanguard is a 60 degree bolt just like a Abolt. I would not say that Howa builds a crappy gun (Vanguard) on purpose while building a good one (Abolt) simply because of cost. Both guns feature a twin front lug action like the 700 Rem (which is essentially what the Vanguard is a copy of and where the Abolts pattern was cut from).

I guess I am more of a traditionalist when I think that Mark Vs should be bought in Wby Mag cals!!!
RA