You want the AR? Go forit then...

I have owned two mark V rifles,and neither was as accurate as any of my 700s that cost 1/2 as much.On the other hand,I have had good luck with the howa rifles including the weatherby vanguard,s&w 1500 and howa 1500.

In light of recent events.... I'm kinda high on Weatherby's myself....


Seriously the Vanguards are solid guns.

I bought one in 300Weatherby Mag several years ago. Needed it like I needed another hole in my head, but at $378.00 at Walmart, it was too good to pass up. And yes, it does shoot 1.5 MOA at 100 yds. as advertised. One of my friends bought one also, and his shoots the same as mine. No complaints. Good shooting, solid gun IMO.

Vanguard is produced by Howa to Weatherby Specs. There is a difference in the bolt shroud and trigger between the two actions Howa is 3 postion the Wtby is 2. The action was originally a Sako copy. It has a Drop forged receiver that is flat bottomed with a massive recoil lug. It has a one piece forged bolt. It has a superior gas handling system in the event of cartidge rupture and has a mechanical extractor and a button ejector. Lets compare it to a Remington 700 which has a machined from bar stock receiver that is then heat treated. Has a 3 piece bolt...lug section,bolt body and bolt handle. A sheet metal extractor which in themagnum bolt face is riveted to the bolt body thereby making it even more fragile. It has a button ejector as well.

I have an old Vangard in 7mm Rem. It has the walnut stock, and looks pretty much like a Mark 5. With my hand loads, with a 175gr bullet,it shoots into a .5"to .75" at 100yd. I have taken two deer and a cow elk with it. It's a keeper.

Pretty much what oldelkhunter said. They are a solid accurate rifle.

I have the "cheapo" Wal-Mart Vanguard in .300 Weatherby, too. It consistently puts three rounds into 3/4" or less at 100 yards with a Leupold Vari-X III 3-9x on it.

For the money, probably one of the better rifle purchases I've made. Absolutely a solid rifle.