cw, they don't "have plenty of customers for their expensive rifles"!! That's why they developed the Vanguard! The principle is called "market share"!!

Vanguard is the Weatherby name for the Howa rifles. S&W once sold these under their trade name as well, as have a couple of other importers. I think Howa still makes Howas in Japan, regardless of who sells them under what name!

The Weatherby Vanguard .257 Wby. Mag. will be a good solid rifle for you. Good luck.

I would like to own a SuperBigGameMaster one day, but it will be in a standard caliber. What happens if you go hunting one day with a .257 Wby. and you forget your ammo? Not every retailer carries this ammo because demand for it is low. With a .30-06, 7mm Mag, .270 Win. etc... you can pick up good ammo at almost any store. However, for the money the Vanguard is a pretty decent value.