Weatherby Howa Vanguard Deluxe .30-06 24″ Bolt Rifle w/ Bushnell Elite 4200
SOLD FOR: $1175
LSB#: 220224WE003
Make: Weatherby, MFG By Howa Japan
Model: Vanguard Deluxe
Serial Number: VX049230
Year of Manufacture: 1984-1994 (VX Prefix)
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle With Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the shank is marked “USE ONLY / .30-06”. The right side of the chamber ring is marked with the serial number “VX049230”. The left side of the receiver is marked “VANGUARD ” and “by Weatherby / ATASCADERO CALIF, MADE IN JAPAN”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “230”. The right side of the rail is marked “LEUPOLD”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. Equipped to the top of the receiver via a two-piece rail system and two rings is a Bushnell Elite 4200 optic with 2.5-10x magnification and a Duplex reticle. The scope shows faint handling wear and the lenses are clear. The scope rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece checkered walnut with a high gloss finish, a raised Monte Carlo comb, a capped pistol grip and cheekpiece. There is a brown weave-textured rubber buttpad marked “Decelerator” mounted on the butt with a black spacer. There is a rosewood grip cap with tan spacer and a tan diamond shaped piece of wood inlet into its bottom surface. There is also a rosewood nose cap with a tan spacer. There are sling swivel studs in the belly and on the forend. There are only a few light handling marks but no significant wear nor imperfections. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4” & 12 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and wood, respectively. The pad shows light wear. The stock is in Fine-Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is some scattered light fouling, mostly on the lands.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are just a few faint, hardly noticeable marks on the barrel. The bolt handle shows a very faint plum hue. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The previously mentioned scope is included.
Our Assessment: Taken from the Weatherby website, “In the 1960s, Roy Weatherby recognized the need for a more affordable rifle that could chamber his signature magnum cartridges. Having just partnered with Howa to produce Mark V actions and seeing the precision and attention to detail that this new Japanese manufacturer provided, the Vanguard project was born. Starting with a Howa two-lug push-feed action, a number of Weatherby signature safety features were incorporated, including a fully shrouded bolt and three gas ports on the bolt body, both providing protection in the event of an ammunition failure. As in the Mark V, the recessed bolt face protruded into the breech of the barrel, fully encapsulating the cartridge and providing an additional level of safety. A hammer forged barrel brought both accuracy and longevity not typically seen in mass-produced cut-rifled barrels of the day, while the M-16 style extractor gave great purchase on the cartridge rim for consistent and reliable extraction. The result was a smooth-running push-feed capable of handling Weatherby Magnums at a price more Americans could afford. THE FASTEST, FLATTEST SHOOTING RIFLES on the market, with a number of standard calibers available as well.”
This example is beautiful, in about Excellent condition. This rifle has a nice bore and a clean, light trigger. All this thing needs is a decent sling and it will be ready to hunt with. Please see our photos and good luck!