I'm a big fan of the vanguard s2, but I can't get excited about this rifle. The thing that makes the vanguard s2 special is its great value for a well made rifle. I'm sure this rifle is well made, but for $1400 there are much better options out there. Heck, an off the shelf Tikka T3 or Browning rifle weigh in under 7 pounds and both can be had for half the price of what is suppose to be a value line rifle. The way I see it, if your going to drop $1400 on a weatherby rifle it better have Mark V stamped on the receiver.

Well, I guess a "reasonable" cost is relative to one's income.(and if you think the damn rifle is worth the price?!)
Either way, it probably is an accurate rifle, and if you are like me..I buy my guns with intent to keep them FOREVER. So $1400 for a light weight,foul weather rifle,with a MOA(or less) guarantee;Sounds pretty darn good to me!

LOL DP! I thought the same thing about that particular caliber/weight combo..ouch.

I agree with what several have said above. The Vanguard Series 2 is an appealing line b/c of the great price on a solid rifle. If I were going to spend this type of cash, I wouldn't do it on a riflemaker's "economy" line.

Nice to see you in a suit and tie at the SHOT Show again. The last Weatherby you tested did not fare so well. I believe it was in the magazine article about great guns for under $500. Did you discuss this with the Weatherby reps? I was appalled at the results, as they did not even meet the sub MOA guarantee.

I am also surprised at your comments on the recoil... this from a man who states that "good shooting begins with the acceptance of pain and great shooting begins with the love of pain."

Your humble admirer... Doc Ralph

ps-Dave what caliber did you get your rifle in?

Dave, excellent presentation. If I had not just blown my gun fund on an antique Marlin I would buy the Weatherby.

I have been blessed to have been exposed to the influence of some outstanding teachers. You are one of the best.

PS I know it is range day but what about the supply and quality of Booth Babes?

Weatherby has been making some sweet rifles for years that provided great bang for the buck- among the best values out there. Now they are crossing over to a price point where there is some serious competition. You could get a Sako Finnlight or Tikka and they are approaching Nosler prices.

Now that everyone else has said it, I have to agree. Why buy a Vanguard when you can get a Mark V for the same price? If the Vanguard is better they need to market it as such, even if it is made in Japan... and put some fancy a$$ wood on it too for that price.

Accumark is the way to go once you get in to this price range but it does have a $700 higher mrsp at his time. I have no problems carrying Mark V 300 wby in the Colorado mountains. Save weight somewhere else like gear, shoes, or midsection.

I like a rifle with a little heft to it, seems to help if you want a little stability for a longer poke. (may be in my head)

I love my 300 wby accumark but in all honesty you could get a vanguard S2, take it to a smith for cerakoating and be left with a few hundred bucks to go towards a nice scope. You could also just get the S2 stainless. Both options are only about 1lb heavier and they shoot like the dickens. I shot a friends S2 300 wby and immediatly bought one in 257 because it shoots so well, I now have 2 257's

I wish WBY would add a few calibers to the s2 lineup such as 7mm WBY, 270 WBY or make a 6.5 WBY as opposed to making something that will not be a big seller.

At that weight it's more of a mountain rifle, say a .284 type. jmo

Go ahead and slap my arse with red ink but I just don't see the necessity of SUB-MOA in a short-barrel brush gun. Why is it so critical to drive pinheads at a 100 yards when one is shooting at 200+ lb animals, not pinheads. Someone please enlighten me.

After watching the video clip I got the distinct impression Mr. Petzal was being a little sarcastic at the end. Hard to tell with him sometimes.