Weatherby Vanguard First-Generation Synthetic .30-06 Bolt-Action Rifle, 24" Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
This first-generation Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic pairs classic Weatherby styling with Howa-machined Japanese steel, delivering a dependable .30-06 platform backed by the brand’s 1.5 MOA accuracy guarantee of the era. The rifle features a 24-inch cold hammer forged barrel and a two-lug push-feed bolt built to handle full-power hunting loads.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained bore with sharp lands and grooves.
Mechanically: Appears mechanically sound.
Specific Condition Notes: The stock and metal surfaces display scattered scratches, blemishes, and areas of embedded dirt consistent with regular field use.
What’s Included
- 1" scope rings with two-piece Weaver-style bases (installed)
The 24-inch barrel is cold hammer forged with a 1:10 right-hand twist, allowing reliable stabilization of a broad range of .30-06 bullet weights. Weatherby’s blued finish covers both the barrel and steel receiver, giving the rifle a classic, low-glare appearance.
A polished two-lug bolt with an enclosed shroud and three gas-relief ports delivers smooth cycling and an added margin of safety. This example’s bolt sleeve falls outside the Weatherby recall range noted for some early Vanguards.
The internal staggered four-round box magazine loads via a hinged floorplate, and the two-position rocker safety sits high on the receiver for intuitive operation. A single-stage trigger offers a clean break typical of first-generation Vanguards.
With its VS-prefix serial confirming first-generation production by Howa Machinery in Japan, this rifle represents the original Vanguard formula that earned a reputation for reliability and accuracy at an accessible price point.