300 Weatherby Magnum, Vanguard Series

[jvett77]

Recent birthday present to myself. I always wanted a Weatherby rifle. Saw this 300 Weatherby Magnum, Vanguard Series, with Lazerguard stock at a gun show and had to have it. This is the poor man's Mark V, I suppose, and they've been made in Japan for some time now.

I took it to a rifle range the other day to sight it in and check out the Nikon Prostaff 3.5-14x40 scope just purchased. I wasn't prepared for the power and kick of this gun. Really awesome. Brought no gun rest to the range so used what their inexpensive equipment. I quit after less than 20 rounds but managed at least to get all shots at 100 yards within a 7-inch group, not good considering what this gun is capable of. I left satisfied for now despite the new lump on my shoulder and an annoying bolt bruise on my middle finger, but I'll finish the job after first buying some equipment to tame the recoil. Today, I ordered a Caldwell Lead Sled 3 shooting rest and a Caldwell Mag Plus Recoil Shield, and will return to the range soon.

 

[Mangler]

a 300 Weatherby mag is a thumper. That's a beautiful gun, what are you going to use it on?

 

[AHFox]

Don't put a lot of weight on that Caldwell lead sled. I told a friend with a light weight .338 Win Mag not to do it and he did. He screwed up his stock and damaged his lug on his rifle. He destroyed his rifle! Placing a bunch of weight on that lead sled will make it easy on your shoulder. However all the recoil goes in to you action and it takes all the abuse. Your rifle needs to move and give.

 

[jvett77]

Don't put a lot of weight on that Caldwell lead sled. I told a friend with a light weight .338 Win Mag not to do it and he did. He screwed up his stock and damaged his lug on his rifle. He destroyed his rifle! Placing a bunch of weight on that lead sled will make it easy on your shoulder. However all the recoil goes in to you action and it takes all the abuse. Your rifle needs to move and give.

Those are good points. I haven’t tried the setup yet but will first use it with no weights. They recommend 20 pounds to eliminate most recoil, but if it harms the rifle in any way, I don’t mind some recoil discomfort.

 

[jvett77]

a 300 Weatherby mag is a thumper. That's a beautiful gun, what are you going to use it on?

Probably, a nice size buck later this year if I can find one. Not sure I’ll really test it’s full capabilities. (I thought I replied last month but must have been distracted, then never posted).

 

[AHFox]

Those are good points. I haven’t tried the setup yet but will first use it with no weights. They recommend 20 pounds to eliminate most recoil, but if it harms the rifle in any way, I don’t mind some recoil discomfort.

I use sand bags. I've gotten some nice ones from Cabela's for the for end and the back of the stock to support the rifle. I also use some of my old blue jeans legs with play sand I buy at my local Menards it's a cheap way to make some extra sand bags. I'm not a big fan of rifle rests because I've never seen one that makes more sense then sand bags.

 

[Indrid Cold]

Probably, a nice size buck later this year if I can find one. Not sure I’ll really test it’s full capabilities. (I thought I replied last month but must have been distracted, then never posted).

You will probably be able to defend yourself from a blue whale with that cannon!

 

[DHoey]

300 weatherby mag is no joke!!!

I have the same gun but it's chambered in .300 win mag. A little less oomph but a lot lighter on the wallet to shoot.

Nice gun, I look forward to following this thread

 

[Vegas]

I have a Mark V Deluxe in .300 Weatherby. As mentioned above, it definitely lets you know when you've pulled the trigger. I haven't killed anything with it yet but hope to get out hunting next year.