Weatherby uses Howa actions to build the Vanguard. All parts interchange, but the Vanugard uses a different safety, barrel, stock and trigger. They are similar, but not the same. FWIW, I prefer the Howa. I like the rifles,had both, but they are overweight for my uses. Get one scoped and you are talking about 9+ lbs, maybe closer to 10 lbs depending on the scope and mounts.
The Tikka or Ruger can come in under 7 lbs scoped if you choose carefully. Both are more accurate than the Howa/Vanguards I've owned. I like both for what they are, budget rifles that shoot very well. I'd save the money and buy the Ruger personally, but all 3 can be good rifles.
