I recognize this could go south in a hurry, but I'd like to get a new .257 Weatherby Magnum. I've got a $1,000 budget and I would certainly be interested in hearing opinions on what rifle you would buy in my position.

I recognize that the .257 Weatherby isn't everyone's cup of tea, (I've got a 25-06 thank you very much) but I'd like another Weatherby. The one I have is getting ready to be a gift and I'd like to get another to replace it.

Weatherby Vanguard

I'm inclined to the S2 Vanguard, of course that opens up the question of synthetic, Sporter, Deluxe, etc

I don't know the market, but I do know it is about the only small bore chambering I still desire. Good choice.

Weatherby Vanguard MOA that leaves you mo money for better scope.

Another vote for Vanguard.

Picked up a Vanguard Sporter S2, NIB, for $600. It was down to the Sporter, Vanguard Back Country, a Remington 700 with a stainless fluted barrel, or the Series 2 Range Certified.

I wasn't a huge fan of the Griptonite in the synthetic, and I didn't want to spend the money on replacing the stock, so the Sporter really seemed like the obvious answer.

The trigger alone is a substantial upgrade over the Vanguard I just gave away.

It sure seems to be a lot of rifle for the money. When I mount the glass I'll let you know how it shoots.

Congrats on what should prove to be an excellent hunting rifle, chambered for a terrific cartridge!

Enjoy!

+1

What were the issues you ran into with the Mark V's and Accumarks?

I can't speak for the other posters, but I think the $1000 budget would make it hard to get a Mark V or Accumark. You may find the matte finished metal Mark V with the black tupperware stock for under a grand, but the other configurations may prove harder to find at that price.

Congratulations. I think you made a fine choice.

Let's just say that I would have been fudging my budget substantially if it came down to the Mark V or Accumark as my best choices.

I wish you well with the Vanguard. I am also interested in giving one a try.

Vangard, Strong action and consistent accuracy.
The 257 Weatherby is without question my all around favorite.

Tack

Started shooting it today. Ran Nosler BTs and Accubonds through it.

I can't believe a gun at that price shoots not only so well, but has a decent finish and a really good factory trigger.

I'm still getting used to the two stage, but for a hunting rifle set so light it's really growing on me as a preferential trigger.

It just whips the gun it replaces. I've got an extra Nikon on it now until I get better glass purchased.

.

Congrats and good shooting bud.

For those who care for an update on the .257 and how it performed, this is one of my hunting locations. Lots of long shots.



And this buck was the closest at just over 375 yards.



And this is what is left of the 110 grain Accubond that was in his hide after traveling from his left hip to just behind his right shoulder.

Really impressed with the ballistics and terminal performance of the bullet and how the gun shot. Pretty long downhill shot and a quartering deer. The impact was actually about 3 inches back from where I was aiming, but the gun and bullet performed exceptionally well.

Not a huge buck, and not even the biggest one in that bunch of deer, but the closest on the last morning I would be able to hunt.



The gun has some new scuff marks that it accrued honestly from saddle time in rough country, but I'm really happy with it and it's exceeded my expectations.

That 110 Accubond is awesome.

Great pics and followup. What does the gun actually weigh, either bare or with that scope?

With scope and sling its right around 8.5-9 I think. Never weighed it but it's not too heavy in my opinion.

I bought a 300 Weatherby Vanguard for a song several years ago, probably due to the recoil and cost of factory loads.
I continue to be impressed by the quality and consistency, I definitely got my moneys worth. I think Vanguards are one of the best bargains going.