It is best known for its Mark V Magnum rifles and the high-velocity cartridges pioneered by Roy Weatherby a half-century ago. But Weatherby Inc., now piloted by Roy's son Ed, has diversified to include a value-priced line of rifles bored for standard rounds and based on the excellent Howa action. Four years ago, the company began offering those Vanguards in .300 Weatherby. In 2005 the .257 Weatherby joined that stable. "Our best-selling Vanguard numbers are now the .300 Weatherby, .270, .30-06, .270 WSM and .257 Weatherby," says the firm's Aaron Smith.

This year there are two new Vanguards. The lightweight Back Country features a stainless steel action and fluted stainless barrel chambered in .257 and .300 Weatherby, plus .270, .30-06 and .300 Winchester Magnum. Its hand-laid, lightweight Bell &Carlson stock (black with gray spiderweb) keeps heft to a feathery 63⁄4 pounds. The less expensive Sage Country is essentially a Vanguard Synthetic with a desert-tan molded stock. It features blued chrome-moly steel, weighs 71⁄2 pounds and comes in all Vanguard chamberings, from .223 to .338 Winchester Magnum. Howa actions used in the Vanguard line wear two-position safeties and right-side gas ports. The triggers, says Aaron, have been much improved of late. "Expect a 31⁄2-pound pull right from the box."

Right: Weatherby’s Brad Ruddell fires the new Vanguard Back Country rifle, which combines stainless steel with a lightweight Bell & Carlson stock. Above: The author examines this half-minute group with one chambered for the sizzling .257 Weatherby.

All Vanguards come with test targets. "The rifles must shoot inside 11⁄2 inches at 100 yards," Aaron tells me. Specially selected Vanguards, designated as sub-MOA, are guaranteed to cut .99-inch groups or less. "Actually, we grade these rifles severely; most will shoot 3/4-minute." Mark V Weatherbys also meet the 11⁄2-inch standard, though you can get sub-MOA Mark V's from the Custom Shop.

Incidentally, scope bases for Mark V Magnum rifles will fit all Vanguard rifles. "The trim, six-lug Mark V's we designed for standard rounds take their own mounts," Aaron explains. Weatherby rings and bases (two-piece steel and alloy and one-piece alloy) are now manufactured by Gary Turner, who runs the Talley shop. They're clean-looking and precisely machined.