Weatherby, a name long known for high quality rifles, will be introducing the Vanguard 2 Series Back Country rifle for 2013. At only 6.75 pounds this rifle may well live up to what its name suggests – a rifle that you can haul over rough terrain, for hours on end, with relative ease. I know, from past experience, that every pound counts when you are out hunting in rugged country and hiking up and down mountain trails. The difference a pound or two can make is remarkable in how it affects one’s stamina and how enjoyable a hunt may turn out. If you are aching and sore after a trek of an hour or three and try to settle down to get the shot of a lifetime and then miss because the rifle was too heavy – well there is little enjoyment in that. If instead, the rifle was not a strain to carry and you are steady as a rock when you lift that rifle to your shoulder to line up on your game, chances are you will be going home with dinner or a trophy or both. Yep, a little weight difference can make all the difference.

Being steady on target is, of course, not only related to how steady you can hold the firearm but to the inherent accuracy of the gun itself. As per Weatherby, this rifle is right on target when it comes to that with sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. In fact, Weatherby guarantees a group of .99” at 100 yards with specified Weatherby factory or premium ammo.

This rifle has a black synthetic Monte Carlo stock that is pillar bedded. The metal has a CeraKote® Tactical Grey finish that they claim is exceptional for corrosion resistance. The fluted barrel is 24” long, rifling is 1-10”. The trigger is a two-step match trigger, adjustable down to 2.5 pounds. There is a cocking indicator at the rear of the bolt that allows immediate visual and tactile confirmation that the rifle is cocked. The internal magazine has a hinged floorplate. The Weatherby Series 2 Back Country will be available in: .240 Weatherby Magnum. .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .257 Weatherby Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum and .300 Weatherby Magnum. While it is the highest priced rifle within the Vanguard Series 2, the Back Country’s MSRP is not too heavy, coming in at $1,399.00.

If weight is of critical importance then you may well want to consider the Weatherby Series 2 Back Country for your next hunt over rugged terrain. If weight is not critical and or the price of the Back Country too high for you, you may want to give some thought to other models in the Weatherby Series 2 lineup. All the others weigh in more but are also easier on the pocketbook by at least a couple to few hundred dollars each, that depending on the model selected.

More information on the Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 lineup can be found at: http://www.weatherby.com/product/rifles/vanguard_2.

All the best,
Glenn B