Weatherby Vanguard Weathergrd SS — 6.5PRC, 24TB

The Weatherby Vanguard Weathergrd SS — 6.5PRC, 24TB is a factory bolt-action rifle built for shooters who demand sub-MOA consistency from a production gun. Chambered in 6.5 PRC, this stainless-steel build mates Weatherby’s proven Vanguard action with a 24-inch #4 contour barrel, giving you the velocity to push 147-grain ELD-Ms past 2,900 fps without cooking the throat. The Weathergrd finish means corrosion resistance for wet hunts or humid range days, and the adjustable trigger breaks clean at 2.5 pounds out of the box. If you want a turnkey long-range rig that doesn’t require aftermarket work to shoot, this is it.

Manufacturer	Weatherby
Model	Vanguard Weathergrd SS
Material	Stainless steel receiver and barrel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	6.5 PRC ammunition; accepts standard Vanguard aftermarket stocks and triggers
Finish	Weathergrd stainless steel (bead-blasted matte)
Weight	7.75 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New, factory-sealed

Key Features

• Stainless steel receiver and barrel — Why it matters: The 416-grade stainless resists rust and fouling buildup, so you can hunt in rain or snow without babying the finish. Bore life in 6.5 PRC averages 1,500-2,000 rounds, and stainless helps maintain accuracy as the barrel heats.
• 24-inch #4 contour barrel — Why it matters: The #4 profile adds stiffness without turning the rifle into a bench-rest pig. You get enough weight to dampen barrel whip for consistent shot-to-shot POI, but it still carries well for backcountry stalks.
• Two-stage adjustable trigger — Why it matters: Factory triggers on budget rifles often stack or creep. Weatherby’s trigger breaks at 2.5 pounds with a crisp second stage, and you can adjust pull weight and overtravel without a gunsmith. That’s a 0.5-MOA advantage on a windy day.
• Pillar-bedded stock with aluminum bedding block — Why it matters: Pillar bedding maintains receiver-to-stock alignment under recoil. Shooters report sub-0.75 MOA five-shot groups with factory Hornady 147 ELD-M loads. The aluminum block also prevents stock flex when you torque the action screws to 45 in-lbs.
• Fluted bolt with 60-degree lift — Why it matters: The three-lug bolt gives you a short 60-degree lift for fast follow-ups, and the flutes clear mud or debris. The bolt face is fully enclosed for controlled round feeding — no rim damage on sharp 6.5 PRC case heads.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the shooter who wants a 6.5 PRC without the $1,500 price tag of a custom action. You’re the guy who checks torque specs, measures headspace with a comparator, and wants a factory gun that shoots as well as your buddy’s custom build. It’s also for the hunter who needs a corrosion-resistant rifle that can handle a 10-day sheep hunt in a downpour. If you reload, the 6.5 PRC gives you 200-300 fps over 6.5 Creedmoor with the same bullet, meaning less wind drift at 1,000 yards.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Sub-MOA guarantee with Weatherby factory ammo — verified by multiple independent testers.
• Pro: Trigger is user-adjustable without removing the action from the stock.
• Con: Stock is synthetic but not chassis-grade — the forend can flex if you shoot off a bipod with heavy pressure. A simple bedding job or aftermarket stock swap fixes this.

Comparison: Vanguard Weathergrd SS vs. Competitors

Feature	Weatherby Vanguard Weathergrd SS	Geissele Super Duty AR-15 (5.56)	Timney Triggers Drop-In (aftermarket)
Action Type	Bolt-action, three-lug, 60-degree lift	Direct impingement semi-auto	N/A (trigger only)
Caliber	6.5 PRC	5.56 NATO	All common calibers
Barrel Length	24 inches, #4 contour	16 inches	N/A
Finish	Weathergrd stainless steel	Hardcoat anodized aluminum	Nickel Teflon
Trigger Pull	2.5 lbs adjustable	4.5 lbs	1.5-2.5 lbs adjustable
Weight	7.75 lbs	7.0 lbs	0.1 lbs
Price	$699.92	$1,600	$180

Note: The Geissele and Timney are not direct bolt-action competitors, but they represent the aftermarket upgrade path shooters often consider. For a bolt gun in the same price range, the Vanguard beats most Savage Axis or Ruger American builds in fit and finish.

FAQ

What is the barrel twist rate on the 6.5 PRC Vanguard?

Per Weatherby specs, the 24-inch barrel has a 1:8 twist rate. This stabilizes 140-153 grain bullets, including the Hornady 147 ELD-M and Berger 156 EOL.

Can I mount a scope directly to the receiver?

Yes. The receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 screws (standard for Weatherby Vanguard). Use a one-piece Picatinny rail from Nightforce or Seekins for maximum rigidity.

Does this rifle come with a muzzle brake?

No, it ships with a standard thread protector. The barrel is threaded 5/8×24, so you can add a brake or suppressor. For 6.5 PRC, I recommend a brake with side ports to reduce recoil without blasting your spotter.

What is the magazine capacity?

It uses a detachable box magazine with 3-round capacity. Factory magazines are polymer and feed reliably with 6.5 PRC cartridges up to 2.955 inches OAL.

Is the stock adjustable for length of pull?

No, the factory synthetic stock has a fixed LOP of 13.75 inches. If you need adjustment, consider the Vanguard S2 or an aftermarket stock from Bell & Carlson.

Why Buy From Us

• ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
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Last updated: April 2026

Browse related categories: Bolt Action Rifles | 6.5 PRC Ammunition | Rifle Scopes