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#7 on this list
Vanguard Weatherguard
Weatherby
Sub-MOA guarantee, Howa action, and a hard-use synthetic stock. Underrated for wet-country hunts.
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#8 on this list
X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed
Browning
Rotary magazine, 60-degree bolt lift, and a fit-and-finish level rare below the custom shops.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Vanguard Weatherguard | X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Weatherby | Browning |
| Action | Bolt-action, Howa 1500 | Bolt Action |
| Guarantee | Sub-MOA at 100 yards | — |
| Stock | Synthetic | — |
| Finish | Cerakote | — |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs (unscoped) | — |
| Magazine Type | — | Detachable Rotary |
| Barrel Finish | — | Cerakote Burnt Bronze |
| Stock Pattern | — | A-TACS AU Camo |
| Bolt Lift | — | 60-degree |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Vanguard Weatherguard
- Guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy out of the box
- Exceptional weather resistance with Cerakote finish
- Durable synthetic stock handles abuse well
- Reliable Howa 1500 action for smooth cycling
- Excellent value for a hard-working hunting rifle
- Aesthetics are purely utilitarian, no 'bling'
- Factory trigger, while good, isn't highly adjustable
- Slightly heavier than dedicated ultralight options
X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed
- Exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy for a production rifle
- Durable Cerakote finish and robust composite stock for all-weather hunting
- Smooth 60-degree bolt lift allows for fast, low-profile cycling
- Rotary magazine feeds reliably and sits flush with the stock
- Excellent fit and finish, feels like a higher-end custom build
- Slightly heavier than some dedicated ultralight hunting rifles
- Proprietary magazine can be an inconvenience if spares aren't carried
- A-TACS AU camo pattern might not appeal to all hunters
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