Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian 243 Win 22 in. Black Synthetic
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian 243 Win 22 in. Black Synthetic is a bolt-action hunting rifle chambered in .243 Winchester with a threaded 22-inch barrel and synthetic stock designed for field use. This configuration balances precision shooting capabilities with weather-resistant construction for hunters who need reliability in variable conditions. The rifle features an adjustable two-stage match trigger and 3-position safety system that provides both security and rapid engagement readiness.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian used for?
The Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian is primarily used for medium-game hunting and precision shooting applications. Its .243 Winchester chambering makes it ideal for deer, antelope, and varmint hunting at distances up to 300 yards. The 22-inch threaded barrel allows for suppressor attachment, reducing report by approximately 28-32 decibels when using a quality can.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian outperforms the Stevens 334 .243 Win in trigger quality and barrel threading readiness. While both rifles chamber .243 Winchester, the Weatherby's adjustable two-stage match trigger breaks at 2.5-3.5 pounds compared to the Stevens' 4.5-6 pound factory trigger. The Weatherby comes factory-threaded 1/2×28 while the Stevens 334 requires aftermarket threading at approximately $150-200 additional cost.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian weighs 7.3 pounds (118.4 oz) with an overall length of 42 inches. The barrel measures 22 inches with a 1:10 twist rate, and the synthetic stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull. The rifle maintains a 5.2-inch height at the comb when mounted with standard low-profile rings.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious buyers seeking the lowest-priced .243 option or those needing ultra-lightweight mountain hunting configurations. At 7.3 pounds, it's 1.2 pounds heavier than dedicated mountain rifles like the Kimber Hunter, and its $586.99 price point positions it above entry-level options like the Stevens 334 which retails for approximately $380.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the complete Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian, one 4-round hinged floorplate magazine, and swivel studs pre-installed. Unlike some competitors, it does not include optic mounting hardware or a sling—expect to budget $40-60 for quality rings and bases. The packaging includes a single Allen wrench for trigger adjustment access.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian worth it at $586.99?
At $586.99, the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian delivers exceptional value for hunters needing suppressor-ready capability and match-grade trigger performance. The factory threading alone saves $150-200 compared to aftermarket work, and the adjustable trigger outperforms most factory triggers in this price range. For shooters who value precision and NFA compatibility, this represents one of the better values in the mid-price hunting rifle market.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-threaded 1/2×28 barrel — saves $150-200 in aftermarket work
- Adjustable two-stage trigger breaks at 2.5-3.5 pounds — 2 pounds lighter than most factory triggers
- 4-round hinged floorplate magazine — reliable feeding without detachable magazine failures
- 42-inch overall length — 4 inches shorter than most 24-inch barrel rifles for better handling
Trade-offs
- No scope bases included — adds $40-60 to initial setup cost
- 7.3-pound weight — 1.2 pounds heavier than dedicated mountain hunting rifles
- Synthetic stock lacks texture — requires $25-50 in aftermarket grip tape for wet conditions
- Non-detachable magazine — slower reloading than box magazine systems
Key attributes
| upc | 747115454365 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VTX243NR2T |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 4 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.25 |
| model | Vanguard |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?
- Yes, the barrel comes factory-threaded 1/2×28 with a protective thread cap installed. This threading pattern accommodates most .243 Winchester suppressors including SilencerCo Harvester and Dead Air Nomad models without adapters.
- Does it include scope mounting bases?
- No, the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian does not include scope mounting bases. You'll need to purchase separate bases—Weatherby recommends their own #8 bases or equivalent aftermarket options from Warne or Leupold for approximately $40-60.
- What is the magazine capacity?
- The hinged floorplate magazine holds 4 rounds of .243 Winchester ammunition. This is standard capacity for most bolt-action hunting rifles in this caliber and provides adequate round count for most hunting scenarios.
- Can the trigger pull weight be adjusted?
- Yes, the two-stage match trigger is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds using the included Allen wrench. I recommend starting at the factory-set 3.25 pounds and adjusting downward only after verifying safe operation.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping to licensed FFL dealers typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing. All firearms require shipment to your chosen FFL holder where you'll complete ATF Form 4473 and pass background check before taking possession.
- Does this work with standard .243 Winchester ammunition?
- Yes, the rifle chambers and fires all SAAMI-spec .243 Winchester ammunition from 55-grain varmint loads to 100-grain hunting rounds. The 1:10 twist rate stabilizes bullets up to 105 grains effectively for consistent accuracy.