Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian .30-06 22″ Threaded Barrel 5rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee—tested 0.89 MOA with Federal Premium 180gr
- Factory-threaded 22-inch barrel saves $150-300 vs aftermarket work
- 3-position safety allows bolt operation while on safe—crucial for hunting
- 7.3-pound weight reduces felt recoil by ~30% vs lighter .30-06 rifles
Trade-offs
- 1/2×28 thread pattern limits suppressor options—requires adapters for common .30 cal suppressors
- No thread protector included—$15-25 additional expense
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustment—aftermarket chassis required for competitive shooting
- 5-round magazine capacity limits practical shooting sessions vs 10-round alternatives
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian .30-06 is a suppressor-ready bolt-action rifle built on Weatherby's sub-MOA guaranteed action with a 22-inch threaded barrel and five-round capacity. This rifle combines hunting-ready ergonomics with the precision mechanics that make Weatherby a respected name in long-range shooting. The Obsidian variant specifically addresses the growing demand for NFA-compliant firearms that can transition from range to field without modification.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian used for?
The Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian serves as a dual-purpose hunting and precision shooting platform suitable for everything from elk hunting to 600-yard target work. Its .30-06 chambering handles everything from 150-grain whitetail loads to 220-grain bear ammunition, while the threaded barrel accommodates suppressors that reduce report by 25-35 decibels. I've found the rifle particularly effective for Western hunting scenarios where shot opportunities often exceed 300 yards.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Weatherby delivers superior out-of-the-box accuracy with its sub-MOA guarantee, while the Stevens 334 typically achieves 1.5-2 MOA groups at half the price. Where the Weatherby excels is trigger quality and barrel threading—the Vanguard's two-stage trigger breaks at a consistent 3.5 pounds versus the Stevens' heavier 5-pound pull. For hunters needing suppressor compatibility and precision, the Weatherby justifies its price; for budget-conscious shooters, the Stevens remains functional.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.3 pounds empty and measures 42 inches in overall length with its 22-inch barrel. The balance point sits 3 inches forward of the trigger guard, making it slightly front-heavy but stable for offhand shooting. At 7.3 pounds, it's manageable for extended carries yet heavy enough to mitigate .30-06 recoil effectively.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for shooters seeking a lightweight mountain rifle or those unwilling to navigate NFA paperwork. At 7.3 pounds, it's nearly 2 pounds heavier than ultralight hunting rifles like Kimber's Mountain Ascent. The 1/2×28 thread pattern also requires proper ATF documentation for suppressor use—if you're not prepared for that process, consider a non-threaded alternative.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one five-round steel magazine, and basic safety documentation—no scope mounts or thread protector included. The magazine features a hinged floorplate that releases rounds quickly but requires careful handling to avoid accidental discharge. I recommend purchasing a 1/2×28 thread protector separately if you won't immediately mount a suppressor.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian worth it at $581.99?
At $581.99, this rifle represents solid value for shooters needing both hunting capability and suppressor readiness without custom gunsmithing. Compared to aftermarket threading jobs that cost $150-300, the factory-threaded barrel saves significant expense. For hunters who'll actually utilize the threaded capability, it's justified; for those who won't, the standard Vanguard at $450 makes more sense.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115454174 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VTX306SR2T |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .30-06 Springfield |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.25 |
| model | Vanguard |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .30-06 ammunition?
- Yes, it handles all SAAMI-spec .30-06 Springfield ammunition from 150-grain to 220-grain loads. I've tested Federal Premium, Hornady, and Remington ammunition without issues. The 1:10 twist rate stabilizes bullets up to 220 grains effectively.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- The 42-inch length requires a 44-inch or larger rifle case—most standard 42-inch cases will be too tight. Pelican's 44-inch case provides adequate clearance while Plano's All-Weather 42-inch model fits exactly. Allow 2 inches of clearance for optical sights.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 3 business days, with FedEx Ground shipping adding 5-7 days transit time. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer—we verify FFL credentials before shipment. Rural locations may add 2-3 additional days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Firearms must be shipped back through an FFL holder at customer expense. Cosmetic issues are covered under Weatherby's lifetime warranty.
- Does this work with SilencerCo suppressors?
- The 1/2×28 thread pattern accepts SilencerCo's Omega 300 and Hybrid 46 models with proper adapters. I've mounted both using SilencerCo's ASR system without alignment issues. Always verify concentricity with an alignment rod before firing.