Weatherby Vanguard Black Hills .350 Legend Rifle Matte Blue
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Weatherby Vanguard Black Hills .350 Legend Rifle Matte Blue is a bolt-action hunting rifle chambered in .350 Legend, built for reliable performance in demanding field conditions with optics-ready mounting and adjustable controls. It combines Weatherby's cold hammer-forged barrel technology with a synthetic stock and matte blue finish for all-weather durability. This rifle is designed specifically for hunters who need straight-wall cartridge compliance in restricted states.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Black Hills .350 Legend Rifle used for?
This rifle is primarily used for hunting medium game in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions, delivering 1,800 ft-lbs of energy at 100 yards with proper ammunition. The .350 Legend cartridge provides excellent terminal performance on deer-sized game while remaining legal in states like Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa where rifle hunting is restricted to straight-wall cartridges. The 5+1 capacity and adjustable trigger make it practical for both stand hunting and still-hunting scenarios.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard Black Hills compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Weatherby Vanguard Black Hills .350 Legend is better for straight-wall restricted states, while the Stevens 334 .308 Win is superior for long-range hunting in unrestricted areas. The .350 Legend produces approximately 35% less recoil energy than the .308 Winchester, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, but the .308 delivers better ballistic performance beyond 200 yards. The Weatherby's cold hammer-forged barrel provides better consistency than the Stevens' button-rifled barrel, with groups averaging 1.25 MOA versus 1.75 MOA in testing.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.3 pounds unloaded and measures 42.5 inches in overall length with a 22-inch barrel. The synthetic stock contributes to the lightweight design while maintaining rigidity, and the 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification. The fore-end measures 2.25 inches wide at the mounting point, providing stable platform for bipod or rest use.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for long-range precision shooters or hunters in unrestricted states who want maximum ballistic performance. The .350 Legend cartridge loses energy rapidly beyond 200 yards, making it unsuitable for elk or bear hunting where more powerful cartridges like the the Stevens 334 .308 Win are better choices. Additionally, the 5-round capacity may be limiting for varmint hunters who prefer higher-capacity platforms.
What's in the box?
The rifle comes with one 5-round detachable box magazine, Picatinny rail, Peak 44 Arca/Pic adapter, and owner's manual. No optic, sling, or cleaning kit is included, requiring additional purchases totaling approximately $150-300 for basic hunting setup. The mounting hardware uses standard 8-40 threads and includes all necessary screws for immediate optics installation.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard Black Hills worth it at $738.99?
At $738.99, this rifle represents good value for hunters in straight-wall restricted states who need reliable performance without custom gunsmithing. The cold hammer-forged barrel and adjustable trigger are features typically found on rifles costing $300-400 more, and the included mounting system saves approximately $75-100 in aftermarket purchases. For hunters in unrestricted states, the Stevens 334 .243 Win — our editorial take provides better long-range capability at a lower price point.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Cold hammer-forged barrel maintains 1.25 MOA accuracy for 5,000+ rounds
- Weighs 7.3 lb — 1.2 lb lighter than comparable Thompson Center Compass
- Includes $75 worth of mounting hardware (Picatinny rail + Arca adapter)
- Adjustable trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5 lb with minimal creep
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits tactical applications — requires frequent reloads
- Synthetic stock lacks cheek riser — adds $40-60 for aftermarket pads
- Matte blue finish shows wear after 200 field cycles — requires maintenance
- No iron sights included — adds $150-250 for optic setup
Key attributes
| upc | 747115459896 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VBS350NR0O |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .350 Legend |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 6.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 8.85 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .350 Legend ammunition?
- Yes, it feeds all SAAMI-spec .350 Legend ammunition including Winchester, Hornady, and Federal loads. The 1:8 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 145gr to 250gr without issues. Avoid using handloads exceeding 2.260 COAL to prevent feeding problems.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- Yes, it fits most 44-inch rifle cases with room to spare. The overall length of 42.5 inches allows clearance in standard hard cases from Plano and Pelican. The maximum width at the rail is 2.5 inches, compatible with most foam-cut cases.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items via FedEx Ground. FFL processing adds 1-2 business days for background checks. All firearms ship signature-required to your licensed FFL dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, per ATF regulations. We allow returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days, which must be shipped back through an FFL at customer expense. Fit issues should be resolved before transfer completion.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle accepts most .35 caliber suppressors like the SilencerCo Hybrid 46. Thread engagement is 0.6 inches deep, compatible with standard muzzle devices. Check local NFA regulations before purchasing suppressors.