Weatherby Vanguard Camilla 223 Rem 20 in Walnut 5+1 Matte Blued
Pros & cons
What works
- 13-inch length of pull – 1.5 inches shorter than standard rifles for immediate proper fit
- Turkish walnut stock with rosewood accents – $300-400 value over synthetic alternatives
- Two-stage trigger breaks at 3.5 pounds – comparable to $250 aftermarket trigger upgrades
- 20-inch barrel maintains 2,800 fps velocity with 55-grain ammunition – optimal for varmint control
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system – replacements cost $45 versus $15 for AR-pattern magazines
- Fixed stock dimensions – no adjustment for shooters outside the 5'2" to 5'8" height range
- Requires specific 6-48 scope bases – adds $50-80 to mounting costs versus common patterns
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Camilla 223 Rem? It's a purpose-built compact bolt-action rifle designed specifically for women and smaller-stature shooters, featuring a shortened 13-inch length of pull and optimized ergonomics for improved handling. Built on Weatherby's proven Vanguard platform, this rifle maintains the series' reputation for precision while offering a tailored fit that addresses common shooting challenges for those with shorter arm lengths. The 20-inch barrel and .223 Remington chambering make it an ideal choice for varmint control and target shooting where reduced recoil and ammunition cost are considerations.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Camilla used for?
This rifle is specifically designed for varmint hunting and target shooting where shot placement matters more than terminal energy. The .223 Remington chambering delivers manageable recoil and affordable ammunition costs, making it perfect for extended range sessions or predator control on smaller game. With its 1:10 twist rate barrel, it stabilizes most common .223 loads between 55-62 grains effectively for consistent accuracy.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard Camilla compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Weatherby offers superior fit and finish with its Turkish walnut stock and two-stage trigger system, while the Stevens 334 Rifle provides basic functionality at nearly half the price. Where the Camilla excels is in ergonomic refinement – the 13-inch length of pull and Monte Carlo comb provide immediate cheek weld consistency that synthetic-stocked alternatives simply can't match without aftermarket modifications adding $150-200 to the final cost.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.5 pounds and measures 39.5 inches overall with the 20-inch barrel. The 13-inch length of pull is 1.5 inches shorter than standard sporting rifles, while the 1.25-inch slimmer forearm circumference and reduced comb height accommodate smaller hands and facial structures. This dimensional reduction translates to approximately 18% less felt weight when shouldered compared to full-size bolt actions tipping the scales at similar weights.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for shooters who prefer synthetic stocks for harsh weather conditions or those requiring magnum cartridges for larger game. The .223 Remington's energy drops significantly beyond 300 yards, making it inadequate for elk or bear hunting where ethical shot placement demands more power. Additionally, the premium walnut stock adds approximately $300 to the manufacturing cost versus synthetic alternatives, representing poor value for hunters prioritizing function over aesthetics.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with mounted 5+1 round magazine, owner's manual, and Weatherby's factory test target showing 3-shot group performance. Unlike many competitors, Weatherby includes the removable box magazine rather than requiring separate purchase – a $45 value that's often overlooked in base pricing. The packaging includes specific torque specifications for scope mounting (25 inch-pounds for base screws) and detailed breakdown instructions for thorough cleaning.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard Camilla worth it at $1,004.99?
At this price point, the Camilla delivers excellent value for shooters who specifically need its ergonomic adjustments and appreciate fine wood craftsmanship. The $400 premium over synthetic-stocked alternatives is justified by the hand-fitted walnut stock alone, while the match-grade two-stage trigger rivals aftermarket units costing $250-300. For general-purpose shooting, consider the Stevens 334, but for those needing proper fit from the factory, the Camilla eliminates $200-300 in aftermarket stock work.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115456468 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VWR223RR0T |
| safety | 3 Position |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| barrel length | 20" |
| action | Bolt Action |
| product type | Rifle |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| shipping weight | 8.7 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 6.6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this rifle accept 5.56 NATO ammunition?
- Yes, the chamber is cut to SAAMI specifications that safely accommodate both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges. The 20-inch barrel with 1:10 twist rate properly stabilizes common military surplus ammunition up to 62 grains. Always check your specific ammunition's pressure ratings, but Weatherby rates this action for consistent 55,000 PSI operation.
- What scope base pattern does the receiver use?
- The Vanguard Camilla uses Weatherby's proprietary 6-48 thread pattern for scope bases, requiring specific mounts from manufacturers like Talley or Weatherby's own mounting systems. The receiver is drilled and tapped with #6-48 threads at 0.860-inch spacing – different from common Remington 700 patterns. Plan for $50-80 in quality bases and rings beyond your optic investment.
- How long does shipping to FFL dealers take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days after FFL verification, with ground transit typically adding 5-7 business days depending on destination. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL, and we recommend contacting your dealer before ordering to confirm their transfer fees, which average $25-50 nationally.
- Can the stock be adjusted for longer length of pull?
- No, the Turkish walnut stock is fixed at 13 inches with no factory adjustment options. Aftermarket recoil pads can add up to 1 inch of length, but significant modifications would require stock replacement averaging $350-500 for quality alternatives. Shooters needing variable fit should consider chassis systems starting around $600.
- Does this work with AR-15 magazines?
- No, the Vanguard platform uses proprietary Weatherby-designed detachable box magazines specific to this action length. The included magazine holds 5 rounds of .223 Remington with polymer construction for reliable feeding. Replacement magazines cost approximately $45 each and are available directly from Weatherby or authorized dealers.