Weatherby Vanguard Compact Hunter 22-250 Rem 20″
Pros & cons
What works
- Sub-MOA guarantee ensures 0.99" or better groups at 100 yards
- Adjustable length of pull from 12.5" to 13.625" accommodates multiple shooters
- 6.8-pound weight reduces fatigue during extended hunting sessions
- Two-stage trigger breaks cleanly at 2.5-4 pounds for precision shooting
Trade-offs
- 1:14 twist rate limits bullet selection to lighter than 55 grains
- Synthetic stock lacks reinforcement for heavy bipod use
- No included scope mounts add $50 100 installation cost
- 5-round capacity limits high-volume varmint shooting
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Compact Hunter 22-250 Rem 20″? It's a lightweight bolt-action rifle chambered in .22-250 Remington with a 20-inch barrel, specifically engineered for varmint hunting and precision shooting applications. With an overall length of just 39 inches and adjustable length-of-pull spacers, this rifle bridges the gap between youth models and full-size hunting rifles. Weatherby backs this platform with their sub-MOA accuracy guarantee—three-shot groups under 0.99 inches at 100 yards with factory ammunition.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Compact Hunter 22-250 Rem 20″ used for?
This rifle is purpose-built for varmint control and medium-range hunting where precision matters more than raw power. The .22-250 Remington cartridge delivers 3,500-4,000 fps muzzle velocities, making it devastating on coyotes and prairie dogs out to 400 yards. The adjustable trigger and 5-round capacity make it equally suitable for benchrest shooting sessions lasting 2-3 hours without fatigue.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard Compact Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″?
The Weatherby significantly outperforms the Stevens 334 in trigger quality and accuracy guarantees. While both share 20-inch barrels, the Weatherby's two-stage trigger breaks at 2.5-4 pounds versus the Stevens' 5-pound single-stage, and Weatherby's sub-MOA guarantee means tighter groups by approximately 0.3 inches at 100 yards. The Stevens wins on price but sacrifices precision engineering.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle balances at 6.8 pounds unloaded with a 39-inch overall length and 20-inch barrel. The length of pull adjusts from 12.5 to 13.625 inches using included spacers, accommodating shooters from youth to small-framed adults. At 39 inches long, it's 4 inches shorter than standard hunting rifles yet maintains proper sight radius for consistent accuracy.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious long-range competitors should look elsewhere due to the 1:14 twist rate limiting bullet selection to lighter projectiles. The synthetic stock lacks the rigidity needed for heavy bipod use during extended sessions, and the 5-round capacity is limiting for high-volume prairie dog towns. Big game hunters needing more energy should consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with 3 length-of-pull spacers, owner's manual, and warranty documentation. The package weighs 12 pounds shipped, with all components secured in Weatherby's standard protective packaging. Notably absent are scope mounts—this rifle requires separate purchase of 1-inch rings or a rail for optics mounting.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard Compact Hunter worth it at $799.99?
Absolutely, if you need guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy in a compact platform. The adjustable trigger and length-of-pull system add $150-200 in value over fixed-stock alternatives, while the Weatherby name ensures resale value retention around 70-80% after 5 years. This rifle punches above its price class in precision while maintaining Weatherby's signature reliability.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115451449 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VYH222RR2B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22-250 Remington |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | TUNGSTEN |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | No |
| youth rifle | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 magazines?
- No, this rifle uses Weatherby's proprietary hinged floorplate magazine system. The internal magazine holds 5 rounds of .22-250 Remington ammunition and cannot be swapped for AR-pattern magazines. Replacement magazines are available directly from Weatherby for approximately $45 each.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, any rifle case measuring 40 inches or longer will accommodate this 39-inch rifle. I recommend Plano's All-Weather 42-inch case for optimal protection during transport. The compact design allows storage in vehicles with limited trunk space.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping requires 5-7 business days after FFL verification. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required. Express shipping options are available for an additional $35, reducing transit time to 2-3 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't shoot accurately?
- Weatherby's warranty covers accuracy issues if the rifle fails to meet their sub-MOA guarantee with factory ammunition. Returns must be initiated within 30 days of purchase and require documentation of three 3-shot groups exceeding 0.99 inches at 100 yards. Ironclad Armory handles all warranty coordination.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle accommodates most .22-caliber suppressors. I've tested it with a SilencerCo Sparrow with excellent results—sound reduction averages 28-32 dB. Always verify your local NFA regulations before purchasing suppressors.