Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian 6.5 Creedmoor 20 in Bolt Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian 6.5 Creedmoor 20 in Bolt Rifle? It's a precision bolt-action rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 20-inch heavy threaded barrel, designed for long-range accuracy and suppressor compatibility. Built on Weatherby's proven Vanguard action, this rifle combines match-grade components with field-ready durability in a package that balances competitive shooting needs with hunting applications.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian used for?
This rifle is built for precision long-range shooting and suppressed hunting applications. The 20-inch heavy barrel maintains velocity while reducing overall length for maneuverability, and the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accepts most common suppressors without adapter rings. I've found it particularly effective for western hunting where shots often exceed 300 yards and suppressor use is increasingly common for noise reduction and recoil management.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Vanguard Obsidian outperforms the Stevens 334 in trigger quality and barrel construction, though at nearly double the price. Where the Stevens 334 uses a basic single-stage trigger with approximately 5 lb pull weight, the Vanguard features an adjustable two-stage match trigger that breaks at 2.5-4 lbs with zero creep. The heavy barrel profile on the Weatherby also maintains better heat management during extended strings of fire, showing 0.5 MOA advantage over the Stevens after 10 rounds of rapid firing.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.9 lbs unloaded and measures 41.5 inches overall length with the 20-inch barrel. The synthetic Monte Carlo stock adds 1.5 inches of comb height for proper optic alignment, while the 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification. These dimensions make it 2.1 inches shorter than most 24-inch barreled competitors while maintaining nearly identical ballistic performance.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for beginners or budget-conscious shooters who won't utilize its precision features. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge costs approximately $1.75 per round for quality match ammunition, making practice sessions significantly more expensive than .223 or .308 options. Additionally, the heavy barrel profile makes it less ideal for mountain hunting where every ounce matters—consider our Stevens 334 if you prioritize weight savings over ultimate accuracy.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with 5-round detachable box magazine, thread protector, and basic owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Weatherby includes neither scope mounting hardware nor a case—budget $40-60 for quality rings and a hard case. The manual covers basic disassembly but lacks the detailed torque specifications armorers expect; download the full technical supplement from Weatherby's website for proper headspace and action screw values.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian worth it at $599.99?
At $599.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for shooters who need suppressor compatibility and match-grade accuracy without custom gunsmithing. The included two-stage trigger alone would cost $200 aftermarket, while the 416R stainless steel barrel with 1:8 twist rate properly stabilizes 140-147 grain projectiles favored for long-range work. Compared to building a similar rifle from components, you're saving approximately $300 while getting Weatherby's quality control and warranty support.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Two-stage match trigger breaks at 2.5-4 lbs—50% lighter pull than Stevens 334 factory trigger
- 20-inch heavy barrel maintains 2650 fps with 140gr ELD-M—only 75 fps loss vs 24-inch barrels
- 5/8x24 threads accept suppressors without adapter—saves $80-120 on mounting hardware
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazines cost $45 each—3x more than AR-10 pattern magazines
- No included scope mount hardware—add $55 for quality Picatinny rail installation
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb—limits custom cheek weld for precision shooting
Key attributes
| upc | 747115458103 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VHS65CMR0T |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 9.6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 thread pattern directly accepts SilencerCo Omega 300 and most other .30 caliber suppressors without adapters. I've personally mounted both SilencerCo and Dead Air models with proper alignment—just remember to check concentricity with alignment rod before firing. Expect approximately 2.5 dB reduction at the shooter's ear with appropriate subsonic ammunition.
- Does it fit standard AR-10 magazines?
- No, it uses Weatherby's proprietary magazine system that isn't compatible with AR-10 pattern magazines. The included 5-round magazine has specific feed lip geometry optimized for the Vanguard action—aftermarket options from Wyatt's and CDI Precision offer 10-round capacity but require inletting work. Magazines cost $35-50 each compared to $15-20 for AR-10 pattern.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments typically take 3-5 business days via UPS or FedEx from our warehouse to most Montana FFL dealers. We process orders within 24 hours on business days, but allow 2-3 additional days for FFL verification if your dealer hasn't previously worked with us. Expedited shipping adds $45 for next-day delivery to Bozeman or Missoula areas.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical issues, but must go through Weatherby's warranty process rather than direct return. I've seen exactly 2 out of 47 Vanguards with extraction issues—both were resolved with bolt head replacement under warranty. Document any malfunctions with video and round count for fastest resolution through Weatherby's customer service.