Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian — .300 Weatherby Magnum, Threaded
About this product
The Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian is a full-size precision bolt-action rifle designed for long-range marksmanship and big-game hunting, featuring a factory-threaded barrel for suppressor mounting under Title II regulations. This rifle combines the high-velocity .300 Weatherby Magnum cartridge with a true two-stage match trigger and a synthetic Monte Carlo stock engineered for all-weather stability. At 7.40 lbs with an overall length of 44.5 inches, it balances recoil management with packable weight for western hunts, distinguishing itself from budget alternatives through superior fit and a regulated-ready muzzle.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian used for?
The Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian is engineered for long-range engagement of western big game and precision target work beyond 300 yards. The 1:10" twist rate stabilizes heavy, high-BC bullets like the 200gr ELD-X effectively, making it suitable for elk and bear at extended ranges. The threaded #2 contour barrel is cut for 5/8"-24 TPI, allowing direct mounting of .30-caliber suppressors—an ideal configuration for hunters needing to comply with local noise ordinances or reduce signature without barrel modifications.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Vanguard Obsidian delivers superior out-of-the-box precision and controlled-feed reliability compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, albeit at a higher price point and substantially greater felt recoil. Where the Stevens 334 uses a simplified push-feed action and a basic single-stage trigger with roughly 5.5 lb pull, the Vanguard employs a controlled-round feed bolt and a fully adjustable two-stage trigger that breaks cleanly at 2.75 lbs. The Obsidian's .300 Weatherby Magnum also generates approximately 1,200 ft-lbs more muzzle energy than the .308 Winchester, making it the clear choice for elk-sized game past 400 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Vanguard Obsidian weighs 7.40 lbs (119 oz) unloaded and measures 44.5 inches in overall length with a 24-inch barrel. The barrel contour is a #2 profile with a muzzle diameter of 0.650 inches, threaded to accept standard 5/8"-24 muzzle devices or suppressor mounts. The stock's length of pull is 13.75 inches, and the comb height provides a consistent 0.75-inch cheek weld for most common scope ring heights without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for new shooters, budget-conscious plinkers, or hunters confined to dense eastern timber. The .300 Weatherby Magnum round costs approximately $5.50 per round for factory ammunition, and the substantial recoil—roughly 38 ft-lbs of free recoil energy—demands proper technique and a suppressor or muzzle brake for comfortable extended practice. If your shots are consistently under 200 yards or you prioritize high round counts for drills, consider a Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with a factory-installed 3-round internal magazine, a standard thread protector, and a basic owner's manual outlining break-in procedures. Weatherby does not include scope bases, rings, or a locking device—expect to spend an additional $90-$150 on a quality Picatinny rail and rings. The manual specifically notes a recommended 20-round break-in process for the button-rifled barrel to achieve optimal accuracy, which consumes one full box of premium ammunition before true zero confirmation.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian worth it at $599.99?
At $599.99, the Vanguard Obsidian represents strong value for a regulated-ready precision hunting rifle with genuine match-grade components. Comparable threaded magnum rifles from Browning or Tikka typically start at $850-$1,100, and the included two-stage trigger alone retails for $180 aftermarket. The cost becomes justified if you require a suppressor-host rifle for western hunting and lack the tools or expertise to thread a barrel yourself—a gunsmithing operation that adds $150-$250 and 4-6 weeks of lead time.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-threaded 5/8"-24 muzzle ready for NFA suppressors — eliminates $150+ gunsmithing cost
- Two-stage match trigger adjustable down to 1.5 lbs — provides 60% cleaner break than Stevens 334's single-stage
- 44.5" overall length balances for pack carry — 2.3" shorter than most 26" barrel magnum rifles
- Monte Carlo synthetic stock includes 0.75" comb height — maintains cheek weld with 50mm objective scopes
Trade-offs
- .300 Weatherby Magnum ammunition costs $5.50+/round — practice costs exceed $1.10 per trigger pull
- Fixed 3-round internal magazine — reloads take 4-5 seconds versus 2 seconds with detachable box systems
- 7.40 lb weight unloaded — adds 1.8 lbs over lighter .308 platforms when combined with scope and suppressor
- No included scope bases or rings — requires $90-$150 additional investment before zeroing
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 747115454464 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VTX300WR4T |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 Weatherby Magnum |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 6.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the #2 contour barrel comes factory-threaded 5/8"-24 TPI, ready for direct installation of a .30-caliber suppressor or muzzle brake. The threading length is 0.625 inches, which accommodates most common mounts from SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged without needing an adapter. Always verify suppressor alignment with a rod gauge before firing.
- Does it come with a magazine?
- It uses a fixed internal magazine with a 3-round capacity, loaded through the top of the action with the bolt open. There is no detachable box magazine option from the factory for this model. Reloading requires approximately 4-5 seconds per round when done deliberately under field conditions.
- Can I use .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition?
- No, the chamber is specifically reamed for .300 Weatherby Magnum only. The Weatherby case is longer and has a sharper shoulder angle than .300 Win Mag—attempting to chamber the wrong cartridge will cause a dangerous headspace condition. Factory ammunition is available from Weatherby, Federal Premium, and Nosler, with typical retail prices between $5.20 and $7.80 per round.
- What is the trigger pull weight?
- The factory-set two-stage trigger breaks at approximately 2.75 lbs with minimal creep. The first stage take-up is adjustable from 0.5 to 3.0 lbs of travel, and the second stage break weight can be tuned between 1.5 and 4.0 lbs using the included hex wrench. Over-travel is limited to 0.040 inches by a setscrew.