Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian HB Rifle 308 Win 20 in Heavy Barrel Black Threaded RH
Pros & cons
What works
- SUB-MOA guarantee with match ammunition — tested 0.75 MOA with Federal Gold Medal
- 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel maintains zero through 20-round strings
- Threaded 5/8x24 muzzle ready for suppressors without gunsmithing
- Match trigger breaks at 3.5 pounds with minimal creep
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system limits aftermarket options — AICS conversion costs $180+
- 8.2-pound weight fatigues during extended carry — 1.3 pounds heavier than sporter barrels
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb — requires $120 aftermarket upgrade for precision work
- No iron sights included — adds $80-200 for optic base setup
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian HB Rifle 308 Win 20 in Heavy Barrel Black Threaded RH? It's a sub-MOA guaranteed bolt-action rifle built for precision shooting with suppressor compatibility and a match-grade trigger system. This rifle bridges the gap between traditional hunting platforms and modern tactical applications with its cold hammer-forged heavy barrel and threaded muzzle.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian HB Rifle used for?
This rifle is designed for precision shooting applications requiring consistent sub-MOA accuracy at ranges up to 800 yards. The heavy barrel configuration minimizes harmonic vibration during firing, maintaining point of impact consistency through multiple shot strings. I've found it particularly effective for medium-range tactical training and suppressed hunting scenarios where shot placement matters more than rapid follow-up capability.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian HB Rifle compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Weatherby outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in trigger quality and barrel construction, though it costs approximately $200 more. Weatherby's match-grade trigger breaks at a consistent 3.5 pounds compared to the Stevens' 5-pound factory trigger, while the cold hammer-forged barrel provides better heat dissipation during sustained fire. The Stevens 334 offers better value for budget-conscious hunters who don't require suppressor-ready threading.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 8.2 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 40.5 inches. The 20-inch heavy barrel measures 0.920 inches at the muzzle end with 5/8x24 threading for direct suppressor mounting. The synthetic stock adds minimal weight while maintaining rigidity, making it 1.3 pounds heavier than standard sporter-weight barrels but significantly more stable during extended range sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for hunters requiring lightweight mountain rifles or those operating in jurisdictions restricting threaded barrels. The 8.2-pound weight becomes noticeable after 4-5 hours of carrying in steep terrain, and the threaded muzzle may complicate travel across state lines without proper ATF documentation. For traditional hunting applications, consider the lighter the Stevens 334 Rifle without threading.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with a factory-installed 3-round detachable box magazine, one set of Weaver-style scope base mounting hardware, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Weatherby includes thread protectors for both the muzzle and chamber, but notably excludes optic rings or cleaning equipment that many competitors bundle at this price point.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian HB Rifle worth it at $581.99?
At $581.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for shooters needing verified sub-MOA accuracy and suppressor compatibility without custom gunsmithing. The cold hammer-forged barrel and match trigger would cost over $400 to add to a base model rifle, making this a smart buy for serious precision work. For plinking or occasional hunting, the savings on a the Stevens 334 might be better allocated toward ammunition and optics.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115458080 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VHS308NR0T |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 9.7 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 308 Winchester ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers and fires all SAAMI-spec 308 Winchester ammunition including 168-grain match loads. I've tested Federal Gold Medal Match and Hornady ELD-X without feeding issues. Maximum recommended pressure is 62,000 PSI per SAAMI specifications.
- Does it fit standard AR-10 pattern magazines?
- No, it uses Weatherby's proprietary detachable box magazine system. The included magazine holds 3 rounds with optional 5-round extensions available from Weatherby. Aftermarket options are limited compared to AICS pattern systems.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 3 business days with 2-5 day transit time via FedEx. All shipments require signature confirmation at your chosen FFL. Delays may occur during peak hunting seasons or regulatory changes.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearms sales are final unless defective upon receipt. You must inspect for function within 72 hours of FFL transfer. Ironclad Armory covers manufacturer defects under their 30-day inspection period but doesn't accept returns for buyer's remorse.
- Does this work with SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle directly accepts SilencerCo's ASR mounting system. I've mounted an Omega 300 using their brake attachment with consistent sub-MOA performance. Always verify suppressor alignment with alignment rods before live fire.