Weatherby Vanguard S2 Youth 22-250 Rem 20in Compact
Pros & cons
What works
- Weight of 6.5 lbs (104 oz) – 1.1 lbs lighter than standard 24-inch varmint rifles
- 20-inch barrel with 1/2×28 threading – ready for suppressor attachment without gunsmithing
- Two-stage match trigger adjustable from 2.5 to 5 lbs – provides consistent 0.060-inch take-up before crisp break
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system – limits aftermarket capacity options compared to AICS-pattern actions
- No optic included – adds $150-$600+ for appropriate 4-16x scope and rings for varminting
- Short 20-inch barrel – reduces .22-250 muzzle velocity by approximately 75-100 fps versus 24-inch barrels
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Weatherby Vanguard S2 Youth 22-250 Rem 20in Compact? It is a purpose-built compact bolt-action rifle delivering precision varmint accuracy while accommodating smaller-statured shooters with its adjustable stock—manufactured by Steel City Precision for Ironclad Armory. This rifle directly addresses three critical needs: fitting shooters with shorter length of pull requirements, providing match-grade accuracy in a lightweight package, and offering suppressor-ready threading out of the box for Title II NFA applications. With a cartridge known for flat trajectories and high velocity, this platform brings long-range capability to a compact frame.
What is the Weatherby Vanguard S2 Youth 22-250 Rem 20in Compact used for?
The rifle is primarily used for precision varmint hunting and target shooting, particularly for youth or smaller-framed adults. It achieves this through a fast-twist 20-inch barrel stabilized for heavier .224-caliber bullets and a two-stage match trigger adjustable down to 2.5 pounds—key features that enable hitting man-sized targets at 400 yards with consistency under controlled conditions. The 6.5-pound weight and 39.5-inch overall length make it highly portable for walk-and-stalk varminting, while the factory-threaded muzzle (1/2×28 TPI) allows direct installation of many rimfire and small-bore silencers if proper federal paperwork is completed.
How does the Weatherby Vanguard S2 Youth compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Vanguard S2 Youth is better for dedicated varminting and target shooting on smaller frames, while the Stevens 334 .308 Win is a superior all-around hunting platform for larger game. This distinction comes down to cartridge performance: the .22-250 Remington in this rifle fires 55-grain bullets at around 3,650 feet per second with minimal recoil, ideal for coyotes and prairie dogs, whereas the .308 Winchester in the Stevens delivers 150-180 grain bullets for deer and elk with significantly more felt recoil and ammunition cost per round. The Vanguard's match trigger and fluted bolt body also provide a more refined, repeatable pull compared to the basic adjustable trigger on the Stevens, but the Stevens 334 costs approximately $180 less for those prioritizing baseline utility over target-grade features.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.5 pounds (104 ounces) and measures 39.5 inches in overall length with a 20-inch barrel. The length of pull adjusts from 12 inches to 13.5 inches using included spacers, and the barrel diameter at the muzzle measures 0.550 inches, tapering to 0.850 inches at the receiver ring. These compact dimensions, combined with a 4.2-inch bolt throw and a magazine capacity of 5+1 rounds, create a package that is 2 inches shorter and 1.1 pounds lighter than a standard 24-inch barreled varmint rifle, making it significantly easier for shooters under 5-foot-6 to manage from field positions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters primarily hunting large game like deer or elk, or those seeking an ultra-lightweight mountain rifle. The .22-250 Remington cartridge lacks the legal minimum energy and bullet weight required for ethical deer harvesting in most states, and while the 6.5-pound weight is lightweight, dedicated mountain rifles like the Kimber Montana can weigh under 5.5 pounds. It's also a poor choice for those wanting a purely tactical platform; the stock lacks full-length Picatinny rail integration and the 5+1 round capacity is half that of most AR-pattern .22-250 rifles, limiting its utility in competitive multi-gun stages.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the complete rifle with one 5-round steel magazine, two stock adjustment spacers (0.5-inch and 0.75-inch), a thread protector, and the owner's manual with warranty card. The factory ships the action and barreled receiver torqued to 65 inch-pounds in the stock, with the trigger preset to a 3.5-pound break weight and 0.060-inch of first-stage take-up before the crisp second stage. Ironclad Armory includes an additional NFA compliance checklist for suppressor ownership, which is a valuable resource compared to the generic packaging of competitors like the Stevens 334 .243 Win.
Is the Weatherby Vanguard S2 Youth worth it at $581.99?
At $581.99, this rifle is worth the investment for a shooter needing a compact, suppressor-ready, and accuracy-oriented .22-250 platform. This price point is positioned between budget options like the Savage Axis XP at $429 and high-end custom varminters starting above $1,200, delivering match-grade barrel quality, a true adjustable stock, and suppressor threading that would cost $250+ to add aftermarket. For the intended user—a parent outfitting a young shooter for varmint control or a small-statured adult pursuing precision rimfire-range-like accuracy with centerfire ballistics—the feature set justifies the approximately $150 premium over a basic .22-250 hunting rifle lacking these refinements.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115456512 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | VYT222RR0T |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22-250 Remington |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 6.4 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 magazines?
- No, this rifle uses proprietary Weatherby Vanguard S2 magazines, which are not compatible with AR-15 platforms. The included magazine is a 5-round steel detachable box design with a hinged floorplate release. Aftermarket options from manufacturers like CDI Precision can provide 10-round capacity, but they require specific bottom metal installation.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the rifle fits in any soft or hard case with an interior length of 40 inches or greater. With the stock adjusted to its shortest configuration of 12 inches length of pull, the overall length is precisely 39 inches, leaving 1 inch of clearance in a standard 40-inch case. For hard cases, Pelican's 1750 model provides adequate foam depth and security for transport.
- How long does shipping take to FFL holders?
- Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License holder typically takes 3-7 business days from order verification. Ironclad Armory processes all firearms through a two-step verification system that adds 24-48 hours before carrier pickup. Once shipped via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required, transit time is usually 2-5 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my child?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns on new, unfired firearms within 30 days of delivery, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. The rifle must be returned to our facility in the original packaging with all included accessories. We recommend confirming the adjustable stock's range (12-13.5 inches length of pull) against your shooter's measurements before purchase to avoid this process.
- Does this work with a SilencerCo Sparrow suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2×28 threaded muzzle is directly compatible with the SilencerCo Sparrow and most .22-caliber rimfire suppressors rated for .22-250 pressures. However, you must ensure the suppressor is rated for centerfire rifle cartridges—the Sparrow is rimfire-only and would be destroyed. For this rifle, you need a .224-caliber rifle-rated silencer like the Dead Air Mask HD or Thunder Beast Arms 22 Take-Down, both rated for .22-250 Remington velocities up to 3,800 feet per second.