Description
I remember the first time I took a Weatherby Vanguard S2, .243 Win, 24″, Blued, Kryptek Highlander Stock out to the range. It was one of those crisp Missouri mornings, and I was looking for a rifle that could handle everything from varmint control to a quiet deer hunt without breaking the bank. This rifle isn’t just a tool; it’s a reliable partner built on a foundation of serious accuracy. Let me tell you why it’s spent so much time in my own safe.
The Weatherby Vanguard S2, .243 Win, 24″, Blued, Kryptek Highlander Stock is a factory-built, sub-MOA guaranteed bolt-action rifle chambered in the versatile .243 Winchester. It features a 24-inch blued steel barrel, a crisp two-stage trigger, and is housed in a lightweight, weather-resistant Kryptek Highlander patterned synthetic stock. It’s a ready-to-hunt package that delivers exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy for hunters and shooters who demand performance without a custom price tag.
Here’s the thing—the heart of this rifle is Weatherby’s famous sub-MOA guarantee. That means from the factory, with quality ammo, it’s built to group three shots inside an inch at 100 yards. I’ve put a few different factory loads through this .243, and it consistently lived up to that promise. The action is smooth, a clear step above many in its price class, and it locks up tight. The two-stage trigger is a standout feature; it has a light, predictable take-up and a clean break that makes precise shooting feel almost effortless. You get a level of trigger control usually found on rifles costing hundreds more.
The 24-inch barrel gives the .243 Winchester cartridge all the room it needs to reach its efficient, flat-shooting potential. That extra barrel length helps squeeze out a bit more velocity, which translates to a flatter trajectory—a real advantage when estimating range in the field. The blued finish is classic and durable, while the Kryptek Highlander camo on the synthetic stock isn’t just for looks. It’s tough, shrugs off moisture, and provides excellent concealment in mixed terrain. The stock itself has a well-designed palm swell and checkering where you need it. At just over 7.5 pounds unscoped, it carries easily all day. This rifle is drop-in ready for your favorite optics, needing only a set of bases and rings. I’ve had great results mounting Vortex and Leupold scopes on it using standard Weaver-style bases.
For $568.22, you’re getting a complete system. The value proposition is hard to beat when you consider the guaranteed accuracy, the refined trigger, and the rugged, ready-for-anything stock. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
| Caliber | .243 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | 44.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Stock | Synthetic, Kryptek Highlander |
Pros: The sub-MOA guarantee provides incredible peace of mind and performance straight from the box. The two-stage trigger is excellent for precision. The .243 Win caliber is famously versatile for medium game and varmints. The Kryptek stock is lightweight, durable, and effectively camouflaged.
Cons: The 24-inch barrel can feel a bit long in dense brush or a tight blind. As a blued steel rifle, it requires a bit more attentive maintenance than a stainless model in wet conditions. The synthetic stock, while tough, doesn’t have the classic feel of wood.
So who is this rifle for? It’s perfect for the Missouri hunter who wants one rifle to cover coyotes, groundhogs, and whitetail deer. It’s for the shooter who values demonstrable accuracy but has a practical budget. It’s also an ideal first serious rifle for a young hunter, thanks to the .243’s manageable recoil and the rifle’s straightforward, reliable operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .243 Winchester enough for Missouri whitetail deer?
A: Absolutely. With proper shot placement and a quality expanding bullet (like a 95-100 grain soft point or bonded bullet), the .243 Win is a highly effective and ethical deer cartridge. Its flat trajectory also simplifies longer shots in open fields.
Q: Does the rifle come with a scope or mounts?
A: No, it does not. The rifle is sold as shown, ready for you to add your preferred optic. You will need to purchase separate scope bases and rings. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard bases.
Q: What’s the real difference between the Vanguard and a more expensive Weatherby Mark V?
A: The main differences are the action and origin. The Mark V uses Weatherby’s proprietary, faster-cycling 9-lug action and is built in the U.S. The Vanguard S2 uses a supremely accurate, Howa-made 2-lug action. You’re getting the Mark V’s accuracy guarantee and quality control in a more affordable, slightly simpler package.
If you’re looking for a no-excuses, accurate hunting rifle that’s ready to go from the first box of ammo, the Vanguard S2 in .243 deserves your close attention. See the full details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.