Description
I was chasing a coyote that had been picking off a friend’s calves, and the wind was howling across a Missouri pasture. I needed a rifle that was ready for the elements, not a safe queen. That’s the exact scenario the Weatherby Vanguard Weatherguard, .22-250 Rem, 24″, Tactical Grey, Griptonite Stock was built for. It’s a purpose-driven, all-weather bolt-action rifle chambered in the flat-shooting .22-250 Remington, designed to deliver reliable performance in tough conditions without a fussy price tag.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a delicate piece of walnut and blued steel. The Weatherguard line is Weatherby’s answer for hunters and shooters who face mud, rain, and temperature swings. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various 55-grain loads through this platform, and its consistency in less-than-ideal conditions is what stands out. The entire metalwork is coated in a durable, non-reflective Tactical Grey Cerakote finish. That means the barrel, action, and even the bolt are protected from corrosion. No more panicking about a sudden downpour or a morning of heavy dew. At a weight of around 7.5 lbs, it’s light enough for long stalks but has enough heft to steady those longer shots.
The heart of any Vanguard is its accuracy guarantee, and this model is no different. It’s built on a hammer-forged, fluted barrel that’s free-floated from the stock, a critical feature for consistent point of impact. The action is buttery smooth—a three-position safety is a nice touch for safe unloading. But the star for handling might be the Griptonite stock. It’s not just textured; it’s a molded, synthetic material that provides a seriously secure hold, even with wet or gloved hands. It fits out of the box with a solid, no-wobble feel, and the comb is shaped for a natural weld with optics. Speaking of optics, the receiver is drilled and tapped, ready for standard bases that fit a Remington 700 footprint—think brands like Leupold, Vortex, or Warne rings.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22-250 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 24″ Fluted |
| Overall Length | 44.5″ (Approx.) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (Approx.) |
| Finish | Tactical Grey Cerakote |
| Stock Material | Griptonite Synthetic |
| Magazine Capacity | Detachable Box, 3+1 Rounds |
Pros & Cons
Let’s be direct. The pros are clear: exceptional weather resistance, a great trigger right from the factory, and the proven .22-250 cartridge that screams towards targets with minimal drop. The cons? The .22-250 is a barrel burner with sustained rapid fire—but that’s not what this rifle is for. It’s for precise, controlled shots. Also, the tactical grey is fantastic for concealment but won’t win any traditional beauty contests. For the price of $594.54, you’re getting a lot of rugged capability.
Who is this for?
This rifle is for the Missouri varminter who spends evenings in a bean field, the predator hunter calling in windy draws, or the landowner who needs a durable, accurate tool for management duties. It’s for someone who values function over form and needs a rifle that works every time, without babying. It’s also a solid platform for a beginner looking for a quality first bolt-action that won’t let them down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .22-250 Remington a good choice for coyote and fox?
A: Absolutely. It’s one of the classic varmint cartridges for a reason. With muzzle velocities often exceeding 3,500 fps, it shoots extremely flat, making windage and holdover easier at longer ranges, and it delivers decisive terminal performance on medium-sized predators.
Q: Does the rifle come with a scope?
A: No, it does not. The Weatherby Vanguard Weatherguard is sold as a rifle only, giving you the freedom to choose and mount your preferred optic. Remember, FFL transfer required for firearm purchases when you order online.
Q: How does the Griptonite stock compare to standard synthetic?
A: It’s a significant upgrade. The material is more rigid and has an aggressive, molded-in texture that genuinely improves grip. It’s less slippery than many standard slick synthetic stocks, especially in cold or wet conditions you often face here.
If you need a no-excuses, all-weather rifle that’s ready for work right now, the Weatherby Vanguard Weatherguard in .22-250 is a compelling option. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full details on our site.
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