The Weatherby Vanguard S2 Youth is a bolt-action rifle in .243 Win, built for younger and smaller-framed shooters. It has a 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, a 5-round hinged floorplate magazine, and a three-position safety. Weight is 6.5 lbs (104 oz) and overall length is 39 to 40 inches. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .243 Win 
• Action: Bolt Action 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 39" - 40" 
• Weight: 6.5 lbs (104 oz) 
• Finish Color: Blued/Black 
• Hand Orientation: Right Hand 
• Safety Features: Three-position safety 
   

Features 

The adjustable two-stage trigger lets the shooter dial in pull weight, which is useful when fitting the rifle to a younger shooter's hands. Cold hammer forging produces a consistent bore through the 20-inch barrel, and the target crown muzzle protects against damage. The hinged floorplate magazine allows a quick drop of rounds without cycling the action. 
 

Use 

The .243 Win chambering gives manageable recoil for young hunters while still carrying enough energy for deer-sized game. The 6.5 lb weight and shorter length of pull make this practical for youth hunters or smaller adults who find full-size stocks uncomfortable. It competes in youth shooting programs as well as on hunting outings.

The Vanguard S2 Youth .243 Win draws positive feedback from parents and younger shooters alike, primarily for its manageable size and consistent accuracy.

The rifle delivers tight groups out of the box. Owners frequently mention this as a confidence-builder for new shooters. The .243 Win caliber gets specific credit for its versatility across target shooting and hunting applications. Safety features are noted positively by parents who want a platform with clear mechanical controls.

The bolt cycles smoothly and the overall build quality reads well in owner comments. Recoil management gets mostly favorable reviews, though some note that very young or small-framed shooters may benefit from additional training or a muzzle device on heavier loads.