The Weatherby Vanguard S2 is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum, built around a cold hammer-forged 26-inch barrel with a #2 contour and a 1:10" twist rate. The bead-blasted matte blued finish gives it a black/grey appearance. Weatherby backs this rifle with a SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee using factory or Weatherby ammunition. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Vanguard S2 
• Caliber: .300 Win Mag 
• Action Type: Bolt Action 
• Barrel Length: 26 inches 
• Capacity: 3 rounds 
• Overall Length: 46.5 inches 
• Weight: 7.5 lbs 
• Finish: Bead Blasted Matte Blued (Black / Grey) 
• Manufacturer Part Number: VGT300NR6O 
   

Features 

The two-stage match-quality trigger is adjustable and breaks cleanly, with minimal travel. The three-position safety lets you lock the bolt independently, useful during transport or when moving through terrain with a round chambered. An integral recoil lug improves bedding stability and reduces the felt impulse transferred to the stock. The hinged floorplate unloads quickly without cycling rounds through the action. 
 
The Griptonite synthetic Monte Carlo stock has a rubber overmold on grip and forend panels that holds in wet conditions. The stock is not the most adjustable, but it fits most shooters without modification. 
 

Usage 

The .300 Win Mag in a 26-inch barrel is well-suited to long-range hunting on large game. Elk, mule deer, and moose at distance are the typical use cases, where the cartridge's energy and flat trajectory do real work. Competitive precision shooting is viable given the sub-MOA guarantee, though the stock limits how far you can push that application without aftermarket changes.

Owners of the Weatherby Vanguard S2 in .300 Win Mag are largely positive, with some specific points that come up repeatedly.

Accuracy is the most common positive. Most buyers report shooting sub-MOA with quality ammunition right out of the box, which matches Weatherby's stated guarantee. The .300 Win Mag's long-range capability combined with a factory rifle that delivers on accuracy is the primary draw.

Build quality gets consistent praise. The action is smooth, the fit and finish are solid for the price bracket, and owners describe it as a rifle that inspires confidence in the field.

The trigger draws favorable feedback. Shooters find the two-stage pull crisp and consistent, noticeably better than many factory triggers at this price point.

Weight is the main friction. At 7.5 lbs before optics, it's on the heavy side for a walking/stalking rifle. Hunters who glass and spot from fixed positions find it less of an issue than those who pack long distances.

Recoil is real with .300 Win Mag, and a few owners mention it as something to prepare for, particularly for less experienced shooters. The stock doesn't have a recoil pad that would meaningfully soften this, so some owners add one.

The Griptonite stock gets mixed comments on ergonomics. Most shooters adapt to it, but those who want a more adjustable or precision-oriented stock tend to replace it. Aftermarket options specific to this action are more limited than on some competing platforms.