Thoughts on accuracy: the Weatherby Vanguard SUB MOA delivers

Guns Magazine, July, 2005 by Dave Anderson

Riflemen are obsessed with accuracy even though we can't agree on how to define it. Currently the custom is to measure accuracy in terms of minutes of angle (MOA). A minute of angle is 1/60th of a degree; it subtends 1.047" per 100 yards of range.

One authority says a true one-minute rifle should be capable of placing 10 shots in a 1" circle at 100 yards. Why 10 shots? Why not nine, say, or 14? Are we measuring center-to-center or outside edge to outside edge?

Does a one-minute rifle have to place all its shots within one MOA, or should we average several groups? Say I fire 10 five-shot groups at 100 yards. Five of the groups measure 1.25". The other five groups measure 0.75". Average of all 10 groups is 1". Do I have a one-minute rifle or not?

A big-game hunter, or a police or military marksman, might say a one-minute rifle must be capable of hitting a one-minute target, first shot from a cold barrel, every time. There's a 4" target. It's 400 yards away. Here's one cartridge. Hit the target.

Here's my thoughts. Statistically, one three-shot group means very little, and a single five-shot or even 10-shot group means not much more. I won't begin drawing conclusions about a specific load without firing at least 30 shots, and I'm happier with 60. I measure center to center (by measuring from outside edge to outside edge and deducting one bullet diameter). I'm most interested in the group average but I'll also note the largest and smallest group.

I count every shot unless I'm certain it was a grievous shooter error, meaning I called it as a bad shot before checking through the spotting scope. I prefer five-shot groups, but for a big-game rifle I won't worry if groups open up a little after three shots. In that case I'll use three-shot groups but more of them.

Why not 10-shot groups, or for that matter 30- or 60-shot groups? Well, because accurate shooting is hard. It involves studying wind flags, ensuring the rifle is held consistently for every shot, releasing the trigger smoothly, completing the group before the light or wind changes. A break every five shots rests my shooting eye and helps maintain a high level of concentration.

Benchrest shooting is a skill. I'm not a competitor, but I read books and articles on benchrest technique, and try to practice what they preach. I'm satisfied my benchrest techniques are sound enough to draw reasonable conclusions about rifle and ammunition accuracy. I'm also perfectly aware that any good benchrest competitor could beat me with my own equipment.

About one thing I'm certain: there are a lot more sub-MOA rifles than there are sub-MOA shooters.

Weatherby's SUB MOA

For many years Weatherby has guaranteed its rifles, both the Mark V and the Vanguard, to shoot 1 1/2" or smaller three-shot groups at 100 yards, using premium factory ammunition. I've heard shooters say scornfully of the guarantee, "An inch and a half, that's nothing, my Brand-X rifle shoots under an inch." Apparently they are under the impression that all Weatherby rifles shoot exactly 1 1/2" groups, no better and no worse.

In fact, most do better than the guarantee, some a lot better. A blue steel Vanguard .270 Win I tested for this magazine averaged .72" lot 20 groups of three shots, using four different factory loads.

In fall of 2004 Weatherby announced the "Sub MOA" Vanguard, guaranteed to group three shots into an inch or less at a 100 yards with premium factory ammunition.

What do you get when you order a Sub MOA Vanguard? To begin with, a handpicked rifle. Weatherby selects a rifle whose test target measures .75 MOA or less. The barreled action is pillar-bedded in a strong, rigid Fiberguard stock (made of Aramid, fiberglass and unidirectional graphite according to the catalogue). The muzzle gets a carefully finished radius crown.

The rifle is accuracy tested to ensure it is worthy of the "SUB MOA" floorplate logo. A test target, along with a list of recommended factory ammunition, is packed with the rifle.

The Vanguard action is an impressive combination of features. Like the Remington 700 it is a rigid, two-lug action. Like the Winchester 70 its receiver has a broad, flat bedding area and thick recoil lug integral with the receiver. Every Vanguard I've owned or handled has shown excellent quality control with nicely finished components and smooth operation.

An M16-style hook extractor grabs a big chunk of the case rim to provide reliable extraction. A slot in the right bolt lug rides a rail in the receiver for smooth operation. Bolt body and handle are forged in one piece, unlike many current actions in which the bolt handle is brazed or welded on. Finally, the well-designed and well-made trigger unit is fully adjustable.

The test Vanguard is chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. Using the magnificent .300 Win Mag match ammunition from Black Hills, it cunently averages .84 MOA for 10 three-shot groups.

Currently the SUB MOA Vanguard in matte blue finish has a suggested retail of $799, in non-reflective stainless steel the tag is $919. A heck of a bargain for guaranteed accuracy.