The bolt on the Vanguard uses a traditional dual locking lug system and a plunger ejector and blade-type extractor.

I had my custom Vanguard chambered in .257 Weatherby Magnum, which is the most powerful .25 caliber cartridge in production today. It provides 20 percent more muzzle energy than most .25-06 Remington loads without undue recoil.

I like the .257 Weatherby for western plains hunting, particularly for antelope. It's a little much for all day varmint shooting, but its taut-string trajectory makes it a pleasure to use on predators.

Factory ammunition is not particularly common; currently Weatherby offers four selections loaded with 87-, 100-, 117- and 120-grain bullets. I had the first three on hand and headed to the range.

When testing a big game rifle I fire a series of three-shot groups, starting each with a loaded magazine and feeding all rounds from it. This gives me a good idea of how the gun will function with a fully loaded magazine as well as provide a good measure of practical accuracy.

Weatherby's 87-grain load delivered 3,792 fps and produced a three-shot group measuring just under an inch. The 100-grain soft point produced .88-inch groups and an average velocity of 3,642 fps. Finally, I gave the Weatherby 117-grain roundnose a shake. I can't understand why it is still in the ammo line. The .257 is a high velocity round, and a pointed bullet makes more sense. However, the load did perform well, producing one-inch groups at 3,299 fps.

The Custom Vanguard chambered in .257 Weatherby is a great combination for long range shooting and hunting. It shoots flat, feeds extremely smoothly and is deadly accurate. Put together in a custom-made rifle, it's a package that will do any serious open-country hunter proud.

The Vanguard sticks with tradition and sports a Monte Carlo comb, cheekpiece and a cast-off stock for right hand shooters.