A Vxxxxx serial number should marks it as a pre-1983 Vanguard. I can't find my serial number list right now but I think a V-fivedigit should be in the late-70s or early-80s if my memory is correct (I'm not positive). It looks like it has a few normal battle scars in the wood and the bluing that you noted.

67 rows Weatherby MK V Serial Collection: Introduced: Discontinued: Mfg. Guns for Sale - Italian Made Weatherby -- Mark XXII Semi Auto. Weatherby Model: Mark XXII Serial Number: 07391. No gun should. 7 Wonders 4 Magical Mystery Tour Serial.

I would guess that it would probably be worth $400-500 as a shooter. Not really much collector value in it since it's not pristine, it's standard grade and from some of the 'common' years. Click to expand.Actually, quite the opposite. The Vanguard was introduced in the late-60s/early-70s as an alternative to the big MarkV action for standard and short-action calibers. It was still a very high priced rifle when it was introduced compared to the other common standard-size bolts of the time like the 70 and 700. $200 for a Vanguard vs $150 for a 700BDL. It was comparable in price and quality to the Sakos of the period.

It was also available in many of the same custom grades and options as the MarkV. Weatherby imported the barreled actions from Howa and finished stocking them out here in the states.the same thing they were doing with the MarkVs at the time.so yes there are a few custom grade early Vanguards out there. It wasn't until 1983 when they started to 'cheap out' the Vanguard.