Decent deal on a Howa 1500 in .243?

[StephenT]

Hi all, I decided to go to the gun show in Pasadena TX this morning, and was looking around for a used .243 bolt action rifle. There was a slightly used, but in nice condition Remington 700 BDL with wood stock and scope for $345. I was very tempted, but continued to look around and came across a Howa 1500 ultralight in .243, fitted with a Simmons Whitetail 3.5-10X scope, all for $325 out the door. Remembering some positive reviews about the Howa, I got that one. The downside is that the stock is not wood like the Remington, but the synthetic material seems quite decent. I will use the rifle mostly for range practice and for hiking.

I will probably try it out at the range tomorrow and hope it's a tack driver.

Decent deal on this rifle and scope? How do you like yours?

 

[Selfdfenz]

I hope she runs and runs well for you.

I have one of those scopes and it's a very good product for the price.
Holds zero, clear, takes a lickin and keeps on tickin...good unit.

S-

 

[knzn]

I bought a 1500 in 30-06 from a guy at work simply because of the price he wanted for it. It is the stainless/synthetic version and I like it fine. I have read many times over on these forums how their actions are smooth and that is true of mine. And at least with mine, accuracy has been quite good with surplus military ammo, and I would be very suprised if finding an accurate hunting ammo will be a problem.

 

[zippo8]

I've got a 1500 (blue/gloss wood) in .300 WinMag with a Redfield scope on it and like it alot.

 

[Colt46]

Howa makes Weatherby

The make some bargain based guns that are equivalent to weatherby's accuracy. Why they don't sell more is a mystery to me. Probably that whole "Inferior Jap steel" or some such nonsense. Get it.

 

[scubie02]

i've never heard anything bad about one from someone who owned one. They are one of the unsung deals out there

 

[Rockstar]

"Howa makes Weatherby" is not exactly correct. Howa makes the el-cheapo, Wal-Mart variety of Weatherby's. Howa doesn't make the "real" Weatherby's.

 

[zippo8]

Howa doesn't make the "real" Weatherby's.

Actually, the one that I have looks like a Weatherby. The stock has great grain figure and is finished in a high gloss. The bluing is a deep blue/black.

I did buy this one probably 10 years ago though.

 

[Selfdfenz]

About this time last year Wal-Mart listed a Howa rifle in 6.5x55 on their Internet site.

I wish I had botten off my heiny and ordered one. This year the listing is gone.
That unit was nearly $100 less than the cheapest rifle I can locate in that caliber which is a Ruger.

I would have perferred the Howa.

S-

 

[Master Blaster]

I bought an el cheapo Weatherby Vanguard from Wally's about 6 years ago mine is blue in .270 win about $340. A year later I bought a rem 700ADL in 30.06 about $390 OTD. They are both MOA rifles with factory hunting ammo. The Vanguard (howa 1500) has Much Much nicer metal work the floor plate and trigger guard are well machined steel and nicely finished, on the remington the trigger guard is a rough looking MIM or cast piece. The Howa is very smooth, the remingtons bolt is rough and gritty.