Howa 1500 Questions

[Mike J]

A while back I noticed .308 seems to be more readily available than the .30-06 I have used for deer hunting since '89. So I decided I would like to have a .308. Since then I've been looking at budget rifles. I've been trying to decide what provides the most value for the money spent. I believe I want a Howa.
I have been looking at the GamePro 2 package they sell. I looked at barreled actions but there isn't that much difference in price between them & a complete rifle. I like that it has a 3 position safety & I like that it has a threaded barrel so if I wanted to add a compensator or brake later it would be easy.

My uses for this would be to take when I visit a friend down South that has a 300 yard range on his land (he is threatening to clear out more so he can shoot to 600 yards). Possibly deer hunting if I can get the time in between working & getting kids to their soccer games. I'm thinking if the rifle is a touch on the heavy side with it being .308 it would be good to use to introduce the kids to shooting a centerfire bolt action without too much recoil.

Is it possible to stiffen t the Hogue overmolded stock without adding a lot of weight to the rifle?

Is the Nikko-Sterling scope useful at all or should I just plan on replacing it quickly?

I guess I may have to just get it & shoot it to figure out about the scope & stock but I am interested in your opinions.

Also it may be a minute before I buy as I have had a bit of financial set back recently (my wife had kidney stones blasted last week, gets the stents out tomorrow) but my mind is 99% made up. Besides as someone else said in a post recently talking about guns is what we do here.

 

[troy fairweather]

For what your doing the stock will be just fine, can't say how the scopes are but I haven't heard any bad about them.

 

[jmr40]

The Howa and Weatherby Vanguard are essentially the same rifle. Both are good quality rifles and I'd rate them as a step above most budget rifles. I've had examples of both over the years and had no issues with them. They tend to be pretty accurate and trouble free.

The deal killer for me is the weight as you've noted. If someone is looking for a heavier rig they are a fine choice. Having something a little lighter is a higher priority for me and that is the only reason I don't currently own one.

The Hogue stock is plenty stiff as is, they have an aluminum chassis with the stock molded around it. But that is a major source of the additional weight. Howa/Vanguard actions are among the heaviest production actions out there. Then the Hogue stock is one of the heaviest stocks, the stock alone will run 3-4 lbs depending on the exact model.

The Bell and Carlson Medalist series has a relatively lightweight option that will take a noticeable amount of weight off, they weigh somewhere around 2 1/4 lbs. But if you really want to make a real difference you'll need one of the high end kevlar stocks weighing 1 lb to 1.5 lbs.

You might be OK with the factory scope for a while. I'd look to replace it when possible.

My unsolicited advice. Buy a Tikka. By the time you start replacing stocks you'll spend a lot less on the Tikka and at worst have an equally accurate rifle. IME Tikka is more accurate. And the Tikka with a scope on it will be about 1/2 lb lighter than the Howa naked.

 

[Hugger-4641]

The overmoulded stock on the 1500 is heavy and easy to grip. The action on my Howa 1500 in 30-06 is as smooth as any Tikka. For the same money, I'd get a Tikka because they have better barrels and I like the bolt rotation a little better, but the Howa will not disappoint.

 

[LoonWulf]

I have a 1500 that came as a game pro 2 package, i can comfortably recommend the rifle and mounts, my ffl buddy stole the scope before i even got to see the gun lol.

Ill go weigh thr factory Hogue its not the full aluminum blocked version so not horribly heavy.

 

[LoonWulf]

My B&C carbelite stock shaved about an OZ after bedding, reinforcement, and adding pillars.

 

[Mike J]

View attachment 1079090


My B&C carbelite stock shaved about an OZ after bedding, reinforcement, and adding pillars.

The weight of the rifle is listed as 7.8 pounds. I dug around a bit. My old post 64 model 70 I think weighs around 7 pounds naked. I weighed myself with & without it. With the scope, buttcuff with ammo, sling, etc. it weighs about 8 1/2 pounds. So I'm thinking the Howa scoped with everything on it will probably come in a little over 9. I saw yours came in at 9 pounds 4.2 ounces. Now I've got to decide whether to spend the money now or hold off for a bit.

This has been a tedious process. Trying to look at all the options & decide what I want. A friend recently got an AR-10 & I was honestly tempted to go that direction. I think for now I'll limit my evil black rifle inventory to my one lone PSA M-forgery though.

 

[Mike J]

The Howa and Weatherby Vanguard are essentially the same rifle. Both are good quality rifles and I'd rate them as a step above most budget rifles. I've had examples of both over the years and had no issues with them. They tend to be pretty accurate and trouble free.

The deal killer for me is the weight as you've noted. If someone is looking for a heavier rig they are a fine choice. Having something a little lighter is a higher priority for me and that is the only reason I don't currently own one.

The Hogue stock is plenty stiff as is, they have an aluminum chassis with the stock molded around it. But that is a major source of the additional weight. Howa/Vanguard actions are among the heaviest production actions out there. Then the Hogue stock is one of the heaviest stocks, the stock alone will run 3-4 lbs depending on the exact model.

The Bell and Carlson Medalist series has a relatively lightweight option that will take a noticeable amount of weight off, they weigh somewhere around 2 1/4 lbs. But if you really want to make a real difference you'll need one of the high end kevlar stocks weighing 1 lb to 1.5 lbs.

You might be OK with the factory scope for a while. I'd look to replace it when possible.

My unsolicited advice. Buy a Tikka. By the time you start replacing stocks you'll spend a lot less on the Tikka and at worst have an equally accurate rifle. IME Tikka is more accurate. And the Tikka with a scope on it will be about 1/2 lb lighter than the Howa naked.

While I suspect you are right & I respect your opinion I am probably going to go with the Howa for financial reasons. I've got to keep Mama & the kids took care of. I do somewhat wish I hadn't given away that old Tasco World Class scope earlier this year but if I don't like the Nikko-Stirling I'm sure I can come up with something decent.

 

[gotboostvr]

There's always the used market.

I was looking at all the budget offerings out there and debating them, while scouring the local WYS/WTT pages and picked up a very gently used Browning A-Bolt I with a Leopold scope plus dies and brass for about what a Ruger American goes for.

 

[Mike J]

There's always the used market.

I was looking at all the budget offerings out there and debating them, while scouring the local WYS/WTT pages and picked up a very gently used Browning A-Bolt I with a Leopold scope plus dies and brass for about what a Ruger American goes for.

Way to go. I have been looking around some but the only thing I've found locally that was slightly interesting was a Bergara B-14 (not sure which model but it had a sporter type stock with a hinged floor plate). That thing felt heavy. I am somewhat bad about ordering from online because it is usually cheaper.

 

[gotboostvr]

Way to go. I have been looking around some but the only thing I've found locally that was slightly interesting was a Bergara B-14 (not sure which model but it had a sporter type stock with a hinged floor plate). That thing felt heavy. I am somewhat bad about ordering from online because it is usually cheaper.

If you can find an A-Bolt (I,II, or III) they're all pretty light, with decent stiff fiberglass stocks, 3 position safeties and longer than typical barrels to eek out a little extra FPS. Excellent hunting rifles and being discontinued they can be found at a bargain sometimes if you keep your eye out.

 

[greyling22]

I looked through a nikko-stirling one time. It wasn't bad. now, I was using a tasco world class and a leupold vx1 at the time, so it's not like i'm an expert.

 

[LoonWulf]

I got the scope back that was supposed to come on my game pro 2 package.
The video above was mostly just to show the reticle and the fact that it tracked pretty cleanly. Optically the video doesn't do the scope justice.

It's a 3-12 x40, made in China.
The coatings look good, and the image is fairly good edge to edge.
Tracking is surprisingly true, tho I don't know how accurate the clicks are. The vertical turret, is graduated and resettable to zero.
Eye box isn't great, but eye relief is decent and it isn't hard to get behind the scope.

Check the image quality and light transmission this evening...... Probably after shooting hours were done.

Compared to my VX3i it wasn't as good, but it did well enough to be usable for the same amount of time.
Compared to the only other cheap scope I had on hand, which was one of those no name package deals off a Remington, it blew it out of the water.

All in all, the pretty decent package scope.


I should have it to the range on a donor gun sometime here in the next couple weeks. We'll see how it does then.

 

[upptick]

A while back I noticed .308 seems to be more readily available than the .30-06 I have used for deer hunting since '89. So I decided I would like to have a .308. Since then I've been looking at budget rifles. I've been trying to decide what provides the most value for the money spent. I believe I want a Howa....

I've also been researching bolt action .308 rifles, not the lowest-cost budget guns but at the intermediate level, where the real value is. I think I like the Weatherby Vanguard, which is a Howa but with a better stock as well as with some additional safety features built into the bolt (to vent the gas in case you get a case rupture). Someone mentioned that Tikka might be better still. What's ironic about that suggestion is that Tikka is a budget priced Sako, but so is the Howa since it is also based on an older Sako design but produced on modern CNC machines which accounts for its superb accuracy.

 

[troy fairweather]

Don't look to bad, wonder if there air gun Rated.

 

[LoonWulf]

I've also been researching bolt action .308 rifles, at the intermediate level above the budget guns where the real value is. I think I like the Weatherby Vanguard, which is a Howa but with a better stock as well as with some additional safety features built into the bolt (to vent the gas in case you get a case rupture). Someone mentioned that Tikka might be better still. What's ironic about that suggestion is that Tikka is a budget priced Sako, but so is the Howa since it is itself an older Sako design but produced on modern CNC machines which accounts for its superb accuracy.

The 1500s have the downward venting holes in the bolt as well. The only real difference in the actions is bolt fluting.
I think the Vanguards are a bit better finished overall also.

Don't look to bad, wonder if there air gun Rated.

I dont know, ill look in the manual later, and if i can find anything have Del ask his Legacy rep.

Something else i noticed is theres a number of dead clicks at the top of the turrets travel. Not unusual for a scope in this price range, but if your wondering why reticle no movie at one point in the vid, id maxed out the adjustment.

 

[Mike J]

I got the scope back that was supposed to come on my game pro 2 package.
The video above was mostly just to show the reticle and the fact that it tracked pretty cleanly. Optically the video doesn't do the scope justice.

It's a 3-12 x40, made in China.
The coatings look good, and the image is fairly good edge to edge.
Tracking is surprisingly true, tho I don't know how accurate the clicks are. The vertical turret, is graduated and resettable to zero.
Eye box isn't great, but eye relief is decent and it isn't hard to get behind the scope.

Check the image quality and light transmission this evening...... Probably after shooting hours were done.

Compared to my VX3i it wasn't as good, but it did well enough to be usable for the same amount of time.
Compared to the only other cheap scope I had on hand, which was one of those no name package deals off a Remington, it blew it out of the water.

All in all, the pretty decent package scope.


I should have it to the range on a donor gun sometime here in the next couple weeks. We'll see how it does then.

Thank You!

 

[rdnktrkr]

I have 2 Howa 1500s in 30-06 I bought used with Leopold scopes, I don't know if they came that way or if they were added since I purchased them used, they both shoot great and the stocks don't appear to need stiffening I haven't weighed them but I hunt with them regularly and they seam to be about the same as my other 30-06 bolt guns. I purchased a new 1500 this year in a MDT Oryx chassis and from the factory the bolt was a little stiff but after a hundred or so rounds is smoothing out nicely, I like the adjustable trigger and every time I have contacted CS to ask a question they have replied quickly. I have been pleased with my 1500s and would recommend them to anyone.

 

[JmacD]

I just bought one. It’s in 308. I put a vortex crossfire on it with leopuld mounts. It’s a bit heavy but I like the 26” barrel.

 

[joneb]

I have a Howa 1500 in .308 Win. that I had for 20 years, it's a great rifle IMO.

 

[Mike J]

The 1500s have the downward venting holes in the bolt as well. The only real difference in the actions is bolt fluting.
I think the Vanguards are a bit better finished overall also.



I dont know, ill look in the manual later, and if i can find anything have Del ask his Legacy rep.

Something else i noticed is theres a number of dead clicks at the top of the turrets travel. Not unusual for a scope in this price range, but if your wondering why reticle no movie at one point in the vid, id maxed out the adjustment.

I wanted to thank you again for the video of the scope. The first time I watched it was during break at work. I was watching on my phone. I have watched it a couple of times since on my laptop & it does look pretty decent. I'm not saying I'll never change it but it should do to get started. I still haven't ordered a rifle but my resolve is weakening.

 

[d2wing]

A guy I hunt with has one and he likes it a lot. Not sure a .308 is best for kids. It is a great hunting round.

 

[Mike J]

A guy I hunt with has one and he likes it a lot. Not sure a .308 is best for kids. It is a great hunting round.

My kids are a 16 year old girl (17 next week), a 15 year old girl, & a 9 year old boy that is wearing men's small pants & shirts. The 16 year old girl is the one that likes to shoot. I am working on the other 2. Recently we went to see some family. While the women visited the men & kids went outside & shot. My 16 year old & her boy cousin that is a month younger both shot a Ruger American .30-06. I try to start them on .22 rifles then work them through .22 & 9mm handguns, then the AR-15. When they shot the .30-06 that was the first time my 16 year old shot a centerfire bolt gun. Neither of them complained about the recoil or acted like it bothered them at all which impressed me.
I had tried to interest the boy cousin in shooting on more than one occasion but he was never interested. One night not too long ago there was incident at my sister-in-laws where coyotes were trying to get to their small ankle biting dogs. His mother unloaded on them causing them to leave. No coyote bodies were found the next day but the did find blood & hair. The only firearm there at the time was a snub nosed .38. That has since been remedied. Suddenly he is interested.

 

[LoonWulf]

I wanted to thank you again for the video of the scope. The first time I watched it was during break at work. I was watching on my phone. I have watched it a couple of times since on my laptop & it does look pretty decent. I'm not saying I'll never change it but it should do to get started. I still haven't ordered a rifle but my resolve is weakening.

Very welcome! Im gonna have both the scope and rifle at the range for a while tomorrow, tho not as a pair lol. Ill give another report afterwards.

 

[eastbank]

years ago i bought a S&W-howa 1500 in .223 heavy barrel parked with a walnut oil finished stock with checkering, it shoots right along side my remington 700 varmite .223. they also made a .308 just like it and i would buy one if i found one.