Howa bolt guns
- Thread starter Slater
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highlander 5
Member
I've one of their mini actions and other than the plastic trigger guard/magazine nice little rifle. There are a couple of companies that make steel replacement trigger guard/mag wells,I replaced mine with one from Robertson that use CZ 527 mags.
1948CJ2A
Member
I believe Weatherby uses them to produce their Vanguard (economy) line of bolt-action rifles, or at least they used to... someone please correct me if that's no longer true. I own a few Vanguards but not a Howa proper. I've been pleased overall with the Vanguards. They shoot well and Weatherby guarantees sub-moa accuracy: https://weatherby.com/rifles/vangua...ifles are,Purchase Date to Original Purchaser.
CarJunkieLS1
Member
Howa/Weatherby is the same rifle, and about that MOA guarantee it ain't worth the ink and paper it's printed on. It's complete crap.
Weatherby Master Tech told me that it would "be a waste of my time and money to send in my rifle" they don't test it in the stock it ships in, they don't provide target or documents back to customer to prove it met their guarantee. The man told me on more than one occasion that "I've been doing this a long time and not one single rifle we've ever tested hasn't met our guarantee"
I hope you get a good one and it shoots like it's supposed to because if it doesn't your on your own. Mine wasn't even a 2 MOA rifle and 3 scopes 2 different mounts 4 different types of ammo and at best it was a 2.25 inch group for 3 shots. I shot over 100 rounds trying to get that rifle to shoot like it was supposed to and it just flat wouldn't.
An aftermarket stock didn't help at all, a professional bedding job didn't help, it took a brand new barrel from Bartlein. I in good conscious can't reccomend anything that Howa/Weatherby makes because they DO NOT stand behind their product.
Weatherby Master Tech told me that it would "be a waste of my time and money to send in my rifle" they don't test it in the stock it ships in, they don't provide target or documents back to customer to prove it met their guarantee. The man told me on more than one occasion that "I've been doing this a long time and not one single rifle we've ever tested hasn't met our guarantee"
I hope you get a good one and it shoots like it's supposed to because if it doesn't your on your own. Mine wasn't even a 2 MOA rifle and 3 scopes 2 different mounts 4 different types of ammo and at best it was a 2.25 inch group for 3 shots. I shot over 100 rounds trying to get that rifle to shoot like it was supposed to and it just flat wouldn't.
An aftermarket stock didn't help at all, a professional bedding job didn't help, it took a brand new barrel from Bartlein. I in good conscious can't reccomend anything that Howa/Weatherby makes because they DO NOT stand behind their product.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
I have the Weatherby version in .30-06. Absolutely love it. It had a broken bolt stop when I got it (used). Weatherby sold me a new one for $11 + shipping.
Was an easy fix and never a problem since.
My SIL has a Howa in .308, one of the white-digital camo tactical models. He really likes it.
Seriously thinking about getting one of their short-actions in 7.62x39 or .223.
Was an easy fix and never a problem since.
My SIL has a Howa in .308, one of the white-digital camo tactical models. He really likes it.
Seriously thinking about getting one of their short-actions in 7.62x39 or .223.
troy fairweather
Member
Good guns, pretty much a updated rem 700 on top but flat on the like a mauser or win m70.
Lo-Profile
Member
I have a Howa 1500 in .308, 22" threaded barrel. Mine has the Hogue stock
Very nice with adjustable trigger
Very nice with adjustable trigger
1948CJ2A
Member
I own 3 Vanguards. 2 of them are the "first gen" and the 3rd is the latest model that was introduced/improved-upon several years ago. I think they called it a series II at the time but don't remember. Regardless, all 3 I purchased were new in the box and I remember some if not all of them had a paper target with a single hole showing their "guarantee". I've never had any reason to send any of mine back because they all shoot well enough for me, when I do my job and find the right load combination.
They are a close copy of the Rem 700 that improve on the 700's shortcomings. They have a better bolt handle, better extractor and a better trigger than Remington used prior to 2007. Most scope mounts are interchangeable. If buying a short action and use 1 piece bases Howa/Weatherby uses a different mount. If using 2 piece bases, or on any long action they are interchangeable.
They are generally solid guns that give no problems. Accuracy is inconsistent. Some are great, some average at best. While they are similar to Remington in design they are much heavier. In fact the Howa/Weatherby rifles are the heaviest production bolt action I've seen. They run at least 1 full pound heavier than a comparable 700 and sometimes closer to 1.5 lbs
They are generally solid guns that give no problems. Accuracy is inconsistent. Some are great, some average at best. While they are similar to Remington in design they are much heavier. In fact the Howa/Weatherby rifles are the heaviest production bolt action I've seen. They run at least 1 full pound heavier than a comparable 700 and sometimes closer to 1.5 lbs
CarJunkieLS1
Member
Yeah mine is the Vanguard Series 2 I got it brand new in the box from a reputable dealer and there was no target in the box, To this day I still have the box it came in, the crap factory barrel and the stock I replaced are inside it right now. In fact I'm looking at that box as i sit here and type this. No target, document, or anything showing it meets their guarantee. I even bought the Barnes 140gr Ammo the Master tech told me they tested all their rifles with, it wasn't any better than anything else I tried.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
I like mine. I ordered a 22-inch barreled mini action in 6.5 Grendel from Brownell's and put it in a Bell & Carlson sporter stock. I replaced the plastic bottom "metal" with a DIP unit and added an extended magazine catch. The muzzle brake is a takeoff from a CA Mesa. I bought a spare magazine and cut it down for more of a flush fit. It's currently wearing a Vortex HST 4-16x44 in Talley lightweights. I have it shooting right at 1 MOA and am still tinkering. Once I settle on a couple of loads it likes, I'll replace the Vortex with a Leupold VXR 3-9x40 with Firedot Duplex. Weighs in just over 7 lbs with four rounds in the magazine. I'm thinking I might have to do another in 6mm ARC.
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troy fairweather
Member
Looks good I'd like to pickup the light barrel in 6arc and put it in one of the stockys carbon stocks.
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Hugger-4641
Member
My Howa 1500 in 30-06. After adding the brake it has almost no recoil.
This is what it does at 100yds with 178eldx hand loads. Factory Precision Hunter is about 1 1/2moa
This is what it does at 100yds with 178eldx hand loads. Factory Precision Hunter is about 1 1/2moa
Arkansas Paul
Member
Not just trying to show off the deer, this is the only pic I could find with mine in it. lol
It's a Weatherby Vanguard, which is just a Howa 1500 with Weatherby stamped on it.
It's an absolute tack driver.
I bought it at Wally World about 12 or so years ago on sale for $390. They had 3 in stock so I told them to bring all 3 out so I could look at the targets. This one was one hole.
I swear the thing will shoot anything. I've not found a load that it wouldn't group well.
Buy with confidence.
It's a Weatherby Vanguard, which is just a Howa 1500 with Weatherby stamped on it.
It's an absolute tack driver.
I bought it at Wally World about 12 or so years ago on sale for $390. They had 3 in stock so I told them to bring all 3 out so I could look at the targets. This one was one hole.
I swear the thing will shoot anything. I've not found a load that it wouldn't group well.
Buy with confidence.
hunt127588
Member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2006
- Messages
- 76
Quality rifles at decent prices. They have a one-piece bolt which most don't offer today. Accuracy is good on average but Tikka is better on average. The one I used had a 3.5 lb trigger pull out of the box with the HACT trigger. While they say the triggers are adjustable, they aren't based on the heavy spring used. A new/lighter spring will bring it down. Feeding and extraction is spot on unlike saome Savages and early Ruger Americans.
I have a Howa Mini in .223. I haven't shot enough to attest to its accuracy, but it feels like a well-made gun. The stock strikes me as a little lighter/flimsier than I'd like, but it's not bad.
CoalTrain49
Member
I have a heavy barrel 1500 with a B&C stock. I sold my Mini last summer. My opinion is they're excellent rifles if you put a better stock on them. By the time you put a $300 aftermarket stock on one, I'm not so sure a Howa is such a good deal. But then I don't know the market for rifles these days.
I think Brownell's used to sell the barreled actions. That would be the way to buy one if they're still available.
I think Brownell's used to sell the barreled actions. That would be the way to buy one if they're still available.
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1948CJ2A
Member
They may have stopped doing the targets with the release of the Series II. It's been several years and my memory is not what it used to be. Next time I'm in my attic, I'll see if one of my Series I boxes is still up there with a target in it, just for curiosity. I checked my filing cabinet and found a Vanguard owners manual but no target.
I also have a few Mark Vs, and I know they used to send the targets in those as well (and may still even after their move to Wyoming). I haven't bought a new Weatherby rifle in 6 or 7 years.
bigpower491
Member
Howa makes a fine rifle. I've got the Weatherby Vanguard in 350 Legend and had my LGS order me another in 308. Went with the walnut stock on that one, looking forward to its arrival.
I wouldn't think twice about grabbing a Howa 1500, especially if it had a really good price on it. They're well made and a good value.
I wouldn't think twice about grabbing a Howa 1500, especially if it had a really good price on it. They're well made and a good value.
GooseGestapo
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2003
- Messages
- 6,150
I’ve got two.
Weatherby Vanguard in .257WbyMagnum. It’s MOA on a bad day with PPU bulk 100gr soft points. Use Sierra, Nosler, or Speer bullets, 3-shots occasionally touching. .5-.7moa for 5-shots.
My only complaint is the 24”bbl. I wish it was 26”. Oh yeah, it’s heavy! 10lbs with a Nikon 3-9x40. It also has a replacement Timney trigger. The original Weatherby trigger was 8lbs and lots of creep. I missed a first shot on a doe at 80yds due to having to jerk the trigger to make it fire. Second didn’t miss….
Favorite powder is RL25. 3,650fps w/100gr bullets!
Factory Norma 100gr w/Norma ammo was once cheaper than Weatherby new unprimed brass. Bought a near lifetime supply after I discovered that they too shot 1/2” 3-shots at 100yds. OH, BTW, I bought it used for $250 otd because ammo was $75/20…
Second is so new, it’s still at the FFL awaiting transfer/pickup. It’s a Mini in 6.5Grendel. I’ve got everything ready to mount a 2.5-10x scope and 150rds of assorted bullet weights ready! Snagged it for $353 off GB.
Weatherby Vanguard in .257WbyMagnum. It’s MOA on a bad day with PPU bulk 100gr soft points. Use Sierra, Nosler, or Speer bullets, 3-shots occasionally touching. .5-.7moa for 5-shots.
My only complaint is the 24”bbl. I wish it was 26”. Oh yeah, it’s heavy! 10lbs with a Nikon 3-9x40. It also has a replacement Timney trigger. The original Weatherby trigger was 8lbs and lots of creep. I missed a first shot on a doe at 80yds due to having to jerk the trigger to make it fire. Second didn’t miss….
Favorite powder is RL25. 3,650fps w/100gr bullets!
Factory Norma 100gr w/Norma ammo was once cheaper than Weatherby new unprimed brass. Bought a near lifetime supply after I discovered that they too shot 1/2” 3-shots at 100yds. OH, BTW, I bought it used for $250 otd because ammo was $75/20…
Second is so new, it’s still at the FFL awaiting transfer/pickup. It’s a Mini in 6.5Grendel. I’ve got everything ready to mount a 2.5-10x scope and 150rds of assorted bullet weights ready! Snagged it for $353 off GB.
1948CJ2A
Member
Agreed, one of my Vanguards is a 257 Wby as well and I would like to have the 26" barrel instead of the 24". Interestingly enough, my series II Vanguard in 6.5-300 Wby came from the factory with a 26" barrel. I think that's one of the few Vanguards I've seen with a 26" pipe.
And yes, they are heavy rifles... and so are the Mark Vs. Their trend towards the lighter weight stuff with RPM cartridges is definitely a different direction for them.
Interesting. Mine is right at 2.5. That’s about what I like when I also hunt with it. I’m still considering putting a Timney in it. Mainly because I really don’t care for the safety lever at all!
GooseGestapo
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2003
- Messages
- 6,150
All the newer Vanguards in Wby Mags come with 26”bbls. But, it’s not worth the $$$ to send it back for a new bbl.
