Howa rifles and barreled actions

[viking499]

What do you guys know aboout howa rifles?

What are the quality of their barreled actions??

 

[ftierson]

I own four Howas, two of which I purchased as barreled actions (a standard .30-06 and a heavy barrel .308) and two of which I purchased as complete guns with synthetic stocks (a 6.5x55mm and a .223)...

I also own two Weatherby Vanguards (which, of course, are simply Howa rifles with some cosmetic changes to make them look more like Weatherbys), a .308 and a .223...

I probably don't have to mention that I really like these Japanese built rifles, do I...?



Forrest

 

[viking499]

Is there any plastic on the Howas?

 

[R.W.Dale]

Is there any plastic on the Howas?

There is a little plastic cap on the safety lever, but I believe that's it.

 

[pinotguy]

I just built a 35 Whelen using a Howa 1500. It's what the gunsmithing school I'm attending provides - . Anyway, it's OK although I would've preferred to have used a CZ-550 or a commercial Mauser-style action. At the risk of sounding elitist, the Howa's have a somewhat "cheap" feel and appearance - aluminum bottom metal and I don't care for the Sako-style extractor are examples.

It shoots pretty well though and I guess that's the important thing. I like rifles that have a little more heft and substance.

 

[viking499]

Can you still get a howa in 6.5x55?

 

[blancoman]

Go to legacysports.com I believe that is Howa's website. That should list the calibers available. Howa, in addition to making guns for weatherby also made a series for Smith and Wesson. I have personally seen one shoot .5 inch groups with custom reloads. About 1.5 to two inches with factory ammo.

 

[alucard0822]

there is a guy at local gun shows that sells them along with other rifles, mostly varmint/target stuff. He builds on howa, savage, rem and AR 10/15 actions mostly, and some of his stuff is really nice. The howas run about $700 with a boyds thumbhole stock, simmons scope and bull barrel included, all have a target with sample 100yd group and load used, I have had my eye on the 204 ruger howa, but if I had a couple thou burning a hole in my pocket he has a sweet custom AR-10 flattop with a leupold varmint scope that will shoot 1/2 min with 168gr fed gold match. the howas look kinda cheap, but seem to function well

 

[rangerruck]

also, iirw, mossbergs atr rifle, is based on the howa, and it shoots quite nice as well. no , They are not vz24 actions, or cz actions, and bbls, but few are.

 

[viking499]

Called legacy today. Said they quit importing the 6.5x55 due to accuracy problems. They are trying to get it worked out and hope to resume importing in the near future.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Called legacy today. Said they quit importing the 6.5x55 due to accuracy problems. They are trying to get it worked out and hope to resume importing in the near future.

You know I sold my M1500 in 6.5x55 due to it not shooting that well.

 

[viking499]

Said they quit importing in 2005. Jerrys Sporting Goods still lists it in their catalog.

 

[pinotguy]

Can you still get a howa in 6.5x55?

For roughly the same price, why not go with the CZ-550 American in 6.5 Swede? Fantastic rifle and cartridge and available now.

 

[ftierson]

The dealer's price of the Howa runs about $365 and the CZ 550 American about $500...

Forrest

 

[viking499]

Was looking at getting a barreled action 6.5 from Howa. They are the only ones I can find that sell without the stock. Like the CZ, might have to go that route, was just looking to try to keep the cost down.