howa any opinions?

[kdubya]

been looking and thats it, at a howa .243 thumbhole stock jobbie, any one any input on these guns? japs aint they?

cheers KW

[dunganick]

they should be very good guns

 

if you can get hold of one go for it, ive been waiting for mine about 5months now

 

the triggers are apprently a hit or miss affair, however there is a £70 jewel drop in replacement avalible, they have a falling plate magazine, not a removeable one (these are the only bad things i am aware of)

[SPEEDY]

I don’t like them as I find the thumbhole to cumbersome to use and the actions aren’t very smooth or at least not on the rifles that I shot. But as with most new rifles accuracy is ok but for the money I would get a stainless Remington SPS I have seen them shoot quite well and I like Remington’s.

[mry716]

Very impressed with Howa which after all is only a renamed Weatherby Vanguard.

It is similar to a Rem 700 but with quite a few improvements including a one piece bolt.

 

I am surprised at the comment above re trigger. Change the springs and spend a short while and it will be as good as any and better than most. Mine is as near perfect as I can get and is sharp and crisp at 2.5 lbs every time. The only problem I found recently was if adjusting the sear to the limit of safety you may find the safe is blocked and will need a little fettling to ensure 100% functioning.

 

I have found the actions smooth and extremely well finished for something at such a low price. At twice the money they would be still be excellent value.

 

Accuracy. With Prvi Partizan ammo a 243 and 22-25 shoots less than 1" groups and the gamekeeper who owns them regularly checks accuracy with a brick end-on at 300yds and always seems to hit it.

 

Personally I bought a new S/S 300WSM for re-barreling but before I took the barrel off I had a play with it as a 300. The accuracy from a new barrel was for me startling - well under 1” with standard factory ammo with a 5 shot group. And I shot less than 20 rds all told.

 

I have nothing but praise for them.

 

Kdubya if you don’t like the stocks they are available with as standard ask Brian Fox as he is doing after market items at sensible money and you may find something more to your liking. Or buy a barreled action and source your own stock – a Hogue perhaps?

[dunganick]

i think you will find the Weatherby actually has their vanguard action produced by howa for them, but im not certain about this.

 

if you can avoid the aftermarket stock option do. I am looking at a further 8 week wait ontop of the 4month wait for my rifles stock. Only buy if you can lay your hands on the product in question. I hold judgement on Brian Fox, his service has been slow and not particually helpful for me so far, however the speed at which the rifles were shipped and got through customs was partly out of his hands. hopefully my action (should have been proofed now) will be sent monday and arrive tuesday or wed and be ready for screw cutting.

[kdubya]

Nick stock option would either be standard or thumbhole, have been "looking" at the gun and been offered a deal ie new gun, screw cut and T8 mod fitted, so "thinking it over" guns are in stock as well though it is a week for screw cutting, no rush though and you never know something might become available.

cheers KW

[hawkeye]

Nick stock option would either be standard or thumbhole, have been "looking" at the gun and been offered a deal ie new gun, screw cut and T8 mod fitted, so "thinking it over" guns are in stock as well though it is a week for screw cutting, no rush though and you never know something might become available.

cheers KW

 

 

Keith is that the one we looked at last week on the way to the show?:o? :yp: :o