Guest topshot_2k Posted February 20, 2013 Report Share Posted February 20, 2013 Hi, I looked at the Howa 1500 package at the shooting show and am tempted to get one in .223 for a foxing/target shooting setup around the farm. I liked the look and feel of the sporter version with hogue stock but wondering if the heavy barrel version would be better? I have also read that the forend can flex if used with a bipod? Is this made worse by the heavy barrel version? or has this been rectified? The package includes Scope, Rings, 10shot mag, Case and Wildcat moderator. Any feedback or advice would be welcomed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLondon Posted February 20, 2013 Report Share Posted February 20, 2013 I'm looking at the same deal in a .243 just waiting for FAC approval, I looked at the heavy barrel version and didn't like it, but that's just my humble opinion. Atb Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest topshot_2k Posted February 20, 2013 Report Share Posted February 20, 2013 I'm looking at the same deal in a .243 just waiting for FAC approval, I looked at the heavy barrel version and didn't like it, but that's just my humble opinion. Atb Jim Thanks for your input, I have not had a chance to see/hold the heavy barrel one yet. What didn't you like about? not as well balanced? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLondon Posted February 20, 2013 Report Share Posted February 20, 2013 Yeah, it just didn't feel right the one I handled didn't have a moderator fitted so with one fitted it would feel even heavier. Not sure the benefits of the heavy barrel (I'm sure someone could let me know), but for me a main selling point is how comfy the gun feels. Either way its a great deal, I hope it's still on offer when I get my FAC. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest topshot_2k Posted February 20, 2013 Report Share Posted February 20, 2013 (edited) Only reason I went for a heavy barrel on my HMR was due to how many rounds I shot causing heat issues but I don't have deep enough pockets to be rattling off hundreds of .223 rounds I like a heavier rifle as I find it helps me keep it steady but there is a limit and as you say a moderator may tip it to being too heavy. Edited February 20, 2013 by topshot_2k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ging125 Posted February 21, 2013 Report Share Posted February 21, 2013 (edited) I have the package except different scope. Its the 1500 sporter in 243 with hogue stock. would recommend it but it is ammo fussy and doesnt like much above 90gn unless its expensive! It likes sako 90gn and 100gn sub 1"@100yd. It did like ppu for a while but not anymore unfortunatly! The stock does flex with bipod but i just cut a few slivers of the rubber overmold along the inside of the stock and that seems to have solved the problem. Can post pics if anyone is interested. With the moderator on it it a bit of a handful and shooting sticks are necessary when standing. Overall the gun is very good vaule for money and I would buy another tomorrow. Little bit of advice is to check all screws and mount fitting are tight before shooting. Had a loose picatinny rail on mine and peskyfox on here had a loose stock screw. Hope that helps with whatever decision you make!!! Edited February 21, 2013 by ging125 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dempy Posted February 21, 2013 Report Share Posted February 21, 2013 Hi, I looked at the Howa 1500 package at the shooting show and am tempted to get one in .223 for a foxing/target shooting setup around the farm. I liked the look and feel of the sporter version with hogue stock but wondering if the heavy barrel version would be better? I have also read that the forend can flex if used with a bipod? Is this made worse by the heavy barrel version? or has this been rectified? The package includes Scope, Rings, 10shot mag, Case and Wildcat moderator. Any feedback or advice would be welcomed Just a note, this rifle is now supplied with the Sonic 45 mod not the Wildcat, imho it is a better Mod and it is smaller and lighter than the Wildcat so this should help with your concerns over the flex in the stock, I shoot a heavy barrel .243 myself of a bipod (on Hogue) and I have no problems, you will not be dissapointed with this rifle and the stealth package is a great offer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeker Posted February 21, 2013 Report Share Posted February 21, 2013 was looking at a 1500 s/a this morning in both light and heavy barrel. There is a noticeable difference but both handled well. The Hogue stock did have some flex in it but it took a fair shove at the tip to get it near the barrel. Apparently there is a version of the Hogue stock with a full length bedding block ... meant to firm everything up and cure flex and also there is a home remedy with epoxy and a metal strip to do the same thing. But there wasn't one to look at so I can't say how much difference it makes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olliesims Posted February 21, 2013 Report Share Posted February 21, 2013 The howa is a great rifle I have one in .223 but I would recommend getting a boyds stock as I found the hogue abit flimsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty J Posted February 21, 2013 Report Share Posted February 21, 2013 The howa is a great rifle I have one in .223 but I would recommend getting a boyds stock as I found the hogue abit flimsy I bought a 1500 in .223 a few years ago. Firstly the old hogue stock was a bit "flexible" and I also replaced it with a boyds thumbhole stock. I got the heavy barrel, its great if you're firing a lot of rounds but otherwise un-neccessary and bloody heavy for carrying about. I recently bought a second 1500, this one in 6.5x55 with the sporter barrel. The new hogue stocks are totally different with no flex at all. Both rifles are spot on accurate with good triggers, the only fault I can find with the new one is the picatinny rail is in the way when you're loading the mag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest topshot_2k Posted February 21, 2013 Report Share Posted February 21, 2013 (edited) Thanks for all the info, think I may go in for one. Just a note, this rifle is now supplied with the Sonic 45 mod not the Wildcat, imho it is a better Mod and it is smaller and lighter than the Wildcat so this should help with your concerns over the flex in the stock, I shoot a heavy barrel .243 myself of a bipod (on Hogue) and I have no problems, you will not be dissapointed with this rifle and the stealth package is a great offer! Kelbrook said I can choose between either moderator but based on what you say the Sonic may be the better choice. Edited February 21, 2013 by topshot_2k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dempy Posted February 21, 2013 Report Share Posted February 21, 2013 This only if they still have the Wildcat in stock, they will struggle to get one if they havent, they may have one left.But I would go for the sonic... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodydog Posted February 21, 2013 Report Share Posted February 21, 2013 Hi I have two Howas 223 and 243 both sporter and both have Wildcat p8's on, I have taken a sliver off the front of the stock so nothing touches. The 223 will shoot most makes of ammo but the 243 likes 90grn and 70grn I have tried 100grn but not as good as the other two. I think for the money they take some beating. Atb Woodydog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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