21 February 2020, 05:56
BighornBreathHowa 1500 Gameking Package
Has anyone purchased the Hogue stock and Nikko Stirling scope/ package. I've owned a few Vanguard rifles and like the action. Was thinking of the 300 Winchester? Thoughts?
25 February 2020, 09:41
BFSAs a rifle they all shoot. A bit heavy but functionally no issues. The scope is a value ad on created to sell more rifles. Put it on a rimfire and move on.
25 February 2020, 15:32
jeffeossohowa makes/is the vanguard -- i like the 300 win .. if you like it, grab it
03 March 2020, 04:06
SnellstromAbout 5 years ago I bought that Gameking Howa 1500 package in a short action .223.
From the beginning I thought I would toss the scope and replace with a Leupold but it is clear, tracks correctly and is holding up fine varmint hunting.
Very impressed with the value of the package, big fan of the action, smooth and positive.
I am about to get rid of the green Hogue stock, it works great but its a tactile thing I don't like the feel of it on my skin....
As Jeffe said above it is same action as Weatherby Vanguard I think at one time it was also the Smith and Wesson bolt action rifle action..
03 March 2020, 20:27
vinesi bought the HOWA/HOGUE in .223 REM. bought my own scope, shoots good, and I like the 3 position safety.
03 March 2020, 21:30
Terry BlauwkampI don't care for the scope, but love the Hogue stock and the rifle it's self.
04 March 2020, 01:31
Big Wonderful WyomingThere are a lot of times these Howas are on sale for some super cheap price.
I personally think the two stage trigger is great, they all shoot very well and if you don't like the scope or the stock you can always change it later.
A friend of mine is a gunsmith in Australia. The professional kangaroo shooters use a lot of Howa 204 Rugers to take 50-100 roos a night.
He tells me it is cheaper for them to buy a new Howa than it is for him to screw a new barrel on every 3 or 4 months.
05 March 2020, 09:06
eagle27My younger son has a Howa/Vanguard in 7mm-08. They shoot well, trigger a little heavy even when lightened as much as can be on the adjustment. Downside for me is they are just too heavy.
Will take my Marlin XS 7mm-08 any day over a Howa or Vanguard.
Great gun as others have said. The scope is a POS. They are great for Airguns.