25 September 2004, 16:49
SevensRe: Opinions and experiences with Howa?
I've got one in 30-06. Great rifle. Accurate and affordable. It also likes the cheap Remington express ammo. I'd say get one in whatever caliber you wold like. I believe they also have a lightweight model available know. The only complaint I have is it's not CRF, other than that it's a darn great gun and has never let me down.
Sevens
25 September 2004, 16:52
OldFartSince you asked for the negative, their triggers are terrible to adjust. If you adjust the trigger so it is good, the safety won't work. I understand that after markets are available.
If it is a older rifle, there is also a recall on them.
Mine also turned out to be a fair weather rifle. It would shoot sub MOA when it was nice and 2xMOA when the thermometer dropped. I completely rebedded the rifle, but never could figure that one out.
On a good note, I fired one shell that was overloaded, and it ouly cost me a new extractor. I think that they are well worth the price, but nothing special. If your after a solid cheap rifle, I would recommend the Savage.
25 September 2004, 17:11
SCGunNutI've got a S&W/Howa 1500 in 7x64. It shoots very well once I realized it had a long throat. I must have burned 100 rounds of expensive Norma factory loads and was ready to wrap the gun around the nearest tree when it would only manage 2"-2.5" groups. I finally realized it had a lot of freebore so I pulled a few bullets and re-seated them farther out. Groups instantly shrank to .75" or better.