Any do-it yourself-ers use a Howa action for a hunting big bore magnum? Turns out the local gun-shop can bring them in. Apparently they are not too bad for strength/quality --- so the supplier claims.

Thanks for all comments/replies.
Bob.

its also sold as the weatherby vangaurd ...

A fair few are starting to build things on the Howa / Wby action.

.

I've got two guns with those actions and love both of them. Howard is chambering 375 ruger on them so they are used on the lower end of the big bore calibers. What is the price on the action? Might need to build some up for me.

Here's my 416 Ruger, built on a Howa action, it's also one of the most accurate big bores I own

It was a 416 Taylor for about 2 years and fed floorlessly, I had it shortened and rechambered in 416 Ruger and it still functions flawlessly.

88 - I believe it's about $450.00 but I haven't got a formal quote yet, probably some more for the stainless, which I'm starting to lean towards trying. Thanks for the replies guys --- this is a great forum!

Bob.

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I believe it's about $450.00 but I haven't got a formal quote yet

Well you can buy Howa 375Rugers on gunbroker for $500 new. Other rifles are $350-450. Usually you will find it is as cheaper or cheaper to buy the rifle and sell or even give away what you don't want.

I've been tempted by those for a while now. But Howa actions aren't heavy and Hogue stocks aren't either, although they will flex a little. I bet pulling the trigger on an un-modified Howa in 375 Ruger is a brisk way to wake up in the morning!

quote:

I bet pulling the trigger on an un-modified Howa in 375 Ruger is a brisk way to wake up in the morning!

I've been using a Hague on my 400PDK for a couple years. 300gr at 2700 and 400gr at 2250+ isn't that bad. I'm sure the extra powder( 20gr or 38-40%) in the 375Ruger would increase the recoil some.

After about 2 years I did add about 8ozs of lead to the stock. Improved the balance and had a small impact on the felt recoil.

Ramrod --- I'm envious of you guys access to the places like gun-broker... I'm in BC and landed here adds another whole level of taxes, shipping, brokerage etc to the price.

Back in the good ol'days --'80s, went a few times to Wyoming for antelope with my dad and another retired farmer friend. Stopped in a mom and pop gun shop in Cheyenne and purchased over the counter a like new double twelve guage shotgun, advising I was from Canada. No problem. Declared at Canada Customs when driving back - with our antelope, again no problem. Customs was more interested in whether we brought back any cigarettes or American liquor. Times have changed.

- Didn't pay that much attention before to the point about Howa and Weatherby vanguard are the same - so these actions should be decently strong. Now to see if I can get the price down.... nice to keep the local shops in business too ---and they can deal with all the border BS and registration.

Thanks guys -- Bob.

quote:

Ramrod --- I'm envious of you guys access to the places like gun-broker... I'm in BC and landed here adds another whole level of taxes, shipping, brokerage etc to the price.

Sorry saw the BC after I posted the gunbroker link. Nothing like gunbroker north of the border? Still wonder what a new one would be up there.

If you're getting them north of the boarder for that you're doing okay. My grandpa's a gunsmith/dealer and his cost on barreled actions is in the $400 range. I've been trying to get him to build one up for me on the howa action, but he "don't want to waste his time" on build like that.

Howa actions are as good as any of their type. And that's quite good indeed.

Seen a few built for .458...and they survived.

If you frequent some of the Benchrest forums, they are becoming a popular action for BR shooters. And on a par with some of the better remington actions. The number of after market stocks, bottem metal/magazine, and tactical accessories is also up there with Remington.

Point also, the treads are metric so you will need to tool up for this.

They really do take some beating.

regards S&F