Hi all, does anybody here have an opinion on the Howa Stainless/synthetic heavy barrel varmint model. I have the Howa Stainles standard non-heavy barrel in .308 as my big-game rifle and I love it. I am in need of a good, accurate varmint rifle for foxes, rabbits, kangaroos and the occasional goat (i prefer my .308 on these). I was thinking the heavy barreled Howa in .223 as I am impressed with this calibre and with the Howa model. What do you guys think?
Thank you
Aj1

My neighbor has a 1500 heavy barrel w/ the laminate stock in .308, and it turns in some impressive groups w/ 125gr Nosler BTs. He used it w/ good success on rockchucks this spring, and is very happy w/ it. He never has tried any other bullets, to the best of my knowledge. My 700VS, while it will shoot 175gr SMKs nicely, spews the lighter bullets forth in a 00 Buck pattern

Monte

Hi,
thanks for the reply.
AJ1

The Howa's are fine rifles. For years they made the Weatherby Vanguard's and maybe still do. They also made the S&W 1500 which my son has in .270. It shoots well and he's happy with it. Since they began doing their own importing they have come out with some really nice models including the varmint models. I think they are a good deal for the money and would buy one in a minute if I needed a HB varmint rifle.

AJ-1

get this months edition of the shooters jornal. they won the "overall best value rifle". I like them a lot and there good value, I would but one. Also check out the CZ's great value.

If you want to spend a little more consider a Rem 700 VSSF. I have one in 22/250 and love it.