I like to try different rifle accessories, etc. so I bought an Accurate Innovations Walnut stock for my Howa 1500 Short Action (A 243 that my kids use).

I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. First, I did get it at a discount for $272 from Midway USA - it was a close-out. The finish is a nice matte hand rubbed oil. The recoil pad is Pachmyr and nicely installed. The aluminum bedding block runs the full length of the stock from the rear bolt behind the action to the very front of the forearm. So good, so far.

Now the bad stuff:

1. The rear swivel is not centered on the stock line - and its off more than just a little bit. Not acceptable for a stock of this price.

2. The stock was not free floated for the barrel - I had to do lots of sanding on the front to get the barrel to float free.

3. I had to remove a substantial amount of material from the stock and aluminum bedding where the bolt handle drops down - ALOT of material.

Maybe Howa changed the setup on their short actions, so I might give AI a pass on #3, but #1 and #2 are not acceptable for the price.

I had less trouble with a previous stock for the rifle. It was a pepper laminated stock from Boyds that needed some barrel floating, but that's it and all for $149. It fact that stock was a pleasure to work with since I epoxy bedded it, put a pachmyr pad on, and free floated myself.

PS: The Howa triggers are horrible. I put a Timney on and have it around 3 lbs or so. Great trigger and less than a $100.