AusVarmint

Do they import Howa Rifles in Australia? If so what are your thoughts and experiences with them?

Brad

Highland sports brings them in under the name of Howa. Nioa brings them in under the name Weatherby Vanguard.

Nice rifles for the price, I have been impressed with those I have owned or shot. Don't have one now but would buy one if I needed something.

My only criticism of the Howa line is that the barrels are consistently shorter than I would prefer. A 22/250, 25/06 and 7mm Rem Mag need 26in barrels to do them justice.

I think they are one of the best value guns out there.

i agree. I have 3 Howa rifles and the overall quality of them is extremely good for the price.

fox shooter wrote:I think they are one of the best value guns out there.

When looking to purchase a rifle, I definitely consider them. I usually find myself buying a Vanguard however as I can't stand that foot long warning they engrave in the barrel.

Other than that I think they are a good solid rifle with a good action IMO.

Yes they are good value for money and I have one, however I must admit that I can't stand the plastic stock so if you buy one get a wood or laminate stock, I have had no end of trouble due to the plastic stock.

which stock do you have mate? the axiom or the standard houge?

Who me, if it is me your asking the standard houge green in colour, the feel of it is great as is the recoil pad but have had to bed it to keep it free floating and otherwise would touch up front.

I have the green hogue stock on one of my Howa's and its worked good so far. I have not noticed any problems with the free float.

well maybe I got a dud

ive got the howa in 308,the stock is crap as is the butt pad [like rock]
id get the axiom if/when i could afford it.i think the pistol grip is much better.
it shoots great.
im not happy with the nighteater 3-10x42 it came with.it gets white out when anywhere near a spotlight.
me old dad is after one in 223?/axiom stock

I'm a fan of Howa's, problem is...... they aren.t made in a lefty

Rhino wrote:I'm a fan of Howa's, problem is...... they aren.t made in a lefty

+10 Rhino

Wirelessguy2005 wrote:Do they import Howa Rifles in Australia? If so what are your thoughts and experiences with them?

Brad

I love em! Excellent accuracy and great value for money - mine cost $559 for a blued HB in 22.250 and I just imported a Boyds Ross TH varmint stock in Pepper colour for $130 delivered. The scope on it is a Zeiss 6.5-20x50 and is just amazingly clear and sharp I can actually see the bullet holes in targets at 200m!

Would I buy another one - You bet your left nut I would!

I have a close friend who has just bought a sporter in 308win a PC second hand SS. First thing he did was replace the stock. He also had problems with bolt lift. The lugs had only 5% contact (just a little on the left lug). Accuracy was awful. Has had the lugs lapped and now has 75% lug contact i don't think he has shot it since. The smith seemed suprised as Howa has a pretty good rep. I suppose every manufacturer has a dud every now and then. I'm not sure its been mentioed but Howa also make the Weatherby Vanguard.