Howa Rifles ?

Talk about your Varmint Rifles and other firearms here!
Wirelessguy2005

Howa Rifles ?

Post by Wirelessguy2005 »

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

Brad
adamjp
.270 Winchester
Posts: 1293
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:01 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 30/06
Location: Sthn NSW

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by adamjp »

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.
fox shooter
.17 HMR
Posts: 225
Joined: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:26 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 270win
Location: Cudal NSW

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by fox shooter »

I think they are one of the best value guns out there.
Wirelessguy2005

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by Wirelessguy2005 »

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.
Simpson
22-250 Remington
Posts: 593
Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 4:47 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 22-250, 243, 308, ..
Location: Brisbane QLD

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by Simpson »

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.
sometime shooter
22-250 Remington
Posts: 565
Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:49 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 6.5x55
Location: bathurst

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by sometime shooter »

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.
User avatar
alex1
.17 HMR
Posts: 214
Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:23 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 223
Location: near ballan

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by alex1 »

which stock do you have mate? the axiom or the standard houge?
sometime shooter
22-250 Remington
Posts: 565
Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:49 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 6.5x55
Location: bathurst

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by sometime shooter »

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.
Wirelessguy2005

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by Wirelessguy2005 »

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.
sometime shooter
22-250 Remington
Posts: 565
Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:49 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 6.5x55
Location: bathurst

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by sometime shooter »

well maybe I got a dud
User avatar
LoneRider
50 BMG
Posts: 3899
Joined: Thu May 22, 2008 10:20 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 308
Location: rubyvale,Central Qld

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by LoneRider »

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
Rhino

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by Rhino »

I'm a fan of Howa's, problem is...... they aren.t made in a lefty :evil:
fox shooter
.17 HMR
Posts: 225
Joined: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:26 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 270win
Location: Cudal NSW

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by fox shooter »

Rhino wrote:I'm a fan of Howa's, problem is...... they aren.t made in a lefty :evil:
+10 Rhino
User avatar
bigfellascott
7mm Rem Mag
Posts: 1241
Joined: Wed Nov 10, 2010 4:00 pm
Favourite Cartridge: 22.250

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by bigfellascott »

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!
Howa 22.250.jpg
(100.38 KiB) Downloaded 326 times
Picture 197.jpg
Picture 197.jpg (95.64 KiB) Viewed 1682 times
5 shot group @ 100m.jpg
5 shot group @ 100m.jpg (97.21 KiB) Viewed 1682 times
Picture 192.jpg
(95.21 KiB) Downloaded 326 times
Picture 188.jpg
(113.7 KiB) Downloaded 326 times
User avatar
Mulga
.222 Remington
Posts: 300
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 7:38 am
Favourite Cartridge: .222 Rem
Location: Queensland

Re: Howa Rifles ?

Post by Mulga »

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.
Post Reply