Howa Performance

ZigZagZeke · Sep 9, 2011

Sighted in my S&W (Howa) 1500 .30-06 the other day. Shot 10 rounds, the first 9 in 3 groups of 3. The last group of 3 shots was less than an inch and centered nicely. I told the spotter I'd fire one last round for good measure and it was a spinner. I want this rifle buried with me. :s0114:

From what I've heard, this is not out of the ordinary for S&W/Howa 1500s and Weatherby Vanguards, which are all the same rifle made by Howa. Does anybody else have similar experiences with this model rifle?

rickoshay · Sep 14, 2011

I here nothing but good about them

Bon Sauvage · Sep 14, 2011

I have only ever had one and it was a very accurate .270. I fired my best 5 shot group ever with that particular rifle. My best accuracy came with 150 gr. bullets. I finally gifted it to my son two years ago.

jayleno · Sep 14, 2011

Buddy traded (on NWFA, natch) for a 1500 in .223. At 100 yards (the limit at the range we were at) it made a single ragged hole. Since then, I've been looking for one for myself (probably in .308.) Feels nice, shoots nice, looks nice. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

bt97006 · Sep 14, 2011

+1
I have a Howa M1500 in .223 and it is a ragged hole'r with my handloads from sandbags. Does real well with factory ammo as well. It's one of my fav's.

unionguy · Sep 14, 2011

At 100 yards, mine (.308) is 1" groups and I'm a (mostly) untrained rifleman.

gallogiro · Sep 14, 2011

I had a Vanguard in 7mm that would shoot very well at 100 yards, shot best w/ core-lokt's and winchester ballistic silvertips. The first time I shot it, it was my first time I'd gone to a shooting range and shooting from a bench at estacada firing range for hunter sight in. 3 shot groups under an inch, literally out of the box mounted w/ nikon buckmaster scope.

It was my first bolt rifle and I eventually sold it because I wanted something different. I miss the caliber and its accuracy, the rifle itself not so much. Reason: It was a pain to carry in the woods, tipped the scales on the heavy side.

MountainBear · Sep 15, 2011

If they said "Made in the USA" instead of made in Japan, they would outsell Remington, Ruger, and Winchester. They're great actions with decent barrels and stocks, well stocks get replaced anyway...

gallogiro · Sep 15, 2011

MountainBear said:
If they said "Made in the USA" instead of made in Japan, they would outsell Remington, Ruger, and Winchester. They're great actions with decent barrels and stocks, well stocks get replaced anyway...

True, sometimes I regret selling mine just because it shot so well. I would totally buy another one if I hunted different terrain or if they had a lightweight model.

johnboy · Sep 16, 2011

My heavy barrel 22.250 will do it but has Timney trigger

ragermack · Sep 16, 2011

My 300 Win. mag shoots where I aim it every time.

Taurus 617 CCW · Sep 17, 2011

I built up a 30-06 on a Howa action. It's my primary hunting rifle and it can really shoot! Mine prefers 165 grain bullets with a 1-10 twist.

speelyei · Sep 17, 2011

I have a Howa heavy barrel .308 and use it to shoot out to 1k yds. I am very pleased with everything about the rifle.

lucky guy · Sep 17, 2011

I had a howa Lightning in 308 that was a sub moa shooter. Now I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 223 that's just getting broken in but already shoots really well.

I agree about the weight, that's why I sold my 308. It was my elk rifle and was just too heavy. The Vanguard 223 is a little lighter I think but still not a light rifle.