Experience with the Howa 1500?

[hoytinak]

Picked up a used Howa 1500 .308 from a co-worker the other day at what seems like a fair price after prices them. He says it was mostly used for prairie dogs and I can tell it's been shot quite a bit (he says about 800 rounds) though I won't be able to shoot it till this weekend. The action is very smooth and locks up nice and tight. I'd like to here from other's that have shot/owned one....what do you think about them? Here's a quick pic (the cheap Leapers scope will soon be replaced though):

 

[awpk03s]

Howa's are great rifles. One of the best kept secrets out there. I had a stainless model with the Hogue stock, it was fantastic.

Enjoy it..!

 

[dwwhite]

Congratulations on a solid purchase,

now you can join the rest of us 1500 owners in telling everybody that will listen...
"You know, they make the Weatherby Vanguards too."

Seriously, though, my Howa in .204 has been uniformly excellent, and is one of the most accurate rifles I own. And 800 rounds through a .308 is just getting it broken in good.

 

[hoytinak]

I have noticed that the trigger is heavy and a little rough. Other than polishing which I'm sure will smoothen it out, what's the best way to lighten this trigger without spending too much...any aftermarket trigger parts for this thing?

 

[globemaster3]

I own a Vanguard Youth .243 and I love to shoot that thing more than my 13 yo who I bought it for! Nice little gun for the money!

In terms of after market triggers, I've got the Midway USA master catalog #32 open to page 616. Jard has one adjustable from 1 1/4-4 #'s. I'm certain there are others.

 

[wch]

I have used my Howa 308 for deer season for years; never had a problem, and it's an accurate rifle, too.

 

[preston897]

ive got a 1500 in .243 and it is a solid rifle. very accurate. i love it. ive never had any issues with it. and ive put several hundred rounds through it.

 

[nad1967]

hijacking for a second....

Is there a difference between the Weatherby and Howa action?

 

[NESHOOTER]

No the actions are the same just a different label and I do enjoy mine as well I also own the rem 700 and I just like my HOWA... HB in .308.

 

[sholling]

Excellent if heavy rifles.