Well, more of a first impression than a review.

In November I ordered a Howa 1500 in.308 with heavy stainless barrel and the aluminium Axiom stock, it finally arrived and I picked it up last Saturday!
Today I got to shoot it!

Zeroing only took about 10 rounds, then it was shooting to point of aim. I put another 20 rounds through it, just to get the feel, then had a red centre put on the target, you know the loose ones with a wire through the centre, about 2.5" dia.

I'm pleased to say that I then put 5 shots on the red disc, things were a bit up and down after that, but considering the weather, rain, cloud, strong wind gusting and veering, oh and an improvised shooting rest (my gun bag) I'm pretty well chuffed....did I mention the range?.300 metres

There's no detachable box mag, so loading is through the ejection port, a bit fiddly with a big scope mounted and feeding wasn't always smooth. I'll put that down to a new gun and see if it free's up with use. Single round feed was perfect, as was ejection.

One of the reasons for getting the Axiom stock was the double recoil reduction system. I'd seen the website and the demo looked amazing, but you never know until you try it. I can confirm that it really works, felt recoil was about the same as my .223 Speedmaster, very light for a .308 and no fatigue after a mornings' shooting.

I've also got the same Howa action in a laminated thumbhole stock in .223 that needs to be 'scoped up and I'm looking forward to taking them to the sniper range at Lydd, 1100 metres should show their true potential.

Updates to follow.


http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c1...-Guycep002.jpg


Barry