Howa 1500 Varmint 20" .243

[neutron_bomb]

I am surprised no one has done a review of these guns as they are croping up a lot on various forums.

As the header says I have just bought one fitted with a Hogue stock, it arrived today and I am impressed with the quality of the whole thing, stock included. The gun is well balanced has a nice crisp trigger and a smooth acting bolt. It also comes fitted with a 20mm weaver rail so all it needs is a scope and some ammo and it is ready to go. The deal I got included a hard case and the whole lot cost me £450 posted to my rfd. When I have chance to get to the range I will post some grouping data.

[NigelG]

a Howa comes with the case included and the rail and I reckon your RFD fitted it for you as normally it doesn't come attached, I take it you went for a blue'd one at that price.

look under the bottom bit of foam, there should be Howa's instructions on how to shoot the barrel in.

I too like my Howa (.223) and the standard Hogue stock, but I have a stainless washer between stock and action on the front bolt, raises just enough to make it totally free floating in the channel when there is a slight flex in the rear of the stock

[neutron_bomb]

You are of course correct Nigel it is the blued model and my rfd did fit the rail and set the trigger a bit lighter than it came from Howa.
It is still a very good price for a very nice out of the box gun.

[Tony1954]

Hi I see you are happy with it ATB Tony

[neutron_bomb]

Yes Tony I am.
The 20" varmint barrel is better balanced than the 22" or 24" and the velocity drop with the shorter barrel is insignificant unless you want to shoot at 1200 yards. All my shooting is done at 600 or less so no problem. Also .243 is a very god target shooting round, it is capable of great accuracy out to long range.

[hogey]

I have the 308 Varmit that I bought second hand .
I had my first fallow with it on Sunday.
The barrel has been cut to 18 inches and wonder how much this will reduce the velocity.
Anyone have any ideas.

Dave