Howa 1500

[Il Duce]

does anyone have experience with this rifle and if so what is it like

[guyandarifle]

They're actually pretty well thought of in most circles. (at least the non-snooty ones) They're basically a Weatherby Vanguard as far as the mechanics are concerned. I've got an older one in 7mmRM but it's been souped up a bit (trigger massaged, bedded into a Boyd's laminated stock, etc) but even OOTB I had no real complaints other than maybe the trigger being a touch creepy for my taste. I've heard more recent ones (mine is mid 90'ish) have better triggers.

If you get a chance to handle a couple somewhere they're certainly worth a look for the money.

[Il Duce]

appreciate it

[Guest tnmedic]

I got mine in 07 and the trigger is perfect afaiac, howa makes the vangard actions in the same plant, mine is the 308 compact with the 20 inch barrel and shots very nice. I really need to get out to a range and get some trigger time in on it, been a while since I have shot it.

[Guest GunTroll]

I'd take a howa1500 stock rifle over most of the other big names right now. REM,WIN,SAV etc. Best bang for the buck. The vanguard is a howa. Not the other way around. Howa makes rifles for many companies and they tweak the look a bit to be different. Great design, great quality steal, and since the vanguard carries the name recondition/clout of Weatherby, aftermarket accessories are becoming abundant.

I have made excellent rifles out of Howa actions. Not that they needed to be torn apart, but I do what I'm asked and I even made one for myself.

You won't be disappointed.

[mikegideon]

Duce.

What caliber are you thinking?

[Il Duce]

.308 or maybe a 30-06

[roverboy]

A .308 or .30-06 sounds good to me. 2 of my favorites.