Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

[Wannashootit]

Down to the wire, and gotta make a decision for my son's Xmas present.
We're down to a Howa 1500 or Rem 700 SPS, both in .308

The Rem:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/3/products_id/97359

The Howa:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/348/products_id/58079

Both are at budget- $500. We have a 700 in .223 and it's a "known" quantity, a solid performer and I know we can't go wrong with the choice. I bedded the crappy SPS stock on the .223 and it helped dramatically, so I know I can go the same route here.

Never owned a Howa, but I'm intrigued. I don't see any evidence of them not being up to snuff with the 700 actions. For the same money, the Howa comes with a scope. Of dubious quality at best from what we've read- and I wish I had an option of the Howa without the Nikko scope, so we could add an SS or similar. The only one in stock is the package with the scope.

If anyone has anything positive to say about the Nikko scope I'm all ears... we'll try it if we go that route but let's assume for this argument it's going to end up in the closet or Ebay and another scope will be purchased. The package stock says "synthetic" stock, and not Hogue- which I actually prefer. Can't bed the Hogue, and if the stock is similar to the SPS at least I can have that option.

I'm fully aware of aftermarket parts and availability being better for the 700, but there's enough available for the Howa to keep us satisfied if we choose to go with an aftermarket stock.

So, is there any significant difference in terms of out of the box accuracy between the Howa and Rem? Prefer responses from those that own/have owned the Howa for firsthand knowledge...

Thanks guys...

 

[BrettSass844]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Never fired a Howa. Why not a Savage? 10FP is very close to the other prices.

 

[goose316]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

I have several remmys and howas. For hunting purposes you can't go wrong with either. Food for thought, after shooting my howas I changed their triggers to timneys.

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BrettSass844</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Never fired a Howa. Why not a Savage? 10FP is very close to the other prices. </div></div>

Damn... ya know, I was just coming back to modify the post to say I forgot to consider the Savage. I've read some good reviews on the 10FP here, but they're outta stock. Can anyone suggest a different Savage model in the $500 range in .308? Or, another retailer... I'm trying Bud's and Davidson's as they usually have the best prices but any other suggestions for a reliable online retailer are appreciated.

 

[CK_32]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Either a savage or remington.. Personally a remmy.
Not a fan of savage actions. sorry.

So Remmington

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Edit:
Mostly paper, mid-range...possibly hunting down the road...

 

[TP4]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

I own all three of those brands and they all will shoot 1/2 MOA with handloads in a good chassis. The R700 is just so much easier to find aftermarket goodies for. You have more options with the Rem.

 

[snipedogg]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Call Take Aim in Palm Harbor. He usually stocks a couple 700's and Savages. He's pretty decent with prices I've bought a couple pistols from them. Talk to Jack. I go to the gym with him. IMO, it's worth paying $50 or so more from a local dealer just so you can inspect it and do a good overall inspection and check out the differences. You will also have to pay a local FFL to do a transfer if you buy online so it's another thing to consider. Buds is usually the cheapest online place to buy from. If you can't find the Savage you want, you could just buy a Stevens rifle and put a trigger on it. Don't forget about a Tikka T3 either, Buds stocks a ton of them and they are in your price range and damn good guns. I've been thinking my next gun will be a T3 Stainless in 7mm-08

 

[ancientmariner]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

I would go with Tikka or Howa (which in fact is Wheatherby Vanguard).

 

[300winman]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

I would go with the howa.I have 4 and all shoot sub moa.smooth actions,and excellent customer service!!.The scope that they come with is pretty decent glass.I replaced mine of course but there was no clarity difference between it and a nikon buckmaster I had laying around.

 

[proneshooter]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Howa by a mile

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Had difficulty locating a Howa that fit the bill (with the stock we wanted). Also wasn't too thrilled with having to order a package that included the trash scope.

Almost had the same problem with the Savages- No 10FP's in .308 that I could find, some packages with low end scopes I again didn't want. But in the end, I snapped up the last one of these:

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11FHNS

I'm interested in hearing from anyone that has one of these Accustocks. Now the fun of picking out an optic- lot's of good deals around now.

 

[300winman]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

you cant beat the vortex deals on swfa's site. nice glass for the money.

 

[Top Cat]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Check your PMs...

TC

 

[broke_again]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Buy a Tikka T3 lite in .243 and thank me later.

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

Topcat-
PM returned.
THANKS!

300Winman- Thanks, I'm checking them out. I've read some good reviews here on the SS Scopes as well, preference?

 

[300winman]

Re: Howa 1500, or Rem 700 SPS?

I have one on a savage 308. I can't complain other than i'm partial to variable powered scopes. I think you would be hard pressed to find a better featured scope for the dollar