Howa 1500 Varmint

[hurlsey]

Hey lads,
What are your opinions on a Howa 1500 Varmint in .243? Does anyone on here have one? Im based in Ireland, I havnt much experience with this particular rifle brand. As a base rifle is it a good start?

 

[turbo54]

Absolutely.

[MENTION=12861]Dave-O[/MENTION] runs a Howa, and is competitive amongst the top shooters at big matches.

They're a deal.

 

[Liquidmetal]

I have two Howa 1500 Varminters, both in .308 with 20" barrels. Excellent rifles, completely satisfied in every regard.

Didn't care for the Hogue stock the one came with or the Axiom stock the other had. One now resides in a Boyd's thumbhole stock and the other in a B&C Medalist tactical.

I would not hesitate to purchase a third Howa.

 

[Sonic Crack]

Agree with above statments. Howa's are GTG

 

[hurlsey]

cheers lads,
i understand the factory stocks are shite?? Any recommendations for replacements?

 

[nashlaw]

Had one in .243 and loved it. Used the action for a havy .308 build. Excellent results.

 

[Dave-O]

cheers lads,
i understand the factory stocks are shite?? Any recommendations for replacements?

My Howa that [MENTION=45618]turbo54[/MENTION] mentioned, now resides in a Manners T4A with CDI bottom metal. To me, its the best stock option.

This has been my dedicated match rifle for a year now with 0 trouble.

 

[slavage]

Howa 1500 Varmint in .243
I have one new in box if your interested

 

[Phezzik]

Love my Howas. I have two that are no longer factory, but in stock configuration they were shooters. As far as stocks, Bell and Carlson, XLR, Manners, McMillan (one of mine sits in this with a CDI DBM), Boyds or Stocky's would work great.

 

[Amazingrandy1]

I have had my Howa 1500 Varminter in .308 for some time now, and I use it in F/TR competition out to 600yds. Very accurate rifle, and would not hesitate to buy another one.