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Howa Mini Action__Replacement Stocks?

IMO, a good looking chassis is the Sharps Bro’s Heatseeker.

I really want to like it as well, but how the fuck do you swab the barrel? And I'm disappointed they haven't addressed that issue. It would be stupid-easy to redesign the buttstock feature with a folding hinge.
 
I bought a Manners EH1A stock a few months ago to replace a Manners T3 on a M700 build in 6XC. I really like this stock - even with the adjustable cheekpiece, it's considerably lighter than a T4A, yet is comfortable in prone w/bipod. When I talked with Tom Manners about doing the Mini inlet 2-3yrs ago, the EH1 was the stock he referenced as the most likely model he'd choose for the Mini action. After shooting this EH1A on that M700 for the past few months, I'm really, really wishing he'd re-consider doing the Mini inlet for at least this one stock model....but the last time I spoke with one of the guys who works at MSC about them doing the Mini inlet, he said the only way for me to get a Manners with inlet for a Mini was to buy a flattop stock w/o inletting, and either doing it myself or sending it to someone who has the skills to do a good job. I guess that means that the folks at Manners who make these decisions have decided definitely not to do inlets for the Mini. So, the question becomes - is it worth $700+ to have LRI do the Mini inlet on a Manners EH1A flattop stock? I'm tempted, believe me. If Howa had made a good faith effort to replace their somewhat flimsy & problematic plastic mags with a much-improved magazine, I think it'd be worth it. As it is, there are a couple of companies making BDL-style hinged floorplate bottom metal for the Mini actions, which would get you away from the problems of reliable feeding with the detachable mags, and make for a rifle easier to carry due to the lack of the mag well being right at the balance point. Here's a photo of the M700 6XC that I mentioned, in its EH1A stock - what do the Howa Mini fans here think of being able to get a stock like this with the Mini inlet?
 

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I really want to like it as well, but how the fuck do you swab the barrel? And I'm disappointed they haven't addressed that issue. It would be stupid-easy to redesign the buttstock feature with a folding hinge.

I don’t know if there is enough clearance to remove the bolt. You would think they had enough sense to make it so... but one never knows. Email them to find out? Please share your findings if you do.
 
Brownells has a pistol chassi inlet for the Mini on sale for $289.

This isn't final configuration, just a stock and scope I had on hand. The magazine seems to work well in the chassis, but haven't put any rounds through it at all.

I am building this out to be a 6BRA.
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Brownells has a pistol chassi inlet for the Mini on sale for $289.

This isn't final configuration, just a stock and scope I had on hand. The magazine seems to work well in the chassis, but haven't put any rounds through it at all.

I am building this out to be a 6BRA. View attachment 7422834
I really like the little Chassis options and think they would be ideal for these guns but they get expensive quick. Even on sale at $289 by the time you add a $100+ dollar stock and a $50 grip you're still around $450. I wish there were better solutions for stocks or at a minimum more offered a rear picatinny attachment like the Pork Sword. I just think it's a shame a generic little folding stock can't be had for less than $100.
 
This is my other mini action, this one is a 6.5 Grendel in a Southern Cross Small Arms chassis with an MDT Arca rail.
It was mentioned earlier about a mini action in 6ARC. Howa was on the manufacturer list at the 6ARC launch so it would be safe to say that there will be one from the factory soon enough
 

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24" would be good for the extra velocity but the mini action heavy barrel have all been 20" so far in the other calibers
 
Grandson is of slight build but very athletic for his age. The standard measurement from crook of elbow to crooked finger is 8.5”. I think he can handle the recoil of the Grendel, but fitting a stock is being problematic.

I am considering a LSS Gen2 Pistol Chassis to replace the current plastic stock. Could one cut down a buffer tube and fit a minimal stock to get the needed length that way?
 
Wayne York of Pendleton Stocks/Oregunsmithing builds a composite stock for the Howa Mini. Quoted me $400
 
Grandson is of slight build but very athletic for his age. The standard measurement from crook of elbow to crooked finger is 8.5”. I think he can handle the recoil of the Grendel, but fitting a stock is being problematic.

I am considering a LSS Gen2 Pistol Chassis to replace the current plastic stock. Could one cut down a buffer tube and fit a minimal stock to get the needed length that way?

I think you could cut the tube and use some of the butts out there.
 
rookie7 - Thanks for the complement. Since I posted that reply, I've bought another B&C #1003 stock, this one in gray w/black web, to replace the Boyds stock on the 22 Grendel. Kind of a messy photo, but the LED lights out in the shop are good for showing actual color. I need to list the royal jacaronda Boyds Prairie Hunter stock that was on that rifle for sale....
Which is #1003 stock?
 
I bought a 6.5 Howa Mini a year ago and put in a Oryx chassis and I have since then put a MDT vertical grip on it and use as a poor mans bench rest rifle.
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I have my mini in an MDT chassis and although the chassis itself is nice, I’m going to get rid of it. It’s not functional for me as a hunting stock. My mistake. I’m sure the market is limited, but hopefully I can find somebody to buy it.

McMillan gave me these options on 10/16/20:

A-2 https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/a-2/ (4-6 months)

A-3 SPORTER https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/a-3-sporter/ (4-6 months)

A-3 & A-3 Adjustable https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/a-3/ (4-6 months)

A3-5 Adjustable https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/adj-a3-5/ (4-6 months)

GAME SCOUT & GAME SCOUT Adjustable https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/game-scout/ (4-6 months)

GAME WARDEN & GAME WARDEN Adjustable https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/game-warden/ (4-6 months)

HTG & HTG Adjustable https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/htg-m40a1/ (4-6 months)

HUNTERS EDGE https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/hunters-edge-2/ (4-6 months)

McM THUMBHOLE https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/mcmillan-thumbhole/ (4-6 months)

SAKO CLASSIC https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/sako-classic/ (4-6 months)

SAKO HUNTER https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/sako-hunter/ (4-6 months)

SAKO VARMINT https://mcmillanusa.com/stock/sako-varmint/ (6-8 months)
 
A Grendel mini in a Game Warden would be a sweet medium game hunting rifle.

I’ve killed a bunch of deer with my mini x39. I have a McMillan Sako Hunter on my M70 and love it. I’m considering doing that again for the Howa, which would probably be under 2lbs in graphite with a short LOP. Put a carbon barrel on there... I’d bet I could keep it down around 6lbs, maybe even less.
On the other hand, it’s a backup gun, and the Hunter is a right hand only stock. I might do something ambidextrous, because I hunt with some lefties and want them to be able to use it in a pinch. We will see.
 
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Can’t believe no one has brought up JTAC for the Howa mini action

Elf Owl

I have this chassis in the full size version for 700 and I’ve been very happy with it for general field use. Sliding stock is solid and has a useable adjustable cheek piece.
 
Can’t believe no one has brought up JTAC for the Howa mini action

Elf Owl

I have this chassis in the full size version for 700 and I’ve been very happy with it for general field use. Sliding stock is solid and has a useable adjustable cheek piece.
My router no-likey your link....
 
Heres some pics of a new chassis being developed in New Zealand for the Howa Mini action

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Latest Howa Mini build, based on a Mini that was purchased as a complete rifle in 223. Shot a few rounds through it in the tupperware HTI stock, then bought a B&C #1002 sporter stock, shot it a bit more, then checked the OEM bbl's bore with a Hawkeye, and found a weird looking void (for lack of a better description) a few inches forward from the chamber, which I thought might explain rather poor accuracy out of it. Was looking for an excuse to re-barrel anyway, and this provided all the reason I needed. Got a Krieger #4 sporter 1-8tw blank that was ordered with a shank dia of 1.090", chambered it for 223AI, finished at 24", threaded the muzzle 9/16-24 for a TBAC flash suppressor/mount, then bedded it in the B&C stock, and finally shot it with CeraKote armor black. The aluminum DBM is from Jefferson Outdoors, went with a Warner 20 MOA sloped scope rail up top, then mounted an old Weaver 4-30x50 Super Slam in el cheapo Weaver Quad rings. Not crazy about the Weaver's 1/8 MOA clicks and lack of a zero stop, but it's got very good glass, and has tracked/returned to zero quite well when checking zero at 100, then backing off to 600 to shoot some old ammo loaded with JLK80VLDs (which shot quite well at that distance), then moving back to 100. It takes just over 13 MOA at 600, which is nearly 2 full revolutions on the elevation turret. Could swap the Weaver for an Athlon Midas Tac, but I kind of like the looks of a good quality 1" scope on the Mini.
 

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