Is this Howa a good deal?

[sblanch]

Hello, new to the forum.
I am looking to get into long range target shooting and i found a heavy barreled Howa 1500 in .308, blued, factory synthetic stock, and a Springfied Armory Government Model 6x4 scope mounted on leupold rings and mounts. The rifle is about 6 years old and has had about 30 rounds through it. I think it can be bought for a little over $500. I thought I'd ask you guys if it sounded like a good deal or if I should keep looking.

Thanks

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

Howa's shoot pretty good. Not as good as Savage 10's, 12's, but decent.

The SA scopes were contracted out (worst thing SA ever did) and some can be of really good quality, like my 6x40. Or, not so good quality, like 4.5-14 x 56. Not worth buying IMO (anymore) if it's a crapshoot as to what you'll get quality wise.

Edit:

What you're looking at is around $590-$690 new. depending on who sells it. Therefore if in decent condition $500 is a good deal. The scope is a bonus as for as long as it works.

 

[sblanch]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

The seller tells me that the scope has never been used and it comes in the original box. Is there much chance of selling the scope if i were to purchase?
I ask because in my searching I have pretty much settled on buying a Falcon Menace when I find a good starter rifle.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

There is a fair chance of selling the scope. I'd put it out for $100 or so on flea bay, or here for that matter (but you won't see a bid go up) and see what you get. The gov't reticle is pretty good once you get used to it, like any reticle made for ranging. Glass on both of mine was clear. My 6x has stayed functional the 4.5-14 gave up the ghost on the AO.

Like I said though, if the scope stays funtional I'd use it until you could afford better glass. If it doesn't quit on you it probably won't for a while.

 

[sblanch]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

Instead of buying a Falcon?


Went to the optics forum and aked about the scope.

 

[ewoaf]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

you can get a remington 700 that shoots and have a little bit more of a aftermarket friendly setup. try looking for a remington 700 sps- varmint, can be had for around 500 or a little more.

 

[sblanch]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

Everything I am finding in the Rem 700 is running closer to $700 and I've read good things about Howa so i figured it might be a good place to start with a bit smaller investment.

 

[DRAM40A1]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

I'd let this Howa go for 1300.00 shipped. Just like you see it. Mcmillan A2, Farrel 20 moa base, TPS Rings, Bushnell 10X, and bipod included.

 

[sblanch]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

Thanks, but I'm trying to stay below the $1000 mark

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

Like<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 5x5GUY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Instead of buying a Falcon?


Went to the optics forum and aked about the scope.</div></div>

I would plan on eventually buying better (more reliable) glass. Also, You are going to want much more than 6x for power, come shooting 1k time.

 

[sblanch]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

I was also thinking of buying a a Howa barreled action, adding a B&C stock. I can do this for around $600 and have $400 left for glass.
Any thoughts?

 

[oneeyedmac]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

I sell a nice Howa package you can see on the Excorio web site that's linked in my sig.

The Howa rifles generally seem to have a tighter spec when they are cut the the factory than Remington or Savage and the Howa shoots very well. As far as aftermarket support you can get a McMillan, Manners or Bell & Carlson stock that I'm aware of, you can get a custom barrel, the factory trigger is easily adjusted and very nice or there are aftermarket triggers available. Scope mounts are widely available and CDI Precision and Roedale make bottom metal with an AI detachable mag for it. So aftermarket support isn't as wide as Remington but it's not as shallow as some think either.

To your original question. The scope may be OK it may be a throw away and I don't think you should let that scope affect your buying decision in this case. The rifles are available brand new with a Hogue overmolded stock for $500 with a heavy barrel. You can check out some of the packages we offer if you'd like and feel free to shoot me any questions even if you do buy this rifle or one from someone else.

 

[sblanch]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

Thanks oneeyedmac, I'll take a look.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Is this Howa a good deal?

I would seriously consider this rifle and scope setup.

FS - 308 Howa 1500 complete package

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...855#Post1400855