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Why not a Howa Action?

Alderleet

Alderleet

NCOIC of Shitposts
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 12, 2010
909
64
Downrange
I've been browsing around lately, and lurking for the past few months here. I know, i know, FNG.

My biggest Question is: What is the downside of a Howa Action?

I've been going to all kinds of gunshops, fondling as many different actions as I can, and i've noticed a trend. The Howa actions have more of the features I see in most custom actions.
1 piece bolt
integral recoil lug
Sako style extractor
Flat Bottom receiver




Despite the features it comes with, there seems to be this weird angst against Howa.

Am i missing something?
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Metric threads , alot of smiths won't/can't blue print the action properly (though they are pretty close)

not alot of aftermarket parts like stocks and mounts and such like the Rem 700.

other than that they are very well make actions and make a very good base to build a great and accurate rifle on
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

There is nothing wrong with Howa's that I can see. Remington 700 bases fit, and you can get B&C stocks for them. They are well made, and perform comparable in accuracy to factory Rem. rifles with similar specs.

Here are some guys who like them.

Plus you can use the money you save to buy better glass.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Nothing at all wrong with them...I wanted a back up 308 and something that my brother could shoot. I bought a howa barrles action and dropped it in the stock that was on my 223 varmiter supreme.

Barrel break--first 4 one shot and clean (NO Copper!)
Two shot and cleaned (no copper, Im talking as good or better than my custom barrels)
Last four shots went into a .600 group.

Decided to do some load development today.
Win brass, CCI200 primers, 155 Nosler CC. RL15 powder.
Load 1--- 45.5gr 5 shots (.344 inch group)
Laod 2-- 46gr .75 inch group
Load 3--- 46.5gr 1.1 inch group

This stupid thing shoots as good or better than my custom built guns. and I have had the same results with my 223 varmiter supreme. It shoots just as good as the 308.

With that said, they are top notch and are really under rated.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

What everyone else said. Good actions but not much for aftermarket parts.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

I know Manners and I think McMillan will inlet stocks for the howa's. Excelent actions and good all around starter rifles.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

ALL THE $$ IS IN REMINGTONS THATS WHY. THEY ARE ALMOST 700 ACTIONS BUT THEY ARENT. JUST GO REMINGTON AND BE SAFE
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Hi
Nothings wrong with Howa.
There are fewer Stocks for a Howa but these (and more) are available.
Wilddog
Manners
McMillan
Bell Carlson
Hogue
a AICS pendant by Roedale Precision
all for Weatherby Vanguard like Boyds
...

Chili
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

When every one says "after market parts" are limited...Just what more do you need.

Stocks:
all the one listed above and Joel Russo inletts for them.

Bases:
EGW makes 0 and 20 MOA ($55.00 midway)
Ken Ferral (0, 10,and 20 MOA)

Trigger,
The factory triggers are pretty good now. in the past they were horriable.
Timney makes one.
JARD has one

DBM
CDI that uses AICS mags

What am I missing? The metric threads..any gunsmith should be able to cut metric threads! For the "blue printing" of the action. Most smiths that work on HOWA will tell you they are far truer than REM 700.

Now I sound like a HOWA mark, but those that tell you that you can not build on a HOWA are just uninformed.

But I will say, be prepaird to get less money during resale. they do not get the same money as a Rem 700. They do not have the name that REM does, but they will shoot as good. Just Not as Sexy i guess.

$400.00ish for a heavey barrled action is a steal in my book.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

I am likely alone in this opinion, but I do not consider the Sako style extractor nearly as reliable as the Rem. Extractors are the most common fail in the rifles I have shot and Sako and pre 64 Mod 70's fail the most. 98 Mausers and Rem fail the least. JMO.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

There are plenty of parts for the Howa and there are plenty of people that will work on them. I have 2000 rounds through the Howa below and it shoots great. I have had no issues. Mark at Short Action Customs inletted and skim bedded the B and C stock, ceracoated the metal and installed a little bastard break.

I installed a timney trigger and egw base that i ordered from Midway.

I havent done it yet but CDI has the bottom metal for it. And eventually i will have a barrel put on it.

I have not been disappointed with the gun. I shoot the hell out of it every Sunday with no issues.

I have two Model 70 Winchesters, a Ruger M77 and a remington 700. I can not find an advantage to these guns over the Howa. I like them all but the Howa is what i shoot every week.

DSC_0127-1.jpg
photo.jpg
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Willys46</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What am I missing? The metric threads..any gunsmith should be able to cut metric threads! For the "blue printing" of the action. Most smiths that work on HOWA will tell you they are far truer than REM 700.</div></div>

You're almost correct. The problem with cutting metric threads is that unless the 'smith is blueprinting with an NC lathe or mill, metric threads require a metric gear stack. This is a TON of work and lots of added cost to keep hanging around so that they can handle the rarity of a metric single point job.

Swapping the gearset out of a lathe is a pain, I've done it a couple times and I don't particularly appreciate getting stuck doing it.

Beyond that, cutting metric threads is no different.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

I know a Howa specialist. Well, he does that and Winchesters. B.A. Evans at Northwest Armswerkes in Bonney Lake, WA.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

I picked up a Howa and cycled it at BPS. Ummm...aside from the heavy barrel...heavy free floated barrel I should say, and the surprisingly light and smooth action, I can't see any reason why anybody would turn away from this.

I would definitely need a cheek riser but aside from that, the one I picked up was GTG.

DBM isn't included, but it's not a necessity for most. It was a bit shiny for my taste, but that's what Duracoat is for.
smile.gif
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Howa does NOT use sako extractors! Howa uses M-16/M-4 style extractors. This is one of the BEST extractor systems (THE Best?) available on the market today.

HOWA_1500_05-600x377.jpg
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

im on my second howa, this one a 223 varminter. have never had a single problem and i had my last one for 6 years before i traded it for this one. shooting almost every weekend

cant say enough about the quality of the product!!!great rifles!!!!!

this may piss off some, but i think you will find (though some wont admit it) that many dont like the 'made in japan' stamp. and cant look past it despite all the evidence showing how great they are.

im australian though.... so i could give less of a shit where a prdouct is from so long as it is reliable and shoots like crazy!!!!

by the way, i reload for mine and the results speak for themselves...

search my posts and find my post on reloading for it to check out how they can shoot. i use mine for vermin control about 2 or 3 times a week and it headshoots at 300-400 every time, which is as about as far as i see them under the spotlight in winter, and as far as i can shoot out of a running vehicle, lol. that isnt blowing my own horn or gilding the lily so to speak, its just how this one shoots

+1 HOWA

p.s, i can get pretty much any aftermarket part i want for this howa.......it was true 5 years ago you couldnt find anything for them, but that has all changed....

also dont forget the 3 position safety, tis a bonus for many

cheers guys, take what say with a grain of 'e-salt'

jimi
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Oh, dont worry all, i built a rig for myself already.

223 howa HB
B&C vertical medalist stock
EGW rail
Burris XTR rings
Harris BRM-S bipod
SWFA 10x42
Midway drag bag

It'll be my "tacticool" prairie dog gun.


And once i smoke the barrel, i'll change it to 300/221
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Gotta give it a bit. I'm sending it to SAC for a knob install, and skim bed the action, soon.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Alright, since interest has peaked

3shotgroup.jpg

glass.jpg


Mind you. im not a terribly awesome shot, yet. I still need to work on timing my breathing, and other misc things.

Over all, this was one of my better groups. The first 50 rounds down the tube, and i mange to pull a decent 3 shot group, with crap XM193 ammo.

Im wholeheartedly impressed, and I know this gun shoots better than me (assuming i feed it what i know it loves... 52gr BTHP's)

Also, i wont reload. The military gets butthurt about its members storing reloading components on base. I'm not married (thank god), so i live in the dorms. Oh well, such is life.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

actually im thinking about getting my wife a Howa in .243 or 7mm-08
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

I bought my father a Thumbhole 22-250 Howa, its a laser. Of course it is a 22-250. My dad put a new scope on it last weekend, so needed to rezero. We were both shooting 10 round groups that could be easily covered with nickel at 100 yards. I bought it from Wal-Mart, its not bedded, and the only thing done to it was the whacky break-in that Howa recomends with Windex. I will need to get the targets from my Dad to post, it is freaky accurate.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Willys46</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When every one says "after market parts" are limited...Just what more do you need.

Stocks:
all the one listed above and Joel Russo inletts for them.

Bases:
EGW makes 0 and 20 MOA ($55.00 midway)
Ken Ferral (0, 10,and 20 MOA)

Trigger,
The factory triggers are pretty good now. in the past they were horriable.
Timney makes one.
JARD has one

DBM
CDI that uses AICS mags

What am I missing? The metric threads..any gunsmith should be able to cut metric threads! For the "blue printing" of the action. Most smiths that work on HOWA will tell you they are far truer than REM 700.

Now I sound like a HOWA mark, but those that tell you that you can not build on a HOWA are just uninformed.

But I will say, be prepaird to get less money during resale. they do not get the same money as a Rem 700. They do not have the name that REM does, but they will shoot as good. Just Not as Sexy i guess.

$400.00ish for a heavey barrled action is a steal in my book. </div></div> were can you buy them for that
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Hi we work on Howas a lot here in Australia they are made in Japan on the same machenery that the older Sako rifles were made on so as a base the desighn is good the bigest problem can be in the action body they are cast and if run at high pressures they can crack. But if you have a 308 diameter case or smaller you should never be able to hurt one. they are streaching the friendship a little with high pressured loads in a WSm or ultramag but if you dont hot rod them they are OK. As for price they are right there and a great price. Now you can even go to a gunshop decide what barreled action CM or stainless then sporter or varmint barrel. after that you can decide what model stock to get on it so you can spec the basic rifle better than any other rifle on the market i think it is a great move by them and they will get a lot more sales because of it.

If the action was machined from a billet it would be one of the best out there it is cast but i dont think as strong as a ruger casting so that lets it down a little but for value for money it is right up therte you would almost be better throwing a shot out one in the trash and buying a new one over rebarreling one there in the US because of your prices you can get them for.

We rebarrel a lot of them and they are pretty good from the box but some people are re cutting the threads to 1 1/16 16tpi the same as rem actions and that makes it easier for some in the US who dont cut metric threads but it is 2010 the smiths just need to change there threading gears and use a 60 degree tool instead of the 55 degree tool for Imperial threads.

They are made in the same factory as wetherby Vangards the howa trigger can be lightened a bit more than the weatherby but weatherby uses a Krieger Criterion buttoned barrel on there high end rifles i dont know if they are better than the Howa barrels but they charge extra for that.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

If anyone finds a Howa gunsmith in the US that does outstanding work, guarentees his work and accuracy, please PM me. I love the Howa actions but go through hell everytime I want a rifle built from one.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ranger1183</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If anyone finds a Howa gunsmith in the US that does outstanding work, guarentees his work and accuracy, please PM me. I love the Howa actions but go through hell everytime I want a rifle built from one. </div></div>

i know, old thread. i was wondering the same, i have a howa that is going to get trued and tuned and become a 6xc or 6br. can anyone point me toward a smith that knows his way around a howa? thanks in advance guys.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Randy Gregory at Accuracy Unlimited works on Howa actions. He just built a Howa in .30-06 for me.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oh, dont worry all, i built a rig for myself already.

223 howa HB
B&C vertical medalist stock
EGW rail
Burris XTR rings
Harris BRM-S bipod
SWFA 10x42
Midway drag bag

</div></div>

YES!! now you can come shooting with me
wink.gif
what you doin tomorrow?
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Love my Howa 1500 .308 24 in barrel 2 pound tuned trigger b and c stock millet trs scope out Shoots all my friends rifles out to 800 yards with 155 grn berger hybrid Target and 50.9 grn of 2000 mr @ 2950 fps I get .25 in 5 round groups that's not but a 7.2 mil drop at 1k I put about 1200 bucks in this gun and its shoots better than any REM with a factory barrel that I have shot
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

The Howa is a fine action, based off the older SAKO actions with some slight changes. They are generally pretty straight with good steel.

In the USA, the M700 and clones rule the roost due to unsurpassed aftermarket support and the ease of truing the action.

In other parts of the World, since nearly everything has to be imported anyway, the Howa has a stronger following.

Metric threads is only an issue in the USA. The major disadvantages of building on a Howa action, in the USA, are adequate but limited aftermarket (How many AICS DBM's are there for a Howa?.... just CDI. How many AICS DBM's are there for a M700?..... at least 10. Same thing for everything else). The other major disadvantage is Resale Value; with a Howa, not matter how well it shoots or who built it, you'll never get anywhere close to your money out of it.


BTW Only the two-piece Remington scope bases fit the Howa actions. Howa's require their own specific one-piece scope base.
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Working on Howa's all depends on the gunsmith. There is a guy down the street from where I work that has no problems working on metric threads. His work is excellent, he is very friendly and his prices are very low.

Kenny is a great guy and you will like doing business with him.

Firearms Machining Services
957 Rose Xing # 31, Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 755-5116
 
Re: Why not a Howa Action?

Howa base custom rifle eye candy.
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from .223 through 6.5x47, 30whisper,308,300WSM,30-06, up to .338 Lapua. if it can be built on a Howa ive probably built it.
Great factory action, my 1st choice.
more and more after market parts becomming available, plenty of stocks,PSE, Manners, B&C, McMillan etc( we've 2 chassis systems for the Howa also) at least 2 AICS mag systems available,( ours and CDI's) no need for a replacement trigger.
Picatinny rails from several manufacturers,

very reliable, easy to true up, great base for a custom rifle.
easy to strip, 1 piece bolt, 3 pos safety, good trigger,flatt bedding surface, integral recoil lug, reliable extractor,

takes 2 change wheels, reset the gearbox selector from nr7 to nr12, change of the interchangable screw cutting lathe tip to go from imperial to metric threads on my Weiler lathe. Takes 2 minutes.

I expect most riflesmiths are just as capable as working on a Howa as working on a Remington providing thier lathe can be reset for metric threads. The rest of the work is very similar to any remmy 700 true up job.

Pete
 
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