I don't know much about the Howa rifles but I do know the Savage's will out-shoot rifles costing hundreds of dollars more.

I also have a Model 111 in .223,this gun shoots 1-1/2" groups at 200 yards with factory ammo. The scope that comes with these rifles is just o.k. I put a Simmons 6-24x50 AO on it and it made a world of difference.

The new Savage rifles come with the Accutrigger, I wish mine had it, the original trigger is pretty rough.

Good Hunting,
Bowflex