Howa's are great rifles. I've owned two of them in 223 and 243. The 243 is one of the most accurate rifles I've ever shot. 5 shots in one ragged hole is the norm, which is slightly better that the $3500 custom 6.5-284 I have. The 223 will shoot 1/2" groups consistanly as well. The guns are a little heavy, but with Hogue stocks, they feel good. If you don't like the Hogue stock, buy a Vanguard. The reason I went with Howa over the Weatherby Vanguard, have owned one, was because the Howa have fully adj trigger, Weatherby has a safety mechanism that won't let you adj sear engagement, or get weight below about 4lbs. I've got both of my triggers set to about 2lbs and no creep. The actions are similar to a 700, but the machining is much better that the 700 sps. There are no tool marks or rough edges. These are great rifles, to me the feel better than a Savage, but just personal opinion.