I had two Smith and Wesson 1500's which is the Howa. One was a sporter model 338. That thing was too light and kicked like a mule. The other was a bull barrel 223. The strange thing about this gun was I had to sight it in every time I took it out. It was super accurate but it would not hold zero. I found out that it was the stock that was taking on moisture and would warp a little. I traded the gun for a 243.
I think they are good rifles but at the time I was new to shooting and wanted to go a different direction. I would buy another and I like the looks of the Howa Axiom camo. I would take one in a 223. Ron