Howa 1500 ?
 

It's been a while, I took a couple years off from hunting, sold my rifles..... I even lost my post count here.Add one more to the list of stupid things I've done. I've decided to get back into hunting again and with having to purchase new tree stands, pay for a lease and other things I really can only afford one rifle this year. I looked at all the budget package guns out there and really like the Howa 1500. It's the same gun as the Vanguard. It's the only one with a hinged floorplate and I really like the over-molded stock. I can get one in 30-06 new with a scope for $419.00 out the door. I know the scope will eventially need to be replaced but out of all I looked at this looks andfeels to be the best made. Any input, good or bad ?

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

... or even less!

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/16274

I'm looking at Howa, as well. Nothing urgent, though. I, too, would love to hear what people are saying.

FC

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

I've shot a Howa Varminter in 22-250, and it shot great. Tack-driver out of the box. Basically the same action as the Vangaurd. I think they are an excellent rifle for how cheap they are, they will probably out shoot more expensive guns.

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

man you be cooking, I really like mine I hope you enjoy yours.

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

Good idea for sure. Great quality and performance for the money. The only other rig getting close to that bargain is a Savage package.

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

I just love there actions, they are as strong as they get. I had a 6.5X284 made from that action, I think it is as good as any I have shot aginst.

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

Isn't that rifle essentially the same as the Weatherby Vanguard? If so, it is alot of rifle for the money. Accurate, tough,and reliable........

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

From what I've read they are made on the same lines the Vanguards were/are made on. Same gun ?

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

The only differences between the 1500 and the vanguard are purely cosmetic. Such as a different styled bolt shroud, shallow bolt flutes, etc...

Howa builds the vanguard for Weatherby and it is a model 1500. It just looks slightly different.

Excelent rifles and incredibly strong actons.

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

Looks and sounds like a decent hunting rifle.

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

* I also put this on the newer Howa thread*

To whom does one send a Howa when it need repair/service/warranty work? I can't seem to find a web site with any info. Their Japanese site shows guns, but doesn't give any more info. about 'em.

To me, it's worth the extra $100 or so in peace of mind knowing that I could send the gun back to Weatherby if I had to, & I'd have few doubts about their willingness & ability to make things right.

Maybe I'm mistaken. Does Howa have a US base of ops?

FC

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

I broke down and put the model 1500 in 30-06 with the Hoage overmolded stock on layaway today. I looked at all of them again today and the Howa looked and felt the best to me. I should have it next month. Thanks for the input and I'll let you know how she does at the range.

RE: Howa 1500 ?
 

I picked it up today, haven't had a chance to shoot it. I did buy a few boxes of ammo. I'm going to try Federal Premium 150gr Ballistic Tips first. Like I said before, I've been out of the loop for a few years. I did notice the box now says "Vital Shock" Is that something different from the older Federal Premium ammo ?