Thread: Howa Model 1500

Hi all, thinking of buying a howa model 1500 in 308 cause im on a pretty tight budget. Does anyone own one? are they a reasonably accurate choice
of hunting rifle for deer. I know the calibre is all good.

falconhell has one and he swears buy it its suppresed as well shoots real good

fk hes always swearing

Bought one in 243 with suppressor, mean, bigger size than my a bolt, comes up good , nice weight, a keeper

I hear there a great gun for the money. I haven't shot one but i've fondled a couple and there definately solid. Personally don't like the hogue stock they predominantly sell with them. But the action feels tidy. Straight out of the box it will do really well in the bush.

Great rifles and choice of Cal.

I had one a few years ago in 308. Great value, nice half cock and three stage safety. Handles nice any a pleasure to shoot.

thinking of one for a bush gun with a short barrel and a can on it.

I have a vanguard/howa 308 model and I think I bought it new when hunting and fishing first started marketing them. I changed the plastic stock to a Hogue full alloy chassis stock and bedded it, timney trigger shoots well now, solid action and quicker to load than say my 243 m700.
I think the howa with the Hogue stock is better than the tuppaware one that came with my vanguard. Does anyone know if the vanguard series 2 is going to be marketed here, they have been refined and have good reviews in the US.

Originally Posted by foxhound

I think the howa with the Hogue stock is better than the tuppaware one that came with my vanguard.

The hogue on the Howas isn't the full bedding block one, its very soft and flexy in the fore-end. The one I fondled in the shop I could push the stock onto the barrel with one finger which didn't make me want one. The rubbery feel is quite nice though.

As said they're a good accurate rifle, but heavy compared to some.

The newer Howa 1500 LW are a very similar weight to the Savages. A mate has one of the earlier Weatherby rebadged Howas (heavier) in 308 and really likes it. Fairly accurate too.

I've got a 1500 model in 7mm-08 suppressed. great gun, I used camo wrap to cover the stainless can and barrel. Limbsaver sling is handy coz they're heavy after 10 hours on the shoulder

Originally Posted by GravelBen

The hogue on the Howas isn't the full bedding block one, its very soft and flexy in the fore-end. The one I fondled in the shop I could push the stock onto the barrel with one finger which didn't make me want one. The rubbery feel is quite nice though.

As said they're a good accurate rifle, but heavy compared to some.

First time I saw one in a shop I squeezed the for end and barrel together with one finger and thumb and burst out laughing, Apologized to the salesman later(who I know) as there were other customers in the shop.

can you get the reinforced stocks in NZ?

Good guns I rate them. Only dumb things about them are the gumby twist rates and lack of cheaper "good" stocks.

Originally Posted by Beavis

Good guns I rate them. Only dumb things about them are the gumby twist rates and lack of cheaper "good" stocks.

That would be nice! They sure are great with a nice stock........



My old ultralight

Here is some info on the Hogue stocks for the Howa 1500

Hogue Rifle Stocks