Thread: Lightweight chassis/stock for Howa 1500 223?

Hi all - I would appreciate some advice on lightweight chassis or stock for my 2008 Howa 1500 223. Its a very accurate rifle - and with its 1:12 twist is shooting 0.4-0.8" groups at 100m consistently with factory Fiocchi 55gr SP. Accurate and reliable - but also somewhat weighty. This might not bother most people but we all have our preferences, and being from a northern bush hunting background I developed distinct liking for lighter weight, shorter, carbine length firearms. (Hence chopped, accurate 22s etc..)

Have looked at Howa Minis but have not been impressed by the action quality - not nearly as good as the model 1500. Yes I can polish them, and they certainly do shoot well. But am also thinking about very light, almost military frame, AR type stocks for this 1500. Have no experience of them. Not interested in spending alot on it - the rifle isn't worth heaps. But I would appreciate advice on what's out there, what's reliable, reasonably made, and at good price.

My ideal-world rifle might be a Remington 600 converted to 223..... but that only happens in heaven! But a light, effective, accurate, (retaining 20" barrel) AR type 1500 might be very interesting to try - something different! Wonder how much weight I'd save? Or is realistic cost/benefit solution going to be Howa Mini, or Ruger 223. Yes I'd need to add a mag conversion for rifle too - another $180 or so.

Thanks Mudz

well Im going to answer this one differently to anyone else...
that super accurate jw15 you cart around and shoot bunnies with...have you put it in an AR type stock???? no?? why ever not??? and there is the answer to your above question.
if having the 223 in an AR type stock was going to be the ducks nuts FOR YOU... you would already be using something like a 10/22 in that stock type. if you are...by all means carry on fine sir...if not...........

You want light and then you mentioned a rem 600. My rem 600 would be the shortest centerfire I own and fuk is it heavy, the heaviest center fire i own as well. I often look at it and wonder where all the weight is...

Good one Milky!! That made me laugh. Yes its right.... but ... a rifle might be very accurate but you've still gotta like taking it out of the closet. Some rifles just push your buttons - and some not so much.. You and many others will know what I mean...

Off for few days in Tekapo soon - wallabies/fallow/bunnies in the McKenzie etc. And no doubt it'll get a real workout there. Will certainly give it another go, but still interested in the AR type stock... We'll see

PS my last vent rib model Remington 600 in 243 (circa 1965-66) was very light - lucky to make 6lbs, and the old man's in 308 was lighter still - around 5.5lbs from memory. His also kicked a horse.. but we loved them for northern hunting and NZDA comp conditions. Vent rib 600 (1964-68) was precursor to the Model 660 (1968–1971) and the Model Mohawk 600 (1972–1979) - these later models may have been heavier.

mines a 243 maybe I should take the recoil pad off to see if someone's filled the stock with lead. Every one who sees it that's owned one and picks it up says how heavy this one is..

I was thinking of going down the chassis route with my howa mini but the chassis in my price range were heavier than the standard stock. I ended up just stiffening the fore end and keeping it in the std stock

If you covered material costs I would be happy to make you a Powlonia carbon fibre stock. Last one I made was about 540gm inc plastic bottom metal. Could trade you a tune up for my jw15

There's a few talented customizers on tm as well

Sending a PM Delphus - that could be very interesting.

I think ?? that you bought the JW from @Trout? The one he did some artwork on Very experienced hand - I suspect he's already got it running very efficiently.

PS just for fun am finishing another little JW now - range tuning to come..

Took the syn stock off Howa 1500 223 and weighed it today - not really heavy at 1.01kgs. The heft is in the weighty machined receiver and quite solid barrel - both much more substantial than the Howa mini. A carbon stock would drop (about 450g) a pound off total. Could be a useful saving.
@Delphus PM now sent.. Thanks Mike

You can have Paulownia blank from my place when pick up your walnut lol

got a mate with a howa mini in an xcel lite or one of wingmans chassis?

Id say a couple of hunts with them will get it out of your system if you could have a loan of one
I just had to have that type of stock but compared to typical hunting rifle stocks they are pretty janky and shit (xcel lite)

Hi after fitting Wingmans light weight chassis to the mini .223 every other brand of Howa mini stock just feels far toooo HEAVY
Mind you i rather like pistol grips after owning the AR15 .i shoot left hand and recycle the bolt with my right , leaving my trigger hand on the grip close to the trigger .. Hope you find what youre looking for Cheers to all

Mmmm... thanks for good feedback guys. I'll give this another couple of shoots then review it.

Saw carbon fibre Howa 1500 stocks at Delta Mike recently- pretty good weight at 475gms

https://www.deltamike.co.nz/product/...andard-barrel/