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Hey guys, looking at picking up a new rifle. Looking for feedback on the howa Superlite or any other suggestions.
Preferably available in synthetic/stainless
Needs to be light and short-ish
Sub-Moa with factory ammo, not into reloading.
Hunting 0-300 yards so any of the following calibers would suit 308, 7mm-08 6.5 creed, 243
Budget is $2500
Tikka T3 in 308/708
3.5-10x40 scope
No suppressor
Light and powerful
tikkas are excellent, but comparatively heavy due to long action.
i'd ponder a howa superlite 16" 308 or howa mini if 6.5 grendel was an option.
I had a howa Superlite 16” 308 in me hands this arvo, did like it, just wondering if anyone owns one and has hands on experience with it before I fork out for one.Quote:
Originally Posted by STC
It kind of felt toy-ishly light as if I was going to break it.
I've got one. I've had nicer rifles. I've had (much) more expensive rifles. But it's turning out to be o e og my favorite rifles I've ever had. Mines cut to 14.75". Throws the 168 eldm out at 2600fps (superformance match 168eldm factory load) stupidly light and accurate. I've dragged it round a bit. Seems tough enough. Mine has the @robhughes-games aluminium bottom metal - massive improvement. Weighs 2.35kg scoped and ready to go as pictured
Attachment 273320
REM Model7 in a CF stock would be another great option
A t3 is a easy to carry light weight rifle.
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have a look at the new Weatherby MK 5 very light just look and feel a bit better made than a Tikka fluted barrel bolt nice
There is a sako carbon lite in 308 at h&f Hamilton, but it is a couple of levels higher in term of budget.
Currently I have a Kimber 84M Hunter in 308 as my lightweight goto carry/truck - the latest in a very long line and a keeper, its an fantastic shooter, the stock is "just right" and all stainless . . . But getting hard to get. Prior to that I had a Howa Superlight but with a walnut stock. Both excellent rifles but the Kimber is a bit more refined, it's trigger is excellent, a step up on the Tikka which is no slouch. Some people get on OK with the Howa two stage trigger but I'm not one of them, they are fine for target work but I could never get them (two Howa mini's and the superlite) to break how I like for off-hand shooting out on the hill.
With the Kimber you'll probably have to get it shortened (they are usually sold in 22") but when you do you can run a 14x1 thread, bigger at the muzzle is always better. The Howa people are good at honouring their guarantee but they have had to be, a gunsmith I know has bought several superlite "duds" off the wholesalers for future projects.
Opinions . . . .
Could you elaborate? Just so I know what to keep an eye out for if I do go down the brand new route.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tentman
If I went Kimber and took it down to 16” do you think the weight would be comparable to the Howa?
Have you bedded your Hunter? I think I need to get mine done to make it consistent. Whats your approach to shooting it (being a light skinny rifle) off a bench?Quote:
Originally Posted by Tentman
Mines not bedded. With both it and the S&L light 223 I've got to hold the fore-end with my left hand forward of the rest ( or the bipod if using one, either on the bench or prone, I just grab the left leg) to get consistent shots on the same POI - completely different to anything in the 3.0 kg and up class. And as @Roarless20 has pointed out you need more shoulder pressure than usual. Some people call it "getting over the rifle" Sorta sounds a bit lewd when you put it like that haha. With the Howa superlight I had and the Kimber you can "walk" the POI about 100mm just by varying the hold.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tahr
I don’t thibk so the go was extremely light weight always wanted a kimber and could never find one when looking unfortunatelyQuote:
Originally Posted by Chkm8
The Howa is definitely a wee bit lighter than the Kimber, maybe 400gm? The Howas is also very short in the stock, something to consider if you are lanky.
Perfect sum up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tentman
I have a kimber Montana cut at 17”, 14x1 thread. Magnum Dpt sup. Shoots the fiocchi 168 gr SMk into 1/2” easily. Does not like the hornady 150sst somehow. Better safety than what’s on the market other than a blaser. I find the trigger a bit over curved but that is me.
And broke in half vertically the talley low 1” that was on it. ( scope is a leupold vx3i 3.5-10-40). Replaced by the more elegant leupold standard steel base . That rifle never missed a beat.
Regarding the Howa ultra light, the carbon stock feels a bit flimsy, the inletting is not great and requires a good bedding to solve the problem of the tensions in the receiver when tightening the screws in the original inlet.
If one is getting the barrel shortened, jump to a 14x1 thread if possible instead of the original 1/2-28 ,specially in 308.
Only available in blued steel, so taking good care of it is important if hunting in the rain.
Overall they are not bad rifles but just be prepared to spend a little bit more than the $2,2k ish they cost to have them set up and shooting well.
They are still lighter and cheaper than a sako carbon light.
That same Gunsmith (if it's who I'm thinking of, there's not many down that way...) also seems to have a few "as new" kimber actions hahaQuote:
Originally Posted by Tentman
There was a kimber 708 for sale here at a good price. Get Murphy Precision to coat the stock. That would be my pick.
