howa or rem 700

S

ShawnRich

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Super GunNutz
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Ontario
Hi all

I seem to be developing a new interest in shooting. I bought my first gun since childhood, a Ruger American 22lr a few years ago from here, thinking I would do more bird hunting but find I am really enjoying the time in the pit with targets. We went from 25 and 50 yards to 100 yards and that was a lot of fun so now looking for a gun for some longer shooting. It sounds like a 223 will be perfect for me. Strolling into a local sporting store, the salesman heard what I wanted and grabbed a Howa Legacy Mini 223 off the shelf. It does look good and reviews all seem good on the Howa product. Before I committed, I wanted to so some research..(have been here on CGN for hours since that day !!)

Published reviews aside, anyone have input on the Howa?
Input on the Remington 700 VLS vs Howa? From what I see, (inexperienced ) more positive reviews and less issues have arisen on the Howa (but maybe less of them out there?)
Is a 3x9 scope adequate for say up to 300 yards? It sounds like a 223 is good for that distance, easily....maybe not this operator right now though...
Part of Howa's marketing is a guaranteed sub MOA. Is that true? I have not seen such results in Rem 700 reviews, although I would be very surprised if the Rem could not do it.
The salesman is suggesting staying with that scope when I asked about swapping it out before I buy it. He is basically saying, get the package, and learn before you start moving up. The price point is good I think, $900 for the package. I think that is good advice, but also think, if moving up is the plan, buy ahead now, a bit.


Thanks for reading. Any input appreciated.
Thanks
Shawn
 
The aftermarket supports Remington more if you plan on modifications. Howa gets my vote for out-of-the-box performance between the two. Howa quality control has been better and produces some amazing products (Howa HS Precision Rifle...). Remington is no longer producing firearms. Howa seems like a logical choice to me.
 
I had Remington 700s before.Ya, lots of aftermarket stuff available...because you NEED it. My Howa was bought used and better than the 700 new. Also, even a cheapo scope will do for 300, I got a Bushnell 3-9x40 on my Howa, came from a Savage Axis Package...

CG
 
Only two options? Nonsense... I favour Remington and then a Browning X Bolt. No interest in a Howa for me.
 
I like all of the 700’s I have had or have. Some stock, some with triggers and/or bedding jobs.
I also have a Weatherby’s Vangaurd S2 that is my sons. It’s very similar to the Howa, different stock, different barrels but essentially the same rifle.
I don’t think you can go wrong with either of them. Find the one that fits you better, that feels better to you, and enjoy shooting.
 
Thanks all for the input! I asked about Howa vs Remington only cause the Howa is local and a Remington with a nice scope came up for sale. I am sure there are a lot of great guns out there in this price range. I can't join the local club for a couple of weeks till the next scheduled safety orientation but then i will have a few locals to chat with too and see what they are using. In the meantime, I am just doing my research before making a fast decision.

Yes, Markus, lol, "mic drop"...the Tikka sounds great, but then kicking up the price point. Maybe next gun if I prove to myself that I am going to stay in this sport

Good info on Remington. Thanks

Cheers,
Shawn
 
IMO Howa makes a fantastic rifle at a reasonable price. I would take the Howa without a moment's hesitation - I have 2 and am 100% satisfied with both. In fact, I think Howa makes the best rifle at the entry price point.
 
I have a howa 1500 in 30-06. This gun is an absolute laser, by far the most accurate in my safe. It will shoot Factory hornady superformance 165 sst into the same hole at 100 yards regularly. I love the green overmould stock for hunting purposes too, has a nice grip too it, doesn’t scratch easy atall. Best $450 I’ve spent on a rifle.
 
Yeah another vote for the Howa, I love my .308. It’s a tack driver out of the box, the action is much smoother than any of the newer 700’s I’ve handled. Easy choice for me to make if I had to choose between the two.
 
Howa is an excellent rifle. I own a 1500 in .243 and a Weatherby Vanguard S2 (Howa barrelled action).
With the exception of the Weatherby having an amazing trigger, they are equally accurate and fun to shoot...to the OP, both are far better than the Rem700, especially recent models.
 
I have a few Remingtons and only one Howa (223 HB).
While the Howa uses a lot of stampings vs the Remington, it shoots really well.
As has been pointed out, the QC is excellent. Remington has sadly stopped producing, marketing and supporting their products until such time as they can sell or restructure (again).
I wouldn’t hesitate buying another Howa if the niche presented itself but I am currently without a corner for another.
 
Full caveat - I have no personal experience with a Howa, but have had 2 Rem 700's, 2 Tikka T3's and 3 Savages.

Having said that above a few question/points to ponder

1 - would you consider a good-excellent condition rifle? Could be a way to save some initial costs and use the difference in an optic upgrade if desired

2 - would a Savage or Weatherby Vanguard S2 be included in your options? All three Savages i owned (2 Model 10's and a 116) were insanely accurate right out of the box. The Vanguard S2 received favourable reviews by members on here a few years back

You should be able to find something in .223 in any of the above flavours easily enough, either through the EE on here or one of the more reputable board sponsors. From there it just comes down to Ford Vs Chev Vs Mopar in which brand you decide on. All are equally as good as the other for the needs you set in your initial post.
 
Win mod 70 , any Kimber , Sako or Mauser and ruger 77 will prove reliable and accurate, rems are junk howas are OK , better a used quality firearm ( rem pump actions are good) . give me a 3 position safety or a crossbolt.
 
gunrunner100 said:
I believe the Weatherby Vanguard S2 is a Howa.
Click to expand...

The Vanguard is made by Howa, but there are some minor differences. Firing pin, cocking piece and bolt shroud are different, primary extraction cam on the Vanguard receiver is a little higher up and more pronounced, slightly different finish between them, gas vents are on the side of the Vanguard bolt body, bottom of the Howa when in the locked position, fluted bolt body on the Vanguard and knurling on the bolt knob, stocks are different as well but that is obvious. Minor stuff..
I like the Howa/Vanguard's (Vanguard's a little more) but mostly for long action heavier recoil cartridges because of their big beefy receivers, I find them a bit too heavy for short action cartridges. I still have a Howa 223 and a Vanguard 243 with sporter weight barrels, but they don't get much use anymore, I usually grab something lighter and handier if i need a small cal.
Howa's use to come with a nice polish blue finish, but the most recent one I got in 6.5PRC was more of a blasted blue finish, Vanguard's have a soft satin blue, almost grey finish.
20170414-172443.jpg

20170415-002654.jpg
 
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