Looking for feedback or alternate options for my first hunting rifle

Declared Bishop

Declared Bishop

Regular
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Location
Calgary
Hey Braintrust, me again!

So, with taking up shooting, part of the goal is to start hunting, and putting some meat in the freezer. I have been researching, and I have come up with what I believe to be an appropriate caliber, the .308 Winchester.

With that part of the equation solved, I started looking for a firearm. I wanted something nice, reliable, and wouldn't break the bank. I found the brand Howa, and in particular, their M1500 APC. Even better there is a Canadian flag version, which ticks the tacticool box for me, and I am a patriot, so why not? LOL

They are even on sale right now for a pretty decent discount.
https://truenortharms.com/howa-m1500-308-win-apc-canadian-flag-chassis-luth-ar-mba-4-buttstock-buffalo-river-swivel-6-9-bi-pod-24-threaded-bbl-bolt-action-non-restricted-hcan308/?utm_source=arlsenalforce&utm_campaign=free

Any thoughts on this particular rifle? Is there something else in this price point I should be considering?
 
308 is a good choice... but 24" heavy barrel, in a chassis, with bipod looks heavy for carrying. Wouldn't be my choice for a hunting rifle.
 
You need a light rifle, personally I have a standard Ruger with a limbsaver recoil pad (I am a wussy) and a Bushnell 3-9x40 scope. That's just for hunting.
 
My two cents on this setup, get the standard Howa 1500 with the field stock for hunting. It’s nicer to carry around, great rifle. I bought one off a friend a few years ago, it came with the apc chassis and a Houge stock. I lugged the chassis around for spring bear the first time hunting with it, it was awkward, cold in the hands in cold weather, it’s not great for snap shooting or quick shouldering and I didn’t find it overly lightweight.

After spring bear closed I put it in the Houge stock and that’s how it’s been ever since, it’s way more comfortable to carry. Ergos are better, the chassis is all angles and not very fun to carry or sling over a shoulder. It’s honestly a low to mid tier chassis, not terrible but not as nice as any of mdt’s lineup. Buy a Howa in a regular stock and then think about a chassis if you only want to target shoot with it.

The Howa has really good value for the money, great factory two stage trigger, hammer forged barrel, great q/c etc etc. Ive put a handful of deer in the freezer with it, it’s an accurate rifle as it is from the factory. I’m going to swap it back into the chassis as I no longer hunt with it, I plan on just target shooting with it and handloading for it. I have the 20” heavy barrel in .308, it really likes a 165gr bullet.
 
Come to think of it, I shot my two biggest bucks with it. The bolt is real smooth on mine, trigger has a super crisp break. It’s it’s underrated as far as I’m concerned, I’d pick a 1500 over any of the other entry level rifles. Savage axis, Ruger American, Rem 700 sps or 783, I like the Howa more.

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^ ^ Stay with a basic rifle. That "Big discount" means they aren't selling, likely for the reasons above. Looks cool but also looks tarted up.
 
I dunno...12.3 lbs for a hunting rifle...unless you are a super big muscular guy, that's pretty hefty.

Personally, to start out I would get something basic, spend the extra on optics and ammo, and skip the precision chassis, heavy barrel, etc. Stuff like Canadian flag on it, etc. - not a consideration for me (it's like how I got suckered years ago to buy a tool set that was called "Real Canadian Tools" with a Canadian flag on it. In small print...made in China...

If starting out, things like Ruger American, Savage Axis II, etc. - it won't break the bank and are still fairly dependable.

I have 2 .308 bolts actions - a Savage Axis II and a Franchi Momentum Elite. I love the Momentum, but the Axis II is fine as well. This allowed me to spend the money on a decent scope and buy a complement of different ammo to see what the gun likes depending on application. I don't want to be saddled (literally) with a heavy gun that cost me money so I could only afford cheap ammo and a crummy scope.

It's like years ago when my daughter started piano lessons. I had the choice to buy a high end digital piano that had all the bells and whistles or a basic but decently reliable digital piano and use the money on books and lessons. Never regretted that decision. I know so many people with expensive guitars and guns who never use them because they barely have enough to buy anything leftover that would enhance their experience.
 
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I’d pick a 1500 over any of the other entry level rifles. Savage axis, Ruger American, Rem 700 sps or 783, I like the Howa more.
Click to expand...

Hard agree, not even in the same ballpark as the others
 
I mean carrying a heavy rifle is doable. But being that most people are not infantry and train to lift the weight for long period of time. It might be an issue.

Nothing wrong with Howas. I miss mine.
 
Tacticool rifles are great fun at the range. Not so great to actually hunt with. Hunting rifles are made the way they are because they work really well for what they are designed to do. You asked "why not" - that's why not.
 
Have you looked at the new Stevens 334 yet ? Turkish made...walnut (( 599.99)) or synthetic ((459.99 ))...6.5 CM...22 in bbl...308 Win..20 in bbl and 243...also a 20 in bbl. I handled both...very impressed with them for the price point ! Factory installed Pic Rail too ! The walnut isn't bad looking at all..bit of checkering on it too.

Got me wanting one now...just wish the bbl was 22 in for the 308. But, then again, it'd do quite nicely for a back up deer / bear rifle.. Just a personal preference for me.

Selling blurb :

FEATURES

3-Position Safety
Crisp Trigger
60 Degree Bolt Lift with 3-Locking Lugs
Ergonomic Stock and Recoil Pad
Matte Black Synthetic Stock or Turkish Walnut Stock Options
3 Round Detachable Box Magazine
Matte Black Carbon Steel Receiver with Integrated Recoil Lug
Drilled & Tapped Receiver (Savage M110 Spacing) with Steel MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny Rail
Free-floating, Button Rifled, Carbon Steel Barrel with 11°Target Crown
2-Sling Swivel Studs

https://thegundealer.net/product/stevens-model-334-walnut-308-win/

https://thegundealer.net/product/stevens-model-334-synthetic-6-5-creedmoor/
 
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