Why doesn't the Howa action seem to get much respect?

The heaviness is well accepted in the larger calibers.
I was going to purchase one in 7mm-08, but due to the weight
factor, I'd gladly pack the old Schultz around and have longer legs.
 
The Howa isn't more popular because it's made in Japan and not the US or Europe. They make Vanguards and their own Howa rifles, and I've checked them out and they're well built. Scott at International Shooting Supplies in Guildford sells and has shot them, and they're very accurate. The only negative I can think of is the Howa rifles aren't made in stainless, or at least Scott wasn't aware of it. A few guys had bought them and had them cerakoted and were happy with the result.
 
Zero
pisces-guy said:
The Howa isn't more popular because it's made in Japan and not the US or Europe. They make Vanguards and their own Howa rifles, and I've checked them out and they're well built. Scott at International Shooting Supplies in Guildford sells and has shot them, and they're very accurate. The only negative I can think of is the Howa rifles aren't made in stainless, or at least Scott wasn't aware of it. A few guys had bought them and had them cerakoted and were happy with the result.
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The Howa most certainly does come in stainless.
 
pisces-guy said:
The Howa isn't more popular because it's made in Japan and not the US or Europe. They make Vanguards and their own Howa rifles, and I've checked them out and they're well built. Scott at International Shooting Supplies in Guildford sells and has shot them, and they're very accurate. The only negative I can think of is the Howa rifles aren't made in stainless, or at least Scott wasn't aware of it. A few guys had bought them and had them cerakoted and were happy with the result.
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Yes they are http://www.legacysports.com/hogue-stainless
 
I had a howa houge in 30-06 when I was newer to rifles, it was smooth and the stock was the best plastic stock I have felt up to date, but I am also a die hard control feed action type of guy. As long as I have mauser sporters , zastava's , rugers, and winchesters I'll be happy. IMHO the control feed is the best action out there for reliability, and its already proven as mauser rifles have been around late 1800's and have gone through world wars and now companies base there actions off of paul mausers design. I would rather look into a ruger compact for your daughter in 7mm-08 or 308 win.
 
pisces-guy said:
The Howa isn't more popular because it's made in Japan and not the US or Europe. They make Vanguards and their own Howa rifles, and I've checked them out and they're well built. Scott at International Shooting Supplies in Guildford sells and has shot them, and they're very accurate. The only negative I can think of is the Howa rifles aren't made in stainless, or at least Scott wasn't aware of it. A few guys had bought them and had them cerakoted and were happy with the result.
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Well I've had my stainless/synthetic for several years , so I would have to disagree with you there. I know that for a short period there, they stopped making stainless rifles, but I do believe that they have resumed construction.
 
I have owned a howa in stainless, and a few vanguards. I think they (vanguards)are by far the best bang for the buck on the market. The only reason I sold them is my rem 700's are lighter weight. And seem to fit me better.
 
dgradinaru said:
I had a howa houge in 30-06 when I was newer to rifles, it was smooth and the stock was the best plastic stock I have felt up to date, but I am also a die hard control feed action type of guy. As long as I have mauser sporters , zastava's , rugers, and winchesters I'll be happy. IMHO the control feed is the best action out there for reliability, and its already proven as mauser rifles have been around late 1800's and have gone through world wars and now companies base there actions off of paul mausers design. I would rather look into a ruger compact for your daughter in 7mm-08 or 308 win.
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You know me, I'm the same way but the stock on the Girls Hunt 2 fits her really well and I think that's important for her. She's really small and while she shoots her Ruger Compact very well, it's always been a bit awkward as far as the comb height is concerned.

I would never consider a push feed of any sort for myself just based on my personal preferences but I'm confident the Howa action is very well built and should be more than reliable enough for her. Plus she loves the look of the Girls Hunt 2 and anything that gets her excited about hunting, buying another gun, and allows us to spend more time together is good with me.
 
I think it's mostly because they aren't the "Rifleman's Rifle" from "Remington Country"... etc. It's unlikely that many of our dads, uncles or grandfathers talked about them.

Not a well known name outside of gunnutz type enthusiasts. Every one I've ever seen, handled and shot has been a very well made rifle.
 
I'd certainly have no qualms about buying another Vanguard / Howa be it push feed or otherwise as I have safes full of push feed and crf rifles and the push feeds work and cycle every bit as well as the controlled feed toys and in some rifles a whole lot better.
I staked my life on a push feed 458 some 20-odd years ago and it didn't let me down, still have and I'd still depend on it again.
As for a Vanguard I'm trying to make up my mind on one of the links Rembo posted....... Thanks Rembo !!
 
I am a CRF guy tried and true. BUT, I bought my Howa INSTANTLY when I handled it and cycled it. I thought to myself "wow, this is a quality gun" and forked out the cash. It's never let me down. I have shot 3 black bears, 3 moose, 1 caribou plus a wolf at over 400 yards................although that was probably just as much the good scope, plus a REALLY good solid rest and my handloads for it. I just don't really tell too many people about my gun, cause it's like a good fishing hole, once you tell too many, there is nothing left for you when you want it.
 
Funny part is I was at the new Cabelas here in Nanaimo a few days ago and the first rifle on display that caught my eye was a Vanguard 2.

The sales rep was strongly pushing a Sako over it (do they make commision there?) and kept rolling his eyes when I went back to the Vanguard. Admittedly the Sako was really nice but then again it was $400 to $500 (before tax) more and it's mags cost $120 to replace.

I wonder how many other Howa/Vanguard sales are lost across Canada due to ill informed or overly opinionated store staff?
 
# of Howa-brand rifles for sale at Wholesale Sports: 0
# of Howa-brand rifles for sale at Cabelas: 0
# of Howa-brand rifles for sale at Elwood Epps: 0
Frontier Firearms: 0
Wolverine Supplies: 1, a 223 with a shock absorbing stock for just under $1000.

I don't think it has anything to do with respect, they're not common here in Canada. Maybe that's poor demand because they don't do a great amount of marketing, maybe it's bad distribution, who knows.
 
I bought a used Howa 1500 in .223 from prophet river a while back and they still import them. Have to say I fell in love with how accurate that thing is with most ammo. Looking for a 7mm Rem now and Howa is a definite option, talk about one hell good shooting rifle for the money! Boyds has many stocks for them if a guy doesn't like the furniture, and trigger kits are also available quite readily.
 
adriel said:
# of Howa-brand rifles for sale at Wholesale Sports: 0
# of Howa-brand rifles for sale at Cabelas: 0
# of Howa-brand rifles for sale at Elwood Epps: 0
Frontier Firearms: 0
Wolverine Supplies: 1, a 223 with a shock absorbing stock for just under $1000.

I don't think it has anything to do with respect, they're not common here in Canada. Maybe that's poor demand because they don't do a great amount of marketing, maybe it's bad distribution, who knows.
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They all stock the rifle but it says Weatherby Vanguard on them
 
Exactly, because they are made in Japan. Regardless of the leaps and bounds in Japanese manufacturing quality, there is still the stigma.
 
My1500 in 7 rem mag is amazingly accurate. I would like to take credit for developing the perfect load but it was hitting moa accuracy with commercial ammo. With a muzzle break this would be perfect for the op's daughter.


but it is not for sale
 
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