Browning A - Bolt or Howa Varmint 1500?

[Cadex100 0]

Hi everyone, I have recently been approved for a .223 centre fire. Untill now I have been shooting a .17HMR which is a lovely little rifle but I feel somewhat lacking for Mr Fox. I have considered a Browing A - Bolt 2 and Remington 700, however I have come across a rifle i'v never heard of or read much about...........a Howa 1500 Varmint...........does anyone have any working knowledge of this rifle?. Not sure what one to go for, any advice or opinions anyone?

[martin 332]

I have a Remmy 700 in .243 and a Browning 'A' bolt in .22 and they are both great rifles,I haven't owned or shot a Howa,but,a friend has just bought a Howa 1500 in .22/250,it looks ok,but the others are very well proven over many years...............JMHO...........Martin.

[nightstalkeruk 0]

Hi everyone, I have recently been approved for a .223 centre fire. Untill now I have been shooting a .17HMR which is a lovely little rifle but I feel somewhat lacking for Mr Fox. I have considered a Browing A - Bolt 2 and Remington 700, however I have come across a rifle i'v never heard of or read much about...........a Howa 1500 Varmint...........does anyone have any working knowledge of this rifle?. Not sure what one to go for, any advice or opinions anyone?

I have a Howa 1500 Varmint in .223 shoots well putting 55gr Normas through it, been shooting crows out at 215 yrd's and rabbits that are a problem to get to with the .22.

 

Nice little rifle and a good price comes on a package deal scope and mod,. if you've got the cash then id be looking at T3's and a like ....

 

hope thats helps

 

NS

[woollyback 0]

I have both rifles, I have a stainless howa 1500 in .223 and a browing medallion a-bolt in .243. My honest opinion is that the howa is a rugged little rifle, its not a looker but does the job very very well. My browning is a good looking rifle and also shoots very well. To break it down there isnt a difference in rifle accuracy, if your after the better looking rifle go for the abolt if your not fussed the howa. I just wish my howa had a detachable mag like the abolt, but thats nothing that should sway your decision.

[Mr_Logic 5]

Howas are good rifles. I've had two - my 204 was a bitch to get shooting but when it did, it shot very well indeed, just ammo fussy. My 223 was great, but it was too heavy for field use. I had the Varmint with the thumbhole stock, and it was great to use, just not to carry.

 

I would avoid the varmint barrel unless it's for vehicle use; and sadly they are useless on a range too as they're 1:12 twist and don't shoot heavy bullets.

 

The light barrel will be very accurate, well balanced and has a very reliable action - much better than a Remington.

 

Factory trigger is bearable but ultimately creepy, so you may need to replace it. Easily enough done though.

[burnie69 376]

I've a howa1500 black stainless in a 25-06and i wouldn't change it as mr logic said the varmits are heavy so avoid em if poss also you can change the stocks for not too much money.