Atlasworx bottom metal for Howa 1500

[Wapiti]

Hi all,
Anybody used one of these on the above rifle?
I've been wanting to convert a Howa Varmint to the AI-style box mags using a conventional shaped stock, specifically for vehicle shooting off a padded rest, no bipods or prone stuff, and not for walkabout hunting.
It is to be used in a HS Precision Alloy bedded varmint stock, replacing the MDT Field stock I bought with the rifle.

[Wapiti]

No one? Well I'll give them a go.

I've ordered the stuff and when I've fitted it I'll report back on the chance some people who've been chasing a proper metal detachable mag conversion for Howas can see if it is something that they might consider.

The latest MDT versions of the AI mags are double-stack, single feed and are considerably shorter than the plastic Legacy Sport mags and plastic floorplates.
The Atlasworx aluminium bottom metal also has the mag release at the rear of the mag, not at the front as with the Legacy Sports plastic ones which catches on stuff and the mag falls out.

[dirtjay]

HI mate,
Sorry for such a late replay
I have the AICS mag bottom metal, and MDT mags - they are great
I think this should work fine for you though
Did you get this to work OK ?

[Wapiti]

G'day mate
I just got the bits yesterday and but it together, thanks for your interest.
The Atlasworx floor plate fitted into the new HS Precision stock like a glove, no need to remove material or muck about. I tried a few MDT steel short 10-shotters (double stack type) and some of those old, long original AI mags. Feeds smooth.
To confirm though, I ordered a stock that'd accept the standard Howa hinged floorplate, so if the Atlasworx didn't fit I had an option.
You can get a cut out for the Badger M5 setup, but it's a special cut only for that design.
The two nifty grub screws to centre the notoriously annoying flat-bottomed Howa action worked perfectly, I loctited them in with a low-strength mix.

The difference in ergonomics and handling, especially how the rig sits so still on the ute and SxS padded shooting rests is amazing, in comparison to the MDT Field Stock. All these new supposedly must-have designs are just that, marketing in action. Can't stand the thing. If anyones after a new one (only used when sighting in the rifle, no field use whatsoever) in FDE to suit a short action Howa at half price in the original box, PM me. Otherwise someone who pops up one day with those awful standard ones might like a present.

[Wapiti]

A pic of how it turned out. For us, we couldn't get a better handling vehicle gun. It's a 24" varmint barrel.

The scope's too big for night and practical field use, it's a 6.5-20 VX3HD. But I didn't have a 4.5-14x when I screwed it together.

[dirtjay]

Thats great news, I was pretty sure it would all fit together fine.
Its always a gamble until you get it all assembled - but well done mate, it looks fantastic, and sounds like the fit will give you confidence when needed.
I prefer the MDT double stack mags after a few hot days when the poly mags became a problem - each to their own though.
And I like the mag release at the back of the mag also. I did shorten the release lever on one, and changed out for the double sided short on another Howa.
You just reminded me, I need to blue-loctite my gear this weekend !
So good to see these Howas getting matched with quality products and doing the job so easily

side note ! I have a barreled action I need a home for, I will PM you about the MDT stock

[Wapiti]

Funny you should mention plastic mags... I bought a few MDT plastic ones for the 308 Rem 700 Police set-up, and on recoil they jump out and drop into the footwell of the vehicle when weighed down with over 5 or so loaded cartridges. Doesn't happen with both brands of steel mag I have , original Accuracy International and MDT of a few generations. Binder plate or no binder plate.
Yet a mate on the next farm uses them in his Howa 308 varmint with an MDT set-up, and he doesn't have that issue. Reminds me, he was getting them for Christmas. Even if they work in this new Howa set-up, I like the short steel double-stakker ones better.