Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by Chappo » 24 Dec 2018, 7:08 am

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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by straightshooter » 24 Dec 2018, 7:09 am

Although I have never owned a Howa I do like the the design in it being a blend of Sako and Remington attributes and the fit and finish is quite good particulary for the price.
Just recently a friend sent his 5 or 6 year old varmint model for rebarreling. Removing the factory barrel exposed a crack in the receiver extending from the first scope mounting hole to the forward edge of the receiver for the full thickness of the threads. Unfortunately I never bothered to take a picture.
The sad part is that the importer disowned the problem completely.
To my way of thinking if it happened to one then many others may be similarly affected.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by JimTom » 24 Dec 2018, 7:11 am

Have a look at CZ 557. I have one in .308, very accurate and around $900 new. Can get a decent scope and come in under $1500.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigrich » 24 Dec 2018, 8:26 am

I don’t know how large the deer in tassie are, but a good second hand Swede 6.5 Mauser isn’t expensive ,can be very accurate and will do the job
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by Chappo » 24 Dec 2018, 8:31 am

Sporterised enfield 303?
There’s a few nice ones out there that have had lots of time and money spent on them.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigfellascott » 24 Dec 2018, 8:55 am

bigrich wrote:I don’t know how large the deer in tassie are, but a good second hand Swede 6.5 Mauser isn’t expensive ,can be very accurate and will do the job


Their fallow so easy to tip over. :D
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by Hangfire » 24 Dec 2018, 9:06 am

Ruger American Predator or Howa 1500 in 308.

I like the Ruger but the Howa shoot very well and have alot of after market accessories.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigrich » 24 Dec 2018, 9:34 am

bigfellascott wrote:
bigrich wrote:I don’t know how large the deer in tassie are, but a good second hand Swede 6.5 Mauser isn’t expensive ,can be very accurate and will do the job


Their fallow so easy to tip over. :D


maybe for the poster a second hand swede 6.5 would be good, or a second hand 243 of some description . either way with a decent scope both could be had for under a grand . not trying to be a smart @ss to the OP, but .30 seems a bit heavy for deer that size . JMHO :thumbsup:
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigfellascott » 24 Dec 2018, 9:51 am

bigrich wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
bigrich wrote:I don’t know how large the deer in tassie are, but a good second hand Swede 6.5 Mauser isn’t expensive ,can be very accurate and will do the job


Their fallow so easy to tip over. :D


maybe for the poster a second hand swede 6.5 would be good, or a second hand 243 of some description . either way with a decent scope both could be had for under a grand . not trying to be a smart @ss to the OP, but .30 seems a bit heavy for deer that size . JMHO :thumbsup:


There are plenty of cheap options out there, as for cal yeah I think a 243 would suit nicely. :drinks:

Or he could try some of the 110gn offerings out there to suit the 308, that might be a more versatile offering in the end (do they have projectile weight requirements in tas for Deer?) :drinks:
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigfellascott » 24 Dec 2018, 9:59 am

One of the reasons I like the 30 cal, check out the range of projectiles/designs/weights etc - fantastic!

http://www.theopenrange.com.au/projecti ... er=367&p=1
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigfellascott » 24 Dec 2018, 11:11 am

straightshooter wrote:Although I have never owned a Howa I do like the the design in it being a blend of Sako and Remington attributes and the fit and finish is quite good particulary for the price.
Just recently a friend sent his 5 or 6 year old varmint model for rebarreling. Removing the factory barrel exposed a crack in the receiver extending from the first scope mounting hole to the forward edge of the receiver for the full thickness of the threads. Unfortunately I never bothered to take a picture.
The sad part is that the importer disowned the problem completely.
To my way of thinking if it happened to one then many others may be similarly affected.


Was it evident before the barrel was removed or after it? Those barrels are put on super tight apparently.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigrich » 24 Dec 2018, 12:44 pm

straightshooter wrote:Although I have never owned a Howa I do like the the design in it being a blend of Sako and Remington attributes and the fit and finish is quite good particulary for the price.
Just recently a friend sent his 5 or 6 year old varmint model for rebarreling. Removing the factory barrel exposed a crack in the receiver extending from the first scope mounting hole to the forward edge of the receiver for the full thickness of the threads. Unfortunately I never bothered to take a picture.
The sad part is that the importer disowned the problem completely.
To my way of thinking if it happened to one then many others may be similarly affected.


unfortunately, a lot of guns are built to a budget not qaulity these days . ya get what ya pay for. pretty rude of the importer not backing what he's selling but :evil:

:drinks: :thumbsup:
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigfellascott » 24 Dec 2018, 12:48 pm

bigrich wrote:
straightshooter wrote:Although I have never owned a Howa I do like the the design in it being a blend of Sako and Remington attributes and the fit and finish is quite good particulary for the price.
Just recently a friend sent his 5 or 6 year old varmint model for rebarreling. Removing the factory barrel exposed a crack in the receiver extending from the first scope mounting hole to the forward edge of the receiver for the full thickness of the threads. Unfortunately I never bothered to take a picture.
The sad part is that the importer disowned the problem completely.
To my way of thinking if it happened to one then many others may be similarly affected.


unfortunately, a lot of guns are built to a budget not qaulity these days . ya get what ya pay for. pretty rude of the importer not backing what he's selling but :evil:

:drinks: :thumbsup:


It was 6yrs old apparently, warranty ran out about 5yrs ago :D

Can't say in all my years of shooting hearing of a Howa action having issues like that, more the rarity than the norm I would say. :thumbsup:
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by Ham » 24 Dec 2018, 2:46 pm

I been lookin for a cheapish gun in 223. Pretty set on a weatherby vanguard (s/steel for me)(basicaly a howa with a few tweaks)
At under 800 and sub moa its not a bad deal.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by TassieTiger » 24 Dec 2018, 4:09 pm

I was recently in exactly same space - wanted a 30-06 for deer and foresters...Wanted it very light, wanted it polymer, stainless brl and a good trigger. Was torn between tikka, steyr, weatherby and Mauser.
Ended up with a steyr pro hunter - a fraction cheaper than a tikka and a little dearer than the howa, vanguard, etc.

The weight, craftsmanship, set trigger on the steyrs and the 3 pos safety plus the Moa guarantee helped me decide - that and I have a steyr tack driver in 223. Whilst I am having a couple of issues with this particular 06 - the importer is standing by their product and helping resolve. I paid locally near on $1400 but I know you can buy for $1100 from elsewhere.

The M18 Mauser is a good looking — 5 shot Moa guarantee rifle and from memory, is under a grand...
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by straightshooter » 25 Dec 2018, 6:24 am

bigfellascott wrote:Was it evident before the barrel was removed or after it? Those barrels are put on super tight apparently.

I don't know what sort of fixture the gunsmith used to hold the action.
A common method, which I am not impressed with, is a flat bar inserted in the lug raceways which will exert a degree of twist to the action and could have possibly contributed to the formation or exacerbation of a crack.
I don't think any gunsmith would have searched for a crack prior to removing the barrel especially if it was concealed by a scope rail.
I also noticed that the factory barrel had what looked like washer pressed on it's end where it tightens up to the receiver face. If that washer is hardened and the barrel is extremely tight that may also have contributed to the crack.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by straightshooter » 25 Dec 2018, 6:27 am

bigrich wrote:
unfortunately, a lot of guns are built to a budget not qaulity these days . ya get what ya pay for. pretty rude of the importer not backing what he's selling but :evil:

:drinks: :thumbsup:


I've got some news for you.
All guns are built to a budget!
It's just that some budgets are bigger than other budgets.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigfellascott » 25 Dec 2018, 7:41 am

straightshooter wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:Was it evident before the barrel was removed or after it? Those barrels are put on super tight apparently.

I don't know what sort of fixture the gunsmith used to hold the action.
A common method, which I am not impressed with, is a flat bar inserted in the lug raceways which will exert a degree of twist to the action and could have possibly contributed to the formation or exacerbation of a crack.
I don't think any gunsmith would have searched for a crack prior to removing the barrel especially if it was concealed by a scope rail.
I also noticed that the factory barrel had what looked like washer pressed on it's end where it tightens up to the receiver face. If that washer is hardened and the barrel is extremely tight that may also have contributed to the crack.


Something very odd about that, as far as I'm aware there is no "Washer" used on the Howa Action, I could be wrong but can't say I've ever heard anyone mention anything about a washer being used. :unknown:
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by Supaduke » 25 Dec 2018, 9:11 am

I have two Howas. Excellent rifles for the money, plenty of aftermarket stock options and accessories. A .308 or 30-06 Howa would be a more than capable deer rifle with respectable results at the range. I haven't owned the other ones you mentioned so I can't comment.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigrich » 25 Dec 2018, 9:12 am

straightshooter wrote:
bigrich wrote:
unfortunately, a lot of guns are built to a budget not qaulity these days . ya get what ya pay for. pretty rude of the importer not backing what he's selling but :evil:

:drinks: :thumbsup:


I've got some news for you.
All guns are built to a budget!
It's just that some budgets are bigger than other budgets.


which brings us back to the other part of that statement "ya get what ya pay for " JMHO out of the posters choices, i still put howa as my choice in a earlier post anyway :drinks: :thumbsup:
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigfellascott » 25 Dec 2018, 9:25 am

bigrich wrote:
straightshooter wrote:
bigrich wrote:
unfortunately, a lot of guns are built to a budget not qaulity these days . ya get what ya pay for. pretty rude of the importer not backing what he's selling but :evil:

:drinks: :thumbsup:


I've got some news for you.
All guns are built to a budget!
It's just that some budgets are bigger than other budgets.


which brings us back to the other part of that statement "ya get what ya pay for " JMHO out of the posters choices, i still put howa as my choice in a earlier post anyway :drinks: :thumbsup:


Yeah sometimes I wonder about that statement, I've got a $1400 Ruger Hawkeye and honestly the Howa's s**t all over it for smoothness and most importantly accuracy, and I got 2 Howas for the price of the Ruger! :unknown: Sometimes I think marketing is what makes some things seem like they are somehow worth more than they perhaps should be, not always but sometimes. :drinks:
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by Stix » 25 Dec 2018, 9:43 am

bigfellascott wrote:Yeah sometimes I wonder about that statement, I've got a $1400 Ruger Hawkeye and honestly the Howa's s**t all over it for smoothness and most importantly accuracy, and I got 2 Howas for the price of the Ruger! :unknown: Sometimes I think marketing is what makes some things seem like they are somehow worth more than they perhaps should be, not always but sometimes. :drinks:


Bloody oath...!!
Like the good ol Jonnie Red & Black...Marketing made them what they are...Pretty boxes :thumbsup: ...& always my last choice when it comes to drinking a mixer...!!
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by JimTom » 25 Dec 2018, 9:47 am

Yep you do get what you pay for. I have never owned a Howa however it would be hard to ignore all the positivity they receive on this forum. Sounds like a great bit of kit considering its price tag.
Nevertheless, I have owned a fair few different brands of rifle, Winchester, Savage, Brno, CZ, Lithgow, Tikka, Miroku, and Sako. The Sako is the most expensive and is the best rifle I own in the way of accuracy, trigger, and action, all spot on straight from the box. Exactly what you would expect given the price you pay. In my eyes though totally worth the extra dollars.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by TassieTiger » 25 Dec 2018, 9:50 am

I agree 1000% with this (that you don’t necessarily get what you pay for anymore...) - it used to be the case without doubt, but reduced labour costs now mean many, many large manufacturers go offshore...further meaning many, many items are built at the same place - ie, I used to be a huge believer in Sony, Samsung products (at a much higher price point than competitors) but learnt that their parts are built in the same place as AWA, hisense - final assembly is elsewhere but the “engines” - the same. So if I don’t have an issue with fit / refinement of a hisense, why shouldn’t I buy one of their tvs with 4 x the warranty...the two same spec tvs next to each other - exactly the same bar a name and some plastic - but with less warranty.
Whilst this is a main stream example - it is most certainly trickling down to other consumer goods. Hyundai used to be a budget brand but now - competing with premium makes.
Scopes? - nope, not quite there in my opinion but the gap will close and in maybe 3-5 years you will be paying for the name over actual optical function. Rifles $1000 and under? If you woke up with 1000 credit at LGS, had to buy a centrefire - would there be a clear winner? I think there would be 10 opinions...which ultimately means = similar performance.
Last edited by TassieTiger on 25 Dec 2018, 10:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by JimTom » 25 Dec 2018, 9:54 am

I have a CZ 308 which was under $900 to buy, after working up some good hand loads it is as accurate as the Sako, just not as refined or nice to shoot.
In saying that it is just my scrub rifle for rolling a few oinkers so it does the job nicely.
It is nice to short a quality rifle at times though.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by wrenchman » 25 Dec 2018, 10:16 am

budget gun and no extras here in the states and they will shoot well are the savage axis they are the lowest priced gun on the market its like a ugly girl it will do every thing you want it just wont look good doing it.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by JimTom » 25 Dec 2018, 10:21 am

I have seen the Savage axis in the shops but not looked at them closely. I used to have an old savage 110 in 22-250.
Was average at best. Be interested in hearing how the new savages shoot.
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by albat » 25 Dec 2018, 10:37 am

https://www.outdoorlife.com/top-new-hun ... ifles-2018 . I have tikka and howa , both are excellent as others here have said , but the mauser m18 that sits between the tikka and howa in price is going to be a gem i reckon
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by bigrich » 25 Dec 2018, 11:10 am

JimTom wrote:Yep you do get what you pay for. I have never owned a Howa however it would be hard to ignore all the positivity they receive on this forum. Sounds like a great bit of kit considering its price tag.
Nevertheless, I have owned a fair few different brands of rifle, Winchester, Savage, Brno, CZ, Lithgow, Tikka, Miroku, and Sako. The Sako is the most expensive and is the best rifle I own in the way of accuracy, trigger, and action, all spot on straight from the box. Exactly what you would expect given the price you pay. In my eyes though totally worth the extra dollars.


yeh well, this is my thoughts on things. there are some great budget rifles on the market , and yes, in these modern times due to labour costs, some cheaper rifles outperform more expensive ones . whatever fits and what your comfortable with is the bottom line i guess. firearm makers are like car makers, they've all had some good products, and some not so good. i'm of the opinion i'd rather have less guns , but of the best qaulity that i can afford. i mostly buy second hand, and try to sort through what's what with all the different makes and models and judge each individual rifle on it's own merits and condition. it's the only way i could afford the A7 308 sako i own now, and IMHO it's a far better rifle than the 308 ruger i traded, for my uses and tastes . judging by the responses this topic is as controversial as the old "what's better, ford or holden ?" these days i have a toyota deisel 4x4 ;) back to the original topic, the howa would be my pick out of the rifles listed as choices

:drinks: :drinks: :thumbsup:
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Re: Wanting Budget rifle info - Savage, Ruger, Howa?

Post by TassieTiger » 25 Dec 2018, 11:28 am

bigrich wrote:
JimTom wrote:Yep you do get what you pay for. I have never owned a Howa however it would be hard to ignore all the positivity they receive on this forum. Sounds like a great bit of kit considering its price tag.
Nevertheless, I have owned a fair few different brands of rifle, Winchester, Savage, Brno, CZ, Lithgow, Tikka, Miroku, and Sako. The Sako is the most expensive and is the best rifle I own in the way of accuracy, trigger, and action, all spot on straight from the box. Exactly what you would expect given the price you pay. In my eyes though totally worth the extra dollars.


yeh well, this is my thoughts on things. there are some great budget rifles on the market , and yes, in these modern times due to labour costs, some cheaper rifles outperform more expensive ones . whatever fits and what your comfortable with is the bottom line i guess. firearm makers are like car makers, they've all had some good products, and some not so good. i'm of the opinion i'd rather have less guns , but of the best qaulity that i can afford. i mostly buy second hand, and try to sort through what's what with all the different makes and models and judge each individual rifle on it's own merits and condition. it's the only way i could afford the A7 308 sako i own now, and IMHO it's a far better rifle than the 308 ruger i traded, for my uses and tastes . judging by the responses this topic is as controversial as the old "what's better, ford or holden ?" these days i have a toyota deisel 4x4 ;) back to the original topic, the howa would be my pick out of the rifles listed as choices

:drinks: :drinks: :thumbsup:


Sorry to op - this is going a little off topic...Not saying this is you jimtom - i've shot a couple of sako's and they are mighty fine rifles.

But Is there a placebo effect in play due to what people pay for certain things ? Ie - I know my sako is better because it cost more of my hard earned, therefore it has to be better and even if its not - well, its not for me to tell people it isnt better because then i might feel in-different about it...? I know several people whom could not bring themselves to say a car, a bike, a scope, similar was inferior to a cheaper product - because of the amount they paid...psychology is a funny thing.
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