What don't you like about Howa's

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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Westy » 11 Mar 2015, 7:42 am

The CTR is a Awesome rifle with it's all metal 10 shot mag and it's threaded Barrel from factory it's a great rifle as for the Howa it's also a great rifle for the money and could shoot a nats eye @ 100m but again it's a well built rifle for the money you pay which is like $500-00 I think???? When hunting both will do the job nicely and everything stays dead IMHO!!! Now if Sakos were $500-00 I'd be out now buying a few more safes to put them all in, I reckon 1 in every Calibre!!!!!! LMFAO
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Chronos » 11 Mar 2015, 7:59 am

PaWNTANK wrote:I know a lot of older gents and people of smaller stature don't like them because they weigh too much.
But I love the Howa 1500, I will be getting a T3 CTR in the coming months. Both great rifles but the Howa cost me $580 and the CTR is set to cost me $1600. For a thousand dollar difference the Tikka aught to be better (I would hope)


Safari had CTR's listed at $1425 but I see other stores listing them at over $1500. Not sure what the deal is there.


BFS those weights sound much more on the money, from memory bith the soorter and varmint howa's are about 100-200gr heavier than the tikka equivalent barreled action. A 5kg rifle isn't such an issue shooting from a vehicle or off the bonnet but as a walk around gun anything over 4kg seems unnecessarily heavy.

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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 11 Mar 2015, 9:49 am

Chronos wrote:
PaWNTANK wrote:I know a lot of older gents and people of smaller stature don't like them because they weigh too much.
But I love the Howa 1500, I will be getting a T3 CTR in the coming months. Both great rifles but the Howa cost me $580 and the CTR is set to cost me $1600. For a thousand dollar difference the Tikka aught to be better (I would hope)


Safari had CTR's listed at $1425 but I see other stores listing them at over $1500. Not sure what the deal is there.


BFS those weights sound much more on the money, from memory bith the soorter and varmint howa's are about 100-200gr heavier than the tikka equivalent barreled action. A 5kg rifle isn't such an issue shooting from a vehicle or off the bonnet but as a walk around gun anything over 4kg seems unnecessarily heavy.

Chronos


Yeah not much in em weight wise mate, as for weight and being able to carry them comfortably, try humping a M60 all day long over 20 or 30ks Plus then you really will have something to bitch about, not to mention ammo belts, spare barrels and all the other crap we carted around :lol:
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Die Judicii » 11 Mar 2015, 11:59 am

Chronos wrote:Wait, what? Your rifle weight 5.6kg? That's more than most target rifles. You must be mistaken. My .308 weighs 3.2kg.


Yep... 5.6 kgs

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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 11 Mar 2015, 12:06 pm

:lol: that explains the weight diff nicely - top little setup mate, :thumbsup:
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by VICHunter » 11 Mar 2015, 12:54 pm

Chronos wrote:Safari had CTR's listed at $1425 but I see other stores listing them at over $1500. Not sure what the deal is there.


RRP doesn't mean anything around here.

I have 3 locals, For something common like a Tikka there is a $200 spread in price between them.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by heeple » 11 Mar 2015, 12:55 pm

Die Judicii wrote:Pic > So it does happen


:lol:
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by melanie » 11 Mar 2015, 12:56 pm

Is that masking tape or cloth or something?

What's the deal there?
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 11 Mar 2015, 3:31 pm

I hope the New Howa Mini Actions come here soon and in a barreled action only and internal mag offering, I'd like to buy one! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

http://legacysports.com/mini-action-rife

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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Oldbloke » 11 Mar 2015, 5:21 pm

VICHunter wrote:RRP doesn't mean anything around here.

I have 3 locals, For something common like a Tikka there is a $200 spread in price between them.


Same here, prices are all over the shop. Just gotta keep your eye out for a bargin.

That highlander cammo looks nice. Shame I got all the rifles I need now, never wear them out. :cry:
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by chrispy88 » 11 Mar 2015, 8:43 pm

melanie wrote:Is that masking tape or cloth or something?

What's the deal there?


Melanie, looks like it's a camo wrap. Stops light reflecting off your barrel/scope and helps break up the outline too. The good ones you can take off and reuse, and don't leave a residue.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Die Judicii » 11 Mar 2015, 9:08 pm

bigfellascott wrote::lol: that explains the weight diff nicely - top little setup mate, :thumbsup:


Actually, the pic was taken out of a file of many,,,, but the NiteSite was NOT on the rifle when I weighed it.

I looked in the booklet, but it doesn't actually give a weight for the unit.
Apart from the little battery, the rest of the nitesite weighs 3/5ths of bugger all. :lol:
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Die Judicii » 11 Mar 2015, 9:18 pm

melanie wrote:Is that masking tape or cloth or something?

What's the deal there?


Its camo wrap material.
It only sticks to itself, and can be reused many times.
Doesn't leave any gunk on the barrel or scope.
It's called "McNett Camo Wrap", and was approx. $30 a roll when I bought it.

I've also got some much cheaper similar stuff from China, but haven't used it yet so I cant vouch for it.

But the McNett stuff is fantastic.
Great for shiny stainless barrels, bolts, recievers, scopes etc.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 11 Mar 2015, 9:19 pm

Die Judicii wrote:
bigfellascott wrote::lol: that explains the weight diff nicely - top little setup mate, :thumbsup:


Actually, the pic was taken out of a file of many,,,, but the NiteSite was NOT on the rifle when I weighed it.

I looked in the booklet, but it doesn't actually give a weight for the unit.
Apart from the little battery, the rest of the nitesite weighs 3/5ths of bugger all. :lol:


:lol: :lol: I wonder why she's so heavy then? :unknown:
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Die Judicii » 11 Mar 2015, 10:33 pm

Hey there Big Fella,
Just put the verniers over the muzzle, and it reads 21mm
Over the length of the barrel, that's one fairly solid chunk of stainless, not to mention the rest of it,, all stainless.

The stock too, is a fairly big chunk of laminate which adds to the equation.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by RDobber » 12 Mar 2015, 1:26 pm

I don't like that they're half what I paid for my Tikka but still shoot pretty good :lol:
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Gwion » 12 Mar 2015, 4:15 pm

RDobber wrote:I don't like that they're half what I paid for my Tikka but still shoot pretty good :lol:



:clap: :clap: :clap:

Yep, and that's what i like about them! :drinks: :thumbsup: :D
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Seconds » 16 Mar 2015, 12:56 pm

At least a good rifle you only have to buy once.

Over the years it works out to be pretty cheap 'per shoot' if you look at using it in those terms.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 16 Mar 2015, 3:04 pm

Seconds wrote:At least a good rifle you only have to buy once.

Over the years it works out to be pretty cheap 'per shoot' if you look at using it in those terms.


I'm still shooting my 36yr old Howa that only cost $400 - shoots fine too, never given any issues ever, I just drag it out, take aim and shoot, brilliant little rifle for the $400 investment, that's ($11 per year so far to own over that 36yr period) as an example say a Sako @ $2200 purchase price over the same 36yr period will cost cost $61 per year or around 5 times more expensive to own over the same period - now which ones really is "cheaper per shot" :D

A couple of groups from about 3yrs ago - not too bad for an inexpensive rifle

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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Seconds » 18 Mar 2015, 9:13 am

bigfellascott wrote:that's ($11 per year so far to own over that 36yr period) as an example say a Sako @ $2200 purchase price over the same 36yr period will cost cost $61 per year or around 5 times more expensive to own over the same period - now which ones really is "cheaper per shot" :D


Hey now.... Back off my Sako fella :P
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 18 Mar 2015, 9:21 am

Seconds wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:that's ($11 per year so far to own over that 36yr period) as an example say a Sako @ $2200 purchase price over the same 36yr period will cost cost $61 per year or around 5 times more expensive to own over the same period - now which ones really is "cheaper per shot" :D


Hey now.... Back off my Sako fella :P


Just correcting a misconception that buying cheap isn't as economical over time - clearly in my case it has been - its costing you around 5 times as much to shoot stuff as it cost me :D
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by JOY » 18 Mar 2015, 9:23 am

But why is it cost him 5 times as much is his rifle better than yours or is it more expensive for his Ammo?
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Chronos » 18 Mar 2015, 9:33 am

Quote: "I'm still shooting my 36yr old Howa that only cost $400 - shoots fine too, never given any issues ever, I just drag it out, take aim and shoot, brilliant little rifle for the $400 investment, that's ($11 per year so far to own over that 36yr period) as an example say a Sako @ $2200 purchase price over the same 36yr period will cost cost $61 per year or around 5 times more expensive to own over the same period - now which ones really is "cheaper per shot" :D "

Going by your math are you saying a Sako was $2200 36 years ago? I doubt it.

Oranges to oranges would make a better comparison. Mayb someone could tell us what a sako L461 cost back in the day because they're still sorth around $1K

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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 18 Mar 2015, 9:52 am

Chronos wrote:Quote: "I'm still shooting my 36yr old Howa that only cost $400 - shoots fine too, never given any issues ever, I just drag it out, take aim and shoot, brilliant little rifle for the $400 investment, that's ($11 per year so far to own over that 36yr period) as an example say a Sako @ $2200 purchase price over the same 36yr period will cost cost $61 per year or around 5 times more expensive to own over the same period - now which ones really is "cheaper per shot" :D "

Going by your math are you saying a Sako was $2200 36 years ago? I doubt it.

Oranges to oranges would make a better comparison. Mayb someone could tell us what a sako L461 cost back in the day because they're still sorth around $1K

Chronos


Not saying that at all Steve, just pointing out that the cheap option isn't a bad thing at all (36yrs on and still doing a fine job and costing SFA to do the same job as an expensive rifle does). :thumbsup:

Don't know what a L461 cost back then mate sorry, I do know they are overpriced now IMHO (I've got one sitting in the safe at the moment I don't use), my latest Howa cost $780 with Nikon Scope/DNZ 1pce mounts, boyds stock - so over the same 36yr period it will cost me $21 per year or 3 times cheaper than the Sako @ say $2200 over the same period. So for me it works out to be a more economical option.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 18 Mar 2015, 10:21 am

JOY wrote:But why is it cost him 5 times as much is his rifle better than yours or is it more expensive for his Ammo?


It's a Sako so you pay a premium for the name - is it worth 5 times as much, nup not IMHO it ain't.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Seconds » 18 Mar 2015, 2:32 pm

JOY wrote:But why is it cost him 5 times as much is his rifle better than yours or is it more expensive for his Ammo?


We're just joking about averaging the cost of the rifle out over the years. Not the ammo

A new Howa is about $600.

A new Sako Hunter is about $2,300.

$600 divided by 10 years, or $2,300 divided by 10 years. Works out more expensive to shoot the Sako 'per year' if you follow.

Ammo is not more expensive for a more expensive rifle.

As for for the Sako being "better" than a Howa, that's not quite a fair description as they're a bit apples and oranges.

Both are safe, accurate firearms. The Sako would be better described as having a higher level of craftsmanship.

For instance Howa will come with a synthetic, or laminate stock. A Sako will come with a high grade walnut stock. There are other 'feel' and 'quality' aspects too.

The best thing I can suggest is next time your at your local gun store ask to have a look at a Sako. It will be obvious what I'm talking about once you hold one ;)

If you just want to get a bullet through a bullseye though, they will both do that.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by buster » 18 Mar 2015, 2:35 pm

Sako are expensive but make BEAUTIFUL rifles.

This is a favourite :arrow: Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine

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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by bigfellascott » 18 Mar 2015, 3:17 pm

It all comes down to the level of finish you want in a rifle I guess, some like pretty walnut etc and a few other refinements and are happy to pay a huge premium to have it, some are happy with basic type finish with all intensive purposes still function and perform the same just not with the finesse of the more expensive stuff - most rifles these days seem to be made fairly well and shoot well regardless of price point, which is good cos I ain't interested in paying through the nose to shoot a fox or rabbit etc. :D

People buy things for many and varied reasons, some on the cool factor, the look at me factor, I'm a tight arse factor etc - buy whatever category you fit into and enjoy it.

One of the best things that appeal to me about Howa's is if I damage a stock somehow it won't cause me to go into a meltdown knowing its going to cost a ****** to replace it, $200 see's a new Boyds on it within a week or so, something like a Sako or other euro stock will cost you a ****** more than that and no doubt be waiting a fair while for it also. Lots of add on parts too if that's ya thing and don't generally cost a lot either.

As I said buy what works for you and your budget/tastes etc - I'm sure you'll be happy regardless of the Price.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Gwion » 18 Mar 2015, 4:38 pm

bigfellascott wrote:
One of the best things that appeal to me about Howa's is if I damage a stock somehow it won't cause me to go into a meltdown knowing its going to cost a ****** to replace it, $200 see's a new Boyds on it within a week or so, something like a Sako or other euro stock will cost you a ****** more than that and no doubt be waiting a fair while for it also. Lots of add on parts too if that's ya thing and don't generally cost a lot either.

As I said buy what works for you and your budget/tastes etc - I'm sure you'll be happy regardless of the Price.


I ended up getting a Howa (even though i really wanted a Sako) because it fit my budget and had a reputation for shooting very well once tuned up a bit. My first groups with factory Rem PSP55 and an 'ebay trigger dude" trigger fix were around an inch, maybe 1.2. Adjusted torque: down to reliably under an inch (practice helped too). Bedded it: 0.7-0.8". Learnt to hand load: 0.7-0.5". New stock, bedded, pillars, one piece DNZ mount/rings, torqued well, 0.6-0.4" at 100m, (depending on the day and how I am shooting). All this for a total build cost of just on a grand (sans scope only). It's a good reliable, accurate rifle with a couple of very minor detractions (as mentioned the tiny screw holding the bolt release leaver being one).

I'm still lusting after a Sako one day (or maybe a Steyer, or maybe a Sauer or maybe....), but it wont be a knock around, chuck it in the ute, bang it down on a fence post for a rest type rifle; which my Howa is, even though i've grown very fond of it.
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Re: What don't you like about Howa's

Post by Seconds » 19 Mar 2015, 12:53 pm

Gwion wrote:I'm still lusting after a Sako one day (or maybe a Steyer, or maybe a Sauer or maybe....), but it wont be a knock around


I did the same for years.

In the end thought f*** it. You only live once.

Sold my others and spent the bigger money to have one really nice rifle go-to rifle that will last me forever.
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