Howa Superlite - my experience

[RckyMtn]

Well, that depends. 1500's, depending on which stock they are in, are usually pretty reliable. It's these overpriced CF stocks that have pi$$ poor QC. But if its in a Hogue (god forbid, unless you like carrying boat anchors through the woods) or better yet a HS Precision, you should be good. Keep in mind that Weatherby's Vanguards are just Howa 1500's, and they have a good reputation.

Sweet, thanks for the info. I believe it is the Precision model. I’m gonna get some hands on it this weekend.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

Sweet, thanks for the info. I believe it is the Precision model. I’m gonna get some hands on it this weekend.

That's a very nice stock. Heavier than I like, but it's the only stock I'd buy a brand new 1500 in these days.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

Now that I have the stock how I want it, I am finding one other annoying thing about this platform - mounting a scope. I loathe picatinny rails so I set the one that came with the barreled action aside first thing (at least it came with one though) and ordered Talley one piece rings, which is what all my hunting rifles wear. This isn't so much a Howa issue as it is a Talley issue, but the rear ring is so far back that it is hard to mount a scope forward enough to get it in the correct position. The LOP on this stock is a hair short (13 1/4") but that actually works pretty good when you have hunting clothes on, especially in cold weather. But at that length of pull, with the Talley rings rising directly up from the rear action screws (no extended version), you really can't move the scope as far forward as it needs to go.

So not wanting to go to the pic rail, I'm on the lookout for a different scope - a fixed 6x Weaver with a short rear bell and slightly shorter eye relief. That should solve the problem. Maybe Talley will make some extended rings eventually. It doesn't need much. Just 1/2" or so. And maybe that would interfere with the ejection. I don't know. But limited scope mounting positions is an unfortunate consequence of this action length. Same was true of the Remington model Seven.

 

[morgaj1]

Why do you dislike the pic rail?

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

Bedded the action this morning. Hopefully it pops out of the stock tomorrow morning! (they always do, but some come out easier than others!). I've bedded every Howa I've owned, and it always makes a difference. That darn "teeter-totter" movement of the action in the stock always results in vertical stringing unless you either bed it, or have a stock that doesn't require bedding (HS Precision, maybe?). I do wish this wood stock had a little longer LOP, but it will fit well when I'm wearing hunting clothing or a pack. In a t-shirt, it's too short. Would make a great youth/ladies stock at this LOP though.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

Why do you dislike the pic rail?

Dumb reason really. I like to be able to fit my fingers between the scope and rifle when I'm carrying it. Old habit from carrying my Win 94 for so long, I suppose. Same reason I sold my Tikka rifles. That closed-top action doesn't leave room for your fingers. Just personal to me. But also I like the one-piece Talleys because that is one fewer thing to come loose.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

Tomorrow is a big day for this gun. After church I'll take the action out of the stock, clean up any residue/epoxy that isn't where it belongs, reassemble it, give the action screws proper torque and head for the range. I have four preliminary loads prepped and ready, and the barrel has already been broken in. Hoping to see some sub-MOA groups or I will be pretty disappointed. I hate load development, and feel like a good rifle doesn't need much. The best rifles I've owned (Savage, Tikka) have shot everything pretty well. If this bedding job doesn't clean things up, I'm not sure what's next for this gun. At this point I have about $1k into it, so there is a lot on the line here. Too much for a loaner/kid's gun IMO.