Howa 1500 6.5CM opinions

[Bosbuck]

I am looking at a new stalking/plinking rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. I have seen a few packages and the one that looks OK is the Howa 1500 Varmint.
Dose anybody have any experience with this rifle?
Thanks
Howa rifle packages

 

[old keeper]

I've had experience of three Howa 1500s 243 and 223 and found them all to be first class. Triggers can vary a little but easily rectified. However, even the one trigger that I thought was bit "rough" was perfectly useable. As far as accuracy is concerned, all the ones I shot were very good indeed. I think they are excellent value for money.

 

[6pt-sika]

I have a Howa Mini in 6.5 Grendel with the pencil thin barrel . After manipulating the trigger a bit it was no great feat to shoot three shot groups at 100 yards that were under 3/4’s of an inch with a 9x scope . I’ve also worked up loads for several Howa’s in 243 and 308 . They were all relatively easy to get shooting at 3/4 MOA . One of the 308’s I even worked up subsonic loads suppressed that would stay under 1 MOA at 100 yards again with a 9x scope . While I’ve not fooled with a Howa in 6.5 CM I have messed with half a dozen of them in Savage Model 12 LRP’s with the target accutrigger and a big hunk of glass . Usually when I took the LRP’s out the box from the factory the triggers were usually between 10 and 14 ounces ! I’m not an Accutrigger fan but these guns have very nice and shootsble triggers . Anyway in those HB Savages it was no great feat to shoot five at one hundred yards inside 1/2 MOA .

 

[kennyc]

I like them, and 25Sharps of this parish has one as a range/stalking rifle in 6.5CM and really rates it

 

[Tulloch]

I am sorry I would never have another Howa , I bought one and had it for 2 years then had to scrap as the barrel was baddly corroded on the inside , I have had all my other rifles for a lot longer with no issues , I have spoke to a number of smiths now and told that the barrels in some Howas are awful material so have decided I will never by another one. I replaced the Howa with a Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5cm

 

[jthyttin]

Howa are good quality, not the lightest option so easier to shoot, harder to carry.

One thing I especially like is the integrated recoil lug, less hassle with bedding.

 

[User00033]

We run this model rifle, two of us in our little syndicate use them on a regular basis. Written up on here in various places so search it up. It's a very popular medium range goatbuster over here. Ours are genuine sub MOA rifles all the way out to whatever range you are comfortable to shoot, 600-700m on goat control duties for us.

Pillar and epoxy bedded into laminate stocks.

When I hear about rusted barrels I am immediately concerned about the cleaning and care regime, especially when storing for any period of time. I hunt with my rifles in atrocious conditions on a regular basis and I have not had any rust problems so maybe the one referenced above was a one off. As with any rifle it needs to be protected from the elements with a good protective product like Eezox or similar. Howa rifles will rust if you don't look after them.

 

[User00033]

Another point @Bosbuck is that the Howa Varmint 24" is definitely too heavy for a comfortable stalking rifle, unless you're a 6'5" lock forward type of guy maybe.

One of our fellas shortened his to 20" and put it in the Howa walnut stock, with the 0.870" contour barrel its still way too heavy.

The weight is all about stability, for shooting prone, and long. The first time one of our shepherds got his hands on mine, he commented on how stable it was in the prone position, and promptly shot a goat at 540m, well over double his personal max to that point. He is a Sako Hunter .223 shooter, and the difference in prone position stability between the two rifles is marked.

The weight doesn't bother me at all, because of the way I use it. But when I go proper stalking, I take either a 18" .308 T3 or 20" .243 Howa, both about 4-5lbs lighter.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

I have a 1500 in 223, like above the trigger isn't amazing, but it's perfectly usable. For the price, they are a very accurate rifle. Fettle the trigger a little bit if you feel the need to, maybe get another stock and home load for it and you will have single hole groups. Mine is easily half moa

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Another point @Bosbuck is that the Howa Varmint 24" is definitely too heavy for a comfortable stalking rifle, unless you're a 6'5" lock forward type of guy maybe.

One of our fellas shortened his to 20" and put it in the Howa walnut stock, with the 0.870" contour barrel its still way too heavy.

The weight is all about stability, for shooting prone, and long. The first time one of our shepherds got his hands on mine, he commented on how stable it was in the prone position, and promptly shot a goat at 540m, well over double his personal max to that point. He is a Sako Hunter .223 shooter, and the difference in prone position stability between the two rifles is marked.

The weight doesn't bother me at all, because of the way I use it. But when I go proper stalking, I take either a 18" .308 T3 or 20" .243 Howa, both about 4-5lbs lighter.

Nothing wrong with the varmint, you must be a bunch of pansies

 

[User00033]

Oooohhh... in this day and age I should get all upset now @hendrix's rifle !

Dunno about you mate, but I don't like trying to shoot my 13.5lb Howa Varmint off-hand very much. Not exactly designed for that particular task... The only way I can be reliable with it in that situation is to use the sling properly, even then its a bit touch and go.

However, carrying it all day is easy, just get a double strapped sling for it, the weight over two shoulders makes it comfy as.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Oooohhh... in this day and age I should get all upset now @hendrix's rifle !

Dunno about you mate, but I don't like trying to shoot my 13.5lb Howa Varmint off-hand very much. Not exactly designed for that particular task... The only way I can be reliable with it in that situation is to use the sling properly, even then its a bit touch and go.

However, carrying it all day is easy, just get a double strapped sling for it, the weight over two shoulders makes it comfy as.

I prefer a heavier rifle in all honesty lol I fettled the stock on my savage to get it around the same weight as the howa and I'm much happier shooting it prone, off sticks and free hand. Can never seem to steady if the rifle is light

 

[User00033]

I know what you mean. It's finding the happy medium, it varies from person to person. I had the Howa Mountain Rifle for less than a year, at 6.5lbs scoped, it was too light for me and I sold it. Lovely to carry, uncomfortable to shoot. The 8.5lb T3 with DPT chassis is perfect.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

I know what you mean. It's finding the happy medium, it varies from person to person. I had the Howa Mountain Rifle for less than a year, at 6.5lbs scoped, it was too light for me and I sold it. Lovely to carry, uncomfortable to shoot. The 8.5lb T3 with DPT chassis is perfect.

Back to the point, as I'm sure you will agree, the mighty howa is a great rifle regardless of calibre!

 

[NullMac]

Quality is a bit variable. Barrels can be a bit rough. Trigger can be a bit iffy. However the action is good, and with a bit of work can be a great low cost workhorse.

Have a look at the Brock & Norris website. Their Contractor rifle is a semi-custom 1500 Varmint. I have one in 308. Very good and not a lot of dosh.

Barrel was cut to 20", and hand lapped, threaded M18x1
Bedded
Pic Rail (bedded as well)
AICS bottom metal and mag
I have Bell & Carlson stock with full length Aluminium block
Tactical Bolt knob
Polished trigger (although I put a Timney on mine)

Solid workhorse. I have used it in the woods and up the mountains for red stag and hinds. Not the lightest but when you get there it is going to do the biz no matter what the job.

I am sure he could knock up a 65CM if he has not already done so.