the prowler
Well-Known Member
Starlight Archer nv. On a Bushnell 2.5-16*50
Howa 1500 or sako 85
- Thread starter rick1127
- Start date
South Pender
Active Member
Can you expand a little about this problem? In any earlier post you mentioned "a weird bedding arrangement." By this are you referring to the recoil-lug assembly? It is different for sure, but I don't see how it could present accuracy problems. Sako 85s are very common here in Canada, and I've never heard of anyone having accuracy problems with them.
The action sits on a little L shaped bit of metal that is screwed into the stock. The point of contact is quite small.
In order for the gun to retain stable accuracy, the 3 units (stock, plate and action) have to be aligned perfectly, and not shift. Moreover, the plate has to be perfectly flat on the stock, or there will be raised areas of tension against the action. These then vibrate with each shot, putting a lot of stress on the screws and causing the whole set up to start to loosen.
Especially with wooden stocks, the whole arrangement can be unstable, and consistent accuracy may not be possible. However even with synthetic stocks, it isn’t always stable.
There are solutions. For instance, the action does have a slot cut into it similar to the slot in a Tikka T3. This can be used with a bedding block identical to the T3 set up.
You can top load a howa and the only way to load mine as it has a floor plate and no mag to lose, I have a 3 position Timney trigger on mine which excellent, and far safer that the two position one on my 75.
muntjacmad
Well-Known Member
I have 2 howas sat in grs stocks. Nothing at all wrong with them not missed a beat and are far more accurate than I can do justice.
jthyttin
Well-Known Member
Not if you convert for (or it's already using) AICS mags. Anyway >50% of top loading situations are better handled by having extra mag in your pocket.
Smellydog
Well-Known Member
For stalking a deer or going into battle?
Which action is it based off if you know?
As far as I am aware the L61, although it appears that was an earlier action than the 1500, so may be out in what I said.
jthyttin
Well-Known Member
Stalking.
I think I remember reading that Howa copied the L61 (possibly after building some under licence). Then got sued, so altered it slightly to create the 1500.
That’s similar to what I have read after my original post
Can't say I've used the 85 however I have owned a number if howa's. If you want something you can add bits to and still be under 1500 fully set up, I wouldn't say no to a howa. They do the job, they're accurate and they're cheap. I regret getting a bergara over a howa. For similar money, I could have bought a barreled action and a real quality stock/chassis. Wouldn't have to replace the trigger either, you can just fit an aftermarket trigger spring and be as good as pretty much anything out there.
South Pender
Active Member
The Howa Golden Bear rifle (predecessor to the 1500) was a near clone of the Sako L61R (30-06) and Sako L579 (308 Win.). rifles. It was produced in the late 1960s in small numbers, but, according to what I've read, Sako slapped a lawsuit on Howa for patent infringements and forced them to discontinue sales of the Golden Bear. I suspect that this is true, but I've never seen hard evidence confirming this. The Howa 1500, which came later, bears next to no resemblance to a Sako.
soother223
Well-Known Member
I’ve not picked up a Howa that doesn’t shoot extremely accurately. I’ve got 2 in the cabinet atm one in 204. Ok I’ve changed the trigger and put a mag conversion on it but it’s incredibly accurate and reliable. It gets very little love as to me it’s just a tool. It’s accounted for hundreds of foxes and has never skipped a beat . It was second hand when I got it too.
antsa
Well-Known Member
This is not always the case. My 85 .223 Stainless Laminate, a very accurate piece of kit, does not have this slot in the action.
Cheers
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