XD Talk

DanTheEldest · 06-21-2009, 04:03 PM

I've been thinking about what kind of platform I'd like to get to build a modest accuracy rifle, probably chambered in .308 or .30-06, and a very knowledgeable friend of mine suggested these. I'm aware that they're Japanese and actually manufactured one of Weatherby's lines for a while. Can anybody supply personal experiences with the brand?

rayikeo2 · 06-21-2009, 05:26 PM

Dan, I have the Weatherby brand Howa and have had it for over 15 years. I love the gun and use it for my deer rifle and it is guaranteed accuracy to 1 1/2 inch at 100 yards. I have never had a problem with anything on the rifle. Mine is .270 cal which I highly recommend for up to Elk size game. I consistantly get 1 shot kills with the .270 and Nosler 150 gr particans. The Howa brand may be less in price than Weatherby, I do not know if it is, but you will be happy with either brand as to my knowledge they still make the Weatherby. I highly recommend the company quality. Rayikeo

danp · 06-21-2009, 05:31 PM

My dad has a S&W rifle built by Howa. It is MOA accurate and gorgeous to boot.

Terry · 06-21-2009, 05:57 PM

I have the Weatherby (Howa) in 338 win mag. It is one of the best shooting guns that i own. I have owned it for 14 years without a bit of trouble.

Polymerhead · 06-21-2009, 06:02 PM

I have a blue Howa receiver/barrel that I built a prairie dog gun out of in 223. It is a solid gun that shoots well under an inch. I put a better trigger in it, as the factory trigger was really heavy. Other than that, no complaints. I really like the blue finish, it's a nice deep glossy blue. The bolt knob is great, just a nice smooth target knob. I like it a lot better than the checked knob on a Rem 700, for instance.

I guess if I had one complaint, it would be that it just isn't very "fluid" in its profile. The receiver is just a tube that ends in the back, there's no slope or angle in the metal to help it flow into the lines of the stock. It's form over function in this case.

Edit - I guess that would make it function over form, not the other way around.

300UltraMag · 06-21-2009, 09:59 PM

they are great actions. i would buy one over a current production remington for sure. i would buy just about anything over any savage centerfire.

s&w22aellafrits · 06-22-2009, 09:39 AM

Heres a pic of one, pretty much like a r700:

I dont own one, just thought i should help by posting some pics.

**pbass** · 06-22-2009, 04:28 PM

Check out Sniper Central. Sniper Central - Mel's Sniper Page
Very informative site for these types of rifles.
Mel puts some very nice entry level guns together, utilizing a Howa action, and also a Rem. action.
Regards, Pete

300UltraMag · 06-22-2009, 04:34 PM

i would certainly not say its pretty much like a remington 700, there are ALOT of differences, and big differences. overall its a better action design. even a complete moron could look at the two and tell they are not the same.