Howa rifles have earned a solid reputation among shooters for their accuracy, reliability, and affordability. This review focuses specifically on the Howa barreled action, examining its key features, performance, and suitability for various applications. We'll delve into the details, helping you determine if a Howa barreled action is the right choice for your next build project.
Understanding the Howa Barreled Action
The Howa barreled action represents the heart of their rifle systems. It's a crucial component, combining the receiver (housing the bolt and firing mechanism) with the barrel, offering a pre-assembled unit ready for stock integration. This design streamlines the custom rifle building process, saving time and potential headaches compared to purchasing each component separately. Key characteristics include:
Howa's Action Design: Strength and Precision
Howa actions are known for their robust design. They utilize a controlled-round-feed system, meaning cartridges are fed smoothly and reliably into the chamber. This system enhances feeding reliability, even with difficult ammunition. The bolt is renowned for its smooth operation and precise locking lugs, ensuring secure chambering and a consistent firing cycle. This is crucial for accuracy, as any slight movement during firing can impact precision.
Barrel Quality: Accuracy and Longevity
Howa barrels are typically manufactured from high-quality chrome-moly steel, known for its strength and durability. This choice contributes to the rifle's accuracy and longevity. The barrels are often cold hammer-forged, a process that creates a denser barrel with exceptional concentricity. This tight tolerance minimizes variations in the bore, resulting in improved accuracy and consistency between shots. The quality of the barrel is a significant factor in the overall accuracy of the rifle. Many Howa barrels are also available in different profiles (heavy, sporter, varmint) to suit different applications.
Howa's Hogue Overmolded Stock (Often Included): A Comfortable and Functional Fit
While this review focuses on the barreled action itself, it's worth mentioning that many Howa barreled actions come with a Hogue overmolded stock. These stocks are known for their comfortable ergonomics and durable construction. The overmolded polymer provides a good grip, even in wet conditions. This stock provides a solid foundation for the barreled action, contributing to the overall performance of the rifle.
Howa Barreled Action: Performance in the Field
The Howa barreled action consistently delivers excellent accuracy. Many shooters report sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy with factory ammunition, especially when paired with a quality scope and appropriate ammunition. This accuracy is a testament to the precision manufacturing processes employed by Howa. However, the overall accuracy can vary depending on factors like the specific barrel profile, ammunition used, and the shooter's skill.
Case Study: A 6.5 Creedmoor Build
One user reported achieving consistent 0.75 MOA groups at 100 yards using a Howa 1500 barreled action chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with handloaded ammunition. This demonstrates the potential for high accuracy achievable with the Howa platform. This level of performance makes the Howa a popular choice for long-range shooting enthusiasts.
Reliability and Durability: Tested in Various Conditions
The Howa barreled action has proven itself reliable in diverse conditions. Reports from users suggest minimal malfunctions, even after extensive use in varying weather conditions. The robust construction of the action and the quality of the barrel contribute to this reliability. This makes the Howa a suitable choice for both hunting and target shooting applications.
Howa Barreled Action: Applications and Suitability
The versatility of the Howa barreled action makes it appropriate for a variety of applications:
-
Hunting: The accuracy and reliability of the Howa make it an excellent choice for hunting various game animals. The ability to chamber it in various calibers enhances its suitability for different hunting scenarios.
-
Target Shooting: The consistent accuracy achieved with the Howa is highly desirable for target shooting. It's capable of delivering the precise shot placement required for competitive shooting disciplines.
-
Custom Rifle Building: The pre-assembled nature of the Howa barreled action simplifies custom rifle builds. Builders can focus on selecting the stock, trigger, and other components while knowing that the core accuracy of the rifle is already established.
-
Long-Range Shooting: The ability to consistently deliver sub-MOA groups makes it suitable for long-range shooting applications. However, choosing the right barrel profile and ammunition is crucial for optimal results.
Conclusion: Is a Howa Barreled Action Right for You?
The Howa barreled action offers exceptional value, blending accuracy, reliability, and affordability. Its suitability depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a foundation for a custom rifle build or a pre-assembled solution with high accuracy potential, the Howa barreled action is definitely worth considering. However, remember that proper setup, ammunition selection, and shooter skill all contribute to achieving optimal results. Research the specific caliber and barrel profile that best suits your intended application.