Howa 1500 strong and reliable
Letters containing questions for answering by Nick Harvey must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope. Mail your letters to: The Technical Editor, 3 Reef Street, Hill End, NSW 2850.
Q I am in the market for a bolt-action rifle in .270 Winchester and have just about settled on a Howa 1500 with a Hogue Multi-Cam stock. This rifle is well priced, but my local gunshop has been trying to talk me into a more expensive European rifle. What’s your opinion of the Howa? Should I stick to my first choice? Hugh Stevens
A The Howa 1500 has a good reputation and comes with a sub-MOA guarantee for three shots. I like the Howa, which is a straightforward design with flat-bottomed receiver, a hinged floorplate and a broad choice of stocks. The one-piece bolt has twin forward locking lugs, Sako-style extractor and recessed bolt face. The breech is recessed to fully surround the bolt head with a ring of steel. Receiver rails are thick for increased rigidity and accuracy. Barrels are hammer-forged chromemoly. The rifle has a HACT two-stage trigger that’s crisp and inert.
Over the years I’ve tested a number of these rifles in various calibres and can recommend them without reservation. The Howa Model 1500 is well-designed, accurate and affordable. Don’t get talked into something that may not suit your needs as well.
The .25-06 for varmints
Q You mentioned in a previous article that you considered the .25-06 to be
