Hello all, first thread and I'm needing some help on a matter.

I have a guy offering me a Howa 1500 .223 for $350-400.

Is it worth it?

Thanks

Sgt.Heihn

I love Howa's, but What stock, model, scoped? If it is a HB varminter w/ a Boyds Laminate bedded stock, $350.00 would be very good. For a synthetic stock standard, w/ a Niko? scope $300.00 is about it. Great rifles. I would look at Legacy sports to find out the current new price and figure age, and care of the rifle. Dings, dents, grunge, all lower the value. Take the barreled action out of the stock and check for pitting and grunge underneath. If you cast the chamber, Howa is usually longer in the throat, for Military and police use. More info is needed. Jim

Howas are great rifles, most shoot MOA or better. Very similar to a Remington Action. A base 1500 will run about $400.00 new, different variations or stainless can run quite a bit new. You can also go to Walmart and but a Weatherby Vangaurd for about $400.00, which is a Howa built to Weatherby specs.

Thanks guys. I am going to go see it before I make any decision on it. But $350 is a **** good price!!

It may not be a good price! There is always the abuse factor. If it seems to good.......

As bsn said, it is "similar" to a 700, but the bolt, and receiver are much heavier. It is also a modified Mauser action. I would still move slow on it. Jim

I had a 1500. Very accurate rifle. A bit heavy. That price seems a bit high. If you can get a gage on how many rounds been run through it, it would be helpful. Also, will he let you shoot it and see how it prints?

Hello all, first thread and I'm needing some help on a matter.

I have a guy offering me a Howa 1500 .223 for $350-400.

Is it worth it?

Thanks

Sgt.Heihn

Agree with comments re stock and care. I have 3 x Howas personally and do a lot of tweaking to others to resell (I buy barrelled actions). I recently saw a brand new one in my local gun shop in stainless for around $350 if memory serves - stock was the standard worthless cheap black synthetic (no scope).

Generally, I find these rifles to be MUCH easier to work on than Rem 700s or Mauser types, very accurate, and best of all CHEAP. You do need to be aware that if you ever rebarrel, they are threaded metric, and this will cause your gunsmith to charge you extra, usually $35-$70.

Well, ended up talking him down to $265 and a pistol scope and he threw in a hard case. It was the standard 1500 with Nikko Stirling 3-9x42mm which is getting yanked and replaced with a Weaver T-24 or V series.

Its a nice little gun, no scratches or nicks. Now I just need to find a place out here in PRC to shoot.

If anyone has any places let me know!!

Sgt.Heihn

Edit: It has had less than 200rnds run through it.

Good deal, Sarge!

If you can't find a place in PRC, come on over to Ariz - we still allow shooting over here!

Well, ended up talking him down to $265 and a pistol scope and he threw in a hard case. It was the standard 1500 with Nikko Stirling 3-9x42mm which is getting yanked and replaced with a Weaver T-24 or V series.

Its a nice little gun, no scratches or nicks. Now I just need to find a place out here in PRC to shoot.

If anyone has any places let me know!!

Sgt.Heihn

Edit: It has had less than 200rnds run through it.


I put a Weaver V10 on my 7mm Rem mag, great scope.
good luck with her. Jim

Sarge, you made a good deal!
The Howa rifles I have seen are very well made.
As stated, they make the Weatherby Vanguard series, and made rifles for S&W some years back.
They are fine quality, smooth and rugged, and very good shooters, usually at a good price.

Enjoy it, and please report on how it shoots.

mark