Howdy all, I am from San Diego and just aquired my first high power bolt gun. I have had 30-30 levers and I own military stuff, but never a bolt gun. The rifle I obtained for 200.00 is a Howa 1500 in .270wcf. The rifle is all camo and looks factory (Did howa offer this?) or has it been dipped? I will need a scope, rings and bases for this gun and have no idea what to get. I do not want to spend alot of money 100-150, although I realize a good scope makes the gun. I was looking at a Simmons whitetail classic scope on sale at Midway, but..... Any thoughts on this? I will mainly hunt pigs and maybe deer, other that punching paper occasionally. Also, regarding the Howa recall, does anyone know of there is a way to tell if my bolt has been altered per the recall?

Sorry this is so long, but I am scratching my head here. I have lots of other questions for later, like different stocks and removing the camo job.

Thanks...

Welcome to the Forum,Huntndogs.
You'll get answers for most of your questions,here.
I know very little about Howas and pigs,but can say that most folks will suggest that you buy the best scope that you can afford.
However,in my experience,second hand steel tube Weavers,and low end Bushnell scopess gave me more satisfaction then the new Leupolds did.
If you have a cash flow problem,find out which of the less expensive scopes are popular,and buy it.Get your gun on line.shoot it enough to form an opinion as to what more expensive scope you prefer to have.
Good luck
Frank

I know very little about Howas and pigs,but can say that most folks will suggest that you buy the best scope that you can afford.
However,in my experience,second hand steel tube Weavers,and low end Bushnell scopes....

Frank


I second the Bushnells. I own and love two Bushnell Banners and a Bushnell Trophy.

Over the years I've shot most of the scopes on the market, There's Bushnell's, Weaver's, Simmons, Leupold's and even a Tasco and a BSA. All of them work OK. I've had pretty good luck with the Simmons and Bushnell's both. One of my favorite scopes lately is a Simmons AETEC in 2.8 to 10 power. These are the top of the line for Simmons and around a hundred and fifty bucks. Burris and Nikon are also good.

My only suggestion is when looking at scopes look for the widest field of view you can get for the type of hunting your going to do. A 2 by 7 or 3 by 9 work best for hunting.

I've had good luck with Simmons and Bushnell scopes. As for mounts, anything that is made for the Remington 700 rifle will fit your Howa.

The Howa is an excellent rifle. One safety note -- they had a recall several years back involving the bolt. Do a Google search for "Howa recall" and you should get plenty of info. You can contact Howa and, if your rifle is one involved, they will send you a prepaid mailer so you can send the bolt back for modification.

Thanks Guys, All good info.

I would look at Burris scopes for cheap but halfway decent optics.

Go with the White Tail Classic, can't go wrong for the money. I've use all the above and have an Elite 4200 in a 6 X 24 with side focus and for just a little over 100 bucks the White Tail to me is the best buy on the market right now. Enough so I got 2 for myself and 3 for friends. Bushnell Banner is also a very good scope for the money but way behind the Classic.