Unconfigured Ad Widget

Collapse

Howa 1500 vs Ruger American Predator in 308, which one should I get?

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • mkp750
    Member
    • May 2020
    • 237

    Howa 1500 vs Ruger American Predator in 308, which one should I get?

    I'm looking to purchase a 308 rifle for around ~$500 mainly for hunting and also long range fun. I've narrowed down my options to the Howa 1500 and Ruger American Predator.

    Currently the Sportsman in my area has both in stock and I'm going to visit this weekend to check out both.

    Just wanted to see what everyone else's opinion is before I visit the shop this weekend.



    Buy Ruger American Predator 308 Winchester Black/Green Bolt Action Rifle at Sportsmans Warehouse online and in-store has everything for your outdoor sports adventure needs. Fishing, rods & reels, camping gear, tents and much more.


    If anybody here has any insights or experience with either rifle that they would be willing to share, I would really appreciate it.
  • #2
    JackEllis
    Veteran Member
    • Nov 2015
    • 2731

    I have a Howa 1500 in .223 with a varmint barrel. It's heavy (varmint barrel) but I like the way it shoots.

    I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

    Comment

    • #3
      sigstroker
      I need a LIFE!!
      • Jan 2009
      • 19648

      The Howa comes with a stiffer stock but you can get more options with the Ruger.

      Comment

      • #4
        Divernhunter
        Calguns Addict
        • May 2010
        • 8753

        Get the Ruger. I have a couple of them and like them.

        The best thing to do is handle both of them and get the one that fits YOU best.
        A 30cal will reach out and touch them. A 50cal will kick their butt.
        NRA Life Member, NRA certified RSO & Basic Pistol Instructor, Hunter, shooter, reloader
        SCI, Manteca Sportsmen Club, Coalinga Rifle Club, Escalon Sportsmans Club, Waterford Sportsman Club & NAHA Member, Madison Society member

        Comment

        • #5
          Kokopelli
          Veteran Member
          • Sep 2008
          • 3389

          Originally posted by mkp750
          I'm looking to purchase a 308 rifle for around ~$500 mainly for hunting and also long range fun. I've narrowed down my options to the Howa 1500 and Ruger American Predator.

          Currently the Sportsman in my area has both in stock and I'm going to visit this weekend to check out both.

          Just wanted to see what everyone else's opinion is before I visit the shop this weekend.



          Buy Ruger American Predator 308 Winchester Black/Green Bolt Action Rifle at Sportsmans Warehouse online and in-store has everything for your outdoor sports adventure needs. Fishing, rods & reels, camping gear, tents and much more.


          If anybody here has any insights or experience with either rifle that they would be willing to share, I would really appreciate it.
          If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on earth. - Ronald Reagan

          Comment

          • #6
            mkp750
            Member
            • May 2020
            • 237

            Pretty sure the Ranch doesn't come in 308 unfortunately

            Comment

            • #7
              ar15barrels
              I need a LIFE!!
              • Jan 2006
              • 57122

              Originally posted by mkp750
              I'm looking to purchase a 308 rifle for around ~$500 mainly for hunting and also long range fun.
              I've narrowed down my options to the Howa 1500 and Ruger American Predator.
              Currently the Sportsman in my area has both in stock and I'm going to visit this weekend to check out both.



              Buy Ruger American Predator 308 Winchester Black/Green Bolt Action Rifle at Sportsmans Warehouse online and in-store has everything for your outdoor sports adventure needs. Fishing, rods & reels, camping gear, tents and much more.


              If anybody here has any insights or experience with either rifle that they would be willing to share, I would really appreciate it.
              The Ruger Predator has a heavier barrel which will be more accurate for target shooting than the skinny barrel of the Howa.
              The Ruger has a threaded muzzle and is suppressor ready.
              The Howa has a lighter barrel that will be lighter to carry in the field all day.
              The Howa will not be good as a target rifle.
              You can hunt with a heavier barrel if you don't mind the extra weight.
              Last edited by ar15barrels; 09-09-2021, 3:36 PM.
              Randall Rausch

              AR work: www.ar15barrels.com
              Bolt actions: www.700barrels.com
              Foreign Semi Autos: www.akbarrels.com
              Barrel, sight and trigger work on most pistols and shotguns.
              Most work performed while-you-wait.

              Comment

              • #8
                Kokopelli
                Veteran Member
                • Sep 2008
                • 3389

                Originally posted by ar15barrels
                The Ruger Predator has a heavier barrel which will be more accurate for target shooting than the skinny barrel of the Howa.
                The Ruger has a threaded muzzle and is suppressor ready.
                The Howa has a lighter barrel that will be lighter to carry in the field all day.
                The Howa will not be good as a target rifle.
                You can hunt with a heavier barrel if you don't mind the extra weight.
                Thank you, Randall. You just bumped the 308 Ruger Predator to the top of my list.
                If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on earth. - Ronald Reagan

                Comment

                • #9
                  Kevin11mee
                  Member
                  • Feb 2021
                  • 179

                  Looks like the Ruger is only 6.6 pounds according to Bass Pro, which is nice for a hunting rifle. I would've assumed the predator would be heavier. I'd go with the Ruger if that weight is accurate. Also, get a 6.5 Creedmoor. The .308 does nothing better than the 6.5 CM. If elk is on the table, get a .300 win mag. It does everything better than both but recoils more.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    ar15barrels
                    I need a LIFE!!
                    • Jan 2006
                    • 57122

                    Originally posted by Kevin11mee
                    Looks like the Ruger is only 6.6 pounds according to Bass Pro, which is nice for a hunting rifle. I would've assumed the predator would be heavier. I'd go with the Ruger if that weight is accurate.
                    The predator in 308 that he is looking at has an 18" barrel so while it's a heavy barrel, it's similar in weight to a 22" skinny barrel.
                    Randall Rausch

                    AR work: www.ar15barrels.com
                    Bolt actions: www.700barrels.com
                    Foreign Semi Autos: www.akbarrels.com
                    Barrel, sight and trigger work on most pistols and shotguns.
                    Most work performed while-you-wait.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Tere_Hanges
                      Calguns Addict
                      • Mar 2013
                      • 6268

                      Get the Ruger predator. I want one. The barrel contour is a great balance between light and heavy, its more like medium. And i think the mag is AICS pattern if the model you are looking at has that bottom metal. Get it. Dont even second guess it. The action is super smooth too, smoother than a Howa, almost as smooth as a Tikka.

                      I have a 24" threaded heavy bbl H1500 so i like Howas. But between a standard H1500 and Ruger Predator, get the Predator.
                      Last edited by Tere_Hanges; 09-09-2021, 7:23 PM.
                      CRPA and NRA member.

                      Note that those who have repeatedly expressed enough vile and incoherent content as to render your views irrelevant, have been placed on my ignore list. Thank you for helping me improve my experience and direct my attention towards those who are worthy of it. God bless your toxic little souls.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Kevin11mee
                        Member
                        • Feb 2021
                        • 179

                        Get the Howa in a 6.5 then. If you want a .30 cal, go for a .30-06 or .300 WM.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Kevin11mee
                          Member
                          • Feb 2021
                          • 179

                          Get the Howa in a 6.5 then. If you want a .30 cal, go for a .30-06 or .300 WM.

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            sigstroker
                            I need a LIFE!!
                            • Jan 2009
                            • 19648

                            Originally posted by California_Deplorable
                            Get the Ruger predator. I want one. The barrel contour is a great balance between light and heavy, its more like medium. And i think the mag is AICS pattern if the model you are looking at has that bottom metal. Get it. Dont even second guess it. The action is super smooth too, smoother than a Howa, almost as smooth as a Tikka.

                            I have a 24" threaded heavy bbl H1500 so i like Howas. But between a standard H1500 and Ruger Predator, get the Predator.
                            Those Rugers must be inconsistent, because the one I fiddled with was loose and rough. I would suggest you play with the one you'll be buying. Don't just accept one in a box without putting the bolt in and running it. The one I tried was nowhere near as smooth and solid as a Howa.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              M1NM
                              Calguns Addict
                              • Oct 2011
                              • 7966

                              Originally posted by ar15barrels
                              The Ruger Predator has a heavier barrel which will be more accurate for target shooting than the skinny barrel of the Howa..
                              Hunting rifles get away with thinner barrels because they don't fire many rounds at a sitting. My Weatherby has what I would consider a very thin barrel and it will group under 1" at 100 yards - for the first 3 shots. After there it opens up due to heat in the barrel.

                              The Weatherby Vanguard is a Howa: https://weatherby.com/rifles/vanguard/

                              They were not kind to the Ruger
                              Can this ultra low cost “predator” rifle perform as a long range precision rifle? We perform a full review to find out.

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              UA-8071174-1