Barreled Action, Howa 1500

[DArBad]

Calguns members,

I am toying with the idea of slowly building up (in my case ASSEMBLING is the more appropriate term) a basic, bolt action rifle that will be used mainly for plinking, paper target shooting within 200 to 300 yards tops using store bought .308 Winchester factory ammunition.

Seems to me, the cheapest route will be to buy a barreled Howa 1500 action from Brownells (currently out of stock though), and later on, as money permit, buy an acceptable stock and scope. Budget will be around $1000.00 - if that is possible. Maybe possible if I will do it piecemeal, spread over several months. I am interested at the Howa because the receiver body and recoil shield are integral to one another, they are forged, and the receiver underside is flat (in my mind easier for a novice such as myself to slide into an aftermarket rifle stock).

My questions are;

A) how do you find the quality? (head space, bolt, chamber, etc).

B) Is this the CHEAPEST route? - Yes gang, I am cheap because I am retired.

C) Any other way to have an acceptably accurate bolt action?? I am not talking precision rifle accuracy of sub minute angle at 700 yards, more like 1 minute angle at 100 to 150 yards.

I think I made a thread something similar to this years ago with different parameters, but things in the home front changed drastically hence this new thread.

Thank you.

[NATEWA]

200-300 yards and store bought ammo - I’d buy this and a leupold or vortex scope. Get the best scope you can afford.

I’ve never built a bolt action rifle so I’m sure someone more knowledgeable will let you know how that process goes.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/howa-1500-hogue-bolt-action-rifle/p/p52615

[MyOdessa]

I think that Howa 1500 is a solid choice for what you want.

[sigstroker]

It's certainly not the cheapest though. For that, go Savage Axis, Ruger American, Mossberg Patriot, etc. Depending on your timing you might find a Savage 12, 10, etc on sale or with a rebate that brings it down to the price of the bargain basement models. Same with some of the other manufacturers.

[stormvet]

I’ve never assembled a bolt gun from scratch, but agree the Howa 1500 action is a good solid low cost way to start. Many years ago I bought a Howa 1500 from Buds when they were having a sale, came with a Hogue stock. Certainly not the best but a solid stock for a low cost rifle. They have a nice smooth action and shoot well, capable of small tight groups. Like you I usually just use military type ammo but still get satisfactory results with it.

[G38xOC]

I've seen few howa 1500 in 308 and 6.5 for pretty cheap on private firearm section

[DArBad]

200-300 yards and store bought ammo - I?d buy this and a leupold or vortex scope. Get the best scope you can afford.

I?ve never built a bolt action rifle so I?m sure someone more knowledgeable will let you know how that process goes.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-...rifle/p/p52615

Wow, never thought Howa rifle can be had that affordable. Thanks!

[DArBad]

Thank you gentlemen for all your response.

[sigstroker]

The one bad thing about Howas is if you want detachable mags, your choices are limited. The plastic setup Howa sells is a little on the flimsy side. I don't know is anyone sells an AICS setup.

[ar15barrels]

Wow, never thought Howa rifle can be had that affordable. Thanks!

Those are skinny barrel hunting rifles.
They are not useful for target shooting where you want to fire multiple rounds and get a small group over and over in the same day.

You will want a heavy barrel for target shooting.

[ar15barrels]

The one bad thing about Howas is if you want detachable mags, your choices are limited.
The plastic setup Howa sells is a little on the flimsy side.
I don't know is anyone sells an AICS setup.

No problem.

https://mdttac.com/acc-chassis-system/

Nothing like spending $1200 to spiff up your $500 gun.

[DArBad]

The one bad thing about Howas is if you want detachable mags, your choices are limited. The plastic setup Howa sells is a little on the flimsy side. I don't know is anyone sells an AICS setup.

Good to know sig. I do want AICS/MDT detachable box magazines, to have a 5 rounds and 10 rounds.

[DArBad]

Those are skinny barrel hunting rifles.
They are not useful for target shooting where you want to fire multiple rounds and get a small group over and over in the same day.

You will want a heavy barrel for target shooting.

Thanks Randall. Heavy barrel it is.

[stormvet]

You may actually save money or break even just buying a complete Howa rifle. They offer several different target type chassis with the AICS/MDT, along with heavy barrels in 20-24” (my rifle has a heavy 24” barrel). I’ve seen the the Oryx chassis, heavy 20” with box mag and adjustable stock for less than $900.

[DArBad]

I?ve never assembled a bolt gun from scratch, but agree the Howa 1500 action is a good solid low cost way to start. Many years ago I bought a Howa 1500 from Buds when they were having a sale, came with a Hogue stock. Certainly not the best but a solid stock for a low cost rifle. They have a nice smooth action and shoot well, capable of small tight groups. Like you I usually just use military type ammo but still get satisfactory results with it.

Thanks for posting that, storm!

..." nice smooth action and shoot well ". That's really very helpful. I am also getting that feedback from several people. They mentioned how they prefer Howa's HACT trigger system, telling me no need to upgrade to the more expensive Timney, unless of course I just wanted too.