Howa 308 rifles

[ExtremeX]

Id buy a Howa... I never paid much attention to them in the past, but they have a great action for a factory rifle in that price class. Dare I say better than what Remington offers on their rifles.

[23 Blast]

I love my howa 308. Came with a heavy barrel, 10rd detachable box mag, a 4-16x44 scope, and a bipod for $699 +tax&dros. Thing is a tack driver. Sub moa @100yds using match ammo.

I have a different scope, but other than that, my rifle looks almost exactly like yours. Got it in a trade from another Calgunner, who had added a bigger bolt handle and polished the bolt. Thing is smoooooooth.

I think Howa rifles are excellent values for an "out of the box, not planning to modify" type of setup.

Mine is quite heavy - definitely not a slim and trim hunting rifle.

[B!ngo]

Ditto. I may be old fashioned but I still think you should buy your rifle, mount and scope separately. You can optimize each piece and the seller/manufacturer can't hide margin in the lesser components (usually the scope).
I have read that Howa makes some very good rifles but I don't think this setup, for the price, is one of them.
I have become a complete Tikka biggot and recommend you take a look at a T3. Might be too light for spending long hours at the range though the varmint model(s) might be appropriate. But they are excellent.
B

Buy the rifle only, then you have complete control over what scope to put on it.