hotled

Just saw a few at all places, Walmart. The peppered stock varmint in .308 looks very nice but it's a heavy S.O.B.
Anyone have experience with Howa? I will probably opt for a Tikka but Im still looking at options here in the 7mm-08,308,25-06 calibers.

Also they had the Ruger M77 Mark II- Frontier, now that little rifle looks like a great woods gun! Any reviews of it?

Chantecler111

HOWA is an awesome brand of firearms, they are just a Weatherby Vanguard with a different name. And they are very accurate.

TxStorm

+1

All I've handled have been pretty nice rifles. Some of their stocks leave a bit to be desired as far as finish goes, but over all should be excellent value for the buck, exspecially from WallyWorld.

Chantecler111

Yeah, I agree the stocks could have some improvements, for sure, and they are a great deal for the money.

TxStorm

What were they asking? My WalMart was sold out of everything Howa. I went looking for a standard contour .243 instead of a heavy varmint barrel.

Ruger makes fine rifles, triggers 50% of the time need some TLC. If you are handy try this link to walk you through it:
http://www.centerfirecentral.com/77trigger.html

Seen quite a few reviews on the net while looking for info on something else. Personally, I didn't like the feel of the Frontiers, made me feel like I was walking about with my 7yr old's .22 Cricket. I'm a big fellow, 260lb @ 6-3" and it just ain't natural looking with that lil barreled jewel in my hands.

hotled

I'm going to have to go to the shop and hold that Frontier for a bit. I'm 5'8' 190 and it looks like an ideal stalk setup in 308 or 7mm-08.

I'm just wondering if the Howa would be as good as the Tikka T3.

TxStorm

Can't help ya there, partner.. never made use of the Tikka line, but it does seem to get great reviews. I would imagine though that there is a nice cost difference 'twix the two. I'd even go so far as to say the difference would probably put you some decent glass on that Howa. Handle all three and beforehand make yourself a check list of what all you require/desire from a new bolt-action and see which matches it out the best.