Howa Barreled Actions on sale at Brownells

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I admit they could have done a better job with the mag design. I handled a Howa Mini in 7.62x39 a few months ago, and that was just about the only thing I didn't like about it. Not sure exactly what they were thinking. Having said that, I've seen aftermarket bottom metal for the mini that puts the release in between the mag and trigger guard, and that accepts standard mags. Pricey, but at least there is that option. I would have preferred a double-stack mag that didn't protrude much below the stock, as I plan to hunt with mine and carry it in the hand.
 
I ordered the #1 lightweight barrel for the 7.62x39. I sure hope it doesn't overheat too quickly. I probably should have ordered the heavy barrel for range work, but I really like lightweight hunting rifles and this will be primarily a hunting rifle, that I expect to hand down to a grandkid someday.
 
Newtosavage said:
I ordered the #1 lightweight barrel for the 7.62x39. I sure hope it doesn't overheat too quickly. I probably should have ordered the heavy barrel for range work, but I really like lightweight hunting rifles and this will be primarily a hunting rifle, that I expect to hand down to a grandkid someday.
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For a hunting rifle the LW barrel is the way to go. I have a 223 Mini with the #1 LW barrel. I bought it on a whim when I saw it on a Cabelas close out. It isn't a great benchrest rifle because the barrel heats up pretty fast. I notice the POI starts walking after about one mag. I don't hunt so it isn't a real good fit for me. I mostly shoot a #6 HB now because it's more accurate and takes awhile to heat up. My normal range session is 50-100 rounds. Sometimes I take my Mini or my CZ along to let my 1500 HB rifle cool down.

Just take along another rifle when you go to the range and let your LW barrel cool down. They do get hot. Nothing like an AR barrel though. :D Burnt my hand on one a few weeks ago.
 
I usually have at least 3 rifles with me on every trip to the range, for that reason. And if that's not enough, I will grab my Beretta Neos .22 and plink for a while. ;)

I had a pencil-barreled Ruger 77 RSI in 7x57 for a while. 2 shots were all I could get from that before a POI shift. It was frustrating but a joy to carry! Will be curious to see how this Howa mini does with the 7.62x39 loads.
 
CoalTrain49 said:
The mag release is definitely in the wrong place. I've accidentally popped mine out about 2 dozen times. Be warned, you wouldn't want this on a hunting rifle. If you use a bag on a bench it will also pop the mag out.
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Will shortening the mag release help? It is plastics, should be easy to work on.

By the way, if you ordered, don't expect to receive shipping tracking. Mine was shipped a few days ago,, but I did not receive one, contact them today and was told it is delivered today and they have a system problem, could not send shipping tracking emails.
 
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image.jpeg image.jpeg Great deals on the Howa barreled actions. Glad they went this route, as purchased my LW profile 7.62x39 in Jan/17. Things I noticed
1. Lop was way long for me(I cut n shortened to my needs) you can choose any stock now
2. Cycling bolt, comes very close to scope (got used to it)
3. Mag release lever in front of magwell, easily bumped(modified a bump plate to prevent from hitting)

Decided to cut my barrel as I wanted a light and compact as possible 7.62x39 b action
As pictured with recently purchased HiLux AK7.62 scope weighs in at 6lbs
Sighting in scope at 32m as per instr. Is 10 shot using wolf 123gr fmj
 
Good to know about the no shipping notice, was beginning to wonder.
The light barrels DO heat up ! There were specific barrel break in instructions with my .223 in regards to that. Last match I shot a 20 rd string in 2 min - barrel was too hot to touch. 15 min later I shot another set and poi had walked and the marage in the scope was terrible. That being said with my hand loads off a bench at a slow pace it'll shoot just under .7 for 5 shots at 100 yds.
 
That being said with my hand loads off a bench at a slow pace it'll shoot just under .7 for 5 shots at 100 yds.
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That's what I want to hear, since I plan for this mini to replace my Savage 7.62x39. And that's a damn tall order considering how accurate that rifle is.
 
High country... I cut barrel to 17". I forget to mention the LW profile barrel after only 5 shots heats up pretty quick.
That's why I shot 10 rounds to see if any type of poi might show up, but all looks good for now only at 32m. But want to shoot at 50 n 100y
 
ford8nr said:
Picked up my 7.63x39 today, VERY NICE

Who bought the Zombie stock ?
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They're both gone now. LOL If that classic one had a #1 barrel channel, I would have bought it and painted it. I finally pulled the trigger on a new Boyd's stock in the forest camo laminate. Should be here in a week or so. I'll post up how it all comes together.
 
Opticsplanet has Boyd's Howa Mini stocks starting $144 shipped and running a 10% Off labor day sale with coupon code "LBRDY" at their front page. Comes to $130, a bit cheaper than buying direct from Boyd's $138 + shipping. Boyd's has more selections for sure. Boyd's used to sell unfinished stocks cheaper than finished ones, now needs to add $15 for unfinished! I like oiled finished, sand to open the barrel channel and bed anyway, so I bought unfinished in the past. Now they ask for more $$ for unfinished!
https://www.opticsplanet.com/s/howa-mini-action-stock?_iv_categories=rifle-stocks

Now I need to find scope bases!
 
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Picked up my 7.62x39 LW barreled action yesterday. Nice light little thing. Trigger breaks at 4 lb., so some adjusting is going to be necessary there. Bolt is fairly smooth, with some minor looseness in the fit. It isn't a Tikka, but it is noticeably better than the MVPs I handled, and similar in smoothness and fit to the Rugers that I handled but with a lighter overall feel. I have spent $200 on a lot less...

I am going to order a boyds classic stock for it. One note on the finish, I just replaced the stock on a 39a with a boyds, and the finish came off very easily with a little citri-strip. I will probably just order one that is finished, and strip it when I am done shaving weight/reshaping it to my liking before oil finishing. Not really sure why the unfinished is extra. Hopefully I can shave a bit of weight off of there because those laminate stocks are nice, but heavy, and I would like to keep the weight down as much as I can without using a plastic stock.

Looking forward to shooting it, and looking forward to seeing how others who ordered one end up putting them together.
 
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