howa or remington

[crazysccrmd]

I can get a good used condition Howa 1500 ranchland compact for $500. I can buy a new Remington 700 sps tactical for around $650. Both are .308, 20" barrel, hogue overmold stocks. The 1500 is a standard barrel, the 700 is a bull barrel. Both are about the same weight.

My normal range only goes to 300m but I'd like to stretch it out on ocassion to 600m or more. The rifle would also serve double duty for hunting sometimes.

Is there any real advantage to the more expensive Remington that would make it fit my needs better?

 

[SilentScream]

If it were me, I'd go Howa. The 1500 is essentially a Rem700 action, however Howa uses a (in my opinion) better extractor system. Scope mounting hardware for the 700 is used on the Howa, so there's no issue with having to find some oddball mount or ring. As far as performance, I think you'll be hard pressed to see any difference in accuracy or shoot-ablility. Having sold, used, & worked with both rifles I think the Howa's are one of the best bargains around.

 

[Jackal]

The Ranchland Compact is much lighter than the Remington. A couple pounds lighter at least. In my opinion, the Howa is a better rifle. I have owned both and the Remington just seems lacking. You need to get that price down though, $500 is way too much used. You can get a new one from here www.budsgunshop.com for $516 delivered new. Get the Howa's price down to around $350-$425 and your in business.

It really depends on if you want a tactical/target shooter or a practical rifle you can actually pack/carry all day.

 

[hardluk1]

Howa is a great rifle but that price is not and the weatherby vangaurd is the same HOWA rifle. Right now the vanguard series 2 at calibela's is $449.00 in a 270 cal and weights 7.25lb
http://www.cabelas.com/bolt-action-weatherby-vanguard-series-rifle-1.shtml

 

[jmr40]

The Ranchland Compact is much lighter than the Remington. A couple pounds lighter at least.

False.


Remington has the 2nd lightest action of any rifle made behind Kimber. The Howa and Vanguard actions are the heaviest. In addition Howa uses a Hogue stock which happens to be the heaviest of all aftermarket stocks. Even with the short thin barrel they put on the Ranchland they get it down to about the same weight as a standard weight and length Remington.

The OP correctly stated the Remington with a bull barrel is about the same weight as the Howa with the pencil thin barrel.

You are comparing rifles on opposite ends of the spectrum so it is hard to give an opinion. If you want a heavy barreled target gun I think the Remngton, or a Howa Varmiter http://www.legacysports.com/products/howa_hogue20hvy.html are more comparable.

If you want a lightweight carrying around rifle both are a poor choice.

 

[crazysccrmd]

I ended up with the SPS. Handled both and just liked the overall fit/finish/balance of the Remington better. With the shorter barrel it's still about the same weight as my usual 8mm hunting rifle. Hopefully will be able to get it out tomorrow and put some rounds downrange.

 

[mr.t7024]

I sold them both at Bass Pro, buy the Howa Cliff

 

[hardluk1]

So much for listening to advise