Howa rifle info needed

[fgr39]

Ok, looking to get a .223 bolt gun and really leaning toward the Howa. I have a few questions before I order one. The barrel contors are listed as #1, #2 and #6(heavy). I realize the #6 is the heavy (bull) barrel on the varmint models but what is the #2 profile like? Is it a medium? I think the #1 is the really thin barrel. Also, with the stocks that are on them is it worth the $50 more to get the wood stock? Is the polymer stock one of the flimsy cheapos that you feel the need to replace cause it flexes? This is mainly gonna be for target shooting with a few groundhogs every now and then. Thanks

 

[rbernie]

There have been many variants of stocks on the Howa rifles, so it's hard to say without comparing specific versions. In general, the Weatherby Vanguard version of the Howa has nicer stocks than the Howa-branded version.

The Howa/Weatherby Vanguard 223 has a 1:12" twist, so it's pretty much a varmint rifle - no 69gr+ match bullets in 'em.

 

[BBA]

Howa

I have the heavy barrel w/ tupperware stock. Got it for a very good price because it sat around in the gun shop for a long time with no takers(didn't have the Weatherby name). Anyway, the bolt feels like it rides on ball bearings and it shoots very small groups, even with my loads. The stock is ok and is not affected by temp. It does not like heavy bullits but is a well built rifle. Howa has always been kind of a sleeper like CZ's.