Need a light stock for my Howa 1500

[TG1618]

Hey guys,

New here, thought this would be as good a place to post as any.

I recently purchased a Howa 1500 in 308, with a 26" bull barrel. I love the rifle, and it's an absolute tack-driver. I'm not really into competition shooting though, and it has a thumb-hole laminate stock that carries like a boat anchor. I don't care a ton about weight, but I would like something that is a bit more durable with a lower profile. Maybe a synthetic? I was hoping to go hunting with it.


(Not mine, but same condition basically. I also have a Nikon Bushmaster I haven't installed yet)

And I'm not sure how they react to changing stocks. My gunsmith doesn't have a ton of experience with them, so any input would be appreciated.

Thanks for reading!

-Tom

 

[Jenrick]

Howa's change out really nice. The action basically already has pillars installed on it, so you don't have to bed it if you don't want to. I have a 1500 in a Hogue stock and it shoots lights out. Taking out of of the stock and putting it back in see's a bit of a zero shift, but it's still 1/2 MoA accurate with loads it likes. So expect to have to check your zero, but you wont loose any accuracy from going to a lighter stock.

-Jenrick

 

[jmr40]

There isn't a lot you can do to significantly lighten the load. The Howa/Vanguard action is the heaviest bolt action available. You have coupled it with a longer than standard heavy bull barrel and a heavier bull barrel. Then bolted a heavy laminated stock to it. About the best you can do is reduce weight by about 1-1.5 lbs. It'll still be close to 10 lbs scoped no matter what.

Just guessing, but the stock on there is probably at least 3lbs. Hogue makes 2 different replacement stocks. The full bedding block stock is over 3 lbs and wouldn't be any lighter than what you have. The version with pillars is about 2.5 lbs and would help some.

For the money the B&C Medalist will run almost $300 and can be had in a version slightly under 2 lbs. In you case this is what I'd do. You'll most likely have to buy the sporter and open up the barrel channel. They make a Varmint/Tactical version made for heavier barrels, but you'll not save any weight with that version.

https://www.stockysstocks.com/stock...uminum-bedding-right-left-hand-available.html

I'd also seriously consider cutting the barrel shorter. Unless you're shooting 1000 yards a 308 doesn't need 26" and won't lose much speed cut shorter. My 18" Ruger Predator 308 shoots the same loads 60 fps slower than my 22" Winchester 70. Cutting 3-4" from the barrel will take off several oz and change the balance making it feel even lighter than it is.

You could put a McMillan Edge stock on there that will weigh about 1 1/4 lb. But those are in the $600 price range.

 

[TG1618]

Thanks, Jenrick.

And that's good to hear. I like the rifle, but can't stand the thumbhole stock. The Hogue seems like a good fit. Thanks!

-Tom

 

[TG1618]

Thanks, Jmr40, I hadn't thought of cutting the barrel down. I'm not adverse to weight, but that would certainly seem to help the balance some when shooting offhand. I'm pretty sure the longest range near me is like 600 yards anyway.

I looked at the Edge and liked what I saw, but that's certainly out of my price range for now. Hell I paid like 250 for the rifle in the first place. But as I looked more into the action it certainly seems more capable than I, so maybe it will become my modding rifle.

Anyway, thanks for the answers. Lot to mull over.

-Tom