Hey,

Today I purchased a HOWA 1500 .308 rifle. I looked up some reviews online, and they all seemed positive. The rifle came with an attached adjustable bipod, and a Nikko Stirling scope, as a complete package with a funky gray camo pattern on the stock and action/barrel. Anyway, any thoughts on the rifle from those who own one or have shot one?

Howa has good reputation for accuracy for the price. I'd say grab some Federal Blue Box 308 and see how she shoots. I'd probably swap the scope out, but just my preference.

I have a little Marlin XS7 in 308 that shoots that Federal Blue box really, really well. It's a bargin rifle as well. No complaints.

Thanks for the info, PFG. I am not sure of the quality of the scope, all of my rifles are assault types with iron sights. I am not well informed on scopes and such, so when I saw this rifle as a complete setup, I figured it will be good enough for me. Where I am at now, the only range I can use is limited to 200 meters, so I am sure it will be good for range play. I will get your recommended ammo and give it a try. Thanks for the info.

Have one in 30-06. It's been a great rifle, but will likely replace the Hogue Stock before deer season. I put a sims barrel deresonator thing on it when I first bought it because I was told they were the sheet. Pulled it off after it started dry rotting this season. It's been throwing my first round up and to the left about an inch or so. After talking with Horizon the best we can figure is there is a contact point while cold that it moves away from once it gets warm. Prior to removing the sims thingamajig it was shooting dime and nickel sized groups at 100.

Out to 200, you're probably not going to miss anything by not upgrading the glass, though that would be my first priority if I decided to change anything. It's not a bad scope but there are a ton better out there.

And the Nikko scope is nice for a cheap 3x9, but I put a vortex on it after the first season. But that was more to have an illuminated reticle. I had it on my 5.56 for a while and it was good but I swapped it out for more magnification this past year as well. My brother has it on one of rifles and he absolutely loves it for night hunts on coyotes.

Thanks for all the comments. I plan on taking it to the range weekend after next, too much to do to get there sooner.

As for the scope, I read over the pamphlet that came with it, but it did not say how much movement each dot on the reticle equated to. I plan on zeroing it probably at an inch high at 200 meters. Does anyone know how much distance each aiming dot equates to? I am guessing 50 meters, but that might be WAY off.

Glad to hear about the accuracy. Not sure if all the 1500s have the heavy barrel, but mine has the 18 inch heavy barrel.

[This message has been edited by clarythedrill (edited 5/3/2014 5:38p).]

Not sure on that, my Nikko has a standard duplex. Need to check the box again and make sure it's not mils. I have buddy who is a Howa dealer that I can call if you give me the model number that can sort it out real quick.

And mine is the mid contour barrel 22"

EFE, it is a 4-16x44 AO Gameking. I guess what I need to know is if I zero the cross hairs at 200 meters, how much further distance will each dot in elevation get me? Thanks for your help in getting the information.

I've got a .308 with a 20" bull barrel, great gun and is very accurate, I can consistently shoot dime-sized groups at 100 yds. I never mounted the nikko scope, seems ok but I wanted a FFP from Primary Arms to start teaching myself long range shooting.

Have multiple Howa rifles and Nikko Stirling scopes and have no complaints. great value guns with good accuracy and solid optics.

Just looked up your scope. It's a mil-dot scope so your yardage calls will be in be in mils. Your drop will follow mil dot calls, I highly recommend buying the $10 ballistics app in the istore and going off its calls until you get accustomed to what you feed your rifle.

Had one with the 22" bull barrel. Shot very well with standard velocity loads. Anything hyped up or super velocity wouldn't group worth a crap. Not a problem, just something I had to learn. Also, it needed a trigger job bad. Factory sear was terrible. Once that was done and the load was figured out, it shot sub MOA out to 400 yards. Finally sold it to finance something else and don't regret selling it, but wouldn't have minded hanging on to it either.

Was a good rifle. If you want to do anything beyond 200 yards, get new glass though. I had a Nikon Monarch 5-20x BDC on mine. It was a great scope.

[This message has been edited by phideaux_2003 (edited 5/4/2014 1:27a).]

EFE, thanks for getting that information, I appreciate it. Sounds like the rifle and scope will work well for me for what I want it for. Cant wait to get it to the range soon.

Phi...did I buy that from you?

OP, you have a very good rifle. Enjoy.

Nope. I sold mine to Spring Guns & Ammo as a trade in on my Daniel Defense.