Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 700 ADL or Howa 1500

If the price was equal which would you chose? Looking at a 30-06 to have a spare on trips and don't want a spendy rifle in the wall tent or locked in the truck. What's the verdict on either of these. I don't own any 700s but do have a new vanguard s2 that I really like.

Opinions?

I like me a Howa...

Howa for me.

All day, every day.



Travis

Overall I like the Howa better. Unless having a lighter rifle for steep rugged terrain is important. All things being equal the Howa is 1/2-3/4 lb heavier.

HOWA is more than 12 ounces heavier, far fewer aftermarket options. Best bottom metal in the class, by far.

700 is the standard for mid-level rifles... ADL blued finish is horrible for rusting. It requires more care.

I have both and think either is good for what you pay. But I have more 700s...

I have both but prefer the Howa with it's one piece bolt and forged action. The Japanese are good at making firearms and high end cutlery.

Nothing wrong with either, but pass the 700, please.

Whittaker's is selling a variety of 1500s for $330, so if they have one that will meet your needs that would probably be the best buy. Put a ScopeCoat on your optics and wipe it down with 3-in-1 oil to keep it from rusting when it is out in the elements.

If you can find one, a stainless Marlin XL7 might be a good choice. Cheap and stainless, two good attributes.

I am a long time 700 fan, but the choice between NEW rifles I would go with Howa.. If you get an older one I would favor the 700..

I had the 700 SPS ADL (Walmart special) and I have a Vanguard (same as Howa)I prefer the VG.

Howa: The safety works AND locks the bolt (what a concept!), the bolt handle won't pop off, the extractor will extract and they are very accurate..

yup. what Jorge said

I prefer the Howa just because of the quality of the action.

Well I kind of followed the majority here. I went to "just look" tonight And had a vanguard S2 follow me home. I got the stainless in 30-06. I wanted a value priced gun that I could leave in camp or in the truck on hunts away from home. I decided on stainless because I'll carry it on nasty days too. I'm a wood and blued kind of guy and I hate having to carry my nice rifles on some of our nasty Oregon fall days. The S2 was the same price as the SPS and I know the S2 is a damn nice firearm. I'm happy.

I'm a new fan of the Vanguard/Howa. Took delivery today of a stainless 257 Wthby. Had a new B&C Medalist waiting for it. 24" barrel (I cannot like a 26" tube). Bottom metal is nice! Trigger is nice! Uses Rem 700 Talley's that I had on hand. Great value - I have $850 in the rifle/stock - IF it will shoot.

That is a gem 257!!!!

in my massive experience (one M700 and one Vanguard) the Vanguard is without a doubt the best choice.

I would go Howa/Vanguard and I used to be a 700 guy!! My Vanguard S2 is heavy, but love the trigger and the accuracy. It is also a very easy keeper, as it shoots everything I've tried very well. I use it for antelope hunting where weight is not as big a deal. Would not relish lugging one around the elk hills.

An older 700 is another story, though. I like those.

I lean heavily towards the Howa/Vanguard side of the ledger - have three.

I feel that Legacy Sports (Howa distributor) has done a nice job of keeping the offerings fresh and relevant with their package rifles, the new Alpine series, the Mini actions, 6.5 Creedmore, etc. (See they have re-introduced the Webley & Scott name using Howa-actioned rifles - Webley Scott .) Wish they had retained the 375 Ruger models and chambered the 416 Ruger. Maybe down the road a ways?

I am very interested in what Weatherby has brought out recently in the Vanguard series. Would love to get a hold of one of these:

Weatherby Dangerous Game Rifle

Hope these are made available this year.

A Vanguard in dangerous game calibers would be awesome!