Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Howa 1500 Lightning?

That's a lot.

Sort through the fluff and there's some weights listed in this thread. All in good fun.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/11239668/Re:_Howa_1500_Lightning_-_ligh#Post11239668

Is there a difference between the 1500 Lightning and the Vanguard S2?

You mean other than the stock? For one, you can get Vanguards in stainless steel. Also a bit of difference in the bolt shrouds. But basically they're the same barreled actions.

I paid about twice the Whittaker's price for my SS Vanguard, but for me it's worth it. Besides the SS, the Weatherby stock, while a bit racy for my 1960s tastes, is very comfortable and fits me well. No MtnBoomer intervention needed (sorry).

I like the lines of the S2 and the 24" 6.5 CM would be cool. They're really not doing themselves any favors with the handles on the 1500s and mini. It's good material, just too much of it. At least they're not overmolded, there's always that. Truth be told they're a pain in the arse, too laborious...

Does the 6.5 CM Lightning have the 2-stage trigger?

Yep

Well dang! I may have to buy one now-

I had an overmolded .308 and it collected all manner of forest litter and lint. Replaced it with a Boyds lammy-nate.

There are 3 basic differences that I can think of:

1. COST; the 1500 costs $330+/- at Whittaker's, while the V2 runs from $500 up.

2. BARREL LENGTH; the 1500 has a 22" barrel, while the V2 has a 24" barrel.

3. STOCKS; the 1500 has a Hogue, while the V2 has an injection molded Weatherby.

I have both rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. I put the V2 in a McM McM Hunter style stock and recycled the V2 stock onto the 1500 'cause, as noted previously, I STRONGLY DISLIKE the Hogue stocks that came on my 1500s.

No longs. Sorry.



Travis

Just recently bought a Vanguard 2 at Sportsman's...in 223.

I love the Howas and I LOVE Hogue Overmold stocks, as long as they aren't the boring black ones..

Weatherby's changes to the 1500.,I really like...

The Weatherby Stock,, the 24 inch barrel with a one in 9 twist to it... its a long action, with a spacer in it...the chamber is tighter on the Weatherby vs the Howa... at least on my Howa in 223, and the Weatherby Vanguard 2.

I love the Howa, but love the Weatherby even more...Black Friday, the Vanguard 2s will be 10% off... $469. at Sportsmans Whorehouse...

I had a Weatherby Vanguard in the Predator model, caliber in 223. The rifle was very accurate, good trigger, and I killed a lot of stuff with it. BUT...it would not handle "hot" loads like my Remington 700's would. I tried shooting some max and slightly over max loads that my Remington's would digest with no signs of pressure whatsoever, and they would not eject. The ejector even had to be replaced, all of which makes me believe the chamber was tighter. I've had the Howa in both 223 and 204, and never had a problem with loads a little on the warm side.

Are there youth stocks available for the Howa/Vanguard if someone wanted to use it for a future build?

I guess I "needed" one of these. Only 2 left now at Whitakers.....

What are you guys using for bases on these? Does it come with one?

IIRC my 1500 or 1500 Mini did not come with bases. They use the same two-piece bases as Rem 700s and Weatherby Vanguards so there's lots of options. Rails and one-piece mounts are not the same as the Remys, as the overall spacing is different.

Burris XTR Picatinny two-piece bases have no MOA built in but are nice and low and have 2/3 slots and fit Picatinny rings.
Burris XTR 700 Bases

Thanks. I am going to try those out. With the SWFA deal on the scope and rings, I am under 600 bucks for the rifle, base, scope and rings. Also got some dies with Cabelas points, so it isn't gonna break the bank to try 6.5.

It will shoot.

What's it chambered in?





dave