A stock is only good if it fits the shooter and none of the stocks that Howa has installed on its lower priced styles has ever fit me worth a damn. The best factory installed synthetic stock that I've seen come on a Howa is the current V2 stock, while the best factory installed wood stocks have been those installed on the Howa 1500s imported for sale by Mossberg and S&W. GPC still have some NOS walnut for the short action 1500 and 1700LS for sale.
I agree that stock fit is important. I’ve had a different experience than yours. Weatherby-style stocks, with their Monte Carlo cheek pieces, don’t work for me. I find they accentuate recoil. I’ve had better luck with straight combed stocks, even the Hogue.
The Vanguard S2 stocks are well done, however - along with the Tikka T3X stock, probably the best factory tupperware around in terms of quality.
While Howa’s aftermarket can’t compare with the Remington, there are several choices for aftermarket stocks, and the rifles are generally good enough to make it worth investing in a stock you like.
