Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles Howa Mini rifle in .223 as a donor

Been researching the How mini rifle in .223. Street price is under $500. Am thinking it would make a good platform to rebarrel to 17 Remington.
Anyone have any experience with the Howa mini series?

They become an expensive rifle once you replace the cheap, flimsy plastic bottom "metal", put a decent stock on it, replace the barrel, CeraKote the new stainless barrel, add gunsmith chambering and re-barreling costs, add Talleys and a good scope. In the end, its value is nowhere near what you've spent when you sell it.

I have two of them...

I haven't replaced all the stuff mentioned by Riflehunter above.

I know if I ordered a barrel in another caliber, that would cost more than I paid for the rifle.

One more thing, if in .17 Rem, you'd probably want a 24" barrel (at least I would). A 24" barrel with a very small hole in it will result in a very front heavy rifle with such a light action. To compensate, you'd need a reasonably heavy stock. Otherwise, if it's a walkaround varmint rifle, it's going to feel really cumbersome.

How many have you owned and how did they shoot ?

How is the accuracy, feeding, and ejecting?

One. It shot okay.

I have two, a DIY upgraded 6.5 Grendel, and a Carbon Stalker .223 that I replaced the magazine unit with one that takes CZ 527 magazines. Final cost was about the same for both. Riflehunter is correct in that you might not get your money back if you sell one that’s been customized, but I put them together to suit my taste and have zero regrets, and no plans to sell them, as my descendants are waiting for them when I go under….

Forged steel actions, one-piece bolts with tool-less takedown, good two-stage triggers. Accurate and reliable. Both come in at about 6.5 pounds with middle-weight scopes.

Brownells sells the barreled actions. If you keep an eye out, you may get one at a considerable discount. Oregunsmithingllc sells very nice LW stocks, or you can buy-a carbon blem from Stocky’s. Both mine now have bottom metal from Jefferson Outdoor; one hinged FP and the CZ mag unit. Both work flawlessly, and your choice may depend on how much room the .17 needs, or the maybe the availability of the CZ mags.

Thanks for your comments. I been kicking around the idea to build a 17 Remington and since the Mini is available in .223 I thought it would be an easy barrel swap as the 17 Rem and .223 use the same size bolt face and the 17 has a slightly shorter COL. Resale value at this point of my life is mute.

My 2 are consecutive serial numbers.

they see service in shooting small ground squirrels in large numbers at times. Both are certainly minute of sage rat at 200 yds... If you don't know what a ground squirrel in, they are smaller than a grown regular squirrel, but run very fast, stop on a dime and dive down holes.. Think of prairie dog like, vs tree squirrel in behavior, but much faster and smaller.

Even tho I have a 10 round mag, from the factory on each one.. they get fed one shot at a time, so there is never a failure to eject. I also don't shoot real hot loads. For high volume shooting and to keep the barrels from getting hot, I pretty much load reduced loads with shotgun and pistol powders.

it makes the barrels last MUCH longer also, an added bonus. Surprisingly, shot gun powders and pistol powders, can be a lot less finicky for accuracy and consistency. The reduced recoil also helps that, as its much easier to not jerk the trigger..
It also less expensive each shot. That is important, on a day, you put 500 plus rounds down range in an afternoon.

Seafire,
What chambering are your Howa's?

I’m not saying you’re wrong about the added cost to the mini. I just fixed up a 6ARC and know all about it. That said what is available for the OP to use for his 17rem project that doesn’t require those things? Almost all factory rifles in that price range get some upgrades especially from the fellas that post here. Stocks triggers bottom metal and barrels get swapped out pretty regularly on other rifles too.

Edit to say cerakote will cost the same if you need that on other guns and not sure why you mentioned Talley’s and a good scope?….lol. Do you just use iron sights on all other makes and models?

I have one in 6.5G, 20"HB. I tried an after market stock Boyds thumbhole and went back to the factory stock hogged out so it wouldn't touch the barrel. I did put DIP bottom metal on it. The two stage trigger is nice and warm haven't done anything with it. I've killed a number of coyotes with it, and have taken it Javelina hunting. It is a handy little rifle. I keep looking at one in 223 and wouldn't turn down a 6mmARC.

223,both

I ordered one (mini 223). At some point later this year I'll send it off for a new barrel in 17 Remington. This will be the first right hand bolt action rifle I bought in many years. Since this rifle will be used on the back porch a right bolt and right ejection might be easier off the small bench I use. The 10 round mag is a nice plus.
Seems to be a good bargain in todays world at just under $500 shipped.

Anybody rebarrel one to 6.5TCU for centerfire silhouette? I'm told that with heavy bullets it has enough moxie to knock over rams at 500M. The small action, minus bottom metal for single shot use and a lightweight composite stock will allow for a stiff heavier barrel good for offhand shooting while meeting weight requirements.

Rings and scope were included because they usually form part of the additional cost for a new rifle. Unless, you have them lying around as spare.

My recent rebarrel to a 6 x 45 on a Savage single shot action, with 100 grain Hornady SP/BT, I've been able to easily hit steel the size of a cast iron frying pan at 400 yds. The hanging type.

I've got a Ruger Predator in 6.5 Grendel for that kind of work... hit them with 123 FMJ bullets from Hornady, bulk purchase.
Load was 29 grains of W 748. Hornady 4 x 16 Convenant 4 Scope on top.

I have two of them, a 223 and a 6.5 Grendel. The Grendel was part of a package deal where I bought a few rifles and sold all but the Grendel, basically clearing enough on the deal that the Grendel was a freebie. I put a Stockys seconds carbon fiber stock that cost $300 on it, and the OG bottom metal which was another $160. So, my total on that Howa isn't too bad.

On the other hand, I paid $450 for the Mini 223, and have left it as is, because I'm using it as a truck gun. If I'd fixed it up like I did the Grendel, I'd have over $900 in it, and that's not including a scope and the mounts. The Howa Minis are certainly nice little rifles, and both of mine shoot very good, but IMO I wouldn't want to have anymore money tied up in mine than what I have.

When the pig is pretty enough to suit you, you’ve applied enough lipstick. If I wanted a truck gun, I’d likely only swap out the guard for an aluminum one that takes the factory mags. After I found the CZ mag unit was reliable, I bought three more mags while the gettin’ was good. Sooner or later, they’ll dry up. The three-shot fits flush and is the one that stays in the rifle.

Pappy, I cut a 10 round factory mag down to hold 5 223 rounds, as well as grinding some off the mag release button on the Mini 223. This makes it a lot nicer looking as well as handling better in the field, at least for me. I carry an extra 10 round mag as a backup. If I keep the 223, I'll probably replace the plastic bottom with a metal one at some point in time.

I rebarreled mine to 375 SOCOM. Had to open up the bolt, rework the extractor and make a magazine from sheet metal as well.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

Did you use a Savage Precision Target action or a single shot rifle for the rebarrel. Curious also whose barrel did you use?

Take a deep breath and start at the fhuqking start. What EXACTLY are you hoping to achieve and in what application(s)? Why the .17 affinity. Hint.

Flyweight 17 Rem,from a several days ago. Hint.



Flyweight Mini Carbon Howie,from yesterday. Hint.



SniffleKchunt has never even seen,let alone shot ANY of it. Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!......................

Nice looking Loomis Big Stick

Not a fly rod though

Finally picked up the rifle. Amazing trigger for a sub $500 rifle. Lifetime warranty to original buyer. Bolt needs some “work in time” to smooth it up. No plans to shoot it yet. It will most likely stay in the safe until I find a supply of 17 Remington brass at a reasonable price then it will be sent out for a rebarrel.

ACD,

I never noticed. Hint.



Fhuqking LAUGHING!.............

Maybe think of .17-222. Easy neckdown with no fireforming, brass easy to obtain, can use Lapua brass, excellent feeding in all actions, faster than .17 Fireball.

Big Stik, own several myself!

MUCH prefer the GL3 to the GLX. Hint.






Just sayin'.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!.............

Thank goodness for lifetime warranty

They wouldn't let me "downgrade" to a GL3 and I had to pay $100 or $150,which cracked me the fhuqk up every time. Hint.

I've caught some NICE fish on that rod,this week. Hint...............

I now have enough Mini’s. 222, 22 Nosler, 6.5 Grendel and a 7.62x39. The Nosler was a pencil barrel 223 I bought for cheap, vertical strung. I have enough 223’s, so a prefit 22 Nosler barrel was ordered. Not much love is seen for the 22N. I have zero issues with the cartridge shoots 40-69’s almost as good as a rig that cost me about 3k. Used 6.5G mags, had to remove a small amount of material on the back lower part of mag so the bolt would pick up the Nosler rebated case.

The 222 got a Boyd’s varmint stock and is a darn fine shooter for the $$$. Wish there was trigger tech or jewel trigger for them.

FYI the 7.62x39 is sure not as slick as the previous earlier three. Just seems draggy and rough.

I am of the opinion the long neck does help with over bore heat and flame issue.
Know a fellow that built a 17-223 and kept it pretty tame and he saw shorter life than his 17 Remingtons from years past.

The 6.5TCU may not work/feed from the Howa mini as they are fairly long most of the time. Even more so with a chamber set up to keep as much case space for powder as possible. On the other hand the 6ARC and 6.5 Grendel are super match for this action.

Stick, have any opinion on these?

https://mdttac.com/mdt-howa-mini-straight-fit-magazine-10-rnd/

Danglin' Dog Schit Junk...you want this. Hint.




#3 on it's way to me and 3.475" COAL. Hint.





Thank me later.

Hint...............

2.475" dumbass.

SniffleKchunt,

Pardon the typpo on wares that exist,as you greedily read my EVERY word and gawk EVERY Splendid Pixel,while you "live" vicariously...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?



Fortunately for you,Imagination and Pretend are free,so even YOU can "afford" to "contribute". Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............

Wonder if you could get a 22br to feed from a 450 bushmaster mini donor?

Seems like you make lots of "typos" with magazine lengths. Remember when you were suckinass (worse than I've ever seen on this forum) regarding the Model 20 short Nula's with the "2.6" internal length which was really 2.5", and also the Oregunsmithing maximum "COAL of 2.45+" which is only around 2.43" ? Perhaps learn to read digital calipers.

SniffleKchunt,

You be sure to keep Googling aloud,about my wares,which you've never even seen...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?



Fortunately for you,Imagination and Pretend are free,so even YOU can "afford" to "contribute". Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............

Hey Hey Hey! Lighten up on Stumpy...

it ain't easy going thru life being Short, Cross Eyed and having only two working brain cells...

where do you think he got : Fortunately for you, Imagination and Pretend are free, so even YOU can "afford" to "contribute". ? Probably from 40 to 50 campfire members from days gone pass, telling him that...

Stumpy is a perfect example of how some folks can be the "man they'll never really been in real life" just because the internet exists....What little social life he has is all on the internet....His social life in Alaska is his left hand and a kleenex.

ain't easy being Schtick... even the Japanese tourists are taller than he is...

Shefire,

Your Drooling Brokedicktitude is HILARIOUS...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?

Was in a hurry,dropping the boys off at the airport,as you slithered for a first fhuqking clue. Hint.



Don't "forget",that Imitation is THE most Sincere form of Flattery,as you Dream aloud. Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!................

Hooked another sucker this morning.... using the same ol bait its bites on every single time...

Toss it back in, so I can hook the same fish again next time....

all it takes is for him to hear his name....



have a good weekend Schtick.... dreaming of being, tall, great and sober for once...

ain't easy being Schtick, is it?

Shefire,

Ain't it a hoot,that I taught you how to punctuate...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?

Bless your heart for being sooooooo smitten.

Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!..............

haha.....Johnny one note, the usurper of the king $hit title.

The forum niqqer that calls the icelander black. LOL. laffin.

KenBitchAgain,

Pardon wares that exist,while you Dream aloud...you "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?



Oooopsie! Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!...........

Stumpy,

you didn't teach me schitt....Heck I graduated High School when you were 2 years old, still pissing and dumping in your diaper. I do hope you at least quit doing that...finally...

Heck, teaching me what you know? I am sure you have more time behind bars than I have in College Level Class times...
what you've learned in the school of hard knocks is probably off the charts, but evidently you haven't learned it very well.
I've got 4 degrees and other class time just learning " things" I've been interested in...

but hey, I concede you are more high profile than I'll ever be....heck, I've heard Coos County would love to catch ya back in town for those past arrest warrants...but I won't tell em...

A friend had one - deceased. I sold it for his kids. They were being screwed by their evil step mother and needed the cash. I liked the rifle, but didn’t need another 223. I didn’t see the bad things some have said. It shot fine too.