|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 377
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 377 |
Considering using a Howa (or for that matter, a Wby Vanguard)action for a custom/semi-custom build. Is this even worth considering? What say the fire? If you have done this, let's see some pics and the specifics.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 443
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 443 |
I think that the Howa is one of the best actions out there for a nice custom.
Steelhead will probably chime in on this one. He has some beautiful examples.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121
Campfire Oracle
|
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 |
I've done a 223AI's and two 250AI's on the Howa action. My pard (Paul) has a done a 264, 7mm08, 308, and is doing a 22/250AI on Howa actions. I also run a few Vanguards in McMillan stocks with Timney triggers, otherwise they are stock factory. I like the Howa/Vanguard much. They are feeding SOBs, I can cycle empty cases through the action. The trigger does have to be replaced, and of course you can use any 2pc scope mount designed for the Remington 700. Although the bottom metal ain't steel they are hell for stout. The bolt is also a snap to pull apart. They won't make a lightweight rifle, but 7 1/2 pounds with scope is no problem. 250AI with a #2 Douglas ![[Linked Image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/Shoalcove/Rifle1/Rifle.jpg) 250AI with a #1 Pac-Nor top, 223AI with a #2 Pac-Nor bottom ![[Linked Image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/Shoalcove/Rifle1/Ackleysq1.jpg) Vanguard barreled actions, 257 Roy and 300 Roy ![[Linked Image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/Shoalcove/Rifle1/Phoenix.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/Shoalcove/Rifle1/3Roy1.jpg) Here are the differences between the lightweight action an standard (might save about 2 ounces) ![[Linked Image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/Shoalcove/Rifle1/howalt1.jpg) Lwt has a hollowed out bolt knob also ![[Linked Image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/Shoalcove/Rifle1/howalt.jpg)
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 173
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 173 |
Pretty much shooting yourself in the foot with respect to resale if that is a consideration.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121
Campfire Oracle
|
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 |
I'm hoping you ain't the brightest example from your home town....
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 29
Campfire Greenhorn
|
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 29 |
I love my 300wsm in a bansher stock i bought here in the classifieds.
I Love It!!
started out as a vangaurd.
JD
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,984
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,984 |
I really like the 06 vanguard I bought for my wife. Im kinda kicking my self for selling it. all I had to do is restock it to fit me.
"It's my main love for all things Ackley. Plus the dude was cool before cool was cool."
SH08
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,893
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,893 |
308 ![[Linked Image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/walukie1/IMG_0569.jpg) 7-08 ![[Linked Image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/walukie1/IMG_2041.jpg) 264WM ![[Linked Image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/walukie1/IMG_0002.jpg) and a couple that are stock.. ![[Linked Image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/walukie1/IMG_0255.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/walukie1/IMG_0550.jpg)
I can't spell... Deal with it...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 361
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 361 |
Steelhead, firstly have to say you have some fine looking rifles. I am seriously thinking of buying a stainless vanguard (with the nasty injection moulded stock) as you can get good deals on them here in New Zealand - .223 and then maybe AI it at a later stage.
I like the look of the two in the second photo "250AI with a #1 Pac-Nor top, 223AI with a #2 Pac-Nor bottom" - what McMillan stock shape is that (they look to be the same)?
Any recommendations for other McMillan's with the Vanguard/Howa?
Thanks, Gee.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,081
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,081 |
I've done a 223AI's and two 250AI's on the Howa action. My pard (Paul) has a done a 264, 7mm08, 308, and is doing a 22/250AI on Howa actions. I also run a few Vanguards in McMillan stocks with Timney triggers, otherwise they are stock factory. I like the Howa/Vanguard much. They are feeding SOBs, I can cycle empty cases through the action. The trigger does have to be replaced, and of course you can use any 2pc scope mount designed for the Remington 700. Although the bottom metal ain't steel they are hell for stout. The bolt is also a snap to pull apart. They won't make a lightweight rifle, but 7 1/2 pounds with scope is no problem. 250AI with a #2 Douglas 250AI with a #1 Pac-Nor top, 223AI with a #2 Pac-Nor bottom Vanguard barreled actions, 257 Roy and 300 Roy Here are the differences between the lightweight action an standard (might save about 2 ounces) Lwt has a hollowed out bolt knob also I dig that grape rifle. Expat
"There are no dangerous weapons. There are only dangerous men." - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,226
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,226 |
I've shot some of the Howa/Vanguard rifles but never owned one. The trigger always got me, but the Timney could solve that. How is the magazine situation with the longer OAL 223AI? Do you need to do any spacer modifications like with a Remington?
Thanks,
JP
Now with even more aplomb
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,792
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,792 |
Have only shot one, but have handled several. IMHO, the fit, finish and machining quality is much better on the Howa than on Remington 700s. The only down side I see is not as many options for different stock patterns.
John
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121
Campfire Oracle
|
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 |
All my Howa/Vanguards are in Sako Classic McMillans.
The 223 box fits standard length (2.270'is) length but the block in the back end is a removeable stamped piece of metal. Remove that and then you have to take a bit off the bolt stop and you can run the full length of the mag.
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 766
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 766 |
I'm considering buying a barreled Howa action as a start towards a semi-custom  rifle. What do you all think about stainless versus blued if you're going to apply a weather-resistant coating anyhow? Is there any real advantage to stainless in that situation? I can save about 17% if I don't do stainless...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121
Campfire Oracle
|
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 |
The 223AI above is a stainless action/barrel with Cerakote on it, just because.
I could run blued action (hell I do) but stainless barrels are the only way to fly.
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 766
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 766 |
OK, I hear ya...but is there any actual reason besides looks?  That is a NICE set of rifles!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,759
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,759 |
I love my 300wsm in a bansher stock i bought here in the classifieds.
I Love It!!
started out as a vangaurd.
JD I've only owned one and it fed rounds very smoothly and fast (in 300WSM too). The Howa/Vanguards are very good actions, probably the best action for the short mag family (and not just the short mags either). MtnHtr
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,250
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,250 |
While Howa made the Vanguard at one time I believe that Weatherby has their rifles made in the U.S. now. I recently took a Vanguard in on trade for some work and it was not as sleek and light as the Howa. If I were to build one for my own use I'd use a Howa over the newer Vanguards. A Vanguard that's 5+ years old is probably made by Howa. They are great actions, indeed!
Last edited by MColeman; 03/24/08.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121
Campfire Oracle
|
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 |
Some exact footprint and still made in Japan. Bolt is the only difference.
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,250
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,250 |
I knew the one I had looked different but didn't have a Howa in hand for comparison. It must the be Mark V that Weatherby decided to have made somewhere in the northeast unless they abandoned their plans. The stock on the Vanguard I had was pretty heavy, too.
|
|
|
|
|
657 members (007FJ, 12344mag, 1234, 1eyedmule, 10ring1, 160user, 65 invisible),
2,906
guests, and
1,286
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,190,576
Posts18,453,975
Members73,908
| |
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|
