Has anybody shot a Howa Axiom?

[Taylor-Made]

I am looking to buy a rifle in .223 for target shooting. I was all set to pick up a Rem 700P. I like the 9" twist and the HS Stock. Then I stumbled across a Howa 1500 with the Axiom stock. I like the stock, however, the barrel is only available in 12" twist.....I am curious to know if anybody has experience with this rifle. Secondly, how difficult would it be to upgrade the Howa down the road?

[Bushrat]

1 - 12 twist in a 223 pretty much limits you to 55 grain bullet weights or under, not enough twist to stabalize anything much over 60 grains. Howas are pretty much one and the same as the weatherby Vanguard. Most guys who target shoot with them change out the trigger to an aftermarket trigger as they have a reputation for having a lot of creep and heavy trigger pull. There is not much available for aftermarket parts if you want to customize the Howa/Weatherby after purchase. The axiom stock looks interesting. Remingtons have tons of aftermarket options if your looking to go beyond what the factory offers.

[Taylor-Made]

Aftermarket parts down the road is definitely a major consideration. That is why I'm leaning towards the Remington. I would like the rifle to grow with me as I gain experience. I can't help but wonder about that axiom stock though!

[jaylow?]

what would the cost difference be to build your own rem and start with an axiom stock instead of buying a packaged gun. probably more fun to build your own anyways?

[LongBomber]

Just out of curiosity what aftermarket parts are you talking about? If you have replaced the trigger the only thing you can't seem to get is a lighter fireing pin, or a new bolt. Stock not really a problem, barrel no problem...rail...again not a problem...the howa action uses remington 700 bases.

That being said I would go with the 700 action, or even a stiller tac action.

[buckbrushoutdoors]

where did you find a howa axiom i want one so bad!

[209x50]

I don't think the US government has allowed them oiut of the States just yet.

[LongBomber]

You can order the stock from Knoxx, then you could have it on a rem 700...and have the best of both worlds...all the "aftermarket support" and the axiom stock.

[rena0040]

proline in calgary had one in stock last time i was there.
what i was told was that howas are imported from japan to vancouver and never touch u.s. soil which makes them easier to come by. if proline's vancouver supplier has the caliber you want in stock they can get it in 1-2 weeks if it's coming from japan 2-4 months
i ordered a 30-06 stainless thumbhole sporter and had it in 10 days

[209x50]

Gotchya, I know the Weatherby version hasn't achieved clearance yet.

[Taylor-Made]

There was one on the shelf at Proline late last week....I think it was .204