Howa 1500 Hunter

Servo77 · April 25, 2006, 09:47 PM

I have a great SS .270 and am thinking about picking up a 1500 in .223 as a coytoe, groundhog, walk around rifle. Anyway, I know that they are accurate, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the smaller calibers in these? (i.e. 223).

Servo77 · April 26, 2006, 11:06 AM

Looking at one with a sporter weight barrel for carry reasons.

Scorch · April 26, 2006, 12:05 PM

I believe this is the same rifle that was sold as the S&W 1500 in the 1980s. The 223 is a great shooter. The barrel is about the same diameter as a 308 barrel, but it is quite a bit more rigid due to the smaller bore, so it's almost like having a heavy sporter barrel. Unless they changed the twist (mine was 1:14), they like 50 and 55 gr bullets (if they have changed the twist, ignore that last part). Bores are typically a little rough, but smooth out pretty well if you break them in properly (shoot a few, clean, shoot a few, clean, etc until smooth).

The trigger on mine was OK, but I felt many that were terrible. You might want to have a gunsmith work on it.

My 223 accounted for quite a few jackrabbits and coyotes during its life. It is a good carrying varmint gun.

April 25, 2006, 09:47 PM	#1
Servo77 Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2005 Location: Southeast OH Posts: 905	Howa 1500 Hunter I have a great SS .270 and am thinking about picking up a 1500 in .223 as a coytoe, groundhog, walk around rifle. Anyway, I know that they are accurate, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the smaller calibers in these? (i.e. 223). __________________ "Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?!" Last edited by Servo77; April 26, 2006 at 11:05 AM.

April 26, 2006, 11:06 AM	#2
Servo77 Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2005 Location: Southeast OH Posts: 905	Looking at one with a sporter weight barrel for carry reasons. __________________ "Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?!"

April 26, 2006, 12:05 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I believe this is the same rifle that was sold as the S&W 1500 in the 1980s. The 223 is a great shooter. The barrel is about the same diameter as a 308 barrel, but it is quite a bit more rigid due to the smaller bore, so it's almost like having a heavy sporter barrel. Unless they changed the twist (mine was 1:14), they like 50 and 55 gr bullets (if they have changed the twist, ignore that last part). Bores are typically a little rough, but smooth out pretty well if you break them in properly (shoot a few, clean, shoot a few, clean, etc until smooth). The trigger on mine was OK, but I felt many that were terrible. You might want to have a gunsmith work on it. My 223 accounted for quite a few jackrabbits and coyotes during its life. It is a good carrying varmint gun. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services