I've seen more and more about the Howa 1500 barreled actions from Brownells. Looks interesting, and I like the integrated recoil lug of the Howa actions. Paired with a budget-friendly stock like the MDT Field or Oryx, it could be a nice rig.

However, I don't have any experience with Howa rifles.

What are your thoughts on the Howa 1500?

My only experience is with a wby vanguard, made by howa. I like it, no complaints. Quality wise I think it’s on board with most/any of the non custom push feed bolt actions.

Before I sold it recently, my Vanguard was the most accurate rifle in my safe. The Vanguards are not free-floated but make use of a pressure post near the end of the forearm to dampen barrel vibration and create more consistent harmonics. Remove it and you'll void Weatherby's accuracy guarantee.

When the Field and Stream in Prosper closed down they had all firearms 20% off the last week or so before closing the business.. My youngest daughter needed a "deer" rifle.. but I didnt want to spend a fortune on one.. I wanted something decent, but didnt know if her interest in hunting was going to be fleeting or was going to really take... they had a "hunt ready" howa, complete with scope, etc..etc.. that cost less than $500 out the door at the sale price... so we bought it for her (in .308)...

I have to say.. for the price point, Ive been super impressed with the rifle.. he feels/handles well... and out of the box with zero modifications, it shoots equally as well as my wifes Kimber Adirondak 308, or my Rem 600 308 (that has had a good bit of work done to it... tuned up timney trigger, aftermarket kevlar stock thats been pillar and glass bedded and free floated, etc..etc.. It will easily do 1.25 MOA at 100 with any ammo we feed it, and will get sub MOA groups with a handload Ive developed for it... the action is reasonably smooth.. it came with a hogue overmould stock which seems to fit my daughter well, etc..etc..

The only thing I have done with the rifle is pull the cheap "sterling" scope off of it and replace it with a lower end leupold (VX-Freedom).. shes shot it a ton, and has had zero issues..

If I ever find another one under $500 out the door, I'll buy it in a NY minute..

I have a custom vanguard in 7mm-08. It came with cerakote, fiberglass stock and a nice Leupold. It shoots under 1” at 100 with several different factory loads. I really like the factory 2-stage trigger. The action is relatively smooth despite being cerakoted.

We have one Howa and two Vanguards.

The Howa itself is a no frills, yet solidly built rifle. Much stronger and feels more solid than most “budget” rifles I’ve handled. Shoots good too

I am a fan of them.

Lol, maybe so, however every Weatherby I have bedded and sanded the pressure post out of went from over 1.5 MOA to .6 MOA. These were all Accumarks shooting their factory $130.00/box ammo before and after the mods. Their flimsy stock and hot glue bedding does not mean schidt to me when it comes to that guarantee.

My howa is completely free floated.

So was my Accumark

I have couple of Howa 1500, they are very accurate. They are the same rifle as the vanguards. This 7mm mag I just happen to have for sale.

I purchased the Howa 1500 barreled action last week through Brownell's on sale with their 15% off coupon code. I went with a 16.25" barrel in 308. Also purchased an MDT ORYX chassis on sale through Optics Planet for it. I'm in it for less than $800 so far.

My first rifle purchase was a Howa 1500 in 270 Win. It shot good, and shot even better after I free floated the barrel and bedded the stock. Easy sub MOA rifle.

My PH in South Africa uses Howa 1500's in .308 and topped with Zeiss optics as both his personal and "rental" guns for clients. That speaks volumes.

We have a Mini 6.5Grendel that shoots great. I might not get the Mini again due to limited aftermarket support but I'd get a 1500 without question and likely put it in a KRG Bravo, upgrade or tweak the trigger and have fun. They're nothing to look at, which is fine by me, I like to shoot, not stare. I'm already pretty enough, I need ugly rifles.

I have one and SIL has one also. They both shot great. I would not hesitate to get another at the right price, if I have room in the safe.

I have a Weatherby Sporter in .308, wooden stock. It is a Howa 1500 made for Weatherby. Helluva shooter.