Finally got to shoot my elf owl, which is basically the screech owl but for the howa mini chassis.
Initial impressions is that its a high quality chassis. I wanted it to be like a mini PRS rifle and that's what I got. Along with the mini 6 arc barreled action in the 20" " heavy" barrel, its not a lightweight system. As pictured, it's 11.5lbs without the bipod. I think the chassis weighs about 4 lbs by itself with the collapsing stock.
The collapsible stock is excellent to shoot with. It's quite rigid and doesn't really wobble. I can percieve movement if I try to twist it, but It's imperceptible when shooting, and doesn't rattle. I bought the folding stock as well because I thought the collapsible stock would wobble, but if I had handled it first, i would not felt the need. It is plenty rigid.
The handguard is bolted to the chassis, and comes with shims to visually center the barreled action in the handguard. This was necessary with my action and I'm happy they thought of this. The handguard is also plenty stiff. I'm barely able to cause any flex when trying to twist or flex it.
I mounted my scope on a 20 moa rail also purchased from jtac. I chose to go with a 1.5" high area 419 mount on top of this. I could have gotten away with the 1.26" high mount with the cheekpiece in the lowest position, but I also want to use the night vision bridge for a clip on thermal and I believe I'll need the 1.5" height for that. The cheekpiece can easily be raised to accommodate. The cheekpiece is very rigid as well btw. No movement at all.
Reached out with the howa to 600 yds after an initial sight in. Happy with it so far.
The howa requires the use of the pretty crappy but functional factory mags. The jtac integrates a barricade stop at the magazine well and has a nice magazine release that is unfortunately located in the front due to the howa magazine catch being located in the front. It is partially protected by the barricade stop but I suppose it could be activated by a bag or barricade pressed tightly against the mag well.
I plan to use this rifle for hunting coyotes and possibly some PRS type matches though I'm sure I won't be competitive. If this was a howa short action, and the chassis a screech owl, it could probably serve a more competitive option for PRS.
Given the weight, it is not going to serve as someone's lightweight pack rifle despite the form factor. But then again I didn't choose a lightweight scope or barrel.
