Howa barrel quality

[timbernomad]

Are Howa barrels well made? I was reading a thread about POI "walking" from the barrel getting hot, and someone said that only happens if the barrel is junk. Well, are Howa barrels junk? Are they stress-relieved? (Does it matter?)

Besides Tikka, which rifles come with the best factory barrels?

 

[General RE LEE]

Howa barrels are cold hammered forged in Japan. I’ve run a bore scope down mine and after a good cleaning, it’s smooth as glass.

With that said, my Howa is more finicky than Tikkas I’ve owned.

 

[bpitcher]

I've owned 3 over the years and they have all shot well.

 

[Wrench]

I've never seen one that wouldn't shoot well.

 

[morgaj1]

I am 50:50 with Howa barrels. A 270 Win that shoots lights out. A 300WM that was horrible. Best I could get was 2" groups, with most being closer to 5". Had that one rebarreled with a Bartlein and it now shoots very well.