i'm surprised there isn't more talk of these... looks like a lot of rifle for the money, and Howa has always been a pretty solid rifle... if this version makes it's way into the vanguard series, i will certainly have a good reason to get a 257wby... doesn't have to be that exact rifle, but a light carbon barreled action in the vanguard series, offered in 257wby, and i'm in.
i think this is quite a bit better deal than the savage UL, which i got mine for about 1200, but the price has went up, and the Howa stock looks far superior, and a lighter package.
I have one for sale in .308 in the Classifieds total rifle weight for the short action in .308 is 6lbs 4oz. Very nice rifle, only selling because I bought a suppressor and am switching to a short barrel set-up. Long action would be 4-6 oz heavier I bet.