Howa Mini Rifles, Builds, and Upgrades

[IDVortex]

Well, going to try out the GY6 Bottom metal from Brownells. Hoping of getting it bedded and installed and maybe shot by this weekend.

 

[UnckleBob]

Took the factory 6 arc barrel off today. What a battle that was. Barrel vise, action wrench, cheater bar, heat, PB Blaster, impact. Nothing would budge it. Finally had to do a relief cut in the barrel with a hack saw.

Thankfully, the new Carbon Six barrel went on without issue and headspaced correctly. I still need to open up my Stocky’s for the wider profile, then range trip to see how it shoots.


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How are you going to open it up?

 

[Qholum37]

Well, going to try out the GY6 Bottom metal from Brownells. Hoping of getting it bedded and installed and maybe shot by this weekend.

Let us know how you like that bottom metal after some use. I’m considering getting it myself.

 

[Foster_65]

I've only seen Howage (barrel nut prefits). So far, I haven't been wildly impressed with the accuracy of my 6 ARC. Granted, the wind was pretty horrible at the range on Friday (could see the reticle moving around due to the gusts).

Planning to keep working up some loads and if it's not producing, I'll go with

My arc doesn’t shoot well at all. I’ve spent more on components than what a new barrel would be. Seems the best I can do is hover around 1 moa. Seemed to like benchmark and 108s of all combos. I’m gonna get a new barrel coming pretty soon. Not decided if I’ll stay with 6 or go to 22 arc.

 

[Raghornklr]

My arc doesn’t shoot well at all. I’ve spent more on components than what a new barrel would be. Seems the best I can do is hover around 1 moa. Seemed to like benchmark and 108s of all combos. I’m gonna get a new barrel coming pretty soon. Not decided if I’ll stay with 6 or go to 22 arc.

Had the same problem. Tried everything I could think of with the mini in 6arc. Just ordered a new barrel in 22 arc.

 

[Foster_65]

Had the same problem. Tried everything I could think of with the mini in 6arc. Just ordered a new barrel in 22 arc.

Nice to know I’m not the only one. Love the gun, love the round. Hate that it won’t shoot better

 

[SwampThing0331]

How are you going to open it up?

I used sanding drums and a handheld drill. It worked pretty well. Bedding is going to be next.

 

[IDVortex]

Let us know how you like that bottom metal after some use. I’m considering getting it myself.

Will do, wanting to get this thing finished up to use this spring on bear so gave up on waiting for other bottom metals.

 

[waspocrew]

My arc doesn’t shoot well at all. I’ve spent more on components than what a new barrel would be. Seems the best I can do is hover around 1 moa. Seemed to like benchmark and 108s of all combos. I’m gonna get a new barrel coming pretty soon. Not decided if I’ll stay with 6 or go to 22 arc.

I had a better experience at the range the other day. Wind was next to nothing and definitely felt more solid.

105 Hybrid and Varget, 5 shot groups at 100 yards (1" squares). Going to load up more and see how repeatable it is. Assuming it holds, I'm much happier.

 

[Falcon XL]

NICE!!

 

[passinggas33]

FINALLY got my 6ARC back from the gunsmith. Pretty happy with how it turned out and its final weight.



Have a suppressor for it as well, but I was trying to make this as light as possible. Sub 6 pounds (barely) fully loaded.

 

[SwampThing0331]

FINALLY got my 6ARC back from the gunsmith. Pretty happy with how it turned out and its final weight.

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Have a suppressor for it as well, but I was trying to make this as light as possible. Sub 6 pounds (barely) fully loaded.

Who did you send it off to? I’m looking to do something similar with my wife’s 6ARC.

 

[passinggas33]

Who did you send it off to? I’m looking to do something similar with my wife’s 6ARC.

I have a really good local gunsmith that took care of it for me. Not sure where he sends it off to and some of these things he does in house as well. Because I was being a weight weenie I had him flute the barrel, action and then shaved a few grams off the action as well. Total build (including scope) and gunsmith work, I’m into just under $2k. More than my wife knows, but I think for the weight and what it is, it’s not too bad. My kimber mtn ascent is 1/2 pound heavier than this, so I’ll take this as a win.

 

[IDVortex]

Jefferson bottom metals are in stock... just as a FYI, go figure. Ordered the Brownells and here we are.

 

[Qholum37]

Jefferson bottom metals are in stock... just as a FYI, go figure. Ordered the Brownells and here we are.

Yep just got the email a bit ago so I ordered a couple.

 

[270quest]

I had a better experience at the range the other day. Wind was next to nothing and definitely felt more solid.

105 Hybrid and Varget, 5 shot groups at 100 yards (1" squares). Going to load up more and see how repeatable it is. Assuming it holds, I'm much happier.

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Obviously all barrels are different - but really suggest you try H4895. 105 hybrid is 2750 average out of my 20" barrel and shoots good! 10 shots into a 1" cone.

 

[bymers311]

Here is the Howa mini I put together last spring. Went with a 20” 6mm ARC barreled action from Brownells. Put it into a Boyd’s “AT-One thumbhole” stock. Topped it with a Vortex Venom 3-15. Put it together with the intention of it being a prairie dog and coyote gun. However, it was such a sweet and reliable shooter I started utilizing it for younger kids to deer hunt with as well.

I love it and it shoots amazing, but if I were doing it over I would have gone with a different stock for sure.

 

[Styer22]

I think if I were to do another one it might be a 16” 300blk in a Stocky’s VG stock.

 

[nm.otter]

I want a 16" 338 ARC, but it might have to be a lever gun.

 

[Ferrulewax]

Dropped the 6arc yesterday for a 12” chop. Going to sbr it. Might see if he can slab the action as well.

Is anyone doing a factory loading of the 6mm TMK in the 6arc? Is the juice worth the squeeze over a 108 eldm or 103eldx? Not too concerned with ballistics as shots will be within 200 yards, but hoping for optimal terminal performance. Wondering if I need to squeeze out as much possible velocity as I can from the 12" barrel.