Howa Mini Rifles, Builds, and Upgrades

[eLightfoot]

Seems like the US market doesn't get to see those models. People from New Zealand and other countries have talked about having them (ss versions) but the US doesn't consistently get SS models of the Mini Action. I doubt that will change just because of a new cartridge.

Jay

Brownells has had them before

 

[The Guide]

Brownells has had them before

Correct in the 7.62x39 and 6.5 Grendel but not in all calibers. Just as the short and long action versions do not have SS in every caliber in the US. It would be nice but I wouldn't design a rifle build based on getting one.

Jay

 

[bigbuckdj]

Correct in the 7.62x39 and 6.5 Grendel but not in all calibers. Just as the short and long action versions do not have SS in every caliber in the US. It would be nice but I wouldn't design a rifle build based on getting one.

Jay

Man I’d love to get my hands on a stainless action. I want to make a short 338 arc bolt gun.

 

[waspocrew]

Man I’d love to get my hands on a stainless action. I want to make a short 338 arc bolt gun.

I wonder if they are limited runs - could have sworn they had stainless barreled actions (7.62 x 39) this spring/early summer.

 

[The Guide]

I wonder if they are limited runs - could have sworn they had stainless barreled actions (7.62 x 39) this spring/early summer.

Very well could be. One guy said he bought 9 of them to make rifles for friends and family.

Jay

 

[General RE LEE]

Can anyone confirm if the Timney trigger for Howa 1500 fits the mini action? Guy at the range today said it does.

 

[Kyguy]

Can anyone confirm if the Timney trigger for Howa 1500 fits the mini action? Guy at the range today said it does.

I can confirm it fits. I can also say that the one I bought didn't function correctly, there was an issue with the plunger for the safety. I sent it back, even after doing some disassembly while on the phone with a Timney tech. I'm sure it was just a one off issue, the two I bought at the same time for Remington 700 were fine. I ended up putting a rifle basix on it, they've always worked without issue for me on Howa's and Weatherby Vanguards.

 

[General RE LEE]

I can confirm it fits. I can also say that the one I bought didn't function correctly, there was an issue with the plunger for the safety. I sent it back, even after doing some disassembly while on the phone with a Timney tech. I'm sure it was just a one off issue, the two I bought at the same time for Remington 700 were fine. I ended up putting a rifle basix on it, they've always worked without issue for me on Howa's and Weatherby Vanguards.

Thank you for confirming. I’ve got the lightweight springs coming from Gun Bloke in Australia but it’s not getting here anytime soon.

 

[Te Hopo]

The Timney fits the Mini action fine, although I had to file the factory bottom plastic a fraction for it to fit.
The Oregunsmithing bottom metal cleared the Timney with no issues.

 

[turbobrick]

Can anyone confirm if the Timney trigger for Howa 1500 fits the mini action? Guy at the range today said it does.

Timney says they don't fit the Mini, but I've had one on my 6arc for hundreds of rounds.

 

[General RE LEE]

Timney says they don't fit the Mini, but I've had one on my 6arc for hundreds of rounds.

Did you do the 2 or 3 position safety trigger?

 

[turbobrick]

Did you do the 2 or 3 position safety trigger?

2 position

 

[PC356]

Does anyone have real world velocity numbers on short barreled 6.5 grendel? I’m leaning towards cutting down a 6.5 grendel barrel to 11.5” because that’s what I have on hand instead of tracking down a 6arc barrel.

Hornady 90 gr CXs out of 16”r built my ol man for Christmas best I can offer up

 

[Mike D Texas]

Does anyone have real world velocity numbers on short barreled 6.5 grendel? I’m leaning towards cutting down a 6.5 grendel barrel to 11.5” because that’s what I have on hand instead of tracking down a 6arc barrel.

Slow, at least with 120 class bullets.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Ferrulewax]

Slow, at least with 120 class bullets.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Is that with factory loads? Bolt gun or an AR? Thats about where I figured I would be. Definitely doesn’t have the speed when you get out there but I think that should be good out to around 200 yards.

 

[ACHILLES]

Does anyone have real world velocity numbers on short barreled 6.5 grendel? I’m leaning towards cutting down a 6.5 grendel barrel to 11.5” because that’s what I have on hand instead of tracking down a 6arc barrel.

6.5Grendel ar15
11.5” bbl

Factory Black ammo 123elm
2280fps

Handload 123eldm
2280fps

Handload 97gr Absolute Hammer
2500fps

In a bolt gun with cfe223 or Leverevolution you could probaly add another 150-200fps to that

 

[General RE LEE]

I just ordered the Timney 3 position safety trigger for the Weatherby Vanguard/Howa 1500 to try in my Mini. Will see how it fits.

 

[Cantharellus]

I'm pretty decided on building a Howa Mini 6arc and I'm probably overthinking it, but I'm hoping to get some advice on which barreled action would be best for me.

This will be a practice and hunting rifle. Likely put it into a Stocky's VG until the RokStock Lite is available. It will be suppressed, I have a Nomad Ti XC. I am generally a 400 yards and in hunter, but wouldn't mind extending that to 500 or 600 with enough practice. Most of my shooting and hunting is 5,000ft and up. I will start with the factory ammo options, but I have a reloading press that a friend gave me I would like to start using.

Given all of that. Should I go for the 22" sporter, 20" heavy, or 20" carbon barrel?

I'd like the rifle to be on the lighter, shorter side since I do a lot of backpack hunting. The 20" heavy barrel seems like the easy option since it's already threaded 5/8 and shorter. Or I could save some weight and get the 22" and have it cut shorter. Is cutting either to 18" worth considering? Also not opposed to fluting to cut a little weight at some point.

Should I consider the carbon barrel for any reason?
Thanks!

 

[Marshfly]

I would not go with a shorter carbon barrel on any rifle. They are heavier than a light contour sport and you can't cut it. The 22" sporter is light AF. Even lighter when cut to 18".

 

[Cantharellus]

I would not go with a shorter carbon barrel on any rifle. They are heavier than a light contour sport and you can't cut it. The 22" sporter is light AF. Even lighter when cut to 18".

Thanks! I had pretty much ruled out the carbon, but wanted the confirmation. Do you think an 18" barrel would be a good fit for my purposes?