Howa Mini Rifles, Builds, and Upgrades

[Kaleb]

 

[Stocky]

I use a set of Talley Lightweights, I turned the rear base around and drilled/countersunk a new set set of holes so now it sits flush with the action opening.
Functionally and aesthetically it's a big improvement.

Could probably be done with the Leupold mounts as well
View attachment 904735View attachment 904736

Nope the leupolds are longer and bolt bolt function. If you want that style mounts just buy the howa mini version.

 

[Stocky]

Appreciate the response.
This is why I was asking.
I do have JO bottom metal.
Do you have a picture?

Post in thread 'Howa Mini Rifles, Builds, and Upgrades' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/howa-mini-rifles-builds-and-upgrades.385054/post-4058996

 

[Stocky]

If you want the back country just grind them down. I have to do that on kimbers. It works great for me but the next person might say it’s stupid. To each their own. I’ll see if I can find a picture.

I use the Burris pic bases and a pic ring on mine fwiw.

It works bit looks average (the raw aluminium not the angle that looks fine) the leupold rings gain almost over talleys personally. But you can't get a level for them. They aren't any thicker. The howa mini port is already tiny covering any of it when top loading with the Jefferson is a huge negative. I was going to do that to mine but just went to talleys.

 

[Kaleb]

I agree on the tiny port. That’s why I used the 2 piece pic bases not a rail. I have not tried a mini with a rail but I was afraid it would be a pain.

 

[buck40]

I had already ordered BCs for my Kimber today so I’ll likely stick with those.
I have some pic bases for a 700 so I may just get rings for those.
Thanks for the input and pictures.

 

[Stumpy208]

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

Did you end up getting that bottom metal? If so how do you like it?

 

[IDVortex]

Did you end up getting that bottom metal? If so how do you like it?

I like it, I havent had a issue with it at all. Fit to finish was flawless. (Unlike a $350ish stock...)

 

[Schroedernd]

Gents, this thread is amazing and overwhelming! I have decided to do a howa 1500 build in 6mm arc and have a few questions. I want an 18 or 20 in barrel and have the 20 in my cart, but is that a heavy barrel as opposed to the 22 in barrel? If I get the 22" is it even worth it to cut to 18in if running suprressed? Next, I will get the JO bottom metal, but I'm a bit confused with which stocky stock is needed. Is this the one that works with the sporter barrel (the mini or do I get the regular SA stock) https://stockysstocks.com/stockys-n...lite/?searchid=227854&search_query=Howa+1500?
Any other lessons learned that would benefit me in this build?

 

[Ferrulewax]

Gents, this thread is amazing and overwhelming! I have decided to do a howa 1500 build in 6mm arc and have a few questions. I want an 18 or 20 in barrel and have the 20 in my cart, but is that a heavy barrel as opposed to the 22 in barrel? If I get the 22" is it even worth it to cut to 18in if running suprressed? Next, I will get the JO bottom metal, but I'm a bit confused with which stocky stock is needed. Is this the one that works with the sporter barrel (the mini or do I get the regular SA stock) https://stockysstocks.com/stockys-n...lite/?searchid=227854&search_query=Howa+1500?
Any other lessons learned that would benefit me in this build

On a mini action, I am a big fan of the sporter barrel- I don't see the point in making a compact lightweight rifle and then putting a heavy barrel on it. I think you'll find the 22" way too long with a suppressor, particularly for a gun with such a lightweight stock. If you plan to hand carry much It's going to feel very tip heavy.

I would go 18" or even 16" if you can get away with it- you probably can. The 6ARC has some slippery bullets for distance shooting- even more so if you handload.If I were going to build another mini and money was no option, I think a 6arc with a 16" barrel and a US OG would be sweet, with just a 20" total barrel length between barrel and suppressor.

For the stock make sure you get the Mini inlet- not the ultralight or short action. I would get the varmint barrel contour regardless of the actual barrel profile. More room doesn't hurt anything and the sporter channel is very tight and made contact with my sporter barrel.

 

[Schroedernd]

On a mini action, I am a big fan of the sporter barrel- I don't see the point in making a compact lightweight rifle and then putting a heavy barrel on it. I think you'll find the 22" way too long with a suppressor, particularly for a gun with such a lightweight stock. If you plan to hand carry much It's going to feel very tip heavy.

I would go 18" or even 16" if you can get away with it- you probably can. The 6ARC has some slippery bullets for distance shooting- even more so if you handload.If I were going to build another mini and money was no option, I think a 6arc with a 16" barrel and a US OG would be sweet, with just a 20" total barrel length between barrel and suppressor.

For the stock make sure you get the Mini inlet- not the ultralight or short action. I would get the varmint barrel contour regardless of the actual barrel profile. More room doesn't hurt anything and the sporter channel is very tight and made contact with my sporter barrel.

Ill probably hunt deer with it this year, but use hornady eld-x until I develop a load for it. Thanks for the other info as well for the profile, ill probably chop to 18". What are you referring to for "US OG"?

 

[Ferrulewax]

Ill probably hunt deer with it this year, but use hornady eld-x until I develop a load for it. Thanks for the other info as well for the profile, ill probably chop to 18". What are you referring to for "US OG"?

the unknown supressors OG can- it's 8" long but 4" over the barrel and 4" past the muzzle.

With a 16" Barrel I would think that you would still be deadly out near 500 yards with factory ammo, even further with reloads.

 

[Schroedernd]

the unknown supressors OG can- it's 8" long but 4" over the barrel and 4" past the muzzle.

With a 16" Barrel I would think that you would still be deadly out past 500 yards.

Awesome, thanks for your help. I have an omega 300 ill throw on it for now. Is this stockys stock the go-to for these or are there other ones to look at? https://stockysstocks.com/stockys-n...te-accublock-stocks-howa-1500-mini-superlite/ Lastly, is this Jeffersons bottom metal compatible with the factory mags? https://jeffersonoutdoors.com/howa-mini-action-aluminum-metal-triggerguard/

 

[9.3koolaid]

On a mini action, I am a big fan of the sporter barrel- I don't see the point in making a compact lightweight rifle and then putting a heavy barrel on it. I think you'll find the 22" way too long with a suppressor, particularly for a gun with such a lightweight stock. If you plan to hand carry much It's going to feel very tip heavy.

I would go 18" or even 16" if you can get away with it- you probably can. The 6ARC has some slippery bullets for distance shooting- even more so if you handload.If I were going to build another mini and money was no option, I think a 6arc with a 16" barrel and a US OG would be sweet, with just a 20" total barrel length between barrel and suppressor.

For the stock make sure you get the Mini inlet- not the ultralight or short action. I would get the varmint barrel contour regardless of the actual barrel profile. More room doesn't hurt anything and the sporter channel is very tight and made contact with my sporter barrel.

Don't think I've posted this yet!

 

[9.3koolaid]

Awesome, thanks for your help. I have an omega 300 ill throw on it for now. Is this stockys stock the go-to for these or are there other ones to look at? https://stockysstocks.com/stockys-n...te-accublock-stocks-howa-1500-mini-superlite/ Lastly, is this Jeffersons bottom metal compatible with the factory mags? https://jeffersonoutdoors.com/howa-mini-action-aluminum-metal-triggerguard/

The one you linked is for factory mags. They also have a hinged floorplate bottom metal and one for cz527 mags. I have the hinged floorplate one but changed back to factory mags. Loading through the top with a scope on that tiny action kinda sucks.

 

[Schroedernd]

The one you linked is for factory mags. They also have a hinged floorplate bottom metal and one for cz527 mags. I have the hinged floorplate one but changed back to factory mags. Loading through the top with a scope on that tiny action kinda sucks.

This is the info I wanted! I see everyone waiting on the next order of the hinged ones, but loading sounds like a pain in the ass. Ill get the one for factory mags unless the CZ ones are that much better?

 

[hereinaz]

Awesome, thanks for your help. I have an omega 300 I’ll throw on it for now. Is this stockys stock the go-to for these or are there other ones to look at? https://stockysstocks.com/stockys-n...te-accublock-stocks-howa-1500-mini-superlite/ Lastly, is this Jeffersons bottom metal compatible with the factory mags? https://jeffersonoutdoors.com/howa-mini-action-aluminum-metal-triggerguard/

Stocky’s is one of few available. It’s the one I use.
Jefferson uses factory mags.
The OG over the barrel is sweet. I approve.
I agree with @Ferrulewax, it will be good to 500ish.

I will get some pics up of my 22 BR mini with the OG. I built it at the beginning of my “short barrel” journey so it is a whopping 18”…

These mini are a hoot to shoot, and the OG will be a sweet fit.

 

[9.3koolaid]

This is the info I wanted! I see everyone waiting on the next order of the hinged ones, but loading sounds like a pain in the ass. Ill get the one for factory mags unless the CZ ones are that much better?

Maybe if you already had a bunch? They are metal. I don't have any experience with them.

 

[IDVortex]

Gents, this thread is amazing and overwhelming! I have decided to do a howa 1500 build in 6mm arc and have a few questions. I want an 18 or 20 in barrel and have the 20 in my cart, but is that a heavy barrel as opposed to the 22 in barrel? If I get the 22" is it even worth it to cut to 18in if running suprressed? Next, I will get the JO bottom metal, but I'm a bit confused with which stocky stock is needed. Is this the one that works with the sporter barrel (the mini or do I get the regular SA stock) https://stockysstocks.com/stockys-n...lite/?searchid=227854&search_query=Howa+1500?
Any other lessons learned that would benefit me in this build?

Have you looked at Brownells bottom metal? Id suggest that.

Ps, buy sanding paper for your stock.

 

[The Guide]

Gents, this thread is amazing and overwhelming! I have decided to do a howa 1500 build in 6mm arc and have a few questions. I want an 18 or 20 in barrel and have the 20 in my cart, but is that a heavy barrel as opposed to the 22 in barrel? If I get the 22" is it even worth it to cut to 18in if running suprressed? Next, I will get the JO bottom metal, but I'm a bit confused with which stocky stock is needed. Is this the one that works with the sporter barrel (the mini or do I get the regular SA stock) https://stockysstocks.com/stockys-n...lite/?searchid=227854&search_query=Howa+1500?
Any other lessons learned that would benefit me in this build?

The 20" barrel is the heavy barrel and the 22" is the lighter sporter contour. I would suggest getting the 22" barrel for a light carry hunting rifle. Shoot it in the 22" configuration to verify it is a shooter and then cut it to your desired length. I use a Omega 300 DTM on mine @ 22" with no issues. I use the factory bottom metal and mags with mine (2 ing 6.5 Grendel, 1 in 6 ARC, 1 in 22 ARC, and 3 in 223) with 0 issues. I have a Stockys VG on my 6mm ARC and a Bell and Carlson M40 Howa Mini Action stock on a 223 and on my 22 ARC. The rest are in factory configuration. I like the B&C stock better than the Stockys VG. My 22 ARC and my 223 in the B&C stocks are probably my favorite to shoot. I highly recommend the B&C stock for the Howa's for the price and shoot ability of them.

Jay

Bell and Carlson: HOWA/S&W/MOSS. 1500

Bell and Carlson is a leader in synthetic stock design, technology and manufacturer of the highest quality fiberglass, aramid and graphite gun stocks available.

www.bellandcarlson.com