Howa Mini Rifles, Builds, and Upgrades

[806guns]

Has anyone shaved the B&C to get a full length arca rail to install flat ?

 

[BigWoods]

That Burris looks like a great match for these compact rifles, and a very practical mag range.

Absolutely! About as much scope in as small a package as possible. It's about the perfect magnification range for everything from the end of the barrel out to 4-500yards. In New England, opportunities tend heavily toward the closer end but it's nice to have some magnification to pick out clear shots through the undergrowth as well as the occasional clear cut or mature timber stand.

Still not crazy about the 'stubby' looks, but I'm coming around on it.

 

[BigWoods]

Well I made it out for a quick trip to the range where I was able to test out the loads I have around. In 15deg weather and a bit of crosswind, the initial results are encouraging.

I used Winchester M193 Ball (not pictured), AAC 75gr BTHP (Hornady bullet?), AAC 77gr OTM, AAC 70gr TSX, & AAC 75gr Black Sabre. All were easily right around 1.5". The latter two printed the best at this point. I pulled the one shot on the Black Sabre - otherwise that's a 3/4" group. Next time out, I'll probably try some 10 round groups for better info. After shooting groups, I did a few off hand 100yard shots at an 8" plate, going 3/5. Points and steadies well...even if I rushed a couple shots there. Another observation was that there was very little POI shift between the 70ish grain loads.

Initial impressions on the rifle; It's a joy to shoot. Mine is very smooth cycling...like dare I say it, on par with the Tikka I used to have. The .223 bolt is a hoot and should be even more fun once I get a suppressor on it. Also, I really liked using the factory magazine. It loads and cycles extremely well. For carry purposes I might still get a JO bottom metal, but if I do that, the factory bottom metal will stick around for kid hunts/ kid range days.