Howa Mini Rifles, Builds, and Upgrades

[BigWoods]

Finally got my 22ARC finished up and a few rounds through her.
Sitting in a freshly bedded and painted Stocky's Carbon Stock.

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Shooting Hornady Match 88 grn
1st five shot group
Average 2693
SD 5.8
ES 16.7
Group Size with Flyer .577

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Wow! That's really sharp lookin! Well done sir!

 

[Murdy88]

Got this one put together. 6.5 Grendel 12" barrel. Does anyone know a specific chassis that may clear the suppressor and short barrel?
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JTAC industries elf owl. I’ve got an 11” forend on a 14.5 barrel. They make a 9” and will build you whatever you want. It did take a long time to get but I think they’ve been going through some supply issues. It’s really well made though and the folding butt stock locks up tight

 

[Feral Jared]

JTAC industries elf owl. I’ve got an 11” forend on a 14.5 barrel. They make a 9” and will build you whatever you want. It did take a long time to get but I think they’ve been going through some supply issues. It’s really well made though and the folding butt stock locks up tight

What's the weight on that?

 

[KyleR1985]

Rented PTG uni throater from 4D.

I currently have the mini capable of loading 2.475ish. I hopefully can push that to 2.55” when I’m done with it.

Decided to stop here, with the 77TMK near optimal loading, and the 88’s around .1” longer.

Figure if I pull off the longer COAL function, I can still seat the 88’s .050 off or so. Plus I want to wait for the new 88tmks before going further.

Basically added .100 freebore to whatever was there on the Shaw .223ai reamer used.

Feel dumb taking a cutting tool to a barrel shooting great. But life is short!

 

[Feral Jared]

FYI- JO hinged bottom metal are back in stock!!

 

[JFK]

FYI- JO hinged bottom metal are back in stock!!

Just grabbed one. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Murdy88]

What's the weight on that?

Not as light as I would’ve liked but it’s really a plinker/ night hunting rig. 9lbs 6.6oz with a SWFA 3-15. It’s the heavy contour barrel from Brownells and I couldn’t wait for Jtacs “lightened” forend.

 

[Feral Jared]

Finally got my hands on a 20” Mini in 6mm ARC. I had my eye on a BA from Brownells, but after a little searching I found the whole rifle available at Fleet Farm. With a promo for $50 and avoiding a transfer and shipping costs, I was able to bring it home for less than the cost of a BA. I plan to cut the factory stock down to youth size and have a B&C Target/ Competition stock with JO hinged bottom metal on the way for me.

I bought a couple boxes of ammo when I picked up the rifle to give it a sampling for the first range session. I used up some 55gr NSP handloads I made for an AR upper to get it zeroed and then shot some groups. The sub moa guarantee was satisfied in the first 20 shots, so that’s very promising! Can’t wait to get this in the new stock and start getting some good handloads running!

While I wait for the stock and bottom metal, I 3d printed a larger bolt knob and clipped a coil in the trigger spring to lighten it up a little…idle hands and all that!

 

[BroccoliRob]

While I wait for the stock and bottom metal, I 3d printed a larger bolt knob and clipped a coil in the trigger spring to lighten it up a little…idle hands and all that!

Share the STL file for the bolt knob?

 

[Feral Jared]

Share the STL file for the bolt knob?

You'll need 3 m3x14mm fasteners and a tap. Sand the flat sides for a tighter fit. I think I'll use a dab of hot glue on each half before I screw it together to keep it from turning.

Howa 1500 SA Bolt Knob

2-piece large bolt knob for Howa 1500 Short Action Uses 3x M3 x 15mm socket head hex screws Not sure if it will fit other Howa models

cults3d.com

 

[bnsafe]

ok, I know its all in here somewhere, but I dont have time to read 55 pages an search didnt find what I wanted. What are some options for good single stage triggers for the mini, and a bigger bolt knob.

 

[Te Hopo]

Ive got a Timney in mine, easy to fit and adjust, nice crisp single stage.

For a larger bolt knob, I'm just running a slip on rubber knob for now to see whether I prefer it a larger grip.
Still undecided

 

[bnsafe]

thx you. im looking at a basix. any feedback on those. I just dont like a two stage trigger. maybe i can get use to it.

 

[BreechFace]

Headed out for the maiden voyage of my Howa Mini 6ARC. Details below:

Howa Mini Sporter

Barrel: Cut down to 19”, threaded 1/2”x28tpi, hand-lapped

Stock: Stocky’s VG CF, action bedded and straightened in the stock (Stocky’s inlet was off and barrel touching side of channel, fixed at action)

Bottom Metal: Oregon Gunsmithing Hinged Floorplate

Optics: Vortex Viper PST Gen 1 2.5-10x32mm FFP Illuminated on Talley LW Rings

Suppressor: ECCO Machine FivebyFive (will eventually cut some weight when my Unknown Suppressors 6.5 OG Titanium over the barrel comes in, this will shave ~5oz and 1” in length)

Weight: 7lbs 9.5oz. Ready to hunt with full 3+1 and suppressor

Velocities (32*F, foggy, 3-4mph wind at back)
-Hornady 103gr ELD-X = 2,630fps (32 shot strong, 56 ES and 14.6 SD, ~0.75 MOA)

-HSM 95gr Berger VLD = 2,394fps (5 shot string, horrible 105 ES and 38 SD, poor accuracy)

-HSM 95gr SST = 2,429fps (5 shot string, good ES and SD) ~0.75MOA)

 

[liveaxle]

Has anyone found an alternative to the MDT/Mambamags for a higher capacity Grendel/ARC mag for the Howa Mini? I found a 3d Print STL for a 15 round 223 mag, but I haven't been able to find anything (3D print or purchasable) for higher capacity ARC mags.

 

[waspocrew]

ok, I know its all in here somewhere, but I dont have time to read 55 pages an search didnt find what I wanted. What are some options for good single stage triggers for the mini, and a bigger bolt knob.

I went with a Jard in mine. Definitely a nice trigger. You can modify your factory trigger by carefully clipping the spring. There’s a YouTube video demonstrating.

For the bolt knob, I sent my bolt to Sam at The Polished Knob. He worked his magic and threaded it, then I installed a Lumley 1” carbon ball.

 

[bnsafe]

I LOVE that knob. my stock is carbon to. gonna have to think on that.