Tikka T3 vs Howa 1500(reliability)

[yosemite_sam]

I'm looking to compare the reliability(not fit and finish) of the Howa 1500 and Tikka T3 actions.

After handling both at Sportsman's I can see that the Tikka fit and finish was superior to the Howa. I totally get why people think that. However, I felt that the action on the Howa was EXTREMELY adequate. Especially for my needs.

The only thing would make me consider saving up for the Tikka would be if folks believe that the Tikka is vastly superior to the Howa, in reliability.

I put reliability above fit and finish, even though they correlate...to a point. At some point, good enough is good enough. If the Howa and Tikka are comparable reliability wise, I'd go Howa...but if Tikka reliability is much better, I guess I'll start saving.

I have seen a few posts regarding some problems with Howa's but it sounds like most folks are saying that most of them are good, and if you get a good one, its a great shooter. Howa's sub MOA guarantee and lifetime warranty sound very appealing for a $450 barreled action that I see regularly shooting sub .75 MOA on this forum.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Harronek]

I own both - Tikka 6.5 CM and 6.5x55 , Howa .223 ( x2 a heavy barrel and a sporter )and a 308
Non of these rifles have given me any problems and all are accurate with their preferred ammo .
I love my Tikka’s and won’t be getting rid of them but the Howa’s are the best value for money in my opinion.

 

[yosemite_sam]

Thanks for the replies so far! Sounds like you two are happy with your Howas for what they are.

Any other folks care to chime in on the Howa reliability? Looking to hear from somebody who's put lots of rounds down range/heavy field use with their Howas. For the record I have LOVED my Honda cars/bikes and Toyotas...I'm a huge fan of Japanese engineering/manufacturing. Good enough and lasts forever.

 

[Hickswr]

Reliability shouldn’t be an issue for either. I have several of both but the Tikkas are far superior in my opinion. Both in function and aesthetics.

I acquired all my tikkas when they were priced similar to the Howa. But I’d still rather pay the price difference and have a Tikka.

 

[mheimer_45]

I’ve got four Howa’s. .223, .308, and 6.5 creed that I bought as barreled actions. Two are B&C stocks with cdi bottom metals and the .223 is in a Krg bravo. Also have a mini action grendel in a Boyd’s. All have factory triggers that I did some work too. All feed reliably and go bang everytime I pull the trigger.

 

[yosemite_sam]

I think y'all have sold me on the Howa 1500! Thanks for your feedback.

 

[308pirate]

Any other folks care to chime in on the Howa reliability? Looking to hear from somebody who's put lots of rounds down range/heavy field use with their Howas. For the record I have LOVED my Honda cars/bikes and Toyotas...I'm a huge fan of Japanese engineering/manufacturing. Good enough and lasts forever.

I have put exactly 6020 rounds though a Model 1500 without a single failure to feed, extract, or eject.

 

[yosemite_sam]

"I have put exactly 6020 rounds though a Model 1500 without a single failure to feed, extract, or eject."

Brother, if that aint a testimonial, I don't know what is. Hahaha. My confidence in the build is very high.

 

[Harronek]

A lighter spring for the trigger is about the best thing you can do for a standard Howa in my opinion.
They only cost a few dollars and anyone is capable of installing it themselves ( YouTube instructional videos help ) .
I’ve got them in two of my Howa’s and a Timney in the other , the only reason to buy the Timney is if you want a single stage trigger because the performance of the standard HACT trigger with the lighter spring is extremely good .

 

[yosemite_sam]

I have put exactly 6020 rounds though a Model 1500 without a single failure to feed, extract, or eject.

To clarify is this 6020 through a the same 1500 or in different Howas you own. Thanks for the help!

 

[yosemite_sam]

A lighter spring for the trigger is about the best thing you can do for a standard Howa in my opinion.
They only cost a few dollars and anyone is capable of installing it themselves ( YouTube instructional videos help ) .
I’ve got them in two of my Howa’s and a Timney in the other , the only reason to buy the Timney is if you want a single stage trigger because the performance of the standard HACT trigger with the lighter spring is extremely good .

I HATE single stage triggers...so the nice out of the box 2-stage trigger is a huge plus for me.

 

[b6graham]

howa is fine

but where tikka starts to edge it out is available chassis/stock options

 

[CavReconScout]

I have just under 2000 through my 6.5 Creedmoor Howa, 1500 through my 6mm Howa, and just under 1000 through a second 6.5 Howa. No issues with any of them. Here’s a picture of the one with the most rounds through it.

 

[yosemite_sam]

howa is fine

but where tikka starts to edge it out is available chassis/stock options

I'm going to run a KRG Bravo so that's a non issue for me.

 

[jbuck88]

I've never owned a Tikka, but own a Howa. I don't think that there would be a difference between reliability wise. The Tikka has more aftermarket support, but since you don't need that it's a moot point.

I like my Howa Mini.

 

[yosemite_sam]

I have just under 2000 through my 6.5 Creedmoor Howa, 1500 through my 6mm Howa, and just under 1000 through a second 6.5 Howa. No issues with any of them. Here’s a picture of the one with the most rounds through it. View attachment 8054761

THAT is a serious sample size... could it maybe be that these affordable actions are actually a really amazing value? Why aren't they more popular? Do you think folks are hesitant due to the "I only buy American" ethos? I said it already but I love my Japanese cars and bikes and you could not give me an American car(save a Ford truck). My dollar goes to our ally, who typically makes far superior products.

 

[b6graham]

Howa aftermarket is meh at best

no one really cares about tikka being foreign and now that their aftermarket is pretty big they're getting a lot more popular. their 'Long Action' length is pretty good as well. plus the CTR dropped into a bravo is hard to beat versus an RPR/other entry level gun

 

[308pirate]

To clarify is this 6020 through a the same 1500 or in different Howas you own. Thanks for the help!

That one rifle you see there (308 Win)

 

[308pirate]

Howa aftermarket is meh at best

There isn't much that they need

 

[Ronws]

One of my colleagues swears by the Tikka. Once you try one, you never change.

Also, here is a Howa in action (time stamp 03:45) Howa 1500 in 6.5 Creedmoor ELD-X 143 grain with a Burris Eliminator III scope at quite a distance. Not a PRS competition but good enough for moose. So, yeah, reliable.

 

[juanfabuloso]

howa is fine

but where tikka starts to edge it out is available chassis/stock options

Just got back from SHOT and the availability of chases/stock options is mushrooming. Plenty of options in SA and more appearing in LA. MDT (Oryx), HS-Precison, Manner, KRK and others now offer Howa/Vanguard products.

 

[yosemite_sam]

That one rifle you see there (308 Win)

Thats amazing! Have you replaced the barrel? Care to describe the first barrel life if you have? Thanks!

 

[308pirate]

Thats amazing! Have you replaced the barrel? Care to describe the first barrel life if you have? Thanks!

The original barrel is still on there. Still will punch steel with impunity as far as a short-barreled (17") 308 can with my skills (700 - 800 yards)

This is a ten-shot 100 yd group from a wooden bench with just an Atlas bipod and a rear bag, shot on September 13, 2018. The barrel had exactly 4300 rounds when I started shooting this.

 

[308pirate]

I felt that the action on the Howa was EXTREMELY adequate.

It will get much better quickly with use, especially if you grease the cocking piece ramp where the rear of the bolt rides

 

[yosemite_sam]

The original barrel is still on there. Still will punch steel with impunity as far as a short-barreled (17") 308 can with my skills (700 - 800 yards)

This is a ten-shot 100 yd group from a wooden bench with just an Atlas bipod and a rear bag, shot on September 13, 2018. The barrel had exactly 4300 rounds when I started shooting this.
View attachment 8055027

Man I am like, really really impressed at this point haha. That action for the price that it is, it’s kinda mind boggling.

 

[jbuck88]

You have to decide what you want, or will be satisfied with.

My howa will shoot, and I have zero doubt that it's perfectly adequate. I chopped the stock to make it more kid friendly and my boys will use it for a hunting rifle. I'm not fond of the magazine release, nor the plastic magazine. I also liked the Ruger American for a cheaper rifle. My 6.5cm ruger american predator will shoot with my custom hunting rifle that cost over 10 times as much.

So pick something that checks enough boxes for you and go have fun. You don't need to spend a fortune to punch paper and play around.

I also picked up a MDT Oryx youth chassis to change out the stock when the kids want to shoot more at the range then hunt.

 

[308pirate]

Man I am like, really really impressed at this point haha. That action for the price that it is, it’s kinda mind boggling.

Sub-MOA All Day! Howa 1500 + KRG Bravo Chassis = Awesome Factory Accuracy

The Howa KRG Bravo comes with the same accuracy guarantee you've seen on other rifles, but with one important difference: this rifle delivers.

www.gunsamerica.com

 

[yosemite_sam]

Sub-MOA All Day! Howa 1500 + KRG Bravo Chassis = Awesome Factory Accuracy

The Howa KRG Bravo comes with the same accuracy guarantee you've seen on other rifles, but with one important difference: this rifle delivers.

www.gunsamerica.com

I read this and there is always that “is this person getting paid to fluff it up?” thought in my head…but it sounds like there is zero fluff.

 

[yosemite_sam]

The original barrel is still on there. Still will punch steel with impunity as far as a short-barreled (17") 308 can with my skills (700 - 800 yards)

This is a ten-shot 100 yd group from a wooden bench with just an Atlas bipod and a rear bag, shot on September 13, 2018. The barrel had exactly 4300 rounds when I started shooting this.
View attachment 8055027

Please excuse my ignorance, but is this a mil-rad target? I’m trying to make the change from MOA!

 

[308pirate]

Please excuse my ignorance, but is this a mil-rad target? I’m trying to make the change from MOA!

It is. I made it on excel but there should be some on this forum or elsewhere on the web.

If you truly understand MOA, meaning you don't try to translate from inches to MOA and back, then you won't have an issue doing it in mils. The scopes that the majority of us use have a reticle that lets you measure directly in mils (more common) or MOA (less common).

Even when I shot NRA Highpower Rifle, which is all MOA, I never thought to myself "I wonder how many inches I'm off?". The National Match post/aperture sights required back then adjusted in 1/4 MOA increments so it seemed obvious to translate the target scoring ring sizes into MOAs. Once I did that, sight adjustments became lightning fast. Something important when the wind is switchy and you need to shoot through it because you're running out of time.

 

[yosemite_sam]

It is. I made it on excel but there should be some on this forum or elsewhere on the web.

If you truly understand MOA, meaning you don't try to translate from inches to MOA and back, then you won't have an issue doing it in mils. The scopes that the majority of us use have a reticle that lets you measure directly in mils (more common) or MOA (less common).

Even when I shot NRA Highpower Rifle, which is all MOA, I never thought to myself "I wonder how many inches I'm off?". The National Match post/aperture sights required back then adjusted in 1/4 MOA increments so it seemed obvious to translate the target scoring ring sizes into MOAs. Once I did that, sight adjustments became lightning fast. Something important when the wind is switchy and you need to shoot through it because you're running out of time.

I actually already think in MOA scaled for a given distance! I just picked up a primary arms MIL-RAD FFP 4-14 w/illuminated reticle for $200 on sale! I am having fun using it to practice range finding.

Would you mind posting that target file? I can’t find anything quite that simple online. I prefer the most simple targets because they print well on my B/W printer haha.

 

[308pirate]

I actually already think in MOA scaled for a given distance!

MOA doesn't scale with distance. It's an angle. 5 MOA at 100 yards is the same angle at 1000 yards. The linear span subtended by that 5 MOA angle does scale with distance.

I just picked up a primary arms MIL-RAD FFP 4-14 w/illuminated reticle for $200 on sale! I am having fun using it to practice range finding.

I tried rangefinding with a scope. Then I bought a laser rangefinder (Leica)

Would you mind posting that target file? I can’t find anything quite that simple online. I prefer the most simple targets because they print well on my B/W printer haha.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Reliability is going to be similar with both. I've owned multiple samples of both (also weatherby vanguard which is 1500) and they were all equally accurate too.

I'll always pick the T3X as the action just feels a little better, and overall has better aftermarket support.

 

[celltech]

I have heard people complain about Tikka bolt shrouds and the occasional bolt handle breaking off. I think my Howa bolts could take a MLRS strike and come out unscathed. I have maybe 1000 rounds through my Howa .308 and -0- issues.

 

[yosemite_sam]

MOA doesn't scale with distance. It's an angle. 5 MOA at 100 yards is the same angle at 1000 yards. The linear span subtended by that 5 MOA angle does scale with distance.



I tried rangefinding with a scope. Then I bought a laser rangefinder (Leica)

I think maybe my terms weren’t the best. What i meant to say is that my brain considers a 10 inch group at 1000 yards as 1 moa and a .5 inch group at 50 yards is 1 moa and so forth.

Thanks for the targets I can’t wait to punch holes in them!

 

[yosemite_sam]

I have heard people complain about Tikka bolt shrouds and the occasional bolt handle breaking off. I think my Howa bolts could take a MLRS strike and come out unscathed. I have maybe 1000 rounds through my Howa .308 and -0- issues.

I really like how a Japanese manufacturer directly addressed the shortcomings of the R700 in their bolt design. Very Japanese thing to do. Awesome to hear these round counts y’all.

“nicer” doesn’t always mean better. I’d take a Toyota pickup over a Mercedes any freakin day.

 

[308pirate]

I think maybe my terms weren’t the best. What i meant to say is that my brain considers a 10 inch group at 1000 yards as 1 moa and a .5 inch group at 50 yards is 1 moa and so forth.

Thanks for the targets I can’t wait to punch holes in them!

I get what you mean now. Groups aren't very relevant to practical rifle shooting other than to test ammunition.

 

[BAMAboy18]

I HATE single stage triggers...so the nice out of the box 2-stage trigger is a huge plus for me.

See, I'm the opposite. I tuned my HACT trigger by cutting the spring & adjusting, it's much better, but I prefer the my older single stage, so much so that I sold a Timney I had purchased while I was waiting on my rifle to arrive. I wish I could find another single to replace my HACT.

 

[ReplicaSnipers]

A lighter spring for the trigger is about the best thing you can do for a standard Howa in my opinion.
They only cost a few dollars and anyone is capable of installing it themselves ( YouTube instructional videos help ) .
I’ve got them in two of my Howa’s and a Timney in the other , the only reason to buy the Timney is if you want a single stage trigger because the performance of the standard HACT trigger with the lighter spring is extremely good .

100% support this. I have some very expensive triggers and they are only marginally at best better than a lightened HACT (Howa 2 stage) trigger. I prefer two stage triggers for precision shooting too.

 

[BAMAboy18]

Since my last post, I replaced the HACT with a Timney, installed the HACT in the 308 I gave my son for his birthday.