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Another Bolt Action question.....Savage or Howa?

Rack Ops
When I posted my first bolt-action question this week, I was pretty much settled on the rifle (Sako) but not the caliber...

Now I'm pretty much settled on the 30-06...but I'm leaning towards a less expensive rifle

I keep hearing good things anout Howas and Savages, but I don't know enough about either brand to make an informed choice

Help!
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Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • Mossbergboogie
    Howa is made in Japan but that is really it. Savage comes with the accu trigger. Both are what you call a get the job done. Really comes down to personal preference at this point. I do believe that the Mossberg 4X4 rifle system is a howa with a mossberg stamp which would make it cheaper. Either way you really can not go wrong.
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  • jptatum
    I have to agree with chrishiher. You will not go wrong with either choice. Good luck.
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  • iwannausername
    Howa is the same as Weatherby Vanguard.

    I really like my savage 22 magnum, haven't heard anything but good about the centerfire rifles.
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  • yote hunter
    The Howa's have a smoother action, and I like the saftey over the Savage. Both are accurate, reliable rifles. Howa has been putting Houge over-moulded stocks on some of there rifles. I have seen one in olive-drab. I looked great to me.
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  • Mk 19
    Howa make a great rifle, especially for the price. Howa has also made rifles for many other companies, such as the current Wetherby Vangard and the S&W 1500. They are renowned for their accuracy and durability.

    Savage on the other hand makes, in my opinion, the finest rifle for under $1000 today. Savages are well known for accuracy, and they have the best trigger on the market. Don't listen to the naysayers who haven't looked at a Savage product in the past 5 or 6 years. Savage has really picked up the product quality of their rifles in the past few years to the point that they have passed Remington, Ruger and the last few Winchesters.
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  • HandgunHTR52
    I still say you should go with the Tikka. But, if you are stuck between the Howa and the Savage, my vote goes to the Savage. I agree with everything else that has been said and will add that if, in the future, you want to change calibers, all you need is a barrel nut wrench and a set of go/no-go gauges. Midway USA has replacement barrels for the Savage rifles for less than $200. It is a DIY project.
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  • He Dog
    Howa has a very well designed action with a flat bottom, great for glass bedding. I bought mine as a barreled action and stocked it on a Boyds JRS Classic. Shoots better than I do, a tack drive if I can do my part.
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  • Rack Ops
    Handgun: I had forgotten about the Tikka. It does seem to be a bit more expensive than the Savage.

    What exactly am I getting in the Tikka that the Savage lacks?
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  • Mk 19
    quote:What exactly am I getting in the Tikka that the Savage lacks?

    The primary advantage to buying a Tikka over a Savage is in fit and finish. The Tikka is much smother and the stock is better quality. Performance wise there is no advantage to the Tikka. If you want a bit more "smoothness" than the advantage would go to the Tikka. If your looking for performance get the Savage.
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  • Rack Ops
    I'm only considering synthetic stocks anyways, so fit and finish aren't exactly priorities.

    Don't get me wrong, I love the look of wood stocks....but this rifle is going to likely have the hell beat out of it, and I just can't bring myself to do that to a beautiful wood stock
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  • jbw1776
    quote:Originally posted by Rack Ops
    Handgun: I had forgotten about the Tikka. It does seem to be a bit more expensive than the Savage.

    What exactly am I getting in the Tikka that the Savage lacks?


    Smoother action, better stock (synthetic), and better trigger. The Tikka's have one of the best out of the box adjustable triggers out there. I'm not a big fan of the Accu-Trigger, never cared for its safety trigger. Savage stocks (synthetic) can be a little on the rough/boxy side sometimes, the Tikkas are smooth, have a palm swell and really "fit" when you shoulder them. The Tikka's action is butter smooth, similar to the Sakos and they are incredibly accurate...more-so than I'll ever be. IMO the Tikkas are the best out of the box rifle for the price. My next choice is Savage. You'll likely not find any difference in accuracy between the two. The Savages I have owned or shot have all been great, I just choose the Tikka as a slightly more "refined" rifle. Good luck, you should enjoy any that's been mentioned above.

    Ben
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  • jbw1776
    quote:Originally posted by Rack Ops
    I'm only considering synthetic stocks anyways, so fit and finish aren't exactly priorities.

    ...but this rifle is going to likely have the hell beat out of it....


    Then I'd say go with the Savage then. If you like the trigger, and most do, then you should be pleased with it.

    Ben
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  • ladams
    I have a Vanguard Sub-MOA in .300 weatherby that will print .25 MOA groups all day long. The action is very smooth, and I like the fit on the stock. That being said savage is also a very good choice, if you do not want an accu-trigger look at a Stevens 200 they are the same exact gun with an ugly gray stock and no accu-trigger. They are also very inexpensive and shoot surprisingly well.
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