.375 in the Howa 1500

I have seen the Howa 1500 chambered in the .375 available rather cheaply. Anybody have one or shot one? Was wondering if it was worth considering. Thanks for any help. Bruce

I believe that Howa is chambering their bolt action in the .375 Ruger. This is essentially the same rifle as the Weatherby Vanguard. It seems to be a solid push feed design, though I have seen no reports on how it performs with this heavy a cartridge. I believe it has been available in .338 for a number of years. Their synthetic stock has been made by Hogue for several years which would make it even more Ruger like. I am not sure that I have ever seen one with open sights so not sure if that is an option on a their version of a DG rifle.

Bruce,
Howa makes some excellent rifles, and they are popular all over the world. They are known to be accurate right out of the box. I can see no reason why the .375 will be different. They are very competitively priced. I have recently only purchased my first Howa, but in .243 Win. and would not have done so, if it was not for the numerous excellent feedback I got from Howa owners. If you are looking for a good .375, you could have a look at the CZ 550. Evertime I shoot it , the accuracy only impresses me more and more.

Best Regards
Marius Goosen
KMG Hunting Safaris

It is indeed the .375 Ruger caliber. The reason I asked is that there is an opportunity to pick one up new for $530 with the shipping. The barrel is only 20 inches so I'm a little concerned about that. Thanks for the replies so far. Bruce

I have a Rug. Alaskan with the 20 inch barrel. Bit of an ugly stick but It shot 1 inch groups out of the box. I was a little concerned initially about loss of velocity & energy compared to 23-24 inch barrelled guns but really from a practical viewpoint think that minor loss is irrelavent. Noise too is not excessive. I've fired 270's & 300's with a loud sharp "crack" that made my ears ring but the 375 is more of a "boom" ..if that makes sense....not hard to live with. It's a good cartidge...will never have the romance or popularity of the H&H but I took it to Africa with 270 grn Hornadys and it killed everything with no fuss. Have not seen a Howa but sounds like a good buy at that price.

I have seen the 375Ruger Howa here in Australia. Just be aware there is a 24" barreled version available - thats the one we have here.

The Australian version is drilled and tapped for open sights but does not have them. Magazine holds three rounds.

I have had a brief chat to one of the guys here who has bought one and he is very happy with the rifle - it feeds very well and apparently shoots 270gn Hornady Factory softs under an inch. I asked what the recoil was like and he said that it was most maneagable - that does not surprise me with a Hogue stock.

If you are happy with a pushfeed action this rifle is excellent buying for the money.