Finding the perfect barreled action can be the cornerstone of a successful custom rifle build. For many, Brownells' offerings for the Howa platform stand out as a popular and reliable choice. This comprehensive guide dives deep into what makes Brownells Howa barreled actions so appealing, exploring their features, benefits, and considerations for your next project.
Understanding the Brownells Howa Barreled Action Advantage
Brownells, a renowned supplier of firearms components and accessories, partners with Howa, a respected manufacturer known for its precision and quality. This collaboration yields barreled actions that combine readily available components with exceptional accuracy potential. The key advantages lie in:
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Pre-fit Components: The barreled action arrives largely assembled, saving you significant time and effort compared to sourcing and fitting individual parts. This pre-fit nature simplifies the building process, allowing even less experienced builders to achieve professional results.
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Howa's Reputation for Accuracy: Howa's reputation precedes them. Their actions are known for their inherent accuracy, providing a solid foundation for a highly precise rifle. This means you start with a significant advantage in achieving consistent shot placement.
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Variety of Calibers and Configurations: Brownells offers a wide selection of calibers and barrel lengths for their Howa barreled actions. This extensive choice allows you to tailor the rifle precisely to your intended use, whether it's long-range target shooting, hunting, or other applications.
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Customization Options: While pre-fitted for convenience, these barreled actions still offer ample room for customization. You can easily add aftermarket stocks, triggers, and other components to perfectly match your preferences and needs.
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Brownells' Support and Resources: Brownells provides extensive support, including detailed instructions and resources for rifle builders. Their online presence and experienced staff make troubleshooting or finding additional components straightforward.
Choosing the Right Brownells Howa Barreled Action
Selecting the ideal barreled action involves careful consideration of several factors:
1. Caliber Selection:
The caliber directly impacts the intended use of your rifle. Popular choices offered by Brownells often include:
- .223 Remington/5.56 NATO: Versatile and cost-effective for various applications.
- .308 Winchester: A powerful and widely used cartridge for hunting and long-range shooting.
- 6.5 Creedmoor: A rapidly growing favorite known for its accuracy and long-range capabilities.
- 6mm Creedmoor: Another precise cartridge suited for various applications.
- .243 Winchester: A popular choice for hunting medium-sized game.
The specific caliber you choose depends entirely on your intended use and personal preferences. Thoroughly research each cartridge's ballistics and suitability before making a decision.
2. Barrel Length Considerations:
Barrel length significantly impacts accuracy, velocity, and overall handling characteristics. Longer barrels generally yield higher velocities and better accuracy at longer ranges. Shorter barrels offer improved maneuverability and reduced weight. Consider the intended use and balance desired before selecting the optimal barrel length.
3. Action Type:
Brownells typically offers Howa 1500 actions, known for their smooth operation and reliable function. Understanding the action's features and limitations is crucial for selecting the correct barrel and other components.
4. Budget:
Brownells offers a range of pricing options to accommodate various budgets. Carefully consider your overall budget, including the cost of additional components and accessories, before making a purchase.
Beyond the Barreled Action: Completing Your Build
Once you've selected your Brownells Howa barreled action, remember that the build process extends beyond the action itself. You'll need to choose and install:
- Stock: A well-fitting stock is critical for accuracy and comfortable shooting.
- Trigger: Upgrading the trigger can significantly improve your shooting experience.
- Scope and Mounts: Selecting the right optic and mounting system is crucial for accurate shot placement.
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a custom rifle that meets your precise needs and delivers optimal performance.
Conclusion
Brownells Howa barreled actions represent an excellent starting point for building a custom rifle. Their pre-fit design, combined with Howa's reputation for accuracy and Brownells' extensive support, makes them an appealing choice for builders of all experience levels. Remember to research your options thoroughly and choose components that align with your intended use and budget to ensure a successful and satisfying build.
