The .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) cartridge is a popular choice for small game hunting and target shooting, and Howa has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality bolt-action rifles. However, the term "Legacy Howa" isn't a specific model designation used by Howa themselves. To understand who manufactures rifles fitting that description, we need to clarify what "Legacy Howa" implies.
Understanding "Legacy Howa"
The term likely refers to older Howa models, perhaps discontinued or those that are considered classics among shooters. Howa, a Japanese company, has been producing rifles for decades, and their designs and manufacturing processes have evolved. Therefore, "legacy" might suggest rifles produced before certain design changes or the adoption of newer manufacturing techniques.
Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact manufacturer based solely on "Legacy Howa .22 WMR" is impossible. Howa itself manufactures its rifles. However, distributors and importers might use the term "legacy" in marketing to describe older stock.
Identifying Your Specific Howa Rifle
To identify the maker of a specific rifle labeled as a "Legacy Howa," you need to examine the rifle itself. Look for:
- Markings on the receiver: The receiver (the metal housing that holds the bolt and action) will have markings identifying the manufacturer (Howa) and potentially model number and country of origin (Japan).
- Serial number: The serial number can be used to trace the rifle's history and potentially determine the year of manufacture. Contacting Howa directly with the serial number might provide more detailed information.
- Importer information: If you purchased the rifle in a country other than Japan, the importer's information should be on the rifle or its documentation.
Finding Information on Older Howa Models
If you're looking for information on older Howa .22 WMR rifles, several resources can be helpful:
- Howa's website: While they may not explicitly list every discontinued model, their website may have some historical information or contact details for further inquiries.
- Online forums and communities: Gun enthusiast forums and online communities dedicated to Howa rifles (or .22 WMR rifles in general) are valuable resources for identifying models and accessing information from experienced users.
- Gun auction sites: Sites like GunBroker or others may list older Howa rifles for sale, which may provide details about the model and its specifications.
- Gun publications and books: Older gun magazines and books specializing in firearms might include reviews or information on older Howa models.
By using these methods, you should be able to determine more specifically which Howa rifle you own and verify its manufacturer. Remember that while "Legacy Howa" might sound appealing, the actual manufacturer remains Howa. The "legacy" aspect simply relates to the age or discontinued status of the specific model.
