What to buy?? Howa or savage??

[1maxhunter]

i am posting this for a friend. He has no long action guns and wants one. Not to say he's Gona shoot past a few hundred yards. But also looking on a budget.
His two choices. Both 24 inch barrels . Both package guns. And he will change parts as needed. Both in 7mm rem mag.
Howa? Or. Savage? Please give feed back as to why one way or the other. I myself have a few of each. And like them both. But I do build a lot of savages.
Fire away with all your input please!!

 

[Barrelnut]

But I do build a lot of savages.

There ya be. Easy to replace the factory barrel yourself. You can even get cut rifle barrels set up as a pre-fit these days. Just doesn't get any better than that. Plus you can even change the bolt face yourself. If the rifle doesn't shoot or you want to go another direction with a caliber or cartridge, it's easy. Howa, not so much...

Plus the Savage has Made in the USA stamped on it. The Howa does not. If that matters to anyone.

 

[1maxhunter]

Very true

 

[gohring3006]

I find it easier to upgrade the Savage opposed to the Howa.
There are a few more stock options and like Barrelnut said, the do it yourself barrel changes are what makes it my choice. I will say, the HOWA/Weatherby vanguard is one of the nicest actions I have found on a factory rifle.

 

[Dosh]

1max, I've borescoped a lot of factory barrels and the Savage wins this test.

 

[1maxhunter]

Let's say we are not changing anything.. what would you choose???

 

[Iron Worker]

What about a CZ-550 ?

 

[Gord0]

Another vote for Savage.

 

[Rich Coyle]

Savage

 

[MudRunner2005]

Here's my vote...

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog...olt+7mm+Rem+Mag+26+4+1+Syn+Stk+Blk/Gray+Blued

You won't beat a Remington 700 when it comes to the amount of custom and aftermarket parts available.

 

[1maxhunter]

Remember.. This is just between the savage and howa. I know the amount of 700rem parts can't be beat. And anyone can have one put together as custom as they want. But the two brands have ready to shoot rifles for under $500.00 that's what this post is about.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Remember.. This is just between the savage and howa. I know the amount of 700rem parts can't be beat. And anyone can have one put together as custom as they want. But the two brands have ready to shoot rifles for under $500.00 that's what this post is about.

So, you're trying to tell me that a factory Rem 700 won't shoot?

 

[1maxhunter]

No.. That's not what I am saying. Yes they shoot dam good. But a Remington rifle is not the comparison on this post! It's what would you buy between the two. Howa or savage?

 

[Barrelnut]

Let's say we are not changing anything.. what would you choose???

That makes it tough. I am not a fan of the plastic magazine and bottom parts on the Savages in this price range. I don't think it is durable. The Howa (I believe) has the metal swing open bottom plate in this price range. I think that is a better option. Also, a Savage in this price range doesn't come with the Accustock. That combined with the plastic bottom parts might get to be an issue. The Hogue's don't have bedding blocks as well, but I think you might be able to glass bed the stock on the Howa easier.

For off the shelf and no changes, the best thing to do would be to compare both rifles side by side at the store and pick the one that seems to shoulder and operate best for the shooter.