Whittakers has two Howa models on sale for $350 including shipping ...
22-inch barrel, standard profile ...
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/7775564
unclear barrel length, but youth model ...
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/38252
The actions and triggers on these Japanese made rifles get good reviews. There have been some complaints that Howa encourages use of US made ammo for optimal function (as the Ruger Mini-30and CZ 527 at one time used to encourage - perhaps because of the need for stronger primer strikes with Russian ammo), but I haven't seen extensive range reports on the rifle where people test if the cheap ammo actually runs fine.
Another option is of course the new Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39 that comes with a threaded barrel, Mini-30 mag compatibility, and is usually in the $400-450 range. I suspect the pricing pressure on Howa is coming from the RAR.
22-inch barrel, standard profile ...
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/7775564
unclear barrel length, but youth model ...
https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/38252
The actions and triggers on these Japanese made rifles get good reviews. There have been some complaints that Howa encourages use of US made ammo for optimal function (as the Ruger Mini-30
Another option is of course the new Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39 that comes with a threaded barrel, Mini-30 mag compatibility, and is usually in the $400-450 range. I suspect the pricing pressure on Howa is coming from the RAR.
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