The other day I picked up the first Howa Alpine Mountain rifle to be shipped from Howa. Got a Leupold scope mounted on the Tally lightweight rings, adjusted to trigger to 2.5# and this week, finally had some time to start breaking in the barrel.
I did the break in as recommended by Howa. Takes a bit of range time to shoot a round, scrub the fouling and copper, let it cool, clean it of any residue, then shoot again. I repeated that step ten times with one round between cleaning. Then, do five more sessions with two shots between cleaning. By the time that is finished, a 20-round box has been spent and you see a difference as things progress.
Tonight, I did some more break in, wanting to make sure things were in good shape before heading to Alaska. By the time I did my last five-shot group, it was pretty dang good. Especially for a 20" barrel that was a little heated up by the time the fifth round cleared the tube.
I am very impressed with the feel and balance of the rifle. Very compact and solid. The rifle I have weighs in at 5lb 6oz before the scope. I think that is where the final production rifle will end up.
Rifle #00001, is a 7mm-.08, as I requested. I love that caliber and it seems to make a lot of sense for a rifle of this weight. I see some guys going with longer cases and larger calibers for their lightweight rifles, then brakes on them to handle the increased recoil. I hate muzzle breaks and the ear trauma that comes with them, so no breaks for me. If I can't kill it with a 7mm-.08, then it is my fault.
The barrel and action is completely Cerakoted. The new Howa HACT two-stage trigger is very crisp with no creep. I might put a little more weight to the trigger, as right now, it pretty fast at 2.5#.
This rifle has a Leupold VX-3 CDS 3.5X10X50mm. Might be more scope than makes sense on a lightweight rifle, but for now, that is what it will wear.
I don't expect great groups while I am still cleaning in between every shot during break in on a new barrel. This is about what I expect during the process.
Getting a little better as the fouling is less and the barrel seems to be getting a little smoother.
By the time I finished a final five round group, I was pretty pleased. This group was with a clean and dry barrel. Shoot two, then clean with an Otis Mongoose, followed by a dry patch. Shoot one, then another pass with a Mongoose and a dry patch. Finish with two more shots.
I am interested to give this rifle a serious test in Alaska. I really like the feel of the stock. In addition to proving its worth at the bench, this is a very nice looking setup.
They are finalizing production plans to start dealer deliveries in August. They expect to have 200-250 of these hitting dealer racks each month. Once I know for sure the scope packages and pricing options that will be available, I will post them here.
Now, all I have to do is find an Alaska black bear who wants to be a TV star and give a proper christening to this rifle.
I did the break in as recommended by Howa. Takes a bit of range time to shoot a round, scrub the fouling and copper, let it cool, clean it of any residue, then shoot again. I repeated that step ten times with one round between cleaning. Then, do five more sessions with two shots between cleaning. By the time that is finished, a 20-round box has been spent and you see a difference as things progress.
Tonight, I did some more break in, wanting to make sure things were in good shape before heading to Alaska. By the time I did my last five-shot group, it was pretty dang good. Especially for a 20" barrel that was a little heated up by the time the fifth round cleared the tube.
I am very impressed with the feel and balance of the rifle. Very compact and solid. The rifle I have weighs in at 5lb 6oz before the scope. I think that is where the final production rifle will end up.
Rifle #00001, is a 7mm-.08, as I requested. I love that caliber and it seems to make a lot of sense for a rifle of this weight. I see some guys going with longer cases and larger calibers for their lightweight rifles, then brakes on them to handle the increased recoil. I hate muzzle breaks and the ear trauma that comes with them, so no breaks for me. If I can't kill it with a 7mm-.08, then it is my fault.
The barrel and action is completely Cerakoted. The new Howa HACT two-stage trigger is very crisp with no creep. I might put a little more weight to the trigger, as right now, it pretty fast at 2.5#.
This rifle has a Leupold VX-3 CDS 3.5X10X50mm. Might be more scope than makes sense on a lightweight rifle, but for now, that is what it will wear.
I don't expect great groups while I am still cleaning in between every shot during break in on a new barrel. This is about what I expect during the process.
Getting a little better as the fouling is less and the barrel seems to be getting a little smoother.
By the time I finished a final five round group, I was pretty pleased. This group was with a clean and dry barrel. Shoot two, then clean with an Otis Mongoose, followed by a dry patch. Shoot one, then another pass with a Mongoose and a dry patch. Finish with two more shots.
I am interested to give this rifle a serious test in Alaska. I really like the feel of the stock. In addition to proving its worth at the bench, this is a very nice looking setup.
They are finalizing production plans to start dealer deliveries in August. They expect to have 200-250 of these hitting dealer racks each month. Once I know for sure the scope packages and pricing options that will be available, I will post them here.
Now, all I have to do is find an Alaska black bear who wants to be a TV star and give a proper christening to this rifle.
