Bolt Action in 7.62x39: Howa 1500 or Ruger American… your thoughts?

[Iowashooter]

I’m shopping for a bolt action in 7.62x39 (sold my CZ 527 in 7.62x39 a while back… just wasn’t a fan of that one)

I’m down to either a Howa 1500 or Ruger American (Ranch or Gen II)

- I won’t be hunting with it (unless SHTF) but will be shooting some paper targets and steel occasionally… you might call it just a plinking rifle
- Both come with adjustable triggers so I can get them to about 3.0 lbs
- Both can be had for about the same price
- Extra mags are about the same price too

I bought a Ruger American Gen II in 5.56/.223 about 10 months ago and really enjoy shooting it… but I read good things about the Howa 1500


Anyone have a thought to share?

 

[BeatTheTunaUp]

I have a Ruger American in x39 because it was in stock at Academy. It's a pretty decent shooter. Took a few different ammos and it liked most of them. It really likes Monarch from Academy. Those are 100yard groups.

Only thing I don't care for is, you have to apply upward pressure on the mag or it has trouble chambering a round.

 

[Iowashooter]

I have a Ruger American in x39 because it was in stock at Academy. It's a pretty decent shooter. Took a few different ammos and it liked most of them. It really likes Monarch from Academy. Those are 100yard groups.

Only thing I don't care for is, you have to apply upward pressure on the mag or it has trouble chambering a round. View attachment 476193
View attachment 476194

Good shootin’!

Yep… the mag thing would bother me… maybe Ruger would send you a new mag if you called and let them know

 

[Chupacabra Hunter]

Howa 1500. I have one in 6.5cm in a Bravo stock, bull barrel. I really enjoy shooting this rifle. Trigger is a plus for me. Use it for target and plan on it being a long range shooter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[seeker_two]

Good shootin’!

Yep… the mag thing would bother me… maybe Ruger would send you a new mag if you called and let them know

IIRC, Ruger uses Magpul magazines. You could likely buy a new one with less effort than contacting Ruger.

 

[Lead Belly]

Not the most accurate round for targets, but if you already have them...I get it.

You know the Ruger, so I might stick with that brand, but Howa has good reputation, too. I'll just sit here on the fence.

 

[Iowashooter]

Not the most accurate round for targets, but if you already have them...I get it.

You know the Ruger, so I might stick with that brand, but Howa has good reputation, too. I'll just sit here on the fence.

Yep… I just want a bolt action to go with the couple of semi-autos in that same caliber. Makes the range trips more fun.

 

[Chupacabra Hunter]