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]

 

[Iowashooter]

When to 4 LGSs today… no luck

I didn’t expect to find one (Howa nor Ruger in 7.62x39)… but I gave it a shot

Now have to pick one and search online for best price

 

[Huntsman52]

Brownells sells 1500 barreled action in the 7.62x39. pick your stock and good to go.

 

[EZ-E]

When to 4 LGSs today… no luck

I didn’t expect to find one (Howa nor Ruger in 7.62x39)… but I gave it a shot

Now have to pick one and search online for best price

If the shop is private owned they should be able to order you one from one of their vendors & have it in 3-5 days with no transfer fee or shipping.

 

[Iowashooter]

If the shop is private owned they should be able to order you one from one of their vendors & have it in 3-5 days with no transfer fee or shipping.

Yep.. I have them do that frequently

But I still shop online first to get a feel for pricing... so I know what bargaining power I have on price

I give a lot a business to several of my LGSs (I buy sell and trade frequently) and understand they must make some $$ on the deal... and I want them to stay in business!

But I need to be an informed buyer.

 

[Iowashooter]

Brownells sells 1500 barreled action in the 7.62x39. pick your stock and good to go.

Yep..

They (Brownells), as an Iowa company and just 1.5 hrs from me, are one of my go-tos....I always look there.

They often have coupons available to make gun deals and parts quite attractive

Often I can get a complete rifle for less than the two components (stock and barreled action)... depends upon if I like the stock on the completed rifles

If you ever drive by Grinnell Iowa on I-80... it's worth a stop to see the large selection in there retail store... LOTS of selection!

Spend your money in Iowa!