Thread: Howa 1500/Franchi Horizon Elite/Ruger Gen 2 Predator 243?

Hi all

Kind of got it into my head that I’d like a 243, initially thought Blued/Wood. Don’t want to/can’t spend too much as it’s definitely a want to have than a need to have and tbh it doesn’t seem that you have to spend premium dollars to get a new sub moa shooting rifle.
Anyway gravitated towards the Howa 1500 which has a confusing number of variants it seems and finally realised they don’t do a Blued Wood version only Stainless, best price 1250$, had a look at diff cal one locally and the stock to metal fit was a bit disappointing especially round the bolt handle cut out, massive gap for crap to enter, plus if I’m honest the stainless wood just doesn’t appeal aesthetically.20 inch barrel and 1/10 twist
While looking and going against my initial preferences I spied both the Franchi and a Predator
Really like the look of the predator and to a lessor extant the Franchi, both 22 inch and 1/9, 1/10 twist rate respectively
There’s a Franchi in store at 1299 and can’t see a three shot guarantee but assume it’s accurate, the predator in 243 seems sold out across nz and is a good few hundred dollars more.
Any experiences folk would like to share? I like the idea of 22inch over 20, I’m pretty sure the twist rate isn’t a biggie for me as not hand loading and I’m sure it will shoot heavy enough bullets for red deer.
The Franchi would tick that box or is it worth waiting for a new shipment from ruger?
Or do I stick with my original cheap and cheerful Howa?
Half the fun of getting a new toy is the research etc but this one has me going round in circles!

Cheers
FP