Thread: Howa Mini owners opinions

Originally Posted by Dama dama

Anyone making low capacity flush fit mags for these?

Gunsupplies list a 5 round mag and there is a 6 round option on trade me that is NZ made, neither flush but they get close.

Here is the Jefferson Outdoors link. Looks good but only for Grendel and 7.62x39
https://www.jeffersonoutdoor.com/sho...h-bottom-metal

Originally Posted by stug

Here is the Jefferson Outdoors link. Looks good but only for Grendel and 7.62x39
https://www.jeffersonoutdoor.com/sho...h-bottom-metal

That looks ideal and exactly what I'm after, just need go through the import hassle again.

That looks the business,only thing holding me back from getting one was the magazine length an$ setup,fat chance of getting anything from the states these days though..someone with a CNC or 3D printer should whip something up locally I reakon..DPT could probably do something..

Originally Posted by stug

Here is the Jefferson Outdoors link. Looks good but only for Grendel and 7.62x39
https://www.jeffersonoutdoor.com/sho...h-bottom-metal

I think there is a 223 option also

Originally Posted by 300CALMAN

I think there is a 223 option also

The option for 223 and 222 is on the website - unsure if it's available just yet. I posted a question on the forum it originated out of for more info. Will post up if I get a reply

Originally Posted by Steelisreal

The option for 223 and 222 is on the website - unsure if it's available just yet. I posted a question on the forum it originated out of for more info. Will post up if I get a reply

If you go to their website and try to order, 222-223 out of stock

Originally Posted by Mathias

If you go to their website and try to order, 222-223 out of stock

Here you go chaps, direct from the man what makes them:
I am still testing the final design, I haven't sold any yet.

Once I am satisfied with the reliability of the design, the capacity and availability will be updated on the website.
I do as much testing as I can to try and anticipate any weaknesses or improvements.

I am anxious to get them to market as well, I have a waiting list to clear...

Originally Posted by stug

Here is the Jefferson Outdoors link. Looks good but only for Grendel and 7.62x39
https://www.jeffersonoutdoor.com/sho...h-bottom-metal

Thats what ive been waiting for! You bloody ripper!

I had cut my factory mag down as flush as possible and shorted up the mag release lever which really made a huge difference to the mini in my opinion, but this new bottom metal is the business i reckon.

Will i be able to order direct or will i need a bloody import permit these days?

Originally Posted by GWH

Thats what ive been waiting for! You bloody ripper!

I had cut my factory mag down as flush as possible and shorted up the mag release lever which really made a huge difference to the mini in my opinion, but this new bottom metal is the business i reckon.

Will i be able to order direct or will i need a bloody import permit these days?

You can order the floorplate directly from him - apparently us and Oz are big markets for him (he also does a replacement bottom metal to still use the plastic Howa detachable mag).

As for the permit at this end I would imagine yes you do need one as it attaches to a firearm. Can anyone shed more light on this?

There was someone from Queenstown on the US forum who already got one of these floorplates. Are you out there? Pictures would be great!

Thanks for the replies, after doing more research on the 300 Blackout I don’t know if it’s for me really.
From my internet research it seems that it is difficult to get decent expansion out of the heavier bullets in the 300 Blackout.
Is anyone a 300 owner that could comment?

Originally Posted by Ground Control

Thanks for the replies, after doing more research on the 300 Blackout I don’t know if it’s for me really.
From my internet research it seems that it is difficult to get decent expansion out of the heavier bullets in the 300 Blackout.
Is anyone a 300 owner that could comment?

You definitely need light bullets and to get them moving fast. 110-125gr. The 110 VMax is pretty violent, as is the Sierra Hollowpoint. The 125 Speer TNT by all acounts behaves pretty well at blackout sedate speeds and would be a good choice for fallow. The 125 NBT and TMK's were made with blackout in mind and are great choices too. Belmont offer ammo loaded with 130-135 hollowpoints which no doubt work too. No, you can't really drive heavier traditional bullets (i.e. 150gr SP's) fast enough to for them to perform on game.

When you get into subsonic loads, up and above 190gr, there are some specialty bullets that will fragment and expand, like Lehigh's or Hornady Sub-X, but they're expensive and rare as hens teeth. You can also load a long heavy bullets (that are right on the ragged edge of stability for the twist rate of your barrel) and hope that they tumble on impact for goats and deer.

If you want to do some ultra-quiet <150m bunny blasting, Hornady do a wee 90gr XTP bullet. They have a giant hollowpoint and will expand all the way down to 700fps.

I have posted on this in other threads. I have a mini stainless 7.62x39. Have killed a lot of big game with it and out to 250m. I would pick that every day over the blackout but if you want to use subbies then go blackout and use Le Highs. Trouble then is the twist rate though in the factory offering I think. I use the 123gn SST. Great little bullet at slower speeds. Mine is a 14 inch barrel in a CF stock. Weight all up is under 5 pounds with scope and ammo. I run a Leupold 1.5 - 5 x20. Great wee scope. Rifle shoots sub inch at 100m. The Howa minis are let down greatly by the magazine and the terrible big heavy Hogue stock. Fix these and you have a great wee rifle. If you don't you may as well carry around a standard 308 as there is no advantage in having the mini. Howa have taken an awesome concept that could have been the modern Sako vixen and cheapened and stuffed it. As I said I have a CF stock and I cut the magazine down to 3 shots and the release down too. It works really well. The ali chassis options aren't light either. I am going to buy a floor plate. Hope this helps.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Hiawatha

I have posted on this in other threads. I have a mini stainless 7.62x39. Have killed a lot of big game with it and out to 250m. I would pick that every day over the blackout but if you want to use subbies then go blackout and use Le Highs. Trouble then is the twist rate though in the factory offering I think. I use the 123gn SST. Great little bullet at slower speeds. Mine is a 14 inch barrel in a CF stock. Weight all up is under 5 pounds with scope and ammo. I run a Leupold 1.5 - 5 x20. Great wee scope. Rifle shoots sub inch at 100m. The Howa minis are let down greatly by the magazine and the terrible big heavy Hogue stock. Fix these and you have a great wee rifle. If you don't you may as well carry around a standard 308 as there is no advantage in having the mini. Howa have taken an awesome concept that could have been the modern Sako vixen and cheapened and stuffed it. As I said I have a CF stock and I cut the magazine down to 3 shots and the release down too. It works really well. The ali chassis options aren't light either. I am going to buy a floor plate. Hope this helps.

Cheers

What's the stock out of interest?

Originally Posted by Tommy

What's the stock out of interest?

Stug. Remington Mod7 shape. Cracking stock.