Flyblown.
The answer to your questions is , No.
I don't own a Howa but I'll bet with it being Japanese made the Sako will not represent a giant 350% improvement in manufacturing quality over your Howa.
Howa's I believe are very well made and accurate.
I can't speak for anyone else but I'll buy it because I like it, the same as I have a $800. 9.3x62 Husky and a $699. 1990 made Remington BDL 30 06.
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