Howa 1500 "Mini Action" .223REM Rifle (Varmint Model)

The Howa mini action in 223 was a very accurate rifle. I had some issues with cycling ammunition when loading however since doing this review, OSA have sent me a new magazine which fixed this issue immediately. Overall the rifle in combination with the Nikon 4-16x42 optic (which is ballistically matched to the 55gr polymer tipped 223 round) is a budget rifle that performs up there with more expensive setups!
Music by Stoned Jesus - Song: YFS - Written permission kindly provided by the band for use in this video
Check out their music now: / stonedjesusband

[@ozziereviews]

Check out the Howa ultralight model in 223: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqrQaYeegtWlkNE

[@MrDulbrick]

I just picked up this rifle/scope combo following this review. Shoots like a dream and has none of the magazine issues you faced. Thanks mate, keep up the good work.

[@ozziereviews]

+MrDulbrick Yeah the new mag fixed the issue for me instantly, glad you love the setup mate!

[@neillphillips8500]

Thanks for the review Ozzie, bought myself a Howa 1500 Mini Action .223 Varmint and it has been sensational shooting...hares, foxes and deer, 20 rounds, 15 kills in one night of spot lighting, very accurate, love the Howa, and the OSA 55 grn Blitzking polymer tips are a great round!

[@hopebear06]

Just had my first ever shot with a 223 at 600mts and nailed the x on shot 3. Haven't fired a rifle in over 30 years up to today. I'm hooked!

[@peterharley1922]

I've been shooting my howa mod 1500 223, for about 2 years. NEVER had a single hang-up when cycling the action. I have been impressed by its accuracy, even at distances beyond 200 metres. My thought,,, Buy at entry level and you will stay with it. 👍👍👍

[@PhuVet]

Had issues with mine. We think it might be the magazines because we took single rounds and it ran great. So, I went on forums and it seems the mags are hit or miss. Will look at aftermarket for a magazine to fix it. MDT makes a 10 rounder, ill try it. I bought it used and knew about the issue. Got it from a fed up owner for $200 because of the issue. Ordered 2 new factory mags, both were garbage. They took them back and sent me 2 more. Both again had issues, 1 was ok enough but not great.

[@peterharley1922]

@@PhuVet I bought an after market box mag, the only time it hung up was when I was shooting targets and cycled it really slow, ( it only happened once). 6 years on and the rifle and mag are still performing brilliantly. And the action is just getting smoother. 👍

[@jakemossop4637]

Thanks for having a positive review of Stoned Jesus.

[@ozziereviews]

They are a great band

[@Xnocturnus]

I had my mind 99% set on purchase of this gun in .222 cal. Your video review has changed that. Cheers!

[@ozziereviews]

Glad you got something from it

[@oncall21]

Hey Ozzie. This review is nearly 5 years ago now. Yet a gun shop I know are doing this rifle for $650 new today and I am picking one up this week! That is fantastic value when you consider the price of this model nearly five years ago. Thanks again for sharing!

[@CJ-ss6ez]

There is 2 in stock at a local gun shop for $560. I was thinking about putting one on layaway. You said $650 is a value so now it's got me thinking more about getting this rifle. Decisions decisions

[@thegoaliekeeper818]

Going to buy the gun in 5 days! Thanks for the review!

[@ozziereviews]

sure no problem, glad you enjoyed it...

[@TurdFerguson1000]

Your reviews are excellent. I have no interest in this particular rifle but I still watched the entire video. Very good review as usual and great shooting.

[@ozziereviews]

+D Cobb Thanks mate, I appreciate that...

[@wkf57]

I'll bet you were especially happy when you found out it was a magazine problem causing the feeding problems and that replacing it would "cure" the problem. As I watch this, Howa has come out with a few more calibers for the mini action. Nice review.

[@ozziereviews]

Thanks mate and yes it's always great when its as simple as a new mag to fix an issue :)

[@4wdhuntfishin]

This video made me decide to buy this rifle, and honestly i love it. Thanks Ozzie

[@gregorymcguire8332]

Just bought a 1500 Howa in .223 with black rubberized Hogue stock, and their kryptek full 7/8 in bull barrel at the muzzle! It's heavy, that's what I wanted, so it's more stable and won't move around on me. I was was lucky to find one like this right! It's wicked! Can't wait to get it ready for coyotes!

[@shaunbigdog7192]

Went into abelas to purchase Tikka ctr 223, watched this review picked up the Howa Mini Action 223 loved the feel of it straight to the shoulder, left with the Howa in hand love it no regrets......

[@blindfredy6128]

My mate that's almost 70 bought his first firearm, the exact same rifle but in black and asked me to sight it in for him. It was very accurate but had the same problem loading. Being an engineer he fiddled with it and discovered it was the magazine, made a few adjustments and now it feeds perfectly. Should have sent it back to be fixed.

[@babaybluegill3273]

great review as always

[@ozziereviews]

+Babay Bluegill Thanks mate!

[@thegunnut221]

Great review Ozzie. Another vote here for a CZ527 varmint in .223 review

[@4wdhuntfishin]

i bought this rifle because of this video, and honestly i love it.

[@bloodsea76]

after this review I bought the varmint barrel mini-action in 204 ruger. I love it! shoots 0.5" five shot group@100m with factory federal ammunition with 40gr nosler ballistic tips. Only thing I will change in the future is the stock. I emailed several companies and MDT will probably be the first to make one for the mini-action. keep up the good work.

[@ozziereviews]

Thanks for the range report Justin and yep, mine performed flawlessly once I got a new mag, cheers

[@glennhenderson9243]

The stock on the Howa is so disappointing. Far to large and length of pull is massive. A real same Howa did not make a dedicated stock for such a nice little rifle.

[@bloodsea76]

@@glennhenderson9243 I ended up with a MDT lss chassis and Meopta 6-18x50. Perfect fox and rabbit slayer at 250m+, extremely accurate up to the point I burnt the throat out of it.

[@BrettsAustralia]

About bloody time....customization on a budget with Weatherby action actually unique.

[@pickle8217]

Great to see the howa brand reviewed. I have the howa 1500 223 heavy barrel with the nikko sterling targetmaster 5-25-50 2 FFP in the mildot set up and this works great at range.It took me some time to find a round the howa 223 likes and its the buffalo river 55g sierra blits king with 5 shot groups the size of a two dollar coin and better.All depends on the wind PMSL. I've since purchased the 308 howa 1500 1 in 10 twist and yet to see what joy I get out of this entry level rifle

[@ozziereviews]

+darkness Gaming Good to hear mate, glad you like them

[@peterharley1922]

Great review. I have the Howa 1500 in 223, I've never had a problem with cycling. I would like to change the scope on mine. More details about the scope you used would be appreciated. 👍

[@henryvandervort9891]

Very nice shooting, I brought the savage heavy barrel 223 lots of fun to shoot

[@shaynespencer3627]

Great review as always Ozzie

[@ozziereviews]

+Shayne Spencer Thanks buddy

[@frankvendetta9230]

Fantastic review Ozzie

[@haroldoz2556]

lol I'm the 223rd person to like this. Thanks for the video Ozzie. I bought one of these mag kits for my .308 Howa varmint and whilst mine fed just fine, I hated the nasty el cheapo feel of it. The original alloy floorplate setup is far superior imho (I put it back on almost immediately), and I hope Howa starts making the mini actions with it. I unfortunately had to sell the .308 which really sucks, but I still have the old Hogue stock, picatinny rail and some rings so I'm slowly scraping up the cash to get another Howa varmint barrelled action, this time a .223 (not the mini version though), get a budget scope and finally get back into F-class! Howa make fantastic rifles :D

[@ozziereviews]

Yeah for the price, they are hard to beat

[@benjones5799]

I had that exact same problem with my ruger precision 300wm... I found I couldn't get it to feed at all, unless I put the mag in with the bolt closed... then it feeds perfectly. Makes no sense to me, but anyway. Just a quirk of some guns. That scope and shot was epic btw. Very impressed.

[@boofex1]

Great review, cheers...... Check out the Keltec RDB and the RDB-C, I wish I could get these in Australia.

[@holden3083]

👍. You provide the best in-depth reviews. Thanks new to hunting and firearms so your reviews help out. Would this firearm be able to fire 5.56 ammo? Would this howa fit a remintion stock?

[@keithprinn720]

like the modular options some stock options so high to mod others gives a great way to go for customising with trigger stock and slings bipod etc

[@Oldfart2225]

Got one of these recently. For an economy rifle I've very impressed. Haven't had your feeding problems, but it does need a little assertion to close the bolt on occasions. The OSA / Buffalo ammunition worked well for a cheap hunting round (similar to your test), but I got even more impressive accuracy using handloaded 63gr Sierra SP with 25 gr AR2206H (I think that's Hodgdon 4895 for American readers).

[@ozziereviews]

+Oldfart2225 Yeah I could only imagine the accuracy being really good with handloads

[@ozziereviews]

+Oldfart2225 Got the new magazine today and tested it - zero issues, all good now :)

[@LXIX4U]

Sako A7's had the same issue when they first came out, they are designed to be loaded with the mag out obviously as you were doing, but also top loaded through the ejection port, and the upper lips on the mag were to loose on some of the bigger calibers and they would spew the rounds out the ejection port as you would try load one into the chamber. They later fixed the issue by altering the mags slightly so they held the rounds a little tighter (or so they say, they could be just replacing the defective ones and hoping the ones they send out are ok) I personally have an A7 in .30-06 and have never had the issue, but then again i havn't had it very long. But i would say its the mag, not the gun. Once again good review, keep up the good work.

[@ozziereviews]

+LXIX4U Yeah I am leaning that way too mate, the new mag will be here this week and I'll be keen to try it

[@LXIX4U]

+ozziereviews Unrelated to previous comments, but love to see some reviews on some different types and brands of scopes, ranging from things like little ghost ring and skinner sights to x1 red dots to budget rim fire scopes and low > mid > high budget hunting scopes, like maybe see if you could grab 5 scopes @ around the $250 range, then 5 @ an approx $500, and then say $1000+ range and do a separate vid for each type of group giving your thoughts and what you would think is the best of the 5 in that range and make a bit of a series out of it over the year, i realise scopes are a little hard to review as we cant see down the scope easily but maybe just a quick unboxing with a quick overview of features, differences and your thoughts on how it compares to others at their price range ect maybe no more than a 10 min a vid on each one range. I realise it may be a bit of task getting the scopes together but surely a few of the suppliers would be happy to lend a few samples for review. And pick a one rifle to review the lot on like the Tikka .223 super varmint or .308 Tikka CTR for your hunting scopes, then maybe your Anschutz .22lr for the rimfire scopes, and would love to see a review for a Lever action Marlin in say 45-70 or 44 mag and then you could use that as the rifle for the ghost ring/ skinner sights and little red dots. I know that seems like alot to do but i and many others in Australia really value your opinion and seeing something like this once a month or so over the year would be awesome, as the gun is really only half your setup. Just thought it was a cool idea, people hit the like button on the comment if you thinks its a good idea and visa versa if you thinks it stinks Love your work keep it up look forward to the next Video

[@ozziereviews]

+LXIX4U Got the new magazine today and tested it - zero issues, all good now :)

[@mikedee6173]

Thanks for the excellent review.

[@ozziereviews]

+Mike Dee Thanks for watching Mike

[@lorifisher2677]

+ozziereviews You got mixed up on your targets. The vmax shot great but on top of the first group which was the second target down from top. Replay it and you will see you shot second target twice.

[@barrymaher1765]

My stainless likes the TAC 60's and i cut the mag ejection clip off as its at the balance point and kept ejecting it when walking. Bloody great gun

[@samuelyumarhari2300]

Great stuff mate

[@Top-Jimmy]

Good Review Ozzie! - Mate, I was hoping you could do a review on the Howa HCR Tac in.223? Also the Howa Oryx. Would love you long time. lol Cheers cob

[@gyha99]

would you be able to make a video about the difference in the fall of shot at 100 yards with the scope set at 100 yd 200 yd and 300 yd to see the change in the point of impact

[@jgsouth-africa5734]

Just a thought maby you stretched out the magazine when you pressed down on it like that.

[@katana258]

yep round popping up to soon ..inline feed inline load .. maybe a heat gun and bend in a wee bit .. watch when he loads the mag at what point the round is grabbed by the lips .. is same as when it releases to soon

[@ZeeWebbose]

Nice review Ozzie, I had to go down the gunshop today and check one out. I like that the stock is not really flexy in the forend like the Hogue stock on the other Howas and the rifle is SOO light. Hopefully the camo stocks come in soon and I think I'll grab one. (Hopefully your failure to feed issue is a one-off, please let us know how you go). Cheers!

[@ozziereviews]

+ZeeWebbose Got the new magazine today and tested it - zero issues, all good now :)

[@frankjaegar1805]

I have this exact rifle in 223 Ozzie, iv got it in an oryx chassis. I handload all my own ammunition and the 55g Sierra blitzkings perform best also 👍

[@gobangs1117]

Just bought one and don't have a problem loading at any speed. I think that mag might be a bit loose at the mouth. I don't like plastic so I'll wait for someone to make a steel mag hopefully. I'm actually a sheety so if no one makes a steel mag I might have a go at making one myself.

[@JETBLACKPRIEST]

Makes sense considering how he squeezed a round or two in from the top

[@cato7669]

Great review,👍

[@AusJackal]

I've used a Nikon scope for years. I love it.

[@ozziereviews]

+Jackal's Outdoor Channel Yeah for a cheap scope they seem to perform well

[@AusJackal]

+ozziereviews not sure if you buy them here, I imported mine but the "coyote" model is is really good. I've since bought a M223 model and I like that too.

[@Haasler93]

Got any more pistol reviews on the way Ozzie? All I have is my H licence, really should start looking at adding A&B though, looks like fun...

[@ozziereviews]

+TheRealJohnHoward I do have a couple here to do...

[@shanegibb997]

Hi Ozzie , would you be able to review the Weatherby vanguard s2 stainless in 243w , that would be awesome. 😆

[@davidthomson4678]

Compare it to the regular Howa 1500 in the same calibre ?

[@neilbuckeridge578]

Have one and only have feed problems if the plastic mag isn't seated properly with a half decent light tap

[@nathanscale]

it did look like he wasn't pushing the mag in far enough

[@taratpratt]

Hi I loved this review, what is the model of this scope? I can’t find it.

[@johntanner7846]

I have the exact combo. I have an issue with the scope not turning past 280m on the turret

[@joey243win]

Love my mini got one after watching this ...feed it adi 55gn BT ammo And it works supremely

[@debbyjohnson409]

hi Ozzie. what scope rings do you recommend for the budget minded shooter. (under $100)

[@sakitulo7949]

Nice review . How about a 6.5 grendel?

[@teggy689]

Hey mate, would you be able to measure the barrel diameter near the muzzle? I'm curious if you could attach a front sight to it, would be a handy rifle for beginners before they go to a service rifle.

[@BigIrish89]

nice review

[@pipedreams57]

Howa is famous for having a magazine feed problem in several models of their rifle but especially on the Mini action 223. They take 2 springs and put them in one magazine as an afro engineered cure. The plastic trigger guard also tends to break or crack if you torque it to Howas specs. Mine came with a Nikko Sterling scope that was not the quality I expected. I like the stock and the trigger but thats about all. Stay with Remington or Winchester. You get what you pay for.

[@adamelam6385]

I always liked Nikon for the most part. I've had to send one back but the CS was excellent.

[@jamieshotton572]

wonderful review as always , thank you Ozzie , im going to look at buying one of those Nikon scopes for my Howa 223

[@ozziereviews]

+Jamie Shotton Yeah I'm quite happy with them for a cheaper scope, seems to work fine!

[@bloodsea76]

oh, and it feeds rounds perfectly, no issues.

[@justinscrivener2596]

Hey Ozzie top review mate, good to hear that a new mag fixed the feed issues. Just a quick question on the scope how does it go under spotlight conditions?

[@ozziereviews]

Fine

[@ustorm9]

Top review champion.

[@ozziereviews]

+ustorm9 Thanks mate

[@ExF1Guy]

Ozzie, would you consider reviewing a CZ 527? I'm looking at the 527 varmint in .223 and would love to see a review from someone reliable. Thanks!

[@ozziereviews]

+ExF1Guy I'd love to review one...

[@ExF1Guy]

+ozziereviews Thanks.

[@ExF1Guy]

+Clint Padman I've got a 452 Varmint in .22LR that I'm refinishing with tru-oil. The 452/455s are probably the best factory .22LR bolt guns you can get. I actually ended up ordering a 550 Varmint (22-250), in walnut. While it's been discontinued for a while, one of my local dealers was able to locate one. I'll let you know how it shapes up (when I get it in 4-6 weeks).

[@davidthomson4678]

+ExF1Guy love my 452

[@liamstephenson1686]

Hey mate, I've got one. it's a very robust rifle, with good build quality. Fairly accurate straight out of the box, achieving MOA or greater with OSA, Hornady, Winchester and Outback Ammo, with a Meopta scope. The only issue I had was that it wouldn't eject properly, after a little file work it was working as expected. Overall a very sturdy, reliable rifle. The Micro Mauser action is beautiful to operate. A polymer mag would be great but the Steel Magazine is fine. The Magazine release is a little finicky but not a problem. My mates CZ 527 .204 was a fantastic rifle as well.

[@rodney9585]

Gday old vid but I’m wondering if you prefer the howa over the ruger America you did a review on both in 223

[@benhudson3178]

My mini action 223 loves the OSA aswell

[@roseybut]

Thanks for the review. I'm going to the British shooting show on 12th Feb and the mini action .223, along with the Tikka T3 super varmint you reviewed and a browning X bolt were all on my shortlist for a foxing set up. With the Nikon scope on top the set up you tested (mag issues aside) looks like exceptional value.

[@ozziereviews]

+Lance Rose Yeah that's what I am happy with is that it's value for money and hopefully when the new mag arrives this week, that issue will be sorted!

[@ozziereviews]

+Lance Rose Got the new magazine today and tested it - zero issues, all good now :)

[@roseybut]

Thanks mate. The mini action has just moved to the top of the shortlist.

[@ozziereviews]

Yeah it's a 10 out of 10 for me

[@Morgs148]

ozzie what rings and bases did you use?

[@tayyiperdogan8090]

congratulations to the guys in NSW we can now have suppressors on our guns. which rifles can we get the suppressors on that you recommend for looks etc

[@ozziereviews]

+Tayyip Erdogan Yep but still have to argue/justify why you need them, but atleast they are an option

[@JK-qm3po]

is that ballistically matched scope accurate regardless of the barrel length as long as it's 55g .223 ammo?

[@Nanker63]

I wish we could get them in 1:9 twist! The ones that are available from Brownells are 1:8. (Here in the U.S.)

[@dezmond4444]

Hey mate I’ve been looking for this scope but only find it with a normal elevation turret, where can I get one and what kind of price to expect. Cheers mate 🤙

[@coreybinney9422]

Ozzie, I have been looking for a purchase site for this scope but am struggling to find it. Any idea of the exact model name or possibly a purchase link? Thanks mate

[@exionem]

Nice video, any major difference between the "mini action" and the regular 1500 models ? Which one would be a better choice ( budget wise) for a plinker rifle say 200-300 meters ?

[@ozziereviews]

I honestly don't see that much of a different at the end of the day when it comes to accuracy, so choose whichever one you like mate...

[@lwilliams3285]

I've been looking to buy one of these. I'll be interested to see what the fix is for the rounds jumping out during cycling. Other than that, i wasn't expecting such tight groups with that wind, so pretty impressive.

[@ozziereviews]

+Lindsay Williams You and me both... I was very happy with how it performed and the new mag should fix the issue

[@lwilliams3285]

Good stuff. Cheers for the review.

[@ozziereviews]

+Lindsay Williams Got the new magazine today and tested it - zero issues, all good now :)

[@ethanreidy5499]

I have same gun and with the reloading issue I don’t have a problem but I put the mag in with bolt in

[@roybear9052]

good review mate XD. Keep up the good work.

[@ozziereviews]

+fray fray mappers Thanks mate

[@roybear9052]

+ozziereviews hey Ozzie mate could u do a review on those Benjamin bulldog 357 semi auto air rifles you can get on a cat A

[@ozziereviews]

Maybe one day, it's not on the shortlist, I don't even know who imports them here?

[@roybear9052]

+ozziereviews well u can get them from cleaver but the not semi my bad there slide action but u can get semi auto 177 air rifles Crosman repeater there like $180 12 shot semi auto with detachable mags there not that well know u can get them from cleaver as well I think that will be a good review to do cause a lot of perople will jump at the chance of a cat a semi auto

[@jaydenholborn8731]

Ozzie I was wondering where did you get your steel target stand from as its a great idea for target shooting on the property I go to. Thanks

[@ozziereviews]

+Jayden Holborn STS Targets mate, the BEST quality target you can buy and made right here in Australia! I'm set to review their current setups, so stay tuned it's close to being released...

[@jackmiller8870]

hey ozzie, roughly how much was the nikon m223 4-16x42 nikoplex scope?

[@shirazenema3228]

Handled one yesterday, knowing there is a major flaw with the magazine locking latch. Even when trying to stay clear of it i touched it slightly and the magazine fell out.It was more sensitive than a 2lb trigger. If they could fix this i,d be all over it, cant believe this wasn't picked up in early manufacturing and design. Maybe Lucky 13 can come up with an answer.

[@poodlenz]

In kiwi land guys are trimming off the mag release flush with the bottom of the stock. Seems to stop it happening. Also if you drop it into another (mdt or b&c) the mag release is better.

[@CSGSurvival]

Great stuff mate. If I had my time back I'd have probably bought a howa instead of a Tikka T3. For the amount of shooting I've managed to get in in the last year I really haven't gotten the extra value out of the tikka. :( But I'll still keep my tikka for the time being. I have my eyes set on the Lithgow LA102 now though :D

[@ozziereviews]

+CSGSurvival haha yes the dilemma of what to buy :)

[@scottdench1]

Ozzie. i love my howa in 223 i only the internal 5 round mag and cant fault it. Its a shame the mag is letting it down. The quality of the build mine is up there with my old mans Rem 700 5R. Quality workman ship and accuracy to boot.!

[@ozziereviews]

+Scott Dench Yep, first Howa I have reviewed and I'm pretty impressed to be honest

[@ozziereviews]

+Scott Dench Got the new magazine today and tested it - zero issues, all good now :)

[@scottdench1]

Good Stuff!!

[@bestestusername]

Not fussed about the magazine issue it was fixed in the end. Can happen to any gun produced in large numbers

[@Callmejurka]

Hi mate. Thanks for the video. Could you please tell me the model of the scope? Cheers.

[@danconquest9323]

i have been looking at this rifle for a while but i keep turning away from it due to that slow bolt feeding issue with it , have you had any other similar issues with the other Howas. cheers👍👍

[@ozziereviews]

No I haven't

[@davidzeegers6583]

thanks Ozzie!

[@simonboost]

nice review ozzie. that particular optic is around 750-800 bux. is it 4-16x?

[@ozziereviews]

+simonboost Yep 4-16

[@Windyhillfarm71]

I would give you 10 thumbs up if I could, best 223 video on here.

[@bobsugrue2983]

Why did you not test the scope out to 300-400 yards

[@apw75]

Thanks Ozzie. looking to buy a mini 6.5 Gerndel when available.

[@ozziereviews]

+apw75 Interested cartridge, what's you're main use for it going to be?

[@simonmurfin2197]

Hi, stupid question, but I'm thinking of getting this model, what sort of size game is it best suited. Thanks

[@jacksonrabon4817]

What's the weight on that trigger and it's it adjustable?

[@carsonbell4286]

You know how you pushed the round into the mag it seems the plastic at the top isn't tight enough therefore letting the round go out of the mag too early and jamming

[@ozziereviews]

That was pretty much the reason Nathan

[@ryanlamb6889]

good stuff mate

[@ozziereviews]

+Ryan Lamb Thanks Ryan :)

[@Sunny441]

nice review. how does the stock compare to the hogue oversold stock on the 1500?

[@ozziereviews]

Pretty similar to be honest

[@aaronsabin8868]

Is this the the version with the hogue or the hti stock?

[@lonef6851]

Which ammo fit better to your rifle ? I use 55 gr and got nearly 0.5 MOA grouping with 50 grain much worse but still not more then 1 MOA

[@ozziereviews]

As I showed in the video - 55gr blitzking

[@FlawlessGamingLive]

Hey Mate, ripper review, just wondering if you would use the varminter as a scrub gun?

[@ozziereviews]

You could but if you're walking any great distance I'd got for the shorter version myself

[@joshgourley9172]

Just got my howa last month. 200 rounds and not a single jam.

[@FearlessMagpie]

How is Browning X-bolt / AB3 ?

[@poodlenz]

Is there an issue with the stock flexing to touch the barrel, especially on a bipod?

[@peterharley1922]

No probs with mine, been using a bipod for 2 years.

[@muddyfunker3014]

Thanks for the review buddy, I'm in the UK and this was at the top of the list for a fox/roe deer rifle. That cycling problem you had is a huge concern though. I wonder if it was a one off problem on the gun you had as these rifles generally get favourable reviews for the price over here?

[@ozziereviews]

A new magazine fixed the issue completely mate

[@johncain1624]

I have not had an issue with mine. Great rifle for small game.

[@jordanmcdonald6334]

oz, your feeding issue could be from your feed lips on your mag. you can see the rear of the case is poping out before it has got to the front of the feed lips. my opinion would be its from you top loading it. i could be wrong, but it wouldnt suprise me. an extractor claw should only wrap around the rim once the round is chambered. also, can you tell us if this howa mini action has the same footprint as other howas? ie some of us may want a bell and carlson stock, who havent mentioned on there webpage anything about mini actions. would be good to know if it will drop into other stocks or if its limited. also the top of the action is the same as a rem700 as you said. is this only the case with 2 piece mounts. or will a 1 piece rail work?

[@ozziereviews]

+Jordan McDonald It depends on the type of firearm (some actually secure upon loading) whereas the Howa doesn't, but as I said it's like as if it's not doing that in trying to explain a comparison. I'll soon see if its the mag when the new one arrives. As far as I'm aware you'd have to get a stock specifically to fit the mini-action and yes it's Rem 700 compatible...

[@ozziereviews]

+Jordan Mcdonald Got the new magazine today and tested it - zero issues, all good now :)

[@jordanmcdonald6334]

+ozziereviews thanks for the reply oz!!

[@ozziereviews]

No problem