Howa 6.5 Carbon Stalker

[Tombstone]

Just got the scope and bottom metal mounted on it. 5lbs 11oz. as it sets. I hope it shoots! It feels great in the hand.

[peak98]

[VASCAR2]

I really like the looks of that Howa. Please post how you like your setup and range report.

[raamaudio]

Very fine Grendel!
And with a great scope ends up low in weight which I always prefer, Leupold and low weight rifles that is
Rick

[Tombstone]

Couple notes on the new lightweight. Action is the stiffest and noisiest of all my Howa minis. It doesn't feel like it got the same attention with final fitting as all of my other ones. There are a few scuffs on the carbon stock as it came out of the box and a small ding on the underside of the barrel that you can feel with your fingernail. Now for the good. I shot it this weekend and it is grouping .75" with Hornady Black while I am breaking in the barrel. Can't wait to try some of my handholds. Cleaning the barrel almost zero copper fouling and the bore was very smooth while patching. So all in all it shows a lot of promise. I would buy it again even with the flaws that were noted.

[raamaudio]

Sorry it is a bit rough in the action and ding on the barrel but dang glad it is shooting so well already!

If you do not mind can you let us know what height the scope mounts are and the scope model?

It would help me decide if I want to get a rail and use some rings I have or get the Talleys in the right height.

Thanks,
Rick

[6.5Geo]

Wow, nice stock!

[Tombstone]

The mounts are talley low. The scope is a Leupold efr 3-9x33. It is a low as you can go without touching the barrel. Thats how I like them.

[raamaudio]

THANKS

The scope looks huge on that little rifle! I have had two different EFR scopes, dang fine for the money I thought, especially when bought them on huge discounts.

12.1 ounces, amazing weight.

Rick

[Rosecrans1]

I read the write-up on this rifle in G&A August issue. They really glowed about it but they tend to glow on most things if the manufacturer's advertising helps pay their bills.
It's an amazing weight and I'm glad you are getting good results right out of the box with factory ammo. This would be my choice of a Howa mini-action. Please keep us posted on how it proceeds through break-in and handloading for it.
I could see my RAP taking a backseat to this rifle.

[EigerWand]

Wow that looks good.
Nice stock.
Good scope for it too.

[tdbru]

Tombstone,
does that rifle also have a CF wound barrel too? or is just the stock CF? Under 6lb ready to go. that's IMPRESSIVE!!
well done.
-tdbru

[Tombstone]

Mine is the Stalker model that comes with CF stock and standard 22" sporter barrel like any other mini has on it.

[Beerswimmer]

What's the balance like with that? Not too much weight out front?

[Lemonaid]

I just found this review at Guns and Ammo. Might be of interest. https://www.gunsandammo.com/editoria...-review/454845