Mossberg 100 ATR vs. Howa Lightning

[azmark]

Which is the better gun/better deal?  At WM, the Howa comes with a scope and is $130 more than the Mossberg.  I was kind of set to get a Handi Rifle, but thought I might be able to get more gun without breaking the bank.

[k3yston3]

I haven't shot a mossy ATR, but I can tell you that the Howa is lots of bang for the $$$.  I prefer that action to the Remington 700.

[Devy55]

The Howa is the same action as the Weatherby Vanguard.  Howa just went out on their own.  But the stocks and parts are mostly interchangable.

A Mossberg is a Mossberg.

So basically, you have to ask yourself, who has the better gun...a Weatherby or a Mossberg?

Personnally, if Howa is good enough for Weatherby, then it's good enough for me.

[Ahab]

Have a 7mmMag Vanguard and a .243Win Howa Varminter. both shot less than MOA out of the box. Nice rifles.

[k3yston3]

The Howa is the same action as the Weatherby Vanguard.  Howa just went out on their own.  But the stocks and parts are mostly interchangable.

A Mossberg is a Mossberg.

So basically, you have to ask yourself, who has the better gun...a Weatherby or a Mossberg?

Personnally, if Howa is good enough for Weatherby, then it's good enough for me.

Funny thing is that Mossberg has also sold rifles based upon Howa 1500 at one point as did Smith and Wesson.... So is a Mossberg really just a Mossberg?

[safetysheriff]

the mossberg 100 atr is based upon the raptor which was discontinued.   it is a bargain-level, entry-level bolt action, i believe.   i did not like the one i handled at wal mart, and i do not care for button-rifled barrels in a bolt action if i can get one that's hammer-forged (Rem' Model 700, Ruger, Winchester, Weatherby, Howa).    the howa lightning is a bargain because it is made in Japan instead of America.

my .270 Win' in a Weatherby Vanguard is an impressive value.    i think at its normal price it is impressive.   at $250 a few years ago, when wal mart was selling them out, it was a 'steal'.   the stock is of decent strength, even being a bit heavy.   the bolt is s-m-o-o-t-h, and the accuracy is superb.   i wouldn't expect that, after the American Hunter article i read, from the mossberg 100 atr.

if you go to www.findarticles.com and type in 'weatherby vanguard' i think you'll find the 2004 article from guns magazine by dave arnold to speak a lot to Howa's quality control.

take care,

ss'   

[myarmor]

I believe the Raptor was manufactured under Charter Arms. Though the recent production ATR's are way better then the first run. If you get a chance to check out a new one they are much smoother and the fit is a lot better too. And from most all reports they do shoot well.
Though I wouldn't compare it to a Howa. I believe it's worth the extra $$ and they have a great reputation for their barrel quality. Plus the action is a good solid platform for a rebarrel if one decides to go that route.


-Aaron

[kyelkhunter3006]

The Mossberg is fine rifle for $250.  It's basic, simple, and accurate.  Unless Mossberg has changed barrel suppliers, the barrel on the ATR is made by ER Shaw in Pennsylvania, and they make pretty good barrels.  The Howa is an overall nicer gun, with a solid design, highly accurate, and smooth all the way around.  It's becoming a very popular action with custom makers too, and that is just further testimony to it's quality.  I haven't personally handled one, but judging from the pictures I've seen, you'd have to prove to me that the Nosler Custom Rifle isn't a Howa action.  With all of the upgrades that Weatherby has given the Vanguard line in recent years, I'd be hard pressed to name a better rifle to get from the factory.  For only a $100 give or take, I'd definitely get the Howa.  My next rifle will be a Howa or Vanguard, for sure.  I think that you can't even compare a Remington to a Howa for design and quality, the Remington can't touch it.