Good & Disappointing
I purchased the Howa Mini 1500 stock for a HEAVY barrel contour of a Howa mini 1500 300 Blk Out 16" barreled action. The price was the best around that would fit the action. Upon receipt, I inspected the stock, looked better than expected, solid, no warp, butt pad, very acceptable, finish- good, overall appearance excellent.
Then I tried to fit the action into the stock, the receiver fit nicely, the barrel would not even go down in the stock. As much as 8 mm too narrow to fit the heavy barrel contour. I checked to make sure I ordered the HEAVY barrel contour, yes I did, I checked the #s on the box the stock came in and they matched the numbers online @ brownells for a Heavy barrel......frustration.....called customer service, nice person, my options were 1. refund, 2. replace, Online showed the same stock 'out of stock'........ugh......last option was to take it to a gunsmith in ABILENE to have it routed out.........TOO FAR.......Took it to my friend & gunsmith Mark Pharr, a superb gunsmith and stock maker.........he verified my next step, a round dowel just larger than the stock trough contour the and sandpaper. After an hour of sand / fit / repeat, the barrel laid down, further fine tuning and finishing of the contour and the end of the stock trough and I have a VERY NICE finished stock & action. Checked the lug fit and decided on a small amount of bedding just behind the lug & behind the front pillar, after hardening and a little polish.............perfect, recommend Brownell add a disclaimer to their stock ads.............SOME ADJUSTMENTS MAY BE NECESSARY.........batteries not included......C. Parker
