Ruger or Howa Bolt Gun?

[Harpoon1]

I’m currently trying to decide between the Howa and Ruger 6.5 Grendel bolt guns. I’ve read about the Ruger mag issues, but I’m wondering how widespread the issue really is. I have Elander and ASC mags for my Grendel AR currently.

I will be using this rifle as a fun bench gun but also huntin deer and hogs. Any advice and personal experience you guys can provide would be appreciated.

I’ve got both also. The Howa has more aftermarket upgrades than the Ruger. With the Ruger your pretty much stuck with the ar mags, with the Howa, you can upgrade the factory bottom metal, get the HPK CZ mag conversion or they’re are two other internal box mag conversions.

The Ruger mag feeding issue is real. I spent a year off and on screwing around with it. Turns out, it’s a mag spring, tension issue. I cut 2 coils of an ASC mag and now I can’t make it malfunction, with any size projectile. Completely different gun.

If you don’t mind the AR mags and run a can, I’d go Ruger Ranch w/16” barrel. If you want to upgrade to an internal box mag for a more streamlined, conventional setup, get the Howa.

Timney makes a decent drop in trigger for the Ruger. I like the Howa factory stock a lot more than the Ruger.