Ruger or Howa Bolt Gun?

[EastTNHunter]

I love my Howa mini, but my 9yo son has all but claimed it. I know that some don’t like the stock, but the ergonomics are good on it and mine shoots incredibly accurate in it. I don’t care at all for the factory bottom plastic and mags, so I tried the DIP bottom metal at first, but ultimately ended up with a hinged floor plate from HPK. Seems about perfect for a super light, low recoil deer rifle. It’s accounted for several deer now. I have a lot of confidence in it with the Leupold VX3i 3.5-10x40 on it, but a 2-7 or 2.5-8 in a smaller form factor may be more appropriate for it.

My experience with the Ruger Americans has been hit or miss. They usually shoot well, but often are gritty and don’t feed well. Their stocks seemed to have more flex than the Howa, but that is somewhat subjective