Seems to be a nice rifle, I went with the synthetic version for durability, bolt operates smooth, only put 10 rounds through it and accuracy is good, wanted something a bit more accurate than standard ak versions and to stay with ammo I already have. I chose Howa over Ruger American for the 20” barrel. So far I’m happy.

Smooth as silk and as accurate as my CZs. A perfect rile for my grandson. Put a Vortex 3-9 on top,: excellent rig.

Love these rifles the mini action is great. Always a pleasure doing business with buds

I recently received a Howa 1500 mini action bolt rifle in 7.62x39 and found it to be very well made. Though it did not come with scope bases, the receiver was drilled and tapped and uses the same bases as a Remington 700 (which I ordered and received before rifle arrived). The synthetic stock is pillar bedded and tightly fitted to the action and the barrel is free floated. Overall, I am very pleased with this rifle. I had been searching for a 7.62x39 bolt rifle for while some time (CZ was my 1st choice but was not available in this caliber yet) and do not regret buying this rifle. As a plus, the barrel is threaded and now sports a muzzle brake.

Great rifle, good trigger, excellent fit and overall a quality product.Teamed it up with a Vortex optic and had it shooting 1” groups at 100 yds in less than 10 rounds. Higly reccomend this rifle. Service snd delivery were great as well

I've had it for a few months and about 400 rounds, all handholds. I've had groups as good as 3/8" at 100 yards. It's not real picky about ammo. The magazine is long enough to seat bullets as close to the lands as you want. Some may criticize the plain synthetic stock, but it's fine for me. The comb height is just right for a low mounted scope. It's aluminum pillar bedded and the screws stay tight. The polymer bottom "metal" is ok for the price, just torque it to specs (50-55 in/lbs). The magazine loads easily and feeding is super smooth. The chamber, throat and rifling is really smooth, easy to clean hasn't built up copper beyond a slight haze that's easily removed. The barrel heats pretty slowly. Howa says the bore is .311 but mine shoots .308, .310, .311 and .312 just fine. Bought this rifle for plinking and casual target shooting which it does VERY well. I highly recommend it!

I love this gun. The trigger is spectacular. The rifle is well built and very accurate out to 200 yards (I just haven't had a chance to fire further than this yet). Also, it fires cheap ammunition, so that's just awesome. My only complaint would be that the magazine placement isn't terrific for a hunting weapon. Essentially the center of gravity for the rifle is pretty much dead on the magazine, which means that you very easily, accidentally trigger the magazine release during a regular carry.
I chose this rifle for a couple of reasons. 7.62x39 is super cheap. Its an ideal round for kids who are recoil sensitive. And it will still drop a deer. Though this particular rifle's pull is too long for a kid to shoot.