[[{“value”:”May 19th, 2026
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Review of Lightweight Howa Mini Action Rifles
We’ve been fans of the Howa Mini Action rifles since they were introduced a decade ago. With actions that are nearly an inch shorter than typical “short actions”, these Mini Action rigs work great as a compact “truck gun” or carry-around varminter. Current chamberings are: 22 ARC, .223 Rem, 6MM ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62x39mm, 350 Legend. These feature a 20″ barrel with a 16.5″ option for the 350 Legend.
6.5 Guy Ed Mobley Tests the 7.62×39 Howa Mini Action Rifle
The Howa Mini Action rifles come with the excellent HACT 2-stage trigger and a 5-round or 10-round, synthetic detachable box mag (depending on caliber). The Mini Action’s bolt is 13% shorter than on regular short actions, providing a shorter, faster bolt throw. Weight is also reduced. This makes for a nice, compact (and very shootable) package.
6.5 Guys Test Howa Mini Actions in 6.5 Grendel and 7.62×39
The 6.5 Guys recently secured a pair of Howa Mini Actions, one chambered in 6.5 Grendel and the other in 7.62×39 Russian: “After trying out the Howa Mini Action rifles at SHOT Show 2017, we got a couple of loaners in 6.5 Grendel and 7.62×39 courtesy of Legacy Sports. These rifles are known for their smooth cycling and lightweight actions, as well as some unique chamberings for bolt rifles (6.5 Grendel, 7.62×39). Long story short, we really enjoyed them.” In fact Steve liked his 6.5 Grendel enough that he plans to purchase the gun. Get the full scoop in this VIDEO REVIEW:
The folks at Legacy Sports also conducted extensive accuracy tests of commercial ammunition in 6.5 Grendel and 7.62×39. The most accurate 6.5 Grendel ammo, with a stunning 0.29″ group, was Alexander Arms with Lapua 123gr Scenar; second best (0.56″ group) was Hornady with 123gr A-Max bullet. The most accurate 7.62×39 ammo was Hornady 123gr SST with a 0.62″ group in the 20″ Heavy Barrel version. View Howa’s Test Reports with these links:
6.5 Grendel Factory Ammo Data | 7.62×39mm Factory Ammo Data
Click HERE for full-screen image.
Here is a Howa official video comparing a .223 Rem Mini Action vs. 6.5 Grendel Mini Action:
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Tags: 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Guys, 65guys.com, 7.62×39, Ed Mobley, Howa, Howa Mini Action, Steve Lawrence, Varmint Rifle
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