HOWA carbine

[GA-Dave]

Saw a Howa carbine at a gun show today. I'd never seen one, just heard of them. I was tempted, but it wasn't in very good shape for $800.

The serial number was on the heel, no name on it, but a mum on the receiver ring. didn't look to close, but did not see any other markings.

[Tuna]

The Howa is a rare carbine in the states. Only about 4000 of them were allowed in before importation was stopped. Excellent quality as good as the best made USGI and parts interchange with USGI parts. The only ID on a Howa is the Thai police stamp on the receiver and the letter H stamped on the bottom of the barrel. The sights are a flip type but are also adjustable for windage. They are jumping up in price too.

[Bob L]

The Howa carbines have 2 diffrent rear sights. One is as stated above and the later ones have an ajustable ramp sight similar to the US one but utilize a flat spring similar to the spring on the 03A3 to retain the sight position.

[Thaine]

There was a small batch of these sold by Centerfire about 1-2 years ago. IIRC there were only about 100 or less. I bought one to go with my Inland. Nicely built gun with only the bayonet lug missing (different then USGI) and a slightly loose front sight from it having been removed and reinstalled after the barrel band for the lug was removed. Mine was $528 at the time (prices varried with condition). I am still looking for the proper bayonet lug if anyone has or knows of one available. Good info on them at http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/
Thaine

[Tuna]

At one time a couple of years ago someone was selling reproduction lugs for the Howa's and a short time later another ad for original lugs came alone. They may have been repos being offered as original. You might try Ebay or the gun auction sites for one. The lug uses a pin like the front sight to lock it in place.