I recently purchased a Howa 1500 in 30-06 and took it elk hunting in Colorado, deer hunting in Nebraska, and recently on a bison hunt in Nebraska. I wasn't able to connect on a elk, but the rifle carried well and was easy to handle in the dark timber. The rifle performed well during the deer hunt and I was able to harvest a decent buck with it. I checked its zero last weekend and on Wednesday I was able to harvest a bison with it. One item of concern is the trigger is a little heavy. Another issue I am concerned with is the buttstock is hollow and in the cold when you hit it with brush etc while carrying it make a load noise. I may need to take the recoil pad off and fill it with rags or something to dampen the noise. Otherwise I have been quite pleased with its performance.