Who Makes Legacy Howa.22wmr Bolt Action Rifles?
The.22wmr caliber is a popular choice for hunting and recreational shooting, offering a relatively low-cost alternative to larger calibers. One of the most well-regarded manufacturers of.22wmr rifles is Howa, a Japanese company with a reputation for producing high-quality, precision rifles. Among the many rifles offered by Howa, the Legacy Howa.22wmr Bolt Action Rifles are a particularly popular choice. But who actually makes these rifles?
The Birth of Legacy Howa.22wmr Bolt Action Rifles
To answer this question, we need to look back at the history of Howa. In 1925, Shinmasu Shokai, Ltd. was established in Nagaoka City, Japan, and began producing high-quality hunting rifles. In the 1980s, Shinmasu Shokai started exporting rifles to other countries, including the United States, and the brand began to gain popularity.
Partnership and the Legacy Brand
In 2016, Shinmasu Shokai merged with another Japanese company, Hakko Rifle Manufacturing, Ltd. This partnership gave rise to the new brand, Legacy Howa, which combines the expertise of both companies. The Legacy brand is known for its focus on high-quality, affordable rifles that cater to recreational shooters and hunters.
Howa’s American Affiliate, Legacy Sports International
However, not all Legacy Howa.22wmr Bolt Action Rifles are manufactured directly by Legacy Sports International (LSI) in Japan. To serve the North American market more efficiently, LSI set up a manufacturing facility in Dayton, Nevada, USA, in 2012. This affiliate, also known as Legacy Sports International, Inc., is responsible for manufacturing certain models, including the Legacy Howa.22wmr Bolt Action Rifles.
Direct Manufacturing vs. Semi-Custom
While LSI does manufacture some rifles in-house, not all Legacy Howa.22wmr Bolt Action Rifles are built by LSI. Instead, some rifles may be direct imports from Howa in Japan. Howa produces rifles for multiple distributors, and Legacy Sports International is one of its largest customers. Legacy Sports International, in turn, customizes and imports a range of Howa-made rifles for the North American market.
Why are Some Rifles Assembled in the USA?
Assembling rifles in the USA has several advantages:
- Customization: Legacy Sports International can offer more customization options for customers, including different finishes, stock designs, and engraving.
- Efficient distribution: Assembling rifles in the USA simplifies logistics and distribution to dealerships across North America.
- Meeting Local Demand: By producing some rifles locally, Legacy Sports International can respond quickly to demand fluctuations and reduce waiting times for customers.
Howa’s Commitment to Quality
Whether directly imported from Japan or manufactured by Legacy Sports International in the USA, Howa rifles are renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Here are some reasons why:
• Heat Treating: Howa employs advanced heat treating processes to ensure precise barrel geometry, consistency, and strength.
• Barrel Profile: Legacy Howa rifles feature precision-machined, chrome-moly barrels with a unique profile design, enhancing accuracy and barrel life.
• Action Design: The rifles feature a smooth, 90-degree bolt lift, reducing scope clearance issues and providing reliable, jam-free feeding.
Summary
To recap, the Legacy Howa.22wmr Bolt Action Rifles are produced by:
- Howa, Japan: Direct import of select models for global distribution.
- Legacy Sports International, USA: Manufactures some models in-house for the North American market.
- Direct Assembly and customization by Legacy Sports International.
The choice between these manufacturing processes is driven by regional market demand, logistics, and customization options. At the core, all Legacy Howa.22wmr Bolt Action Rifles are built on a foundation of Japanese craftsmanship and excellence, with a commitment to quality, precision, and customer satisfaction.
Rifle Specifications
Rifle Model | Barrel Length (in.) | Magazine Capacity | MSRP |
---|---|---|---|
Legacy Howa.22wmr Hogue 1-11 | 18.5 | 4+1 | $539.99 |
Legacy Howa.22wmr Heavy Barrel | 24 | 4+1 | $699.99 |
Legacy Howa.22wmr Predator | 20 | 5+1 | $849.99 |
Table: Rifle Specifications (note: prices may vary depending on location and availability)