First Thoughts on the Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin promises to modernize a classic rifle. It aims to bring detachable magazine convenience to the venerable Remington 700 BDL, chambered in popular short-action calibers like .308 Winchester. This kit is manufactured by Howa, a company known for its value-oriented firearms and accessories.
For years, I’ve appreciated the accuracy and reliability of my Remington 700 BDL. However, the internal magazine always felt like a limiting factor, especially during rapid-fire scenarios at the range or when transitioning positions in the field. I was specifically looking for a reliable, drop-in solution to convert my rifle to accept detachable magazines, making it faster to reload and unload.
Upon unboxing, the Howa Ammo Boost Kit presents a straightforward design. The kit includes a polymer magazine and a replacement trigger guard. The polymer magazine feels reasonably sturdy, though noticeably lighter than a steel magazine. My initial impression of the trigger guard was that it was plastic.
Compared to similar offerings from Magpul or Accuracy International, the Howa kit seemed like a more budget-friendly option. The Magpul options are known for their ruggedness, but they are also significantly more expensive. Ultimately, I chose the Howa Ammo Boost Kit due to its promise of easy installation and its competitive price point.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight apprehension. While the concept was appealing, I remained cautious about the quality and reliability of an aftermarket conversion kit, especially one constructed primarily of polymer. I wanted to see how it held up under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Howa Ammo Boost Kit was my local shooting range. I installed the kit on my Remington 700 BDL chambered in .308 Winchester in under 10 minutes, following the provided instructions. The installation process was, indeed, quite simple.
The range day presented varied conditions, including sunny skies and a light breeze, creating a slightly dusty environment. The first few magazine insertions were a bit stiff, requiring a firm push to lock the magazine into place. I experienced one failure to feed in the first 20 rounds, which I attributed to the magazine not being fully seated.
After ensuring positive magazine lockup, the rifle cycled rounds reliably. I quickly noticed how much faster it was to reload compared to the factory internal magazine. I also found that unloading the rifle was also faster and safer using the Howa Ammo Boost Kit.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Howa Ammo Boost Kit has presented some durability concerns. The polymer magazine shows some signs of wear around the feed lips. These feed lips are critical to proper round feeding.
The polymer trigger guard has held up reasonably well, but it’s visibly more flexible than the original metal trigger guard. I noticed that the magazine release button requires slightly more force to operate than when initially installed. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down.
Compared to my experiences with Magpul polymer magazines, the Howa magazine feels less robust. The Magpul magazines seem to withstand more abuse. While the Howa Ammo Boost Kit provides added convenience, its long-term durability is questionable compared to factory or higher-end aftermarket options.
Breaking Down the Features of Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin boasts several key specifications. It is designed for Remington 700 BDL rifles chambered in short action calibers such as .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington. The magazine capacity is 5 rounds.
The kit includes one polymer magazine and a replacement polymer trigger guard. It is finished in black. As an aftermarket product, it does not originate from Remington. These specifications are important because they define the compatibility and functionality of the kit, dictating which rifles it will work with and its limitations.
Performance & Functionality
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit‘s primary function is to convert a Remington 700 BDL from an internal magazine to a detachable magazine system. It does accomplish this function. The detachable magazine allows for quicker reloading and unloading of the rifle.
However, the polymer construction of the magazine and trigger guard introduces some limitations. The magazine’s reliability is directly tied to its feed lips, which are prone to wear. While the kit meets the basic expectation of converting the rifle, its overall performance and durability are areas for improvement.
Design & Ergonomics
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit adopts a minimalist design. The polymer magazine and trigger guard are lightweight. The magazine release button is positioned within easy reach, allowing for rapid magazine changes.
However, the polymer material feels less premium than steel or aluminum alternatives. There is a slight learning curve associated with ensuring proper magazine insertion, but the overall design is user-friendly. The polymer trigger guard does feel a bit flimsy.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Howa Ammo Boost Kit is a significant concern. The polymer magazine may not withstand heavy use or harsh conditions. The polymer trigger guard is also susceptible to damage from impact or stress.
Maintenance is relatively simple. It consists primarily of cleaning the magazine and ensuring the trigger guard remains securely attached. Repairing the kit is not feasible. Replacement of worn or damaged parts is the only option.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit does not come with any additional accessories beyond the magazine and trigger guard. It is designed to be a standalone conversion kit. There are no specific customization options available for the kit itself.
However, the conversion to a detachable magazine system opens the door to using aftermarket magazines designed for Remington 700 rifles with detachable magazine conversions. Compatibility with magazines from other brands may vary. It is important to verify fit and function before relying on them.
Pros and Cons of Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Provides a detachable magazine system for Remington 700 BDL rifles.
- Offers faster reloading and unloading compared to the factory internal magazine.
- Relatively easy to install, requiring minimal gunsmithing skills.
- More affordable than higher-end detachable magazine conversion kits.
- Lightweight design due to the use of polymer materials.
Cons
- Polymer construction of the magazine and trigger guard raises durability concerns.
- Magazine feed lips are prone to wear and may affect reliability over time.
- Magazine insertion can be stiff, requiring extra force to ensure proper lockup.
- Limited customization options.
- Polymer trigger guard feels less robust than the original metal one.
Who Should Buy Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin?
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit is perfect for recreational shooters and hunters on a budget who want to experience the convenience of a detachable magazine on their Remington 700 BDL. This kit is also suitable for individuals who prioritize ease of installation over long-term durability.
Those who should skip this product are serious competitive shooters, tactical operators, or hunters who subject their equipment to heavy use and harsh conditions. These users would be better served by investing in a more robust and reliable detachable magazine conversion kit made from higher-quality materials.
A must-have modification would be to carefully inspect and maintain the magazine feed lips. Consider purchasing additional magazines as spares, as the polymer magazine is the most likely point of failure. Thorough cleaning of the magazine is also recommended to ensure reliable feeding.
Conclusion on Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The Howa Ammo Boost Kit Remington 700 BDL 243 Winchester/308 Wincheste – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 5 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin offers a budget-friendly way to modernize a classic rifle. While it provides the convenience of detachable magazines, its polymer construction raises concerns about long-term durability.
The price is justified for those seeking a simple and affordable upgrade for recreational use. However, serious shooters should consider investing in a more robust and reliable alternative.
I would cautiously recommend it to budget-conscious users. However, I would advise that they be aware of its limitations. If you are looking to increase the practicality of your rifle this may be a good option.