One thing to remember on the Howa action is that it has metric threads. Most people will charge more to fit a barrel with metric threads than one that has a 16 or 18 thread. If you are going to build a benchrest rifle, you would be better off to save up for a Kelbly or Bat. It will probably cost you at least $25 more every time you have the Howa rebarreled than what it would cost you to rebarrel a Kelbly or Bat and the Howa is no where near in the same league as either the Kelbly or Bat. For a hunting rifle or varmint rifle, the Howa would be fine, but I wouldn't expect to be competitive using it.