Previously Unknown Howa Barrel Marking

I was doing some maintenance on my Early Howa AR-180, one of the first 1000, and found a barrel marking that I have never seen documented before.

It was hiding under the operating rod return spring and I never noticed it till I had it removed. What does it stand for? Howa Precision Rifles? I don’t know for sure.

Do you have any thoughts?

If you want to know more about these early Howa AR-180’s check out these older articles of mine.

3 Replies to “Previously Unknown Howa Barrel Marking”

  1. SOOOOO,,,, I WENT AND LOOKED AT BOTH TOYS,,,, STERLING DOESN’T HAVE “PROOF” MARK,, COSTA MESA DOES HAVE, IN SAME SPOT AS YOURS…. GUNNEY

    1. I haven’t seen any proof marks on my Costa Mesa guns. Any chance you can shoot me some pics of yours Gunney?

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