opaww - I personally LOVE the Howa actions, but here is some due dilligence so you are an informed purchaser.
The Howa's are CNC machined at a state of the art factory, but it's in Japan, they are
not a US owned or operated company. They are imported under the Howa line and also as the Weatherby Vanguard line.
It's a very solid, flat bottom action that is perfect for glass bedding. The front recoil lug is built into the action and is very solid. Much larger/beefier than any other "factory" action.
The bolt handle is a one piece drop forged unit that is very durable.
The extractor on the Howa is the Sako style, made of a real good, solid steel construction.
Howa's have a three position safety that acts as a trigger block and locks the bolt closed in the third position.
All in all I find it to be an excellent design, one capable of shooting extremely well right out of the box and would have no problems recommending one.
I built my grandfather a .25-06 on a Howa action and he said it was the finest rifle he ever owned. Though some of that might have been the fact that I made it custom for him.
Depending on the condition of the rifle, and what you are getting with the package, $400 could be a steal...
JD