Original question was a Howa or an American.
Sorry, I do not own either so my opinion should matter little. But, have handled both at gun stores quite a few times. I would not mind owning either one, but had a better impression of the Howa than the American.
Mind you, I do own Stevens 200 rifles, a Savage Axis and a couple of the Marlin XL or XS rifles. Of these rifle, I prefer the Marlins. Why? For me the Marlins have been more accurate and certainly have a better trigger.
However, back to the original question, Howa or American? Buy the Ruger American and then give us a detailed report/review of it. LOL, I've monitored Ruger American threads on a number of gunsites and comments from American owners have been few and brief.