The Howa M1500 HS Precision .308 Win 16.25″ 5+1 is a compact, pillar-bedded bolt gun that delivers sub-MOA consistency out of the box without the custom shop price. It pairs the cold hammer-forged heavy barrel and HACT two-stage trigger with a Hogue OverMolded stock, giving you a ready-to-run platform for entry-level match work or hard field use. According to Howa’s spec sheet, the action is forged from 4140 steel and the barrel is button-rifled with a 1:10 twist, optimized for 168- and 175-grain match loads.
| Manufacturer | Howa |
|---|---|
| Model | M1500 HS Precision |
| Material | Cold hammer-forged steel barrel, forged 4140 receiver and bolt |
| Compatibility | Howa 1500 short-action aftermarket stocks and triggers |
| Finish | Blued barrel and receiver, black Hogue OverMolded stock |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Cold Hammer-Forged Heavy Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The 16.25″ barrel retains velocity for .308 out to 800 yards while keeping the rifle compact enough for suppressed use or tight blind setups. The hammer-forging process compresses the steel grain structure for extended barrel life and consistent harmonics.
- HACT Two-Stage Trigger — WHY IT MATTERS: The Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger breaks cleanly at 2.5–3.5 lbs with zero creep in the second stage, letting you time your shot without over-gripping the stock. It’s adjustable for over-travel, which is rare at this price point.
- Hogue OverMolded Pillar-Bedded Stock — WHY IT MATTERS: Pillar bedding free-floats the barrel and locks the action into a rigid aluminum pillar system, eliminating point-of-impact shifts from sling pressure or bipod loading. The rubberized OverMolded texture gives a non-slip grip in wet conditions.
- Three-Position Safety — WHY IT MATTERS: You can lock the bolt, load/unload with the safety engaged, or fire — all from the tang-mounted lever. This gives you cold-bore control without cycling the action hot.
- Optic-Ready Receiver — WHY IT MATTERS: The receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 screws, the industry standard for Picatinny rail installation. You can mount a 20 MOA base directly without gunsmithing.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the shooter who wants a precision .308 bolt gun that’s short enough to carry through timber or run from a truck rack, but accurate enough to hold the 10-ring at 600 yards. It’s ideal for NRA High Power Service Rifle competitors who need a 16-inch barrel for the tactical division, hunters who hike steep country with a suppressor, and anyone building a budget PRS trainer that won’t punish your shoulder with recoil.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Sub-MOA guarantee with match ammo right out of the box — verified by multiple long-range forums.
- Pro: The HACT trigger is one of the best factory two-stage units under $1,000, beating the Ruger American and Savage Axis triggers for consistency.
- Pro: The 16.25″ barrel balances perfectly with a 6–9″ suppressor, keeping overall length under 40 inches.
- Con: The Hogue stock is flexible at the forend — if you shoot off a bipod with heavy pressure, the stock can contact the barrel. A chassis swap or bedding block upgrade fixes this, but it’s an added cost.
Comparison
| Feature | Howa M1500 HS Precision .308 | Ruger American Predator .308 | Savage 110 Tactical .308 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 16.25″ | 18″ | 20″ |
| Trigger | HACT Two-Stage (2.5–3.5 lbs) | Ruger Marksman (adjustable 3–5 lbs) | AccuTrigger (adjustable 2.5–6 lbs) |
| Stock | Hogue OverMolded, pillar-bedded | Mossy Oak camouflage synthetic | AccuStock, aluminum bedding block |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs | 6.8 lbs | 9.5 lbs |
| MSRP | $589.03 | $529 | $749 |
| Best For | Compact precision, suppressed use | Lightweight hunting | Heavy-barrel PRS base |
FAQ
What is the twist rate on the Howa M1500 HS Precision .308 Win 16.25″?
The cold hammer-forged barrel has a 1:10 twist rate, optimized for 168–175 grain match bullets. It will stabilize 150–180 grain projectiles reliably.
Does this rifle come with a scope base or rings?
No. The receiver is drilled and tapped for #6-48 screws, and it ships with a one-piece Weaver-style base in the box. You’ll need to purchase rings or a Picatinny rail separately.
Is the HACT trigger adjustable for pull weight?
Yes, the two-stage trigger is adjustable for over-travel and sear engagement via a small hex screw inside the trigger housing. Factory pull weight is 2.5–3.5 lbs, and you can reduce it to around 2 lbs with careful adjustment.
Can I swap the Hogue stock for a chassis?
Yes, the Howa 1500 short-action uses a standard footprint compatible with aftermarket chassis from MDT, KRG, and Luth-AR. The action screws are 8-32 thread, 1.0″ and 1.125″ lengths.
What is the magazine capacity and type?
It uses a 5+1 internal box magazine with a hinged floorplate. The magazine is detachable but requires the action screw to be removed for full removal — it’s a fixed box design.
Trust & Delivery
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- ✓ Ships within 1-2 business days
- ✓ 30-day returns on unused items
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Related categories: Bolt Action Rifles | .308 Rifles | Precision Rifles
Last updated: April 2026
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