HOWA M1500 HUNTER 25CM 22″ TB WLNT

The HOWA M1500 HUNTER 25CM 22″ TB WLNT is a production-grade bolt-action that brings real walnut and cold-hammer-forged accuracy to the mid-price bracket. Chambered in .25-06 Remington with a 22-inch barrel and threaded muzzle, this rifle tracks at 8.7 pounds dry — light enough for the timber, stiff enough for a 600-yard steel string.

Manufacturer	Howa (per manufacturer specs)
Model	M1500 Hunter
Material	Walnut stock, cold-hammer-forged steel barrel, forged steel action
Compatibility	Remington 700-pattern scope bases, Howa HACT two-stage trigger, flush-fit magazine
Finish	Blued barrel/action, gloss lacquer on walnut stock
Weight	8.7 lb (3.95 kg) per manufacturer specs
Condition	New

Key Features

• Cold-hammer-forged barrel — Why it matters: The 22-inch barrel is rifled by hammering steel under 200 tons of pressure, delivering consistent bore dimensions and sub-MOA potential with match ammunition.
• Walnut stock with raised comb — Why it matters: The oil-finished Turkish walnut stock has a Monte Carlo comb that aligns your eye with the scope centerline naturally, reducing cant errors and cheek weld adjustments.
• Threaded barrel (5/8×24 TPI) — Why it matters: Factory-threaded muzzle accepts a suppressor or muzzle brake without gunsmithing, letting you dial recoil reduction or noise suppression without voiding the warranty.
• HACT two-stage trigger — Why it matters: The Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger breaks at roughly 2.5–3 lb from the factory with a short second-stage take-up, giving you a predictable break that mimics a $300 aftermarket trigger.
• Forged steel action — Why it matters: The one-piece action is machined from a solid steel forging, not a casting, which eliminates flex under heavy bipod loads and maintains zero consistency across temperature swings.

Who It’s For

This rifle is built for the shooter who wants a classic walnut stock paired with modern accuracy. It fits the hunter who covers 5–10 miles a day and the precision shooter who runs a 200-yard zero for .25-06 varmint loads. If you’ve been swapping plastic stocks for Bell & Carlson or McMillan, this saves you that step — the wood is usable from the box.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Sub-MOA out of the box with factory 117-grain Hornady loads — verified by multiple forum groups.
• Pro: Trigger is adjustable down to 2 lb without aftermarket parts.
• Con: The walnut stock does not have a bedding block — you’ll want to bed the action for consistent sub-0.5 MOA performance. This is a $60 gunsmith job but worth planning for.

Comparison

Feature	Howa M1500 Hunter .25-06	Geissele Super Precision	Timney Calvin Elite
Trigger type	Two-stage (HACT)	Two-stage	Single-stage
Pull weight range	2–3.5 lb (adjustable)	3–4.5 lb	1–4 lb
Stock material	Walnut	Aluminum chassis	N/A (trigger only)
Barrel twist	1:10″	N/A	N/A
Price	$673	$1,200+ (complete rifle)	$180

The Howa Hunter gives you a complete rifle with a walnut stock for less than the cost of a Geissele chassis alone. The Timney Calvin Elite is a drop-in trigger upgrade, but the HACT trigger is close enough out of the box that most shooters don’t swap it.

FAQ

Does the .25-06 have enough energy for elk at 400 yards?

Yes — with a 120-grain Nosler Partition, .25-06 delivers roughly 1,600 ft-lb at 400 yards, which is adequate for elk under ethical hunting conditions. Shot placement is critical; this is not a 600-yard elk cartridge.

What scope base does this rifle need?

The Howa M1500 Hunter uses Remington 700 short-action pattern scope bases. Any standard two-piece or one-piece base for R700 SA will fit. You do not need proprietary Howa bases.

Can I run a suppressor on this barrel without a gunsmith?

Yes. The barrel is threaded 5/8×24 TPI from the factory. You need a direct-thread suppressor or a muzzle brake with a compatible thread pattern. No adapter or threading required.

Is the walnut stock finished for weather?

The stock has a gloss lacquer finish that provides basic moisture resistance. It is not a synthetic stock — you should avoid leaving it in rain or snow for extended periods. A light coat of boiled linseed oil every two years preserves the wood.

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Last updated: April 2026