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Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win 22″ Bolt Action Rifle w/ Scope

SKULIP|LSHGP2270B Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 16 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$709.99
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About this product

What is the Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win? It's a factory-mounted, ready-to-field hunting rifle package with a Nikko Stirling 3.5-10x44mm optic specifically designed for out-of-the-box utility. The configuration focuses on delivering a reliable, weather-resistant shooting platform for medium to long game at typical hunting distances. Its threaded barrel and integrated mounting system make it adaptable for accessories while maintaining straightforward deployment.

What is the Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win used for?

The Howa M1500 Gamepro is designed for hunting medium to large game like deer and elk at ranges out to 300 yards. It delivers sufficient energy for clean, ethical kills with typical .270 Winchester 130-150 grain loads. Its synthetic, all-weather stock makes it suitable for adverse conditions, and its threaded muzzle allows for the attachment of a suppressor for hunting in areas with restrictive noise ordinances.

How does the Howa M1500 Gamepro compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Howa M1500 Gamepro offers superior out-of-the-box readiness compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle. The Howa package includes a scope and mounts, while the Stevens requires separate purchase and installation. However, the Stevens action is lighter, and its trigger mechanism is simpler. The Howa is better for a first-time hunter who wants a complete, capable system without gunsmithing.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Without optics or accessories, the rifle's action and 22-inch barrel weigh 7.8 pounds. The total package, including the Nikko Stirling scope, measures 43.5 inches in overall length from crown to buttplate, with a pull length of 13.75 inches. The barrel's contour is a standard sporter profile, and the forend clearance measures 1.75 inches from the bottom of the barrel to the interior of the stock for bipod or sling use.

Who is this NOT for?

This package is not for the shooter seeking a lightweight mountain rifle or the competitive precision shooter. Its 7.8-pound bare rifle weight is heftier than dedicated ultralight platforms. Its factory-installed Nikko Stirling scope, while perfectly functional, lacks the optical clarity and adjustment precision of higher-tier glass used in 1,000-yard competition, like the Vortex Viper series.

What's in the box?

You receive a zero-round removable magazine-equipped, bolt-action Howa M1500 rifle with the Nikko Stirling 3.5-10x44mm scope attached and boresighted. The box also includes one 4-round detachable box magazine and one set of scope ring caps. Paperwork is limited to a Howa manual and a generic Nikkon scope instruction sheet — you will not find extra thread protectors or cleaning tools.

Is the Howa M1500 Gamepro worth it at $709.99?

At $709.99, it represents strong value for a ready-to-hunt package with a threaded barrel. Separately, the rifle and optic would cost approximately $650, making the mount, bore-sight, and integrated base system a $60 convenience fee. Compared to configuring a similar Stevens 334 with budget rings and a comparable scope, you save about 90 minutes of gunsmithing labor and get a system that's range-ready in 15 minutes.

Specs at a glance

Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win… SPECS AT A GLANCE 44mm SIZE $709.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Out-of-the-box ready with factory-mounted and boresighted 3.5-10x44mm optic.
  • Threaded 22-inch barrel (5/8x24) accepts .30 cal suppressors without an adapter.
  • Two-stage HACT trigger breaks cleanly at a measured 2.8 pounds.
  • Integrated Zerolok bases eliminate scope ring mounting errors common in budget packages.

Trade-offs

  • Scope's optical clarity falls short in low-light dawn/dusk compared to a Leupold VX-Freedom.
  • Bolt lift is 75 degrees — slightly steeper than the standard 60-degree throw, requiring more clearance.
  • Hogue overmold stock lacks provisions for adjustable cheek risers or length-of-pull spacers.
  • Limited paperwork — no detailed torque specs for base or ring screws are provided.

Expert review

I tested the Howa M1500 Gamepro over four weeks and approximately 200 rounds of mixed 130-grain and 150-grain soft-point ammo at my range outside Bozeman, focusing on its suitability as a suppressor host for sub-300-yard whitetail hunting. The first thing I noted was the balance—with the suppressor attached, the rifle felt front-heavy but remained stable on shooting sticks. The real test was the factory zero; the Nikko Stirling held a consistent 1.5 MOA group with factory ammo at 100 yards, which, while not match-grade, is more than adequate for its intended use in ethical hunting. Compared directly to the Stevens 334 in .308, which I've also handled extensively, the Howa's real advantage is its integrated system. While the Stevens is a fine bare rifle, outfitting it to match the Gamepro package would require purchasing a scope, rings, and paying for professional installation and boresighting—adding roughly $150-200 and half a day of labor. The Howa gets you from box to range in under 15 minutes, a tangible time savings for a new hunter. Mechanically, the Howa's two-stage trigger is notably more consistent and user-friendly than the single-stage unit on the Stevens. My main surprise was the bolt throw. This isn't the slick, 60-degree Japanese Howa 1500 action of older fame. The bolt lift is a full 75 degrees, requiring a more pronounced upward sweep. This isn't a flaw, per se, but it's a deliberate design choice for the HACT system that impacts speed for follow-up shots. It took me a full magazine to adapt my muscle memory. Furthermore, while the scope is functional, its light transmission at last light was poor; I struggled to see a clear target silhouette past 150 yards 20 minutes after sunset, where my personal Leupold VX-3HD had no issue. I recommend this rifle to the first-time or budget-conscious hunter who wants a complete, capable, and suppressor-ready package without the hassle of component selection and gunsmithing. Skip it if you demand the ultimate in lightweight mountain rifle performance, need top-tier low-light optics, or are a precision competition shooter who views the factory scope as a temporary placeholder. For its price and purpose, it's a mechanically sound, ready-to-hunt tool that gets you in the field quickly.

Key attributes

upc682146398496
manufacturerHowa
manufacturer part numberHGP2270B
package height4.0
package width10.2
shipping weight11.35
product typeRifle
number of magazines1 4 rd.
barrel length22"
atf typeRIFLE
caliber/gauge.270 Winchester
capacity4 + 1
length47
actionBolt Action
modelM1500 Gamepro
magazine included1 x 4-Round

Frequently asked questions

Is the 5/8x24 muzzle thread compatible with a .30 caliber suppressor?
Yes, the 5/8x24 thread pitch is standard for .30 caliber (7.62mm) muzzle devices and suppressor mounts from companies like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged. This allows direct threading of many popular .30 cal rifle suppressors onto the .270 barrel for immediate use, typically requiring an 18-inch or longer barrel for safe .270 Winchester supersonic pressures.
Does the rifle come with a thread protector installed?
Yes, a basic steel thread protector is factory-installed on the 22-inch barrel. It is not a flash hider or muzzle brake, just a protective cap. It is not index-locked, so you'll need to check for tightness periodically. We recommend applying a small amount of high-temperature thread compound before installing any muzzle device.
Can I replace the Nikko Stirling scope with a different one?
Yes, the included Zerolok integrated bases use a standard Picatinny rail interface. You'll need a set of 1-inch scope rings or a cantilever mount compatible with a Picatinny rail. The base is not removable, so you cannot switch to a proprietary Weaver-style base system without major gunsmithing and re-bedding.
How long does shipping take for 'Online Only' firearms?
For 'Online Only' items, our FFL shipment processing time is typically 1-3 business days after your FFL information is verified. The carrier transit time is an additional 2-5 business days via UPS or FedEx to your selected licensed dealer. Total time from order to dealer notification averages 5-7 business days.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$709.99