Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win 22″ 4+1 Green Hogue
Pros & cons
What works
- Turn-key package includes mounted 3.5-10x44mm scope — saves $80-120 and 45 minutes of gunsmith zeroing time
- Two-Stage HACT trigger breaks cleanly at a consistent 3.2 lbs — 1.5 lbs lighter and more predictable than most factory hunting triggers
- 22-inch threaded barrel with 5/8x24 pattern — direct compatibility with common .30 cal suppressors without an adapter
- Integrated Zerolok bases — provides a solid, 4-screw mounting platform that is more secure than standard Weaver bases
Trade-offs
- Nikko Stirling scope has limited eye relief (3.1 inches) — increases risk of scope bite with heavy .270 loads compared to a Leupold VX-Freedom
- Hogue overmold stock lacks aluminum bedding blocks — allows minor fore-end flex under bipod load, potentially impacting consistency
- No thread protector included — requires immediate aftermarket purchase ($12-25) to protect muzzle threads during transport
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win 22″ 4+1 Green Hogue is a turn-key, medium-caliber hunting rifle package specifically engineered for field deployment across North American terrain, combining a proven Howa 1500 action with a threaded barrel, proprietary HACT trigger, and a factory-mounted optic. For $709.99, it delivers a complete, regulated hunting system—a notable departure from the common practice of selling barreled actions alone. This configuration prioritizes immediate operational readiness, which is a distinct advantage for hunters managing compliance windows in restricted seasons.
What is the Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win 22″ 4+1 used for?
This rifle is purposed for ethical, mid-to-long-range harvesting of North American big game species like whitetail, mule deer, and black bear. The .270 Winchester cartridge, launched from the 22-inch barrel, provides optimal terminal ballistics within 350 yards, a practical distance for most western and eastern hunting scenarios. The package’s inclusion of a mounted 3.5-10x44mm scope and threaded muzzle directly supports this role, enabling rapid post-purchase zeroing and suppressor or brake attachment for reduced signature and recoil management without requiring a gunsmith.
How does the Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win 22″ 4+1 compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win, 20in?
The Howa package provides superior out-of-the-box readiness and mechanical refinement at a $200+ premium. The Stevens 334 is a more cost-effective, bare-bones hunting rifle often sold without optics, relying on its utilitarian Savage 110-style action. The Howa’s decisive advantage is its Two-Stage HACT trigger, which offers a cleaner, more predictable 2.5-4 lb pull compared to the Stevens’ heavier, single-stage AccuTrigger that often requires aftermarket tuning to achieve similar consistency. However, for pure budget-conscious procurement of a functional .308 platform, the Stevens holds its ground.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded and without the magazine, the rifle has an overall length of 42.5 inches, a primary balance point approximately 5 inches forward of the trigger guard, and a total system weight of approximately 7.8 pounds with the Nikko Stirling scope mounted. The 22-inch barrel features a 1:10 twist rate, which is standard for stabilizing common .270 Winchester 130-150 grain hunting projectiles. This weight and balance configuration is designed for carried comfort during all-day stalks, not for benchrest precision shooting sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This package is not for the precision rifle competitor or the shooter seeking a custom chassis platform. The integrated Zerolok bases limit rail and optic mounting options compared to a full-length Picatinny system, and the Hogue overmold stock, while durable, lacks the precise bedding and adjustability found in higher-end stocks from companies like KRG or McMillan. If your primary use case involves consistent sub-MOA accuracy demands or frequent caliber swaps, you are better served by a barreled action from Howa or Bergara purchased separately and fitted to a chassis of your choosing.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with the Nikko Stirling 3.5-10x44mm scope mounted and zeroed at the factory, one 4-round detachable AICS-pattern magazine, the proprietary magazine release tool, and basic owner’s documentation. Notably, the package does not include thread protectors for the 5/8x24 muzzle threads, a crucial accessory given the rifle’s Title II implications when configured with a muzzle device; plan to source one separately if not immediately attaching a suppressor or brake.
Is the Howa M1500 Gamepro .270 Win 22″ 4+1 worth it at $709.99?
Yes, for the hunter needing a compliant, field-ready rifle on a compressed timeline, this package delivers measurable value. The cost breakdown approximates $450 for the barreled action, $120 for the Hogue stock, $80 for the Nikko Stirling scope, and $60 for the magazine and bases—summing to over $710 in component value before assembly and zeroing labor. The primary trade-off is accepting the provided optic, which is serviceable but lacks the glass clarity and tracking repeatability of a Vortex Diamondback Tactical; consider it a functional placeholder you may choose to upgrade after a season.
Key attributes
| upc | 682146398502 |
| manufacturer | Howa |
| manufacturer part number | HGP2270G |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 11.3 |
| package width | 10.3 |
| package height | 4.3 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| length | 47 |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| caliber/gauge | .270 Winchester |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| action | Bolt Action |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | M1500 Gamepro |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the 22-inch barrel features standard 5/8x24 muzzle threads, which is the direct-thread pattern for most .30 caliber suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. This allows for legal NFA item attachment pending Form 4 approval, assuming your state permits suppressor use for hunting.
- Does the magazine fit other Howa 1500 rifles?
- Yes, the included 4-round detachable magazine uses the AICS pattern, which is compatible with most modern Howa 1500 actions and aftermarket chassis systems. Ensure your specific bottom metal or chassis is machined for AICS magazines, not the proprietary Howa HACT magwell.
- What is the lead time for shipping to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2 business days of cleared payment and received FFL documentation. Transit time via FedEx or UPS ground service typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Phoenix, AZ.
- Can I return the rifle if the scope is defective?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns of new, unfired firearms within 30 days for manufacturer defects, including a non-functional factory-mounted optic. The Nikko Stirling scope carries its own 10-year warranty through the distributor, EuroOptic, which may require separate processing for optical issues like fogging or reticle failure.