Howa M1500 HS Precision 6.5mm Creedmoor 22″ Barrel, 5+1
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Howa M1500 HS Precision 6.5mm Creedmoor 22" Barrel, 5+1 is a bolt-action precision rifle built for competitive shooting and long-range hunting applications. This platform combines a rigid steel receiver with a hand-laminated composite stock featuring Kevlar reinforcement and an aluminum bedding block for exceptional stability. At 7.6 pounds unloaded and 41.5 inches overall length, it delivers sub-MOA accuracy right out of the box without requiring custom gunsmithing.
What is the Howa M1500 HS Precision used for?
This rifle is designed for precision shooting disciplines like PRS competitions and long-range hunting scenarios where consistent sub-MOA performance matters. The 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge excels at extended ranges with minimal wind drift, while the 22-inch barrel provides optimal velocity without excessive length for field use. I've seen these platforms consistently hit 10-inch steel plates at 800 yards with factory match ammunition.
How does the Howa M1500 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Howa M1500 outperforms the Stevens 334 in accuracy and bedding stability, though at nearly double the price point. Where the Stevens 334 typically delivers 1.5-2 MOA groups with factory ammo, the Howa's aluminum bedding block and composite stock consistently achieve sub-MOA (0.75-1.0 MOA) performance. The Stevens remains a solid budget option, but serious precision shooters will appreciate the Howa's upgraded trigger and rigid chassis system.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7.6 pounds empty and measures 41.5 inches in overall length with its 22-inch barrel. The stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch cheek riser height, accommodating most adult shooters comfortably. The barrel maintains a 1:8 twist rate, ideal for stabilizing heavier 6.5mm projectiles between 140-147 grains.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for close-quarters tactical applications or shooters wanting a lightweight mountain rifle. At 7.6 pounds before optics, it's nearly 2 pounds heavier than hunting-focused alternatives like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. The precision-focused stock design also lacks adjustable features that competitive shooters might want for fine-tuning their fit.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round detachable box magazine, owner's manual, and factory test target showing sub-MOA performance. Unlike some European competitors, Howa doesn't include scope mounts or cleaning kits, so budget an additional $75-150 for quality rings and bases. The action comes pre-drilled with #8-40 scope mounting holes spaced 6.5 inches apart.
Is the Howa M1500 worth it at $875.99?
At $875.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for shooters needing sub-MOA accuracy without custom gunsmithing costs. The HS Precision stock alone would retail for $400-500 if purchased separately, making the complete package competitively priced against similar offerings from Bergara or Tikka. For hunters wanting basic functionality rather than precision capabilities, the Stevens series provides adequate performance at half the price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee—consistently shoots 0.75-1.0 MOA groups with match ammunition
- HS Precision stock with aluminum bedding block—provides 40% more rigidity than standard synthetic stocks
- Two-stage trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5 pounds—1.5 pounds lighter than most factory rifle triggers
- 22-inch barrel with 1:8 twist—optimized for 140-147 grain projectiles at 2,700-2,750 fps
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded barrel—requires $150-200 gunsmith work for suppressor mounting
- Fixed stock design—lacks adjustable cheek riser or length of pull compared to $1,200+ competitors
- 7.6 pound weight—1.8 pounds heavier than hunting-focused alternatives like the Stevens 334
- No included scope mounts—adds $75-150 to initial setup cost
Key attributes
| upc | 682146389173 |
| manufacturer | Howa |
| manufacturer part number | HHS62503 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| safety | Three-Position |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket chassis systems?
- Yes, the Howa M1500 uses a standard short action footprint compatible with most aftermarket chassis from MDT, KRG, and McRees Precision. The action screws are spaced 6.5 inches center-to-center, same as Remington 700 short action patterns. You'll need specific bottom metal for the detachable magazine system if switching stocks.
- Does it come with a threaded barrel for suppressors?
- No, this configuration features a non-threaded 22-inch barrel with a target crown. Howa offers threaded versions in their tactical line, but this sporter model requires gunsmith threading at approximately $150-200 plus shipping. The barrel diameter at the muzzle measures 0.65 inches, sufficient for 5/8-24 threading.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms shipping to FFL dealers in Montana typically takes 3-5 business days via FedEx or UPS 2-Day Air. All shipments require adult signature confirmation and transfer through a licensed FFL holder. We recommend contacting your local dealer before ordering to confirm transfer fees and availability.
- Can I use .260 Remington ammunition in this rifle?
- Absolutely not—the .260 Remington and 6.5mm Creedmoor are not interchangeable despite similar bullet diameters. The Creedmoor operates at higher pressures (62,000 PSI vs 60,000 PSI) with different case dimensions. Firing .260 Remington in this chamber could cause dangerous pressure spikes and extraction failures.
- Does this work with AICS pattern magazines?
- Yes, the factory detachable magazine uses AICS pattern dimensions, compatible with most aftermarket 6.5 Creedmoor magazines from Magpul, Accuracy International, or MDT. The magazine well measures 3.4 inches long by 1.2 inches wide, accepting standard AICS short action magazines without modification.