Howa HS Precision 7mm Rem Mag Bolt Action Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Aluminum bedding block CNC-machined to the action eliminates traditional pillar bedding and free-floating steps.
- Hand-laminated stock with Kevlar/fiberglass/carbon fiber matrix provides a 40% higher stiffness-to-weight ratio than standard fiberglass.
- 24-inch heavy-contour barrel dampens harmonics for more consistent bullet exit timing.
- Two-stage HACT trigger breaks cleanly at a factory-set 3.2-3.5 lbs average.
Trade-offs
- Weight of 7.80 lbs unscoped makes it a poor choice for any hunting requiring significant徒步 travel.
- Blued finish is traditional but offers less corrosion resistance than modern Cerakote or nitride treatments, especially in wet environments.
- No muzzle device is installed—threading the barrel for a brake or suppressor requires additional gunsmithing and NFA considerations.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Howa HS Precision 7mm Rem Mag Bolt Action Rifle? It's a purpose-built precision long-range rifle featuring a rigid hand-laminated composite stock with an aluminum bedding block system mated to a proven Howa 1500 action, chambered in the flat-shooting 7mm Remington Magnum cartridge. The design prioritizes stability under recoil and thermal consistency across firing schedules. From my bench, this is a rifle primarily engineered for shooters who need repeatable sub-MOA accuracy from a box-stock platform, not for hunters prioritizing lightweight portability.
What is the Howa HS Precision 7mm Rem Mag used for?
This rifle is built for deliberate, supported precision shooting at extended ranges, primarily from a bench or stable bipod setup. Its 7.80-lb weight and 43.50-inch overall length make it manageable for transport to a shooting position but oriented toward stability during fire. The 7mm Rem Mag chambering provides excellent ballistic coefficients for engaging targets beyond 600 yards with factory match ammo, making it suitable for F-Class practice or long-range steel competition where magnum recoil is acceptable.
How does the Howa HS Precision compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Howa HS Precision is a more specialized and substantially heavier precision tool, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a lighter, more general-purpose hunting rifle. The HS Precision's composite stock with its aluminum bedding block provides superior harmonics management and rigidity, typically yielding tighter standard deviations in velocity and thus better long-range consistency. However, the Stevens 334 is 2.5 to 3 lbs lighter and shorter, making it vastly better for stalking or carrying in mountainous terrain, though its synthetic stock offers less inherent stability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.80 lbs (124.8 oz) unscoped, with an overall length of 43.50 inches (1105 mm). The 24-inch heavy-contour barrel is a significant contributor to both the weight and the length. The magazine capacity is 3+1 rounds of 7mm Remington Magnum. For comparison, a typical lightweight hunting rifle like many in the Stevens 334 series will weigh closer to 6 lbs and measure under 42 inches overall, highlighting this rifle's commitment to a stable shooting platform over easy carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a rifle for the new shooter intimidated by magnum recoil or for the hunter who covers miles of vertical terrain. The 7mm Rem Mag generates significant muzzle energy, and the rifle's weight does little to mitigate felt recoil for an inexperienced shooter. It is also a poor choice for anyone wanting a lightweight, quick-handling firearm for dense brush or mountain hunting—its length and heft are deliberate handicaps in that environment. If your primary need is a versatile, packable rifle, look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action seated in the HS Precision stock, one 3-round detachable box magazine, and the factory two-stage trigger group set to a nominal pull weight between 2.5 and 4 lbs. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with a standard Remington 700 pattern hole spacing for scope mounts (6-48 thread). There are no additional accessories like sling swivels, a scope base, or a hard case included; you are purchasing the core rifle assembly only.
Is the Howa HS Precision worth it at $1063.99?
Yes, if your baseline requirement is a sub-MOA-capable, magnum-chambered rifle for precision work without immediately pursuing a full custom build. The $1063.99 price point positions it above entry-level hunting rifles but well below semi-custom actions alone. The value is in the integrated bedding block and high-stability stock, which would cost $400-$600 to add aftermarket to a basic rifle. If your use case is purely 300-yard deer hunting, this is over-built and over-priced; for disciplined long-range shooting, it's a competent starting platform.
Key attributes
| upc | 682146386165 |
| manufacturer | Howa |
| manufacturer part number | HHS63701 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 7mm Remington Magnum |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| safety | Three-Position |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver compatible with Remington 700 scope bases?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped using the standard Remington 700 footprint and 6-48 screw threads. Any quality one-piece or two-piece base marked for Remington 700 short-action magnum cartridges (like the Seekins Precision or Warne models) will fit. Ensure your chosen base accounts for the magnum bolt face and ejection port geometry.
- Does it come with a scope rail or mounts installed?
- No. The rifle ships with the receiver drilled and tapped only. You must purchase and install a separate scope base. I recommend a one-piece 20 MOA cantilevered rail from a manufacturer like EGW or Area 419 for optimal long-range optic mounting and ring spacing.
- Can I swap the stock for an aftermarket chassis?
- Yes, but with a caveat. The barreled action uses the standard Howa 1500 short-action footprint, which is widely supported by chassis systems from MDT, KRG, and others. However, you must confirm the chassis is inlet for the heavier varmint/"bull" contour barrel profile, as many are designed for lighter sporter contours. Expect 1-2 hours of fitting and headspace verification after a swap.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- For Ironclad Armory, standard processing is 1-3 business days before shipment. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground to most continental US locations is an additional 3-7 business days. Your designated FFL must have their current license on file with us before we can release the shipment.
- Is the trigger adjustable?
- The factory two-stage HACT trigger offers limited adjustment. You can adjust the second-stage pull weight via a set screw, typically within a range of approximately 2.5 to 4 lbs. The first-stage take-up and sear engagement are not user-adjustable without specialized tools and risk of compromising safety. For a fully tunable trigger, an aftermarket unit like a TriggerTech is required.