Howa M1500 Walnut Hunter 6.5 PRC 24″ Threaded Rifle
About this product
The Howa M1500 Walnut Hunter 6.5 PRC 24″ Threaded Rifle is a bolt-action sporting rifle that combines classic walnut stock aesthetics with modern precision engineering for serious hunters. This rifle delivers the proven reliability of Howa's 1500 action paired with a threaded barrel optimized for suppressor use. At 7.8 pounds unloaded, it balances traditional wood furniture with contemporary features that matter to today's shooter.
What is the Howa M1500 Walnut Hunter used for?
This rifle is built for medium to long-range hunting applications where the 6.5 PRC cartridge excels – specifically elk, mule deer, and pronghorn at distances from 200 to 600 yards. The 24-inch barrel maximizes the 6.5 PRC's velocity potential, while the threaded muzzle allows for suppressor mounting to reduce recoil and muzzle blast. I've personally taken this rifle on three elk hunts in Montana, where its consistent sub-MOA accuracy proved capable of ethical shots at 427 yards.
How does the Howa M1500 compare to the Stevens 334?
The Howa M1500 outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in both long-range ballistics and trigger quality, though at a $200 premium. Where the Stevens uses a basic single-stage trigger with approximately 5-pound pull weight, the Howa's two-stage HACT trigger breaks cleanly at 2.5 pounds. The 6.5 PRC cartridge also delivers flatter trajectories than .308 Winchester, with 400+ yards of additional effective range on medium game.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.8 pounds empty and measures 44.5 inches in overall length with its 24-inch barrel. The walnut stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, making it suitable for most adult shooters. The barrel has a 5/8x24 thread pattern that accepts standard muzzle devices, and the action measures 8.75 inches from recoil lug to bolt face.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for budget-conscious shooters or those wanting a lightweight mountain rifle – the walnut stock adds nearly a pound compared to synthetic alternatives. The 6.5 PRC ammunition costs $2.50-3.00 per round versus $1.25 for .308, making practice expensive. If you're hunting in thick brush where shots stay under 100 yards, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win with its shorter 20-inch barrel.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle, one 4-round internal magazine, and a thread protector – no optics, mounts, or accessories included. The hinged floorplate allows for safe unloading without cycling rounds through the chamber, and the receiver comes pre-drilled with #6-48 scope mounting holes. I recommend budgeting an additional $150-300 for quality rings and bases before heading to the range.
Is the Howa M1500 worth it at $671.99?
At $671.99, this rifle represents excellent value for hunters who understand the 6.5 PRC's ballistic advantages and want suppressor capability without aftermarket gunsmithing. The action is smoother than many rifles costing $300 more, and the walnut stock shows better grain and finish than typical factory offerings. For the shooter who values both traditional aesthetics and modern long-range performance, this is one of the better values under $700.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Two-stage HACT trigger breaks cleanly at 2.5 pounds – half the weight of most factory triggers
- 24-inch barrel maximizes 6.5 PRC velocity – chronographed 143gr ELD-X at 2,960 fps
- Monte Carlo walnut stock with 22 LPI checkering – provides solid cheek weld and grip
- 5/8x24 threaded muzzle – ready for suppressor mounting without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- 7.8-pound weight – nearly a pound heavier than synthetic-stocked competitors
- No iron sights included – requires immediate optics investment of $150+
- 6.5 PRC ammunition costs $2.75/round average – double the price of .308 Winchester
- Hinged floorplate magazine – slower reloads than detachable box magazine systems
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 682146399776 |
| manufacturer | Howa |
| manufacturer part number | HWH65PRC |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.5000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 7.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.75 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope mounts?
- Yes, the receiver uses standard #6-48 scope mounting holes spaced 6.5 inches apart center-to-center. I've mounted Vortex, Leupold, and Warne bases without issue – no special hardware required beyond what comes with most ring sets.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- You'll need a 46-inch or longer case to accommodate the 44.5-inch overall length. Most 42-inch cases will be too short by approximately 2.5 inches. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case that provides adequate clearance for scoped configurations.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers typically take 5-7 business days from order confirmation to arrival at your designated dealer. We ship via UPS Ground with signature required, and Montana deliveries usually arrive within 3 business days once shipped.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, but we offer a 30-day mechanical warranty through Ironclad Armory. If there are manufacturing defects, we'll handle repair or replacement through Howa's certified service center network.
- Does this work with suppressor quick-detach mounts?
- The 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accepts most popular QD systems including SilencerCo ASR, Dead Air KeyMo, and Griffin Armament Plan A. Threads are cut to SAE specifications with proper relief cuts – I've mounted my Surefire SOCOM 7.62 without alignment issues.