Howa M1500 Mini Action Super Deluxe 6.5 Grendel 22 in Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Hammer-forged barrel maintains sub-MOA accuracy for 3,000+ rounds
- 6.8 lb weight is 1.2 lb lighter than comparable Bergara B14 Woodsman
- 60-degree bolt throw enables faster cycling than 90-degree actions
- 5/8x24 threaded muzzle ready for suppressors without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- 4-round magazine requires full disassembly for reloading — 45 second process
- Walnut stock susceptible to humidity swelling — not for rainforest use
- Proprietary scope base pattern limits mount options to 3 vendors
- No iron sights included — adds $100-200 for aperture setup
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Howa M1500 Mini Action Super Deluxe 6.5 Grendel 22 is a precision-focused bolt-action hunting and target rifle featuring a threaded hammer-forged barrel and select Turkish walnut stock. Built on Howa's proven mini-action platform, this rifle delivers exceptional accuracy while maintaining compact dimensions ideal for both field use and range sessions. With its 6.5 Grendel chambering and suppressor-ready threading, it bridges the gap between traditional hunting calibers and modern precision requirements.
What is the Howa M1500 Mini Action Super Deluxe used for?
The Howa M1500 is designed for precision hunting and medium-range target shooting where 6.5 Grendel's ballistics excel. Its 22-inch hammer-forged barrel produces consistent sub-MOA groups with factory ammunition, while the mini-action receiver keeps overall weight at 6.8 pounds unloaded — making it suitable for extended carries in deer stands or varmint fields. The threaded muzzle (5/8x24 TPI) accepts suppressors or muzzle brakes, reducing recoil by approximately 40% compared to unbraked configurations.
How does the Howa M1500 compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The Howa M1500 outperforms the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester in barrel quality and trigger consistency, though at a $250 premium. Where the Stevens uses a button-rifled barrel, the Howa's hammer-forged barrel maintains accuracy through 3,000+ rounds with minimal throat erosion, and its HACT two-stage trigger breaks at a consistent 3.5 pounds versus the Stevens' adjustable but less crisp 4-6 pound pull. For precision work beyond 300 yards, the Howa's superior barrel harmonics and chamber tolerances justify the cost difference.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg) with an overall length of 41.5 inches and 22-inch barrel length. The mini-action receiver measures 1.2 inches shorter than standard short actions, reducing bolt throw to 60 degrees for faster follow-up shots. The Turkish walnut stock adds 1.3 pounds but provides superior dampening compared to synthetic alternatives, reducing perceived recoil by approximately 15%.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is ill-suited for high-volume shooters needing quick magazine changes or those operating in extremely wet environments. The 4+1 round capacity requires full disassembly for magazine replacement — a process taking 45-60 seconds versus detachable box systems. The oil-finished walnut stock, while beautiful, can swell in sustained humidity unlike the synthetic stocks on our Stevens 555 shotguns.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable magazine, owner's manual, and factory test target showing 0.75 MOA group with 123-grain Hornady ELD-M ammunition. No optics, mounts, or cleaning kit are included — plan for $150-400 in additional mounting hardware depending on scope selection.
Is the Howa M1500 worth it at $781.99?
At $781.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for shooters needing sub-MOA accuracy without custom gunsmithing. The hammer-forged barrel alone would cost $450+ aftermarket, while the select walnut stock represents a $200 upgrade over standard synthetic versions. Compared to similarly configured rifles from Tikka or Bergara starting at $1,100+, the Howa provides 90% of the performance at 70% of the cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 682146854480 |
| manufacturer | Howa |
| manufacturer part number | HWH65GLUX |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?
- Yes, the 22-inch barrel features 5/8x24 TPI threads protected by a knurled thread protector. This matches most .30 cal suppressor mounts including Dead Air KeyMo and SilencerCo ASR systems.
- What scope base does it use?
- It uses Howa's proprietary 6-48 thread pattern requiring specific bases from brands like Warne or EGW. Standard Remington 700 bases will not fit without modification to the receiver holes.
- How long does shipping take to FFL?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days via UPS or FedEx 2-Day Air, requiring signature at your chosen FFL. Total transit time averages 5-7 days from order to pickup.
- Can I use AR-15 magazines with it?
- No, the Howa mini-action uses proprietary metal magazines incompatible with AR-15 platforms. Additional magazines cost $45 each and are available in 4-round or 10-round configurations.