HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe 6.5 Creedmoor 22″ Blued/Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Hammer-forged, 22-inch barrel with 1:8 twist rate stabilizes heavy 140-147gr match projectiles for consistent long-range accuracy.
- Factory two-stage match trigger breaks crisply at an adjustable 2.8-4.0 pound pull weight, superior to most entry-level single-stage designs.
- Drilled and tapped receiver with 1/2x28 threaded muzzle provides immediate readiness for optics and muzzle devices without gunsmithing.
- Deluxe walnut stock features deep 18 LPI checkering on the forearm and grip for a secure, traditional hold in all weather conditions.
Trade-offs
- Blued steel finish and polished walnut stock require diligent maintenance to prevent rust and dings in harsh field environments.
- Weighs 7.2 lbs unloaded—over a pound heavier than modern synthetic or carbon-fiber stocked alternatives, impacting carry weight on long hunts.
- No optic mounting solution is included, adding a minimum of $40-$120 to the initial setup cost for a quality rail and rings.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe 6.5 Creedmoor 22" Blued/Walnut is a bolt-action precision rifle built around a hammer-forged barrel and deluxe walnut stock for shooters who demand traditional aesthetics without sacrificing modern accessory readiness. It's a purpose-built platform for long-range target engagement and ethical hunting, distinguished by its factory-tuned two-stage trigger and suppressor-ready threading. This rifle represents a specific intersection of craftsmanship and tactical utility that separates it from budget-tier options.
What is the HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe used for?
The HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe is engineered for precision long-range shooting and hunting medium to large game like whitetail deer or pronghorn. Its 6.5 Creedmoor chambering offers a flatter trajectory and better wind resistance than .308 Winchester at distances beyond 300 yards when paired with heavy-grain match ammo. The rigid walnut stock and 22-inch barrel profile provide the stability needed for consistent sub-MOA groups, making it suitable for target shooting out to 800 yards in skilled hands, though it lacks the heavy contour of a dedicated benchrest rig.
How does the HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe is a more refined precision instrument than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, trading synthetic stock utility for walnut craftsmanship and a superior match-grade trigger. The HOWA's factory two-stage trigger breaks cleanly at a crisp 2.8 pounds, while the Stevens utilizes a simpler single-stage design adjustable down to around 4 pounds. For the shooter prioritizing a smooth, predictable pull and traditional aesthetics, the HOWA is objectively better; for a pure foul-weather beater rifle, the Stevens' synthetic stock offers more practical durability at a significantly lower price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded with its factory 5-round magazine inserted, the HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe weighs 7.2 lbs, making it 1.1 lbs heavier than a carbon-fiber-stocked Tikka T3x Superlite in the same caliber. Its overall length is 41.5 inches, standard for a full-size bolt gun with a 22-inch barrel, and the receiver features a standard 6-48 screw pattern for scope mounting on a one-piece 0 MOA picatinny rail, which is not included in the box. The 1.375-inch drop at comb centers your eye naturally behind most 44mm objective scopes mounted with low rings.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for novice shooters seeking their first firearm or for those who plan to exclusively abuse it in extreme backcountry conditions where synthetic stocks are king. The polished walnut stock and blued finish require more care and maintenance than a matte Parkerized or Cerakote finish paired with a polymer stock like on many Ruger American models. It's also a poor choice for high-volume shooters doing 100+ round sessions without a break, as the 1:8 twist 22-inch barrel will heat up and start to string shots after about 18 rounds fired in a 7-minute sequence.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round detachable steel box magazine, a set of standard hex keys for trigger weight adjustment, and the legally required cable lock. It does not include scope bases, rings, or any form of optic. The threaded muzzle comes protected by a 1/2x28 thread protector that must be removed—and its threads cleaned of factory preservative—before attaching a muzzle brake or suppressor. I recommend purchasing a quality one-piece 20 MOA cantilevered rail to fully utilize the 6.5 Creedmoor's long-range potential.
Is the HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe worth it at $760.99?
At $760.99, the HOWA M1500 Super Deluxe delivers exceptional value for a shooter who appreciates the tactile feedback of genuine walnut and the out-of-the-box accuracy provided by its hammer-forged barrel and match trigger. You're paying approximately $180 more than a bare-bones Stevens 334, but that premium buys you a significantly smoother action, a superior trigger system, and a wood stock with deep-cut checkering that costs nearly $250 as an aftermarket upgrade. If your goal is a capable, handsome rifle ready for optics and a suppressor without immediate aftermarket investment, this package justifies its price. If your priority is the absolute lowest entry cost, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win as a starting point.
Key attributes
| upc | 682146854367 |
| manufacturer | Howa |
| manufacturer part number | HWH65CLUX |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.2500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 7.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the muzzle is factory-threaded 1/2x28, which is the standard for .22 caliber centerfire rifles and many pistol-caliber carbines. This pitch accommodates a wide range of muzzle brakes, compensators, and suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged. Ensure your suppressor's mount system is rated for 6.5 Creedmoor pressure and that you comply with all NFA regulations regarding suppressor ownership and use.
- Does it come with scope bases or rings installed?
- No, the rifle ships without any scope mounting hardware. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 screw pattern for Remington 700-style bases. You will need to purchase either separate bases and rings or a one-piece Picatinny rail from brands like EGW, Warne, or Leupold. I recommend a 20 MOA cantilevered rail to maximize long-range elevation adjustment if you plan on shooting past 600 yards.
- How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days once the order is processed and your selected FFL's license is verified. The firearm must be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL) of your choice for transfer. After it arrives at the FFL, you must complete a Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check before taking possession. Always contact your chosen FFL before ordering to confirm they accept transfers and their associated fees, which average $25-$50.
- Can this rifle be used for hunting in all states?
- The rifle itself is legal for hunting in all 50 states, but you must comply with individual state regulations regarding caliber minimums, magazine capacity, and suppressor use while hunting. For example, some states prohibit hunting with a suppressor, and others have magazine capacity limits for hunting. The 5-round magazine is compliant in most jurisdictions, but always verify local game laws. For waterfowl hunting, you'd need a dedicated shotgun like a <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-12ga-30/">Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge</a>.