The Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle in 6.5 PRC: Unlocking Precision for the Discerning Shooter

Are you a dedicated long-range shooter, a serious hunter seeking ethical performance, or a competitive marksman demanding sub-MOA accuracy straight out of the box? If your quest involves pushing the boundaries of distance and precision, the Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle chambered in the potent 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) stands as an exceptional choice. This rifle isn't merely a tool; it's a meticulously engineered system designed to deliver consistent, repeatable performance in the most demanding conditions. Crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and precision, this rifle is optimized for those who refuse to compromise on their equipment.

Why Choose the Howa 1500 HS Precision? A Fusion of Engineering Excellence and Real-World Performance

The Howa 1500 action has long been lauded by rifle enthusiasts and gunsmiths for its robust design, inherent accuracy, and exceptional reliability. When paired with an HS Precision stock, renowned for its unparalleled stability and ergonomic excellence, the result is a formidable platform. This specific model, with its 24-inch heavy barrel and chambering in 6.5 PRC, addresses the critical needs of shooters who require flat trajectories, superior ballistic coefficients, and significant terminal energy at extended ranges.

• For the Long-Range Hunter: Imagine taking ethical, precise shots at game like elk, deer, or even sheep across vast open landscapes. The 6.5 PRC’s impressive velocity and energy retention ensure clean kills, minimizing bullet drop and wind drift.
• For the Precision Target Shooter: Achieve tighter groups and consistent hits on steel out to 1000 yards and beyond. The stable shooting platform provided by the HS Precision stock, combined with the Howa 1500's smooth action, allows for extreme accuracy.
• For the Competitive Marksman: Compete confidently in disciplines like NRL Hunter or precision rifle matches where reliability, repeatable accuracy, and quick follow-up shots are paramount.

This rifle answers key questions such as "What is the best rifle for long-range hunting?", "How can I achieve sub-MOA accuracy with a factory rifle?", and "Which 6.5 PRC rifle offers the best value and performance?"

The Heart of the System: The Howa 1500 Bolt Action

At the core of this rifle's exceptional performance lies the Howa 1500 barreled action. Renowned globally for its precision manufacturing and rock-solid design, the M1500 action is a testament to Japanese engineering excellence.

• Robust One-Piece Receiver: The receiver is forged from high-quality steel, providing a rigid foundation that minimizes flex and contributes directly to accuracy. This robust construction ensures long-term durability and consistent performance.
• Two-Stage HACT Trigger System: The Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger (HACT) is a crisp, two-stage match-grade trigger that provides a clean break with minimal overtravel. This adjustable trigger allows shooters to fine-tune the pull for optimal control, significantly enhancing shot placement. A predictable and consistent trigger pull is essential for precision shooting, reducing the likelihood of flinching or disturbing the rifle during the critical moment of firing.
• Integral Recoil Lug: Unlike some designs where the recoil lug is a separate component, the Howa 1500 features an integral recoil lug, machined directly into the receiver. This design eliminates any potential for play or movement between the receiver and the stock, ensuring a stable and consistent bedding that is crucial for maintaining accuracy shot after shot, especially under the heavy recoil of cartridges like the 6.5 PRC.
• Large Bolt Handle: The bolt features a generous bolt handle, providing excellent leverage for smooth and rapid cycling, even when wearing gloves. This is a practical consideration for hunters and competitive shooters who need quick follow-up shots.
• M-16 Style Extractor: The robust M-16 style extractor provides reliable case extraction, even with sticky cases or in adverse conditions, further enhancing the rifle's overall reliability.

These design elements collectively contribute to the Howa 1500's reputation as a dependable, accurate, and easy-to-maintain action that serves as an ideal base for a precision rifle.

The Foundation of Precision: HS Precision Stock Construction

The HS Precision stock is where this Howa 1500 rifle truly differentiates itself, offering a level of stability and structural integrity typically found only in custom-built firearms. Each HS Precision stock is a marvel of composite engineering, meticulously crafted to provide a truly bedded and stable platform for the barreled action.

• Full-Length Aluminum Bedding Block: The critical component of the HS Precision stock is its full-length aluminum bedding block. This block is CNC machined to the exact dimensions of the Howa 1500 barreled action, providing a perfect, stress-free fit. This rigid metal-to-metal contact eliminates any movement between the action and the stock, which is paramount for achieving consistent sub-MOA accuracy. It prevents stock flex or compression, issues that can plague lesser synthetic stocks and lead to inconsistent point of impact.
• Hand Laminated Composite Shell: Encasing the aluminum bedding block is a sophisticated shell hand-laminated with a blend of Kevlar, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.
  • Kevlar: Provides exceptional impact resistance and strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Fiberglass: Adds rigidity and structural integrity.
  • Carbon Fiber: Contributes to lightweight strength and stiffness, ensuring the stock remains rigid yet manageable.
• Superior Rigidity and Recoil Absorption: The combination of these materials creates a stock that is incredibly stiff, minimizing any flex that could detract from accuracy. Furthermore, the inherent properties of these composites, combined with the stock's design, effectively absorb and dissipate recoil, making the powerful 6.5 PRC cartridge more comfortable to shoot over extended sessions. This translates to less shooter fatigue and better sustained accuracy.
• Ergonomic Design: The Gray with Black Webbing finish provides a non-slip surface for secure handling in all weather conditions. The fixed HS Precision stock contour is designed for optimal shooting comfort, particularly from prone or bench positions, providing a stable cheek weld and comfortable grip. The right-hand configuration ensures natural ergonomics for right-handed shooters.

This meticulous construction process, performed right here in the United States, ensures that each stock is perfect, ready to enhance the rifle's performance for any application. It's a key factor in why this Howa 1500 rifle is able to deliver such exceptional precision.

The Cartridge of Choice: 6.5 PRC Power

The 6.5 PRC has rapidly gained popularity among long-range shooters and hunters for its impressive ballistic performance. It's a "short magnum" cartridge designed to propel high ballistic coefficient (BC) 6.5mm bullets at blistering velocities, making it ideal for extended ranges.

• Superior Ballistics: Compared to its popular sibling, the 6.5 Creedmoor, the 6.5 PRC offers higher velocities (typically 200-300 fps faster), which translates to a flatter trajectory and less wind drift. This makes range estimation less critical and increases the "forgiveness" window at long distances.
• Energy and Terminal Performance: The increased velocity also means more energy delivered downrange, making the 6.5 PRC an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game up to elk size, providing clean and ethical kills.
• Optimized Barrel Twist: The 24-inch heavy barrel features a 1:8" twist rate. This specific twist rate is crucial for stabilizing the longer, heavier, high-BC bullets commonly used in the 6.5 PRC, ensuring they fly true and maintain their accuracy even through challenging atmospheric conditions.
• Threaded Muzzle: The barrel comes threaded, making it ready to accept a variety of muzzle devices, including muzzle brakes to further reduce recoil (a significant benefit with the 6.5 PRC) or suppressors for noise reduction and improved shooting comfort.

Key Features and Specifications for Peak Performance

Beyond the action and stock, this Howa 1500 HS Precision rifle boasts several features that contribute to its overall utility and performance:

• 24-inch Threaded Heavy Barrel: The longer barrel maximizes the velocity potential of the 6.5 PRC cartridge, while the heavy contour reduces barrel whip and maintains accuracy during extended strings of fire. The threaded muzzle (standard 5/8"-24 pitch) offers immediate compatibility with most muzzle brakes, compensators, or suppressors. The barrel material is durable steel with a black finish for corrosion resistance.
• 3+1 Capacity: The rifle utilizes a detachable box magazine with a 3-round capacity, plus one in the chamber. This provides ample firepower for hunting scenarios while maintaining a sleek profile suitable for field carry.
• Drilled & Tapped Receiver: The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped, ready for easy mounting of optics. This eliminates the need for gunsmithing work and allows for immediate scope installation.
• Right-Hand Configuration: Ergonomically designed for right-handed shooters, ensuring comfortable and intuitive operation.
• Durable Finishes: The receiver and barrel feature a durable black finish, providing excellent resistance against corrosion and wear in various environments. The Gray with Black Webbing stock finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a practical, textured grip.
• Manageable Weight: At 7.80 lbs, this rifle strikes a good balance between stability for precision shooting and portability for hunting in rugged terrain. The overall length of 44.75 inches makes it a full-sized rifle, providing a stable shooting platform.

Unwavering Quality and American Craftsmanship

The Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle is a product of meticulous craftsmanship. "Built one at a time right here in the United States from the highest quality raw material," as the manufacturer proudly states, underscores the dedication to quality control and precision. The aluminum bedding block is CNC machined to exact specifications, and the multi-layer composite stock is hand-laminated and hand-finished, ensuring every rifle meets stringent performance standards. This commitment to domestic manufacturing and rigorous quality assurance provides peace of mind that you are investing in a firearm built for reliability and longevity.

Finding Your Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle

For those ready to experience the pinnacle of factory rifle accuracy and performance, the Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle in 6.5 PRC is an outstanding investment. This specific model, with MPN HHS45531 and UPC 682146399301, is available through reputable firearms retailers like DEGuns. When searching for a rifle that can consistently deliver tight groups and handle demanding applications, look no further. This rifle is designed to empower you to shoot further, more accurately, and with greater confidence.

Feature	Detail	Additional Information
Brand	Howa	Renowned for reliable and accurate rifles.
Series	HS Precision	Premium rifle line with enhanced accuracy features.
Model	M1500	Popular bolt-action rifle platform.
Caliber	6.5 PRC	Precision Rifle Cartridge, known for long-range performance.
Barrel Length	24"	Optimal for 6.5 PRC velocity and accuracy.
Stock Finish	Gray w / Black Webbing	Durable, textured, and visually appealing finish.
Capacity	3+1	3-round detachable box magazine plus 1 in chamber.
Stock Material	Synthetic Composite	Kevlar, fiberglass, carbon fiber with aluminum bedding block.
Action	Bolt	Smooth, reliable Howa 1500 bolt action.
Overall Length	44.75"	Full-size rifle for stability and performance.
Hand	Right Hand	Ergonomically designed for right-handed shooters.
Sights	Drilled & Tapped	Ready for easy scope mounting, no iron sights included.
Barrel Finish	Black	Durable black finish for corrosion resistance.
Muzzle	Threaded (1:8" Twist)	Ready for muzzle devices (brakes/suppressors), optimal for 6.5mm bullets.
Application	Field	Ideal for hunting, precision shooting, and competitive use.
Weight	7.80 lbs	Balanced for portability and shooting stability.
UPC	682146399301	Unique Product Code for this specific model.
MPN	HHS45531	Manufacturer Part Number for identification.