Elevating Your Aim: The Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle in .308 Winchester

For discerning shooters who demand unwavering precision, robust reliability, and a superior shooting experience, the Howa 1500 HS Precision rifle in .308 Winchester stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and high-performance engineering. This isn't just another hunting rifle; it's a meticulously designed instrument built to excel in diverse demanding environments, from challenging long-range targets to the dense foliage of a whitetail deer stand. Whether you're an experienced hunter seeking an edge, a competitive shooter aiming for tighter groups, or a firearms enthusiast investing in a legacy rifle, this full-size, right-hand bolt-action masterpiece is engineered to meet and exceed your expectations.

What sets the Howa 1500 HS Precision apart? It's the harmonious integration of a legendary action, an industry-leading stock, and a commitment to sub-MOA accuracy. Every component is chosen and assembled with precision, ensuring that when you shoulder this rifle, you're equipped for success.

Unpacking the Core: The Howa 1500 Barreled Action

At the heart of this formidable rifle is the renowned Howa 1500 barreled action, a cornerstone of reliability and accuracy. Crafted with precision in Japan, the Howa 1500 action is celebrated globally for its robust construction and smooth cycling.

• Steel Receiver and Barrel: Both the receiver and the 22-inch barrel are forged from high-quality steel, finished in a durable black coating. This robust material choice ensures longevity, resistance to the elements, and consistent performance under varying conditions. Steel barrels are preferred for their superior harmonics and heat dissipation, contributing directly to the rifle's inherent accuracy.
• Bolt Action Excellence: The smooth-cycling bolt action is designed for effortless operation, allowing for rapid follow-up shots while maintaining a secure lock-up for maximum safety and accuracy. The large bolt handle ensures a positive grip even with gloved hands.
• Three-Position Safety: A critical safety feature, the three-position safety allows the shooter to unload the rifle with the bolt locked in the mid-position, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind during handling or transport. The forward position is ready to fire, while the rear position completely locks the bolt and trigger.
• Two-Stage Trigger: Precision shooting demands a crisp, predictable trigger, and the Howa 1500 delivers with its excellent two-stage trigger.
  • First Stage: A light take-up that allows the shooter to feel the trigger before the break.
  • Second Stage: A clean, consistent break with minimal overtravel. This design helps minimize shooter-induced movement, directly contributing to tighter groups and enhanced accuracy. For hunters, it provides the control needed for a precise shot when the moment counts. For target shooters, it offers the consistency required for repeated accuracy.
• Sub-MOA Guarantee: One of the most compelling features of the Howa 1500 HS Precision is its Sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) guarantee. This means that with proper ammunition and shooting technique, the rifle is guaranteed to produce groups smaller than one inch at 100 yards. This level of accuracy is typically found in much more expensive custom rifles, making the Howa 1500 an exceptional value proposition for anyone serious about precision. This is achieved through the synergy of the quality barreled action, the precise chambering, and the optimal barrel twist rate.
• Optimal Barrel Length and Twist: The 22-inch barrel strikes an ideal balance, providing sufficient length for effective powder burn and muzzle velocity in the .308 Winchester cartridge, while remaining manageable for field use. The 1:10" twist rate is perfectly suited for stabilizing a wide range of common .308 Winchester bullet weights, from 150-grain hunting rounds to heavier 175-grain match-grade projectiles, ensuring versatility across different shooting applications.

The Foundation of Accuracy: HS Precision Stock

The tan with black webbing HS Precision stock is not merely a component; it's a fundamental contributor to the rifle's remarkable accuracy and ergonomic superiority. Unlike mass-produced synthetic stocks, HS Precision stocks are built with an obsessive focus on rigidity, stability, and consistent barrel harmonics.

• USA-Built Excellence: Each HS Precision stock is built one at a time right in the United States, utilizing the highest quality raw materials. This commitment to domestic manufacturing ensures stringent quality control and meticulous attention to detail.
• Full-Length Aluminum Bedding Block: The cornerstone of the HS Precision stock's accuracy is its full-length aluminum bedding block. This component is CNC machined to the specific dimensions of the Howa 1500 barreled action, creating a perfect, stress-free interface between the action and the stock. This rigid connection eliminates any movement between the two, which is paramount for maintaining consistent accuracy shot after shot. Traditional pillar bedding or simple screw-in designs cannot match the full support and stability offered by a full-length aluminum bedding block.
• Advanced Composite Construction: Once the aluminum bedding block is precisely placed, the stock's outer shell is hand-laminated with a proprietary blend of Kevlar, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. This advanced composite material offers an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Kevlar: Provides exceptional impact resistance and structural integrity.
  • Fiberglass: Adds stiffness and dimensional stability.
  • Carbon Fiber: Contributes to extreme rigidity while keeping the overall weight manageable.
  The result is a stock that is incredibly stiff, virtually impervious to temperature and humidity changes, and resistant to warpage, ensuring the barreled action remains perfectly aligned under all conditions.
• Hand-Finished Perfection: The stock undergoes a meticulous hand-finishing process to ensure every contour is perfect and ready for the shooter's needs. This attention to detail results in a comfortable, ergonomic grip and a stable shooting platform.
• Ergonomics and Feel: The HS Precision stock is designed with the shooter in mind. Its tan finish with black webbing provides an appealing aesthetic, but more importantly, the stock offers a comfortable and secure grip, promoting consistent shooting posture. The integrated recoil pad effectively absorbs felt recoil, making even extended shooting sessions more enjoyable and reducing shooter fatigue, especially important with a potent cartridge like the .308 Winchester. The Length of Pull (LOP) is set at a comfortable 13.25 inches, suitable for a wide range of shooters.

The Versatile .308 Winchester Cartridge

The .308 Winchester (also known as 7.62x51mm NATO) is one of the most popular and versatile rifle cartridges worldwide, and for good reason. When paired with the Howa 1500 HS Precision, it becomes an incredibly effective tool for numerous applications.

• Hunting Prowess: The .308 Win is an excellent choice for a wide array of medium to large game, including deer, elk, black bear, and wild hog. Its moderate recoil, excellent ballistics within typical hunting ranges (out to 300-400 yards), and wide availability of diverse bullet types make it a go-to hunting cartridge. The 22-inch barrel of the Howa 1500 optimizes the cartridge's performance, providing ample velocity for reliable terminal ballistics.
• Target Shooting and Long-Range Capabilities: Thanks to its inherent accuracy and efficient ballistics, the .308 Winchester is a staple in precision target shooting competitions. It's an ideal cartridge for developing long-range shooting skills, offering a great balance between recoil, trajectory, and cost-effectiveness compared to larger magnum cartridges. With the Howa 1500 HS Precision's sub-MOA guarantee, you have the rifle capable of consistently hitting targets at extended distances.
• Common and Accessible: Ammunition for the .308 Winchester is readily available from virtually every ammunition manufacturer, offering a vast selection of bullet weights, designs, and performance characteristics. This accessibility makes it an economical and practical choice for regular shooting.

Ideal Applications for Your Howa 1500 HS Precision

Who is this rifle for, and what problems does it solve?

• The Dedicated Hunter: If you're tired of missed shots due to inconsistent rifle performance, or if you simply want to maximize your ethical hunting success, the Howa 1500 HS Precision offers the accuracy and reliability to ensure your shot goes where you intend. It's robust enough for rugged field conditions, and its ergonomic design ensures comfort during long hours in the stand or on the stalk. It’s perfect for whitetail hunting, elk hunting in the mountains, or even varmint control.
• The Precision Shooter: For those passionate about shrinking group sizes and pushing their limits at the range, this rifle is a fantastic starting point or an excellent upgrade. The sub-MOA guarantee means the rifle won't be the limiting factor in your accuracy. The two-stage trigger and stable HS Precision stock allow you to focus on fundamental shooting skills.
• The Long-Range Enthusiast (Beginner to Intermediate): While the .308 isn't an ultra-magnum, it's an exceptional cartridge for learning long-range ballistics out to 600-800 yards. The Howa 1500 HS Precision provides a stable, accurate platform for mastering wind calls, elevation adjustments, and reading environmental factors.
• The Firearms Enthusiast Seeking Value: For shooters who appreciate quality craftsmanship and superior performance without the custom shop price tag, the Howa 1500 HS Precision offers extraordinary value. It delivers features and accuracy often found in rifles costing significantly more.

Essential Accessories and Care

To maximize the performance of your Howa 1500 HS Precision, consider these additions:

• Optics: The receiver is drilled and tapped, ready for your preferred scope mounts and optics. Given the rifle's accuracy potential, investing in a quality riflescope with clear glass and reliable adjustments is highly recommended. For hunting, a variable power scope (e.g., 3-9x or 4-12x) is ideal. For long-range target shooting, higher magnification and tactical turrets might be preferred.
• Bipod: A sturdy bipod (such as a Harris or Atlas) is invaluable for stability when shooting from a prone position or off a bench, significantly aiding in achieving those sub-MOA groups.
• Sling: A comfortable sling is essential for carrying the rifle in the field, allowing for hands-free mobility.
• Cleaning Kit: Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for preserving the rifle's accuracy and longevity. A high-quality cleaning kit specifically for .30 caliber rifles is a must-have.
• Quality Ammunition: While the rifle is inherently accurate, consistent results are achieved with quality ammunition. Experiment with different brands and bullet weights to find what your specific rifle prefers for optimal performance.

When you purchase a Howa 1500 HS Precision rifle, like the HHS63102 model, you are investing in a firearm that is built to perform. This rifle exemplifies the perfect blend of Japanese manufacturing precision for the barreled action and American craftsmanship for the HS Precision stock. It's a rifle designed to be a reliable companion for decades of shooting enjoyment and success. You can find this exceptional rifle and other high-quality firearms at DEGuns.com.

Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	M1500
Caliber	.308 Winchester
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Action	Bolt Action
Barrel Length	22 Inches
Barrel Material	Steel
Barrel Finish	Black
Twist Rate	1:10"
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Black
Stock Type	HS Precision Fixed Stock
Stock Material	Synthetic (Kevlar, Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber)
Stock Finish	Tan with Black Webbing
Hand	Right Hand
Overall Length	41.50 Inches
Length of Pull	13.25 Inches
Weight	7.60 lbs
Trigger	Two-Stage
Safety	Three-Position
Sights	Drilled & Tapped for Optics
Application	Field / Precision / Hunting
SKU	101812
UPC	682146389050
MPN	HHS63102