Howa M1500 HS Precision 6.5 Creedmoor 16.25″

If you’re looking for a compact bolt gun that punches way above its price tag, the Howa M1500 HS Precision 6.5 Creedmoor 16.25″ is a solid pick. It pairs the proven Howa 1500 action with a Hogue OverMolded stock, giving you a reliable, entry-level match rifle that also handles short-range field work. Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 16.25-inch heavy barrel, this rig is built for precision shooting without the full-size weight. Per Howa’s specs, it includes a cold hammer-forged barrel, pillar bedding, and a HACT two-stage trigger—all for around $589.

Manufacturer	Howa (per manufacturer specs)
Model	M1500 HS Precision
Material	Steel receiver, synthetic stock
Compatibility	6.5 Creedmoor, AICS pattern magazines
Finish	Blued
Weight	Approx. 7.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel – Why it matters: This 16.25-inch heavy barrel is hammer-forged for consistent accuracy and longevity, meaning you can shoot tight groups round after round without worrying about barrel wear.
• Hogue OverMolded Stock – Why it matters: The rubberized texture gives you a solid grip in wet or cold conditions, and the pillar bedding keeps the action stable for repeatable precision.
• HACT Two-Stage Trigger – Why it matters: The two-stage design lets you take up slack before a clean break, which helps you avoid flinching and land shots exactly where you want them.
• Three-Position Safety – Why it matters: You can lock the bolt, load the chamber, or fire—all with one lever. That gives you full control over the rifle’s readiness without fumbling.
• Optic-Ready Setup – Why it matters: The receiver comes drilled and tapped for scope bases, so you can mount your glass right out of the box without a gunsmith visit.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for the recreational shooter who wants to get into precision shooting or short-range hunting without dropping a grand. It’s also a great fit for first-time buyers who want a compact, easy-to-handle bolt gun that’s accurate enough for steel targets at 300-600 yards. If you’re a reloader, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a dream to work with—low recoil, high BC bullets, and tons of load data.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Affordable entry into precision shooting; compact 16.25-inch barrel makes it handy in brush or for suppressed use; pillar bedding and cold hammer-forged barrel deliver consistent accuracy; HACT trigger is crisp and adjustable; optic-ready saves setup time.
• Cons: The Hogue stock, while grippy, can be a bit flexy under heavy bipod pressure—some shooters upgrade to a chassis later. The blued finish is standard, not stainless, so you’ll need to keep it oiled in humid environments.

Comparison: Howa M1500 HS Precision vs. Competitors

Feature	Howa M1500 HS Precision	Geissele Super 700	Timney 700 Trigger
Price	$589	$1,200+ (trigger only)	$200+ (trigger only)
Barrel Included	Yes, 16.25″ heavy	No	No
Stock Included	Yes, Hogue OverMolded	No	No
Trigger Type	HACT two-stage	Two-stage (aftermarket)	Single-stage (aftermarket)
Best For	Complete budget precision rig	Custom build platform	Trigger upgrade only

Note: Geissele and Timney are trigger specialists, so this comparison shows the Howa gives you a full rifle for less than what a high-end trigger alone costs.

FAQ

What’s the barrel twist rate on the Howa M1500 HS Precision 6.5 Creedmoor 16.25″?

Per Howa’s specs, the barrel has a 1:8 twist rate. That’s ideal for stabilizing 120-147 grain bullets commonly used in 6.5 Creedmoor for match shooting or hunting.

Does this rifle come with a scope or scope base?

No scope is included, but the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard scope bases. You’ll need to buy rings and a base separately, or go with a one-piece mount.

What magazine does the Howa M1500 HS Precision use?

It uses AICS pattern magazines. The rifle typically ships with a 5-round magazine, but 10-rounders are available aftermarket.

Is the 16.25-inch barrel accurate for long-range shooting?

Yes, the 6.5 Creedmoor is efficient even with shorter barrels. You’ll lose about 50-75 fps compared to a 24-inch barrel, but you still get solid accuracy out to 800 yards with the right ammo.

Can I mount a suppressor on this rifle?

The barrel is heavy but not threaded from the factory. You’ll need to have a gunsmith thread the muzzle (typically 5/8×24) if you want to attach a suppressor. The short barrel is a great host for a can.

Why Buy from Us?

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Browse more Bolt Action Rifles or check out our Rifle Stocks and Optics to complete your build.

Last updated: April 2026