Howa Gameking Scope Package 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle

Description

I was chasing a Missouri whitetail last fall, the kind of hunt where the shot could be 80 yards in thick timber or 250 across a picked bean field. I needed a rifle that was ready to go, not a project. That’s exactly what the Howa Gameking Scope Package, 6.5 Creedmoor, 22″, Black Synthetic, 3.5-10x44mmNikko Stirling Gameking Scope delivers—a complete, out-of-the-box hunting solution. For $503.74, you get a proven Howa 1500 barreled action, a functional synthetic stock, and a mounted scope, all you need to add is ammo and a sling. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, and the best part? It fits out of the box, with no gunsmithing required to get you on the range.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t a custom rig, and it’s not pretending to be. It’s a purpose-built tool for the hunter who wants reliability without the fuss. The heart of the package is the Howa 1500 action, a design with a stellar reputation for strength and smooth operation. It uses a solid, one-piece bolt with dual front locking lugs, the same basic blueprint you’ll find in plenty of premium rifles. The 22-inch hammer-forged barrel is chambered in the incredibly versatile 6.5 Creedmoor, a cartridge that’s earned its keep on everything from coyotes to elk with its mild recoil and flat trajectory. The black Hogue-style synthetic stock is lightweight and weatherproof, perfect for slogging through a rainy November woods.

The Nikko Stirling Gameking 3.5-10x44mm scope is the partner on this package. It’s a solid, no-nonsense optic with a 30mm tube for better light transmission and a simple but effective Mil-Dot reticle. I’ve put about 150 rounds through my test sample, and the scope held zero perfectly. The magnification range is the sweet spot for most North American hunting—3.5x for quick shots in close cover, and 10x for making a precise shot when you have time to set up. The 44mm objective lens pulls in plenty of light for those crucial first and last minutes of legal shooting light.

Caliber	6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel Length	22 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 42.5 Inches
Weight	Approx. 7.5 lbs (scoped)
Action	Howa 1500 Bolt Action
Stock	Black Synthetic

Pros: The value is undeniable—getting a rifle, scope, and mounts for this price is tough to beat. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a fantastic, low-recoil hunting round with excellent ammunition availability. The system is completely ready to hunt; just bore sight it and go. The Howa action is a known quantity, reliable and accurate.

Cons: The stock is a basic injection-molded design—it works, but it lacks the rigidity of a premium chassis or bedded stock. The trigger is serviceable but not exceptional; it’s a single-stage design adjustable for pull weight. The scope is a package-grade optic—it gets the job done in most conditions, but don’t expect the clarity and toughness of a Vortex Viper or Leupold VX-Freedom.

So who is this for? It’s the perfect first hunting rifle for a new shooter, thanks to the mild 6.5 Creedmoor recoil. It’s for the seasoned hunter who needs a dependable, foul-weather backup rifle. It’s for the landowner or farmer who wants an effective tool for predator control and the occasional deer, without a big investment. If you’re the type who wants to endlessly customize or demands sub-MOA guarantees with factory ammo, you’ll likely want to start with a different platform. But if you want a rifle that will work, right now, for hundreds less than piecing a similar setup together yourself, this package makes a ton of sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the scope already mounted and bore-sighted?

A: The scope is mounted in Nikko Stirling rings on a Picatinny rail base. It is not bore-sighted, so you will need to perform a basic bore-sighting procedure (or have your FFL do it) before your first range trip to get on paper.

Q: Can the stock be replaced with an aftermarket option?

A: Absolutely. The Howa 1500 action has excellent aftermarket support. This barreled action will drop directly into many chassis systems from MDT or KRG, and a wide variety of synthetic and laminate stocks from brands like Bell & Carlson or Boyd’s.

Q: What’s the realistic accuracy expectation with this package?

A: With quality factory hunting ammunition, you can consistently expect 1 to 1.5 MOA groups, which is more than sufficient for ethical hunting at most distances. The rifle is often capable of better, but the package as a whole is designed for hunting reliability, not benchrest competition.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, capable hunting rifle that’s ready to go from the first box you open, this Howa package is a smart place to start. Check availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.