Description
You’re looking for a solid, no-fuss bolt-action rifle that won’t break the bank, but you need it to handle more than just coyotes at the back fence. You want a platform that’s equally at home on a bean field deer stand as it is on a prairie dog town, all without the premium price tag of a custom rig. That’s the exact niche the Howa Compact Varminter .308 Winchester 20 Inch Heavy Barrel Blue Finish Black Hogue Stock 5 Rounds fills. It’s a purpose-built, value-oriented rifle that blends varmint-weight stability with the versatility of a full-power cartridge.
The Howa Compact Varminter is a factory-configured bolt-action rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. It features a 20-inch heavy-contour barrel for improved heat management and accuracy, a blue steel finish, and is paired with a black Hogue OverMolded stock for a solid, ergonomic grip. The package is complete with a 5-round detachable box magazine and is ready for optics, offering a practical and affordable solution for hunters and target shooters who prioritize value and performance. At $493.49, it represents a significant cost saving compared to many competing models with similar features.
Let’s talk about that barrel. The 20-inch heavy barrel is the heart of this rifle’s “Varminter” designation. A shorter, thick barrel like this provides a great balance. It’s stiffer than a sporter profile, which helps with shot-to-shot consistency, especially as the barrel heats up during extended range sessions or when calling predators. The 20-inch length keeps the overall rifle handy and maneuverable in a blind or truck, without giving up too much velocity from the potent .308 Winchester cartridge. You get a stable platform without the unwieldy length and weight of a true benchrest gun.
The stock is another area where Howa delivers serious bang-for-buck. The Hogue OverMolded stock isn’t just a cheap plastic shell. It’s a fiberglass-reinforced pillar-bedded design with a soft, grippy overmold surface. This means the action sits on solid aluminum pillars for consistent contact, a feature often found on more expensive rifles. The ergonomic palm swell and textured grip ensure it feels secure in your hands, whether you’re shooting from a bench or in a field position. The best part? It’s drop-in ready. You get this bedding system right out of the box, no gunsmithing required.
Howa’s 1500 action is the unsung hero here. It’s a proven, robust design with a smooth three-position safety and a crisp, user-adjustable trigger. The bolt runs on dual-opposed locking lugs for strength and features a large, easy-to-grasp knob. This is the same core action used in many of their more expensive configurations, so you’re not getting a watered-down version. The detachable 5-round magazine is a practical touch for hunting, allowing for quick unloading and reloading. The rifle is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and it’s compatible with popular one-piece bases from brands like EGW and Warne, making optic setup straightforward.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .308 Winchester |
| Barrel | 20″ Heavy Contour |
| Overall Length | Approx. 40.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Detachable Box) |
| Stock | Black Hogue OverMolded |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
Pros: Exceptional value for a feature-packed rifle. The pillar-bedded Hogue stock is a major upgrade over basic injection-molded options. The heavy 20-inch barrel offers a great compromise of stability and maneuverability. The proven Howa 1500 action is reliable and smooth. The adjustable trigger is a nice touch at this price point.
Cons: The blued finish requires more maintenance to prevent rust than modern coatings like Cerakote. At around 7.5 pounds, it’s not the lightest mountain rifle—that’s the trade-off for the heavy barrel. The .308 Winchester, while versatile, has more recoil than a dedicated varmint cartridge like .223 Remington.
So who is this rifle really for? It’s perfect for the budget-conscious hunter who wants one rifle to cover multiple roles: deer, hog, and longer-range varmint control. It’s also an ideal first “serious” bolt-action for a new shooter who wants to learn fundamentals with a capable, accurate platform without a huge initial investment. Finally, it’s a smart pick for the practical marksman who wants a durable, reliable rifle for informal target shooting and training, knowing they didn’t overpay for a name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .308 Winchester too much gun for varmints like coyotes or prairie dogs?
A: It can be, depending on your goal. For coyotes, the .308 is extremely effective, especially at longer ranges. For smaller varmints like prairie dogs, it’s overkill and expensive to shoot in volume. However, the rifle’s heavy barrel and accuracy make it capable for that role if you hand-load lighter bullets or simply want a dual-purpose tool.
Q: Can the stock be easily replaced or upgraded later?
A: Absolutely. The Howa 1500 action has a strong aftermarket. The barreled action uses a standard short action footprint, making it compatible with a wide range of chassis systems and aftermarket stocks from companies like MDT and KRG, should you decide to upgrade down the line.
Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?
A: With quality factory ammunition and a proper optic, sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy is a reasonable expectation from this setup. The heavy barrel, pillar bedding, and good trigger all contribute to making this a consistently accurate rifle right from the factory. Many users report groups under 1 inch at 100 yards.
If you need a versatile, well-built rifle that delivers performance typically found in higher-priced packages, the Howa Compact Varminter in .308 Winchester deserves a close look. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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