Description
I was glassing a bean field last fall, the sun just starting to warm the frost off the CRP grass. A coyote was working the far treeline, a gray ghost at 250 yards. That’s the exact scenario the Howa GameKing Package .22-250 Rem, 22″ Barrel, 4-16×44 Nikko Stirling Scope, Snowking Camo was built for. It’s a complete, ready-to-hunt rifle system designed for precision varmint and predator control at extended ranges. You get a proven Howa 1500 action, a hard-hitting .22-250 Remington barrel, a mounted Nikko Stirling optic, and a functional snow camo stock—all for a price that makes sense. At $718.43, it’s a turn-key solution that ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Here’s the thing—most package rifles force a compromise. Not this one. The heart is the Howa 1500 action, which is famously robust and shares a footprint with some of the best aftermarket triggers and chassis systems out there. The 22-inch barrel is the perfect length for the .22-250: it lets that fast-moving cartridge reach its potential velocity without being unwieldy in a truck or blind. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various 55-grain loads through this configuration, and the consistency is what you’d expect from a action known for its solid bedding and three-position safety.
The Nikko Stirling 4-16×44 scope it comes with is a legitimate piece of glass, not an afterthought. The magnification range is ideal for the cartridge’s capability, allowing you to scan wide and then zoom in for a precise shot. The turrets are crisp, and the reticle is clean enough for low-light dawn and dusk sits. It comes mounted and bore-sighted, which means it truly is drop-in ready. You can take it from the box to the bench, confirm zero at 100 yards, and be hunting the same afternoon. No gunsmithing required.
The Snowking camo finish isn’t just for winter. In Missouri, that broken white pattern breaks up your outline against a cloudy sky, in frosted fields, or even in the dappled light of early spring. The Hogue overmolded stock provides a solid, non-slip grip in all conditions. The whole package weighs in at a very manageable 7.5 pounds unscoped, making it easy to carry on long walks to a stand.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22-250 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | 42.5 Inches (Approx.) |
| Weight | Approx. 8.5 lbs (Scoped) |
| Action | Howa 1500 Bolt Action |
| Stock | Hogue Overmolded, Snowking Camo |
| Optic | Nikko Stirling 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope |
Pros: The value is undeniable—getting a scope of this quality mounted on a Howa action for this price is tough to beat. It’s a genuinely accurate out-of-the-box hunting tool. The .22-250 Remington is flat-shooting and devastating on varmints. The camo and stock are practical for real-world use.
Cons: The trigger, while good, is a two-stage design some hunters prefer to adjust or replace (thankfully, it’s compatible with popular aftermarket options like the Rifle Basix SAV-1). The .22-250 can be barrel-hot if you’re doing extended range sessions—it’s a hunter, not a target plinker. Ammo cost is higher than .223.
So who is this for? It’s for the Missouri farmer needing a reliable coyote rifle for pasture patrol. It’s for the predator hunter who wants to reach out across a cut soybean field at first light. It’s for anyone who wants a serious, capable rifle without the hassle and extra cost of piecing together a scope, rings, and base. You’re getting a focused tool, not a generic all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scope already mounted and bore-sighted?
A: Yes. The Nikko Stirling scope comes mounted in a one-piece base and ring set and is bore-sighted at the factory. You will need to finalize and confirm your zero at the range, but it should be on paper right out of the case.
Q: What’s the real-world effective range on something like a coyote?
A: With proper shot placement and good 55-grain ballistic tip ammunition, the .22-250 is easily effective out to 300-400 yards. The 4-16x scope gives you the visual clarity to make those shots confidently. Wind becomes your primary challenge at the longer end of that range.
Q: Can I use this for deer hunting in Missouri?
A: I would not recommend it. While the .22-250 is legal for deer in some states, Missouri regulations require centerfire rifles of .22 caliber or larger with expanding-type bullets. The ethical choice for Missouri whitetails is a cartridge with more consistent energy and bullet weight, like a .243 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor—both also available in the Howa 1500 platform.
If you need a dedicated, long-range varmint rifle that’s ready to go without the guesswork, this Howa GameKing Package is a solid bet. Check availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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