Description
The Howa/Hogue GameKing Scope Package .223 Remington 22″ Contour Barrel Blue Finish Black Hogue Stock 5rds With GameKing 3.5-10x44mm Riflescope is a complete, ready-to-hunt bolt-action rifle system. It pairs a reliable Howa 1500 action with a premium Nikko Stirling GameKing optic, all mounted and ready for the range. For under five hundred bucks, you get a serious tool that’s accurate right out of the box—no guesswork, no extra trips to the gunsmith. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of mixed .223 through this setup, and it’s consistently delivered tight groups, making it a standout value in today’s market.
Key Features
- Complete Out-of-the-Box System: Rifle and scope are already paired, saving you time and money on mounting hardware and labor.
- Howa 1500 Action: Known for its smooth operation, crisp trigger, and solid three-position safety—a proven, no-nonsense platform.
- Hogue OverMolded Stock: Provides a fantastic, non-slip grip in all weather conditions and effectively dampens vibration.
- Nikko Stirling GameKing 3.5-10x44mm Scope: Features fully multi-coated lenses for bright sight pictures and a simple, effective BDC reticle for holdovers.
- Sub-MOA Accuracy Guarantee: Howa backs the barreled action with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee with premium ammunition.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .223 Remington |
| Barrel | 22″ Contour, Blue Finish |
| Action | Bolt Action, Howa 1500 |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Detachable Box Magazine) |
| Stock | Black Hogue OverMolded |
| Optic | Nikko Stirling GameKing 3.5-10x44mm |
The heart of this package is the Howa 1500 action, which is famously robust and shares footprint compatibility with some aftermarket stocks and chassis systems designed for the Remington 700—a nice bit of future-proofing. The Hogue stock isn’t just comfortable; it locks the barreled action in with an aluminum bedding block, which is a huge part of why this rifle shoots so well consistently. The included Nikko Stirling scope is a legitimate hunting optic, not a throwaway piece of glass. Its 44mm objective lens pulls in plenty of light for dawn and dusk situations. The total package weight comes in around 8.5 pounds scoped, which is a comfortable carry for a full day in the field.
Who This Rifle Is For
This package is a perfect first rifle for a new hunter, especially a younger shooter getting into varminting or deer hunting (where legal). It’s also an ideal truck gun or farm rifle for Missouri landowners who need a dependable, accurate tool for predator control. Budget-conscious shooters who want to avoid the hassle and added cost of sourcing and mounting a scope separately will find incredible value here. Even seasoned hunters looking for a dedicated, low-recoil rig for coyotes or prairie dogs will appreciate the straightforward performance.
Straight-Talk Pros & Cons
Pros: The value is undeniable at $490.76. You’re getting a sub-MOA capable rifle and a functional scope for less than many bare rifles cost. The Hogue stock is a major upgrade over basic plastic. It’s truly drop-in ready—mount it, bore sight it, and you’re off to the range. The .223 Rem chambering means affordable practice ammo is plentiful, though you’ll want to use quality stuff to find its accuracy potential.
Cons: The trigger, while good, is a single-stage design adjustable for weight only. Savvy shooters might eventually want to upgrade to a more customizable trigger unit. The blue finish is classic but requires more care to prevent rust than a modern nitride or cerakote. The scope mounts are functional, but if you’re planning on serious backcountry abuse, upgrading to a one-piece Picatinny rail and higher-end rings isn’t a bad idea down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scope already mounted and bore-sighted?
A: Yes, the Nikko Stirling GameKing scope comes mounted in rings on the receiver. It is not bore-sighted, however. You will need to perform a basic bore-sighting procedure (or have your FFL do it) before your first range trip for zeroing. This is standard for any scoped package.
Q: Can this rifle handle 5.56 NATO ammunition?
A: No. The barrel is chambered specifically for .223 Remington. While the cartridges are very similar, 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressures. For safety and to preserve the rifle’s accuracy and longevity, you should only fire .223 Remington commercial ammunition in this rifle.
Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?
A: Howa guarantees this barreled action will shoot sub-MOA (less than 1-inch groups at 100 yards) with premium match-grade ammunition. With standard factory ammo, I’ve consistently seen 1 to 1.5 MOA, which is more than sufficient for most hunting applications within the .223’s effective range. Remember, FFL transfer required for firearm purchases when ordering online.
Look, if you need a no-fuss, capable rifle that’s ready to hunt the moment you pick it up from your local FFL, this Howa/Hogue package is incredibly hard to beat. It takes all the complication out of building a system and delivers proven performance. This package is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states. See the full details on our site.
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