Howa/Hogue GameKing .223 Rifle & Scope Package

Description

Picture this: you’re scanning a bean field edge at 300 yards, the wind is a steady 10 mph from the west, and you need a single, precise shot. You need a rifle that’s a known quantity—solid, accurate, and ready to work without a fuss. That’s where this package comes in. The Howa/Hogue GameKing Scope Package .223 Remington 20″ Heavy Barrel Blue Finish Black Hogue Stock 5rds With NS GameKing 4-16x44AO Riflescope is a complete, out-of-the-box hunting and precision shooting system. It pairs Howa’s renowned 1500 barreled action with a versatile Nikko Stirling GameKing optic, all mounted and ready for your FFL transfer. For under $700, it delivers a no-guesswork platform for varmints, predators, or target paper.

The heart of this package is the Howa 1500 action, a design with a proven track record for reliability and strength that rivals more expensive options. It’s the same core system used in Weatherby Vanguard rifles, giving you a solid, three-position safety and a smooth, crisp trigger pull right from the factory. The 20-inch heavy barrel is the key to its practical accuracy. That extra mass resists heating during strings of fire, helping to maintain point of impact. Chambered in .223 Remington, this rifle gives you access to a huge variety of affordable, low-recoil ammunition, from bulk 55-grain FMJ for practice to specialized varmint loads. The package price of $669.83 makes this an accessible entry into serious medium-range shooting.

Hogue’s OverMolded stock isn’t just for looks—it’s a functional interface. The textured, rubberized grip ensures control in wet or dry conditions, and the full-length aluminum bedding block solidly mates the action to the stock, promoting consistent accuracy. It fits out of the box with no bedding or gunsmithing required. Topped off with the Nikko Stirling GameKing 4-16x44AO scope, you have a tool capable of everything from close-in woodchuck patrols to reaching across a CRP field. The adjustable objective (AO) parallax correction is critical for clarity at varying ranges, and the mil-dot reticle provides simple holdover references. The whole system ships ready to zero.

Specifications

Specification	Detail
Caliber	.223 Remington
Barrel	20″ Heavy Contour, Blue Finish
Action	Howa 1500 Bolt Action
Stock	Hogue OverMolded, Black, Full Bedding Block
Magazine Capacity	5 Rounds (Detachable Box)
Scope	Nikko Stirling GameKing 4-16x44AO, Mil-Dot Reticle
Overall Length	Approx. 40.5″
Weight	Approx. 8.5 lbs (scoped)

Pros: The value proposition is undeniable—a reputable rifle and a functional scope for a single cost. The heavy barrel is a genuine asset for sustained accuracy. The Hogue stock provides a secure, comfortable grip in all conditions. The included optic has the magnification and features needed for the cartridge’s effective range.

Cons: The scoped weight of around 8.5 pounds makes it less ideal for long, mobile stalks in steep terrain. As a complete package, the scope is good, but dedicated shooters may eventually upgrade to a higher-tier optic. The .223 Remington, while excellent for varmints and targets, is not a legal big game cartridge in many states.

So who is this for? It’s for the Missouri landowner needing a dependable coyote rifle. It’s for the new shooter wanting a quality first bolt-action without piecing together components. It’s for the precision-minded plinker who wants to stretch a .223’s legs on steel targets out to 500 yards. This package removes the complexity of selecting and mounting a scope—it’s a unified tool ready for the field. Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: Yes, the Nikko Stirling GameKing scope is mounted and loosely bore-sighted at the factory. You will need to perform a final zeroing at the range with your chosen ammunition, but it should be on paper at 100 yards right away.

Q: Can I use 5.56 NATO ammunition in this rifle?

A: No. This rifle is chambered specifically for .223 Remington. While the cartridges are very similar, 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressures. Firing 5.56 in a .223 chamber can be unsafe. Always use ammunition marked .223 Remington.

Q: Is the stock adjustable for length of pull?

A: The Hogue OverMolded stock is a fixed design and is not adjustable. Its ergonomic design fits a wide range of shooters, but those requiring a very specific length of pull may need to explore aftermarket stock options compatible with the Howa 1500 action.

If you need a capable, scoped rifle that gets you from the box to the bench with minimal hassle, this Howa/Hogue GameKing package is a straightforward solution. See the full details on our site.