Description
Picture this: you’re looking for a hunting rifle that’s ready to go from the first day of deer season, but your budget is tighter than a new scope cap. You need a package that delivers a proven action, a reliable cartridge, and a decent optic—all without the premium price tag of a custom build. That’s the exact scenario where the Howa/Hogue GameKing Scope Package 6.5×55 Swedish 22″ Contour Barrel Blue Finish Black Hogue Stock 5rds With GameKing 3.5-10x44mm Riflescope makes its case. It’s a complete, out-of-the-box hunting solution built around Howa’s robust 1500 action, chambered in the flat-shooting 6.5×55 Swedish, and topped with a Nikko Stirling GameKing scope. For $533.44, it’s a bundled answer to the hunter who values practicality over prestige.
Answer Capsule: The Howa/Hogue GameKing Scope Package is a complete, ready-to-hunt rifle and scope combination. It centers on a Howa 1500 barreled action with a 22″ contour barrel in 6.5×55 Swedish, fitted into a Hogue OverMolded stock. The package includes a Nikko Stirling GameKing 3.5-10x44mm riflescope, mounted and ready for zeroing. This setup is drop-in ready, requiring no gunsmithing to get from the box to the field.
Let’s break down where your money goes. The heart is the Howa 1500 action, a design known for its strength and smooth operation, often compared favorably to more expensive alternatives. It’s paired with a 22-inch sporter contour barrel, a length that balances maneuverability in a blind with enough steel to let the efficient 6.5×55 cartridge reach its potential. The cartridge itself is a sleeper hit—offering ballistics similar to the popular 6.5 Creedmoor with a long history of taking game cleanly across Europe and North America. The barreled action is bedded into a Hogue OverMolded stock, which provides a solid, grippy feel in all weather conditions without the cold slap of aluminum or the slickness of cheap plastic.
The real value-add is the included Nikko Stirling GameKing 3.5-10x44mm scope. This isn’t a throw-in piece of glass; it’s a legitimate hunting optic with fully multi-coated lenses, a 30mm tube for better light transmission, and a simple but effective BDC reticle. Having it come pre-packaged saves you the hassle and cost of separate mounting hardware and a gunsmith’s time. The total package weight comes in around 8.5 pounds scoped, making it a manageable carry for a full day afield.
Here’s the thing—this is a value package, so you’re getting a fantastic foundation with some components chosen for cost-effectiveness. The trade-off is understood. The Hogue stock is durable and functional, but it won’t have the custom-fit adjustability of a McMillan or Manners. The GameKing scope gets the job done in dawn and dusk, but it’s not a Nightforce or Leupold VX-5HD. That said, for the vast majority of Missouri whitetail hunting shots inside 300 yards, this combination is more than capable. The rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable FFL transfer requirements.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Action | Howa 1500, Bolt Action |
| Caliber | 6.5×55 Swedish |
| Barrel | 22″, Sporter Contour, Blue Finish |
| Stock | Hogue OverMolded, Black |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Detachable Box Magazine) |
| Included Optic | Nikko Stirling GameKing 3.5-10x44mm |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional out-of-the-box value. Saves significant money versus buying rifle, scope, and mounts separately. Chambered in a highly effective, low-recoil hunting cartridge. The Hogue stock offers excellent grip and dampening. The package is truly ready to sight-in and hunt.
Cons: The stock is a one-size-fits-all design. The trigger, while good, is not as easily adjustable as a Timney or TriggerTech unit. The scope, while good for the price, is the component most likely to be upgraded by a serious long-range shooter down the line.
Who It’s For
This package is ideal for the budget-conscious hunter who needs a reliable, accurate rifle for deer, antelope, or similar game without the fuss of piecing together components. It’s perfect for a first-time big-game hunter, a seasoned shooter looking for a dedicated woods rifle, or anyone who appreciates the straightforward utility of a complete kit. If your priority is a tool that works from day one and leaves room in your budget for ammo, a sling, and range time, this is a compelling choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scope already mounted and bore-sighted?
A: The scope is mounted to the receiver using standard bases and rings. It is typically bore-sighted at the factory, but you will need to finalize the zero at the range with your chosen ammunition. Always confirm zero before hunting.
Q: Can I use other scope mounts or rings with this rifle?
A: Absolutely. The Howa 1500 action uses a standardized mounting pattern. It is compatible with scope bases designed for the Howa 1500, Remington 700 short action, or specifically labeled for 6.5×55 Swedish (which is a short action in this configuration). Popular brands like Warne, Leupold, and EGW make compatible mounts.
Q: How available is 6.5×55 Swedish ammunition?
A: It’s a standard cartridge carried by most major ammunition manufacturers and larger retailers. While not as ubiquitous as .308 Winchester, hunting loads from Federal, Hornady, Sellier & Bellot, and Prvi Partizan are commonly found. For the handloader, components are readily available, and it’s an excellent cartridge to reload.
If you’re in the market for a no-nonsense hunting rifle that delivers proven performance without draining your wallet, this Howa package deserves a close look. Check availability and see if it’s the right fit for your next season.
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