Description
You’re staring at the budget for a serious hunting rifle and a decent scope, and the numbers just don’t add up. Buying them separately could easily push you over a grand. That’s the exact problem the Howa Hogue Kryptek AB Cerakote Package .223 20″ Barrel Cerakote Finish Kryptek Highlander Camo Finish, Gameking 4-16x44mm Scope solves. It’s a complete, ready-to-hunt rifle system built on the reliable Howa 1500 action, mated to a Hogue OverMolded stock in Kryptek Highlander camo, and topped with a mounted and bore-sighted Gameking 4-16x44mm scope—all for a single, surprisingly affordable price point.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a bare-bones rifle where you’ll immediately need to spend another $300 on optics and rings. The package delivers a functional, camo-clad hunting tool right out of the box. The 20-inch barrel chambered in .223 Remington is a practical choice, offering a great balance of velocity and maneuverability for varmints and predators. The entire metal surface gets a durable Cerakote finish in a matching Kryptek Highlander pattern, which is far more resilient to the elements and scratches than traditional bluing. This rifle is drop-in ready, requiring no gunsmithing to get you from the FFL to the field. The total package weight comes in around 8.5 lbs scoped, which is manageable for a full-day stalk.
Key Features & Practical Value
The heart of this package is the Howa 1500 action. It’s a proven, solid design with a smooth bolt throw and a crisp, adjustable trigger. For the budget-conscious shooter, it’s often considered the best bang-for-buck bolt-action platform available, rivaling more expensive names in out-of-the-box accuracy. Hogue stocks are known for their ergonomic, rubber-over-molded texture that provides a secure grip in all weather, and the full-bedding block system enhances stability.
Including the Gameking 4-16x44mm scope is where the real value shines. A scope of this quality, with its 30mm tube, side-focus parallax adjustment, and illuminated reticle options, would typically be a significant separate purchase. Having it pre-mounted on quality bases and rings saves you time, money, and the headache of installation. The 4-16x magnification range is incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from close-in brush shots to longer pokes across a Missouri crop field. The package price of $777.93 makes this one of the most complete entry-to-mid-level hunting packages on the market.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Action | Howa 1500 Bolt Action |
| Caliber | .223 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches | Finish | Cerakote over Kryptek Highlander Camo |
| Stock | Hogue OverMolded with Full Bedding Block |
| Optic | Gameking 4-16x44mm Scope (Mounted & Bore-Sighted) |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros: Exceptional out-of-the-box value. No need to buy separate scope, rings, or bases. Durable Cerakote and camo finish protects your investment. The .223 Rem caliber is affordable to shoot, with low recoil. The Hogue stock offers excellent ergonomics and a solid bedding platform. The scope’s magnification range is ideal for varied hunting scenarios.
Cons: The .223 Remington is not legal for deer hunting in some states (always check local regulations). The package is configuration-specific—if you wanted a different reticle or stock color, you’d have to build it yourself. At 8.5 lbs, it’s not the absolute lightest mountain rifle available.
So, who is this rifle for? It’s perfect for the new hunter looking for a single, smart purchase that covers all the bases. It’s ideal for the landowner or rancher needing a dependable predator and varmint control rifle that can handle weather. It’s also a great choice for the budget-minded shooter who wants a capable, accurate platform without the premium brand-name tax. This package is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scope truly ready to shoot?
A: Yes. The scope is mounted using quality bases and rings and is bore-sighted at the factory. This means you should be on paper at 100 yards right away, but you will always need to perform a final zeroing session with your chosen ammunition for precise accuracy.
Q: Can I use 5.56 NATO ammunition in this .223 Remington rifle?
A: We recommend consulting the rifle’s manual, but generally, Howa 1500 rifles chambered in .223 Remington are designed for .223 Remington pressures. While many modern .223 rifles can safely fire 5.56mm, it’s not universally recommended. For safety and warranty purposes, sticking with .223 Remington ammunition is the best practice.
Q: Is the trigger adjustable?
A: Yes. The Howa 1500 action features a user-adjustable trigger. The pull weight can be safely tuned within a specified range, typically between 2.5 to 4 pounds, using a simple hex key. This allows you to tailor the break to your preference without an aftermarket purchase.
If you’re looking for a hunting rifle that eliminates guesswork and extra costs, this Howa Hogue Kryptek package represents a serious value. See the full details on our site.


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