Description
The Howa Lightning .22-250 Remington 22″ Standard Barrel Blue Finish Black Synthetic Stock 5rd is a no-frills, hard-hitting bolt-action rifle built for varmint control and medium-range target work. It’s a purpose-built tool that delivers reliable, flat-shooting performance at a price point that’s tough to beat. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various loads through this platform, and it consistently proves itself as a straightforward, effective rifle for the job.
Key Features
- Flat-Shooting .22-250 Remington Caliber: Known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, making it ideal for long-range varminting.
- Durable Black Synthetic Stock: Weather-resistant and lightweight, perfect for carrying across fields or in a truck rack.
- 22″ Standard Barrel: Provides a good balance of velocity and maneuverability.
- Reliable Howa 1500 Action: A proven, smooth-running bolt action with a crisp trigger.
- 5-Round Detachable Magazine: Offers practical capacity for most hunting scenarios.
Specs & Details
| Caliber | .22-250 Remington |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
| Stock | Black Synthetic |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Action | Bolt Action |
Here’s the thing—this rifle is about application. The .22-250 Remington cartridge is a laser beam out to 300 yards, turning prairie dogs and coyotes into a puff of dust with the right shot placement. The synthetic stock isn’t fancy, but it shrugs off Missouri rain and brush without a second thought. At a total weight hovering around 7.5 pounds unscoped, it’s easy to carry all day. The real value shines through when you consider the price: $354.93. For that, you’re getting a complete, ready-to-shoot rifle from a reputable manufacturer. It fits out of the box with standard scope bases, so mounting your preferred optic from brands like Vortex or Leupold is a simple task—no gunsmithing required.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Howa Lightning is for the hunter who needs a dedicated varmint rifle that won’t break the bank. It’s for the landowner dealing with groundhog or coyote problems, or the shooter who wants to practice wind calls and long-range fundamentals without burning through expensive .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor ammo. It’s not a lightweight mountain rifle or a precision benchrest gun, but it occupies a very effective middle ground.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Excellent value for a complete rifle. The .22-250 is devastatingly effective on small to medium game. The synthetic stock and blue finish are low-maintenance. The Howa action is known for its reliability and solid feel.
Cons: Barrel can heat up quickly during sustained fire—this is a hunting rifle, not a mag-dump platform. The trigger, while good, isn’t fully adjustable like some premium models. The stock is basic, with minimal contouring for ergonomics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .22-250 Remington a good caliber for coyotes in Missouri?
A: Absolutely. It’s one of the top choices. The high velocity and flat trajectory make hitting a running coyote at distance much more manageable, and the bullet selection is vast.
Q: What kind of scope should I put on this rifle?
A: Look for a variable-power scope in the 4-12x or 6-18x range with a mil-dot or BDC reticle. You’ll want the magnification for precision at longer ranges, which is where this cartridge excels.
Q: Can this action be dropped into an aftermarket stock?
A: Yes. The Howa 1500 action has a large aftermarket following. Stocks and chassis from companies like Boyd’s and MDT are readily available if you want to upgrade the synthetic stock down the line.
If you need a workhorse varmint rifle that gets the job done without any fuss, this Howa Lightning is a solid pick. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ready for your FFL transfer.
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