Description
The Howa M1500 Compact Varminter .22-250 Remington 20″ Heavy Barrel Blue Finish Black Hogue Stock 5rds is a purpose-built bolt-action rifle engineered for precision and control in the field. It combines a compact, heavy-profile barrel chambered in the flat-shooting .22-250 Remington with a stable Hogue OverMolded stock, creating a system designed for consistent accuracy on small to medium-sized game at extended ranges.
Key Features
- 20″ Heavy Barrel: Provides increased rigidity for better harmonics and heat dissipation during strings of fire, all in a more maneuverable package than a standard-length varmint barrel.
- Hogue OverMolded Stock: The textured, soft-touch grip panels and forend ensure a secure hold in all conditions, while the aluminum bedding block system enhances stability for repeatable shot placement.
- .22-250 Remington Chambering: This high-velocity cartridge is legendary for its flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance on varmints like prairie dogs, coyotes, and groundhogs.
- Howa M1500 Action: Features a smooth, three-position safety, a crisp adjustable trigger, and a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee right out of the box with quality ammunition.
- Compact Configuration: The shorter barrel length improves handling in tight spaces like a pickup cab or a ground blind without sacrificing the ballistic advantages of the heavy barrel contour.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22-250 Remington |
| Barrel | 20″ Heavy Contour |
| Overall Length | Approx. 40.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Detachable Box) |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Black Hogue Stock |
Weighing in at approximately 7.5 pounds, this rifle strikes a balance between being steady enough for precise shots off a bipod and light enough for extended carries across a pasture. The action is a proven design—it’s the same forged steel heart found in the popular Weatherby Vanguard series, known for its robustness and reliability. The detachable box magazine holds 5 rounds of .22-250 Remington, allowing for quick reloads when a prairie dog town gets active. At a price point of $565.68, it represents a significant value in the dedicated varmint rifle category, offering features often found on more expensive platforms. This rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is for the hunter who needs to make a single, precise shot count at 300 yards on a coyote threatening livestock. It’s for the landowner managing ground squirrel populations from a steady rest. It’s not a lightweight mountain rifle or a tactical long-range rig—it’s a specialized tool built for a specific task. When it comes to clearing a field of destructive pests or taking opportunistic predators, this configuration gives you a decisive mechanical advantage. The heavy barrel soaks up recoil and manages heat, which is critical when you’re trying to thread a shot between the wind gusts.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The sub-MOA accuracy guarantee provides confidence. The Hogue stock offers an excellent, no-slip grip that fits out of the box for most shooters. The .22-250 Remington caliber delivers devastating performance on varmint-sized game with minimal bullet drop. The compact 20″ barrel enhances maneuverability without giving up the stability of a heavy contour.
Cons: The barrel is not threaded for a muzzle device or suppressor. The weight, while stable, is noticeable for all-day carries compared to a sporter-weight rifle. Ammunition for the .22-250 can be more expensive and less common than .223 Remington. That said, the performance gain is often worth the trade-off for the serious varminter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a muzzle brake or suppressor?
A: No, this specific Varminter model features a crowned, non-threaded muzzle. If suppressor use is a priority, Howa offers other configurations with threaded barrels.
Q: What optics base does this rifle use?
A: The Howa M1500 action uses a standardized 6-48 screw pattern for scope mounts. It is compatible with one-piece bases or two-piece rings from major manufacturers like Warne, Leupold, and EGW that are designed for the Howa 1500/Weatherby Vanguard short action.
Q: How does the .22-250 compare to a .223 for coyote hunting?
A: The .22-250 offers significantly higher muzzle velocity—often 500-700 fps more—which translates to a flatter trajectory, less wind drift, and more dramatic terminal effect at longer ranges. The trade-off is increased barrel wear, more recoil (though still mild), and higher ammo cost.
Ready to add this purpose-driven varmint rifle to your collection? View current availability and start the simple FFL transfer process on our product page.
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