Description
The Howa Mini Action 7.62x39mm, 22″ Barrel, HTI Stock, Highlander is a purpose-built, lightweight bolt-action rifle chambered in the affordable and effective 7.62x39mm cartridge. It combines Howa’s renowned Mini Action receiver with a durable synthetic stock and a 22-inch barrel, creating a versatile platform ideal for hunting, plinking, and training. At $569.54, it offers serious value for a rifle that’s ready to go right out of the box.
Key Features
- Howa Mini Action Platform: A compact, smooth-running action known for its reliability and short bolt throw.
- 7.62x39mm Chambering: Leverages cheap, abundant steel-case ammo for low-cost practice and effective performance on medium game.
- HTI (Hogue Tactical Integral) Stock: The Highlander pattern features a green/brown camo finish. It has a textured grip, an integrated bedding block for stability, and is incredibly tough.
- 22-Inch Barrel: Provides an excellent balance, giving the 7.62×39 round a bit more velocity without making the rifle unwieldy in a blind or thick brush.
- Sub-MOA Accuracy Guarantee: Howa backs this rifle with a sub-minute-of-angle accuracy guarantee with premium ammunition.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | 7.62x39mm |
| Action | Bolt Action, Mini Action |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Stock | Hogue HTI, Highlander Camo |
| Overall Length | Approx. 41.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
I’ve put a few hundred rounds of mixed Tula and Wolf through my own Howa Mini, and the action just gets smoother. The real win here is the stock—the Hogue OverMolded texture is secure in all conditions, and the aluminum bedding block means this thing is drop-in ready for serious use without any fuss. The 22-inch barrel length, a bit longer than some in this caliber, gives you a full sight radius for irons (if you add them) and seems to help consistency with that 7.62x39mm cartridge. Look, the price point is the kicker. For under six hundred bucks, you’re getting a sub-MOA guaranteed barreled action in a proven, rigid stock. That’s hard to beat.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is a perfect fit for the Missouri hunter chasing whitetail in dense timber where shots are inside 200 yards. It’s also a dream for the budget-conscious shooter who wants to stack ammo deep without breaking the bank—you can’t beat 7.62×39 for cheap trigger time. Finally, it’s an excellent choice for a younger or smaller-framed shooter; the mini action and lighter weight make it very manageable. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional value for a guaranteed accurate rifle. The 7.62×39 chambering makes practice affordable. The Hogue HTI stock is genuinely excellent, providing a solid foundation. The mini action is slick and compact. It’s a lightweight, handy package for hunting.
Cons: Magazine options can be limited compared to more common calibers. Aftermarket support, while growing, isn’t as vast as for the full-size Howa 1500. The 22-inch barrel is a pro for balance, but some purists might prefer an 18-inch “SBR” style for the x39 cartridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What magazines does this rifle use?
A: It uses Howa-specific polymer magazines for the Mini Action in 7.62×39. They are reliable and available in 5-round capacities. Some aftermarket companies are starting to make metal options, but the factory mags work great.
Q: Can I mount a scope easily?
A: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard scope base. You’ll need a base for a Howa 1500 Mini Action—popular brands like EGW and Warne make them—then you can mount any standard rings and optic. I run a Vortex Diamondback on mine with no issues.
Q: Is the 7.62x39mm powerful enough for deer hunting in Missouri?
A: With proper bullet selection—think soft-point or expanding hunting ammunition, not full metal jacket—the 7.62×39 is a very capable whitetail cartridge inside 150-200 yards. Its performance is similar to the .30-30 Winchester, which has taken more deer in North America than just about anything else.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, accurate rifle that won’t empty your wallet at the register or every time you hit the range, the Howa Mini Action in 7.62×39 deserves a long, hard look. Check availability on our site.
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