Description
The Howa Ranchland Compact Rifle/Scope Package .204 Ruger 20″ Blued Barrel Synthetic Olive Drab Green Stock 5rds With 3-10x42mm Riflescope is a ready-to-hunt, out-of-the-box package built for smaller-statured shooters and those who need a lightweight, maneuverable rifle for varmint control and predator hunting. It combines Howa’s reliable 1500 action with a compact stock and a mounted 3-10x42mm scope, all for a price of $601.59. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of .204 Ruger through a similar setup, and it’s a flat-shooting, low-recoil laser beam for prairie dogs and coyotes.
Key Features
- Complete Package: Rifle and scope are mounted and ready to sight in. No gunsmithing required to get started.
- Compact Design: Shorter length of pull and 20-inch barrel make it easy to handle in blinds, trucks, or for younger shooters.
- .204 Ruger Chambering: Offers hyper-velocity performance with minimal recoil, ideal for long-range varminting.
- Blued Barrel & Olive Drab Stock: Classic, durable finish with a subdued green synthetic stock that blends in the field.
- Howa 1500 Action: Known for its smooth bolt operation and crisp, adjustable trigger straight from the factory.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .204 Ruger |
| Barrel | 20″ Blued |
| Stock | Synthetic, Olive Drab Green, Compact |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds (Detachable Box Magazine) |
| Overall Length | ~39.5″ (Approx.) |
| Scope | 3-10x42mm |
Look, the real appeal here is the total weight and balance. That 20-inch barrel keeps the whole package light and quick to shoulder, which is a godsend when you’re scanning a field for groundhogs. The included 3-10x42mm scope provides plenty of magnification for precise shots out to 300+ yards, which is well within the effective range of the .204 Ruger’s blistering 4,000+ fps muzzle velocity. The action is bedded in the stock for solid accuracy, and the trigger breaks cleanly—a huge advantage over many other package rifles. This rifle ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your FFL transfer.
Who This Rifle Is For
This package is perfect for the Missouri farmer needing a dedicated coyote rifle for the back of the UTV, a parent introducing a teenager to centerfire precision shooting, or any hunter who values a lightweight, low-recoil rig for long days afield. It’s also a fantastic first rifle for a young adult or smaller-framed shooter who finds full-size rifles cumbersome. The .204 Ruger is devastating on varmints but gentle on the shooter’s shoulder, making practice sessions enjoyable rather than punishing.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The value is undeniable—getting a mounted scope on a Howa action at this price point is a solid deal. The compact format is genuinely useful. The .204 Ruger cartridge is incredibly fun and effective for its intended purpose. The package is truly drop-in ready; just add ammo, sight it in, and go.
Cons: Ammo for .204 Ruger, while available, isn’t as ubiquitous as .223 Remington, so you’ll want to plan your purchases. The included scope is functional, but serious long-range varminters may eventually want to upgrade to something with target turrets or a finer reticle. That said, it’s a more than capable starting optic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scope already mounted and bore-sighted?
A: Yes, the 3-10x42mm scope is mounted on the rifle using the included bases and rings. It is typically bore-sighted at the factory, but you will need to complete a proper zeroing session at the range with your chosen ammunition before hunting.
Q: What is the length of pull on the compact stock?
A: The compact stock features a shorter length of pull, typically around 13 inches, compared to a standard adult stock which is often 13.75 inches or longer. This makes a significant difference in handling for shooters with shorter arms or when wearing bulky clothing.
Q: Can I use aftermarket stocks or accessories for the Howa 1500 action?
A: Absolutely. The Howa 1500 action has excellent aftermarket support. This barreled action is compatible with a wide range of chassis systems and stocks from brands like MDT, KRG, and Bell & Carlson, should you ever want to customize the platform further.
If you’re looking for a dedicated, lightweight varmint rig that’s ready to perform without the hassle of piecing it together yourself, this Howa Ranchland Compact package is a compelling choice. You can find it available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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