Legacy Howa/Hogue GameKing .204 Ruger Scope Package

Description

You know that feeling when you’re setting up a new rifle? You’ve got the action, you’ve got the glass, and then you’re staring at a pile of rings, bases, and a torque wrench, wondering if it’ll all come together right. I’ve been there. That’s why I appreciate a package like the Legacy Howa/Hogue GameKing Scope Package .204 Ruger 22″ Contour Barrel Blue Finish Olive Drab Green Hogue Stock 5rds With GameGameKing 3.5-10x44mm Riflescope. It’s a complete, ready-to-hunt system built around the famously reliable Howa 1500 action, paired with a quality Hogue OverMolded stock and a pre-mounted Nikko Stirling GameKing scope. At $515.67, it’s a turn-key solution for varminters and predator hunters who want to hit the field without the assembly headache. This package ships to Missouri and compliant US states, and the scope is mounted and ready—no gunsmithing required to get you on paper.

Let’s break down what you’re getting. The heart is the Howa 1500, a workhorse action I’ve put hundreds of rounds through in various calibers. It’s smooth, it’s strong, and it uses a proven two-lug bolt design. The 22-inch contour barrel in .204 Ruger is the perfect match for this cartridge, giving you the velocity you need for flat trajectories on prairie dogs and coyotes without being overly long or heavy. The blue finish is classic and durable, and it’s mated to that Olive Drab Green Hogue OverMolded stock. That stock is a key feature. It’s not just a pretty color; the synthetic shell is fully bedded in a soft, grippy overmold rubber. Even on a damp Missouri morning, it stays put in your hands, and the ergonomic palm swell promotes a consistent, natural hold.

The included Nikko Stirling GameKing 3.5-10x44mm scope is what makes this a true package, not just a rifle with an accessory thrown in. This isn’t a disposable piece of glass. It’s a solid, mid-range optic with a 30mm tube for better light transmission and a generous 44mm objective lens. The magnification range is ideal for the .204’s intended use—3.5x for quick shots in brushy areas and 10x for precise shots across a cut soybean field. I’ve found the turrets to be tactile and repeatable, and the multi-coated lenses provide a bright, clear sight picture right at dawn and dusk. The whole setup, ready to hunt, weighs in right around 8.5 pounds, which is a very manageable weight for a walk-and-stalk coyote hunt.

Specifications

Spec	Detail
Action	Howa 1500 Bolt Action
Caliber	.204 Ruger
Barrel	22″ Contour, Blue Finish
Stock	Hogue OverMolded, Olive Drab Green
Magazine Capacity	5 Rounds (Detachable Box Magazine)
Optic	Nikko Stirling GameKing 3.5-10x44mm

Pros: The biggest advantage is readiness. It’s a drop-in ready hunting rig. The Hogue/Howa pairing is famously accurate and the recoil pad is effective, making the mild .204 a joy to shoot all day. The included optic is legitimately useful, not a throwaway. The price for the complete system is very competitive. Cons: The .204 Ruger, while a fantastic varmint round, is a bit niche compared to .223 Remington. You’re committed to that caliber. The trigger, while good and adjustable, isn’t a premium aftermarket unit—though most shooters will find it perfectly serviceable.

So who is this for? Look, if you’re a new hunter looking for a dedicated, low-recoil varmint or predator rifle that requires zero tinkering, this is a top contender. It’s also perfect for the seasoned shooter who wants a reliable, no-fuss “truck gun” for coyote control or a guest rifle for the farm. If you already have a safe full of optics and prefer to pick your own, you might be better served with a barreled action. But for the vast majority, this package removes the guesswork. The rifle is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories designed for the Howa 1500 short action, should you ever want to customize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the scope mounted and sighted in?

A: The scope is mounted in quality rings and bases and should be mechanically aligned, but it is not bore-sighted or zeroed. You will need to sight it in for your chosen ammunition. This is standard for any new rifle/scope package to account for individual shooter preference and ammo type.

Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?

A: The Howa 1500 action and hammer-forged barrel are capable of sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition. The rigid Hogue stock with its full-bedding block is a big part of achieving that. With a good rest and the right handloads or premium factory ammo, ¾-inch groups at 100 yards are a reasonable expectation.

Q: Is the magazine detachable?

A: Yes. This model uses a detachable box magazine with a 5-round capacity. It’s a sturdy polymer mag that sits flush with the stock for a clean profile and easy carry.

If you’re after a ready-to-roll hunting partner for long-range pests and predators, this Legacy Howa package available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide is a smart way to go.