A Brief History of the Howa 1500 Rifles

Jeff Tilkens

Howa has always maintained a great reputation for making good rifles, and the 1500 Series is no exception. To study the Howa rifles you must first start by studying the company itself, and then you can look at the many versions of the Howa 1500.

In 1907, Toyoda’s Loom Works, LTD. was created. Toyoda’s Loom Works manufactured and sold textile sewing looms. As the company grew, they started manufacturing spinning machinery. In 1916, Toyoda’s Loom Works officially commenced the manufacturing of the spinning machinery followed by the manufacturing of cast steel in 1935. In 1941, Toyoda’s Loom Works merged with Showa Heavy Industries, Ltd., a manufacturer of machine tools. The company became Howa Heavy Industries, Ltd. Four years later the name was changed to what is still known as Howa Machinery LTD.

Over the years Howa Machinery began manufacturing air chucks, pneumatic equipment, floor scrubbers, aluminum sound-proof windows, rodless cylinders, and vertical double-sided exposure systems for printed circuit boards. In 2000, Howa acquired the ISO 9001 certification in the machine tool accessories and firearms divisions.

Howa is best known for their Howa Rifles. The Howa rifle outshoots well-known rifles costing hundreds more than the Howa 1500 rifle. Howa firearms are known to be the most accurate rifle right out of the box. Ideal for hunting, target shooting, or plinking, the Howa M-1500 rifles, give you the Howa accuracy you are looking for. Featuring rugged durability and dependable quality craftsmanship, the Howa 1500 rifle is built to get the job done.

The two Howa rifles that I find to be their best are the Howa 1500 combo package and the Howa 1500 Sporting Rifle. The Howa/Knoxx Axiom 1500 Combo Package Rifle comes with a Nikko Platinum 4-16 x 44 scope and is a great rifle at a great price. This rifle combines the integrity success of the Howa 1500 Rifle with the proven Knoxx Industries Axiom V/S rifle stock and the Nikko platinum 4-16 x 44 scope. Chambered in a 223 Remington caliber with a 24-inch heavy barrel and adjustable length of pull from 11.5 inches to 15.5 inches, the Howa 1500 rifle Knoxx Axiom Combo package is a huge value to any hunter or target shooter.

The second rifle I found to be a great value was the Howa 1500 Sporting Rifle. It is a good looking rifle, with its nutmeg wood thumbhole stock. The Howa 1500 Sporting Rifle features a flared pistol grip and scalloped thumbhole that ensures a comfortable grip and precise trigger control. A 24-inch barrel and blue steel finish complete the professional camouflage look of this useful rifle. Chambered in 300 Winchester Magnum and featuring a three-position safety and 8.4 pound weight, the Howa 1500 Rifle is going to give you that Howa accuracy and dependability you are looking for.

So, after exploring just two of the many Howa 1500 rifles, I ask: Howa, underrated or just unknown?

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