The Howa M1500 Walnut Hunter is a bolt-action rifle in 6.5 PRC fitted with a 24-inch blued barrel and a Monte Carlo walnut stock. Howa backs it with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee using the HACT trigger system. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: M1500 Walnut Hunter 
• Type: Bolt Action Rifle 
• Caliber: 6.5 PRC 
• Barrel Length: 24 inches 
• Overall Length: 43.5 inches 
• Weight: 7.4 lbs 
• Capacity: 3+1 rounds 
• Finish: Blue with Monte Carlo Walnut stock 
• Safety: 3-Position Safety 
• Muzzle Threading: 5/8x24 
• Notable Features: 
  • HACT Trigger with Sub-MOA Guarantee 
  • Hinged Floor Plate & Sling Swivel Studs 
     

Detailed Features 

 
The HACT (Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger) is a two-stage design. Howa guarantees sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition, which is a meaningful commitment on a production rifle at this price point. The hinged floor plate allows unloading without cycling rounds through the chamber. 
 
The three-position safety gives you safe, bolt-lock, and fire positions — bolt-lock lets you open the action with the safety engaged for safe unloading. The 5/8x24 muzzle threading accommodates suppressors and muzzle devices without an adapter. Sling swivel studs are installed from the factory. 
 
The walnut Monte Carlo stock is a functional choice — it has a raised cheekpiece that works well with scoped rifles for consistent cheek weld, and the wood grain varies by individual rifle. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

1. Hunting: 6.5 PRC at 24 inches of barrel produces velocity useful for medium to large game at extended distances. 
2. Sport Shooting: Sub-MOA guarantee and a good trigger make it competitive at precision rifle events for the price. 
3. Training: 7.4 lbs is manageable for extended prone or bench sessions, and 6.5 PRC recoil is mild enough to spot your own impacts.

The M1500 in walnut draws buyers who want a traditional-looking bolt gun that still performs at precision hunting distances. Most feedback starts with value — at its price, the M1500 is hard to beat in terms of out-of-box accuracy. Sub-MOA with good 6.5 PRC loads is commonly confirmed by owners, not just claimed.

The walnut stock gets attention for appearance. The Monte Carlo profile is practical for scoped shooting, not just decorative, and the wood quality is considered good for a production rifle. Some variation in grain patterns is expected and most buyers consider that normal.

The HACT trigger is consistently described as clean and predictable for a factory trigger. A few precision shooters go aftermarket, but most owners run the stock trigger without complaint.

Weight at 7.4 lbs comes up in field hunting discussions. It's not a lightweight mountain rifle, and hunters who cover a lot of ground on steep terrain sometimes wish for something lighter. For stand hunting or most open-country use it's a non-issue.

The 6.5 PRC's recoil is mild, which makes the threaded muzzle somewhat optional for most shooters, though suppressor-ready capability is appreciated as a future option. Value relative to comparable precision rifles from other manufacturers is a common positive, and repeat Howa buyers are a regular part of the conversation.