Howa Bush Hunter 22 inch 270 Winchester Thumbhole Nutmeg Laminate

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Howa Bush Hunter 22 inch 270 Winchester Thumbhole Nutmeg Laminate models use the popular Howa M-1500 barreled action and Thumbhole Laminated rifle stock. With this combination you have a great shooter, combining supreme comfort and great handling, right of the shelf. The 22″ barrel on standard calibers ensure optimum muzzle velocity and accuracy. What makes this model great is that the Howa Thumbhole Bush Hunter Nutmeg Laminate model offer Hunters the best of both worlds of competition shooting accuracy and consistency, all in a hunting rifle profile. Top performance and an innovative and ergonomically designed rifle are just some of the Howa traits, all at an unbelievable affordable price.

Howa Bush Hunter 22 inch 270 Winchester Thumbhole Nutmeg Laminate Overview

Many sportsmen or hunters prefer the versatile applications and durability of the laminated stocks above the look and feel of a solid walnut or synthetic stock on their rifle. Howa Thumbhole Laminated Rifle Stocks are designed to free-float the barrel for maximum accuracy and models are available with the proper clearance for heavy “varmint” barrels. The Thumbhole Laminated Stock is a great dual purpose stock for sport shooters and hunters. The large cooling vents, broad beaver-tail forend and more vertical pistol grip features of the Howa Thumbhole, make this and extremely user friendly stock. Shooters will especially be impressed by the attractive finish, firm grip in wet conditions, increased accuracy and target acquisition. The laminated adhesive and resin constructed stock with aluminium pillar blocks, weigh in at only 1.5 Kilogram. The raised rollover cheek-piece and comfortable length of pull of 352 mm on the Howa Thumbhole stock makes it a very popular option among shooters.

Howa M-1500 Features

The Howa M-1500 features a dual locking lug action based on an old-world platform using modern thinking, taking you to a new level in accuracy. The bolt action design is from a Sako based action, providing you with the same action type as some of the best custom built rifles, but at a fraction of the cost. One of the safest and strongest bolt actions on the market, the bolt features a one-piece body and M16 type spring loaded extractor. The action length is also matched to the cartridge size of the caliber. Howa Rifles has become a true benchmark amongst the South African hunting and shooting fraternity. Durability, accuracy and exceptional value for money has made Howa probably the number one choice in South Africa.

The Howa M-1500 Models provide you with a three position safety. The safety is easy to operate and allows you to unload the rifle while it is still in safety mode. All Howa M-1500 bolt actions are drilled and tapped to accept one or two piece bases for the mounting of optics. The free-floating hammer forged barrel has no sights for a modern look and finish. The increased diameter of the barrel will result in increased weight and less recoil. Slower heating of the barrel will also take place during a succession of shots. As with all other Howa M-1500 models, the Howa Varmint model has a twist rate that is carefully selected for each individual caliber to optimize bullet performance and accuracy.

All Howa Varmint rifles include an adjustable Howa HACT 2 Stage Match Trigger. The Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger system eliminates trigger creep and lightens the trigger pull. The HACT System fits all Howa M-1500 rifles that were previously equipped with Howa’s three position safety trigger group.

Howa Thumbhole Laminated Rifle Stock Features

The Howa Thumbhole Laminated Rifle Stock comes with a durable, rubber recoil pad and double sling swivel stud already mounted for the attachment of a bipod. Shooters required a tough and more durable stock than the traditional walnut options and at a competitive price and the Howa Laminate Range was the engineered result of those requirements. The ergonomic control of a pistol grip and time-tested elements of a raised cheek-piece and comfortable length of pull make the Thumbhole Laminate a fantastic value for money stock. Reliable and built to last, this stock will help improve accuracy, target re-acquisition times and firearm control. The additional stiffness and strategically placed cooling vents on the broader beaver-tail forend will improve on the accuracy that Howa are known for. The stock has aluminium pillars for increased stability when tightening down your actions screws giving you a solid point and preventing compression of the resin reinforced wood laminates. The palm swell and raised roll over cheek-piece make this stock more user friendly for right handed shooters.

Guaranteed to look great, feel great, and shoot straight! The attractive durable finish on the stock together with the rubber recoil pad make for a comfortable shooting experience. The Howa Thumbhole Laminated rifle stock represents excellent value and combines Howa’s famous prowess in manufacturing with a sleek high quality finish to compliment any rifle that will outlast the adventures that lie ahead.

Howa M-1500 Hunting Rifles

The Howa M-1500 rifle is the flagship of the Howa line. This rifle has all the features that make Howa great, including a variety of stocks, barrel profiles and accessories to choose from. The M-1500 bolt-action centerfire rifle is produced by Howa Machinery. At present, the M-1500 is the only large calibre bolt action rifle produced in Japan, and is sold as Howa's representative rifle not only in Japan, but throughout the world.

DESIGN

Designed for function and value, the original Howa rifle blueprints were drawn up with a strong resemblance to the Sako L61 (FinnBear) and L579 (Forrester) centerfire bolt action rifles.

MECHANISM

The operating mechanism of the M-1500 series is based on the Sako FinnBear and Forrester controlled-feed bolt action system. For the M-1500 series the action is machined out of high-grade steel. The M-1500 system consists of a receiver with the top machined, drilled and tapped, with a flat bottom supported by a substantial integral recoil lug. This is where the strength of this action lies.
Similarly to the old Sako’s, the bolt has simple twin locking lugs and a recessed face. The rear of the bolt is similar too, with an open shroud showing the cocking piece.

Another distinctive feature of the M-1500 action is the controlled-feed mechanism, consisting of a large, sprung claw extractor that engages the cartridge case rim as soon as the round leaves the magazine and firmly holds the cartridge case until the round is ejected by the spring plunger ejector.
The bolt houses the firing pin mechanism that visually protrudes from the rear of the bolt indicating if the action is cocked or not. A small disassembly button offers the possibility to access the firing pin and spring.

SAFETY

All HOWA rifles have a 3 position safety which allows for barrels to be locked down and also allows for actions to be UNLOADED while SAFE. When it comes to value for money, the Howa M-1500 rifle is hard to beat.

Howa M-1500 Model – Value Driven Quality

The Howa M-1500 rifle is the flagship of the Howa line. This rifle has all the key features that make Howa Rifles great, allowing riflemen to choose from a wide variety of models to perfectly suit their individual preferences and needs, whether it be hunting, sport shooting or for tactical applications. The M-1500 range offers different stock styles and barrel profile options combined with a comprehensive caliber selection. When you purchase a M-1500 Model, you get a thoroughly built quality rifle. When it comes to value for money, the Howa M-1500 rifle is very hard to beat.

BARREL

The hammer-forged free-floating barrels made from the highest-grade steel are standard on all Howa M-1500 models and are chambered symmetrically at the center of axis with the head space set to stringent and exacting specs resulting in maximum accuracy and consistent bores. Various barrel profile options like fluted and varmint are available with Stainless Steel options available on certain models. Muzzles is precision crowned, as it is essential for consistent accuracy. Barrel Twist rates are chosen for each caliber to optimize accuracy and bullet performance.

STOCK

The Howa Thumbhole Laminated rifle stock comes with a durable, rubber recoil pad and double sling swivel stud already mounted for the attachment of a bipod. Shooters required a tough and more durable stock than the traditional walnut options and at a competitive price and the Howa Laminate Range was the engineered result of those requirements. The lamination process ensures additional stiffness and makes the stock water resistant. The Thumbhole comes with a broad, beavertail forend with large cooling vents. A Vertical pistol grip with right handed palm swell, raised cheekpiece and durable recoil pad complete the stock. More info about the science behind laminated gunstocks here.

SIGHTS

The free-floating hammer forged barrel comes without open sights for a clean, modern look finished in a non-reflective satin. All M-1500 actions are drilled and tapped as factory preparation for telescopic sight mounts to accept one or two piece bases.

EXTRACTOR & EJECTION

Another distinctive feature of the M-1500 system is the controlled-feed mechanism, consisting of a large, strong spring loaded M16 style extractor that engages the cartridge case rim as soon as the round leaves the magazine and firmly holds the cartridge case until the round is ejected by the spring plunger ejector.

ACTION

Based on the Sako L61 (FinnBear) and L579 (Forrester) centerfire bolt action rifles, the bolt body has two locking lugs. The bolt handle is permanently attached to the bolt and is turned-down and backwards for use with optical sights.
The bolt features three large gas relief vents in the bolt body, designed to protect the users head in case of a primer or cartridge rupture or detonation. When the action suffers a catastrophic failure it is designed to deflect the debris and excess gases downwards through the magazine and away from the operator's face.

MAGAZINE

The internal magazine of the M-1500 series consists of an integral box machined to match the cartridge for which the rifle was chambered. The metal, hinged type floor plate can hold up to 5 standard sized rifle cartridges. ALL of the Howa Rifles have the ability to be converted using the Ammo Boost Advantage Detachable Magazine Kits with 5 and 10 round detachable magazine options...and all can be done in a matter of minutes.

TRIGGER

Many shooters know that the trigger on any rifle is one of the inherent focal points for achieved accuracy and safety. The new Howa HACT two stage match triggers provide you, the hunter or range shooter, with the instant ability to achieve better accuracy right out of the box.

SAFETY

All Howa rifles have a 3 position safety which allows for barrels to be locked down and also allows for actions to be UNLOADED while on SAFE. This is a fantastic safety feature for youth guns, climbing tree stands or moving through dense African brush or forests.

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