Howa 1500 APC
Howa Machinery · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2019
Also known as: Howa APC, Australian Precision Chassis, Howa 1500 Chassis
Overview
The Howa 1500 APC (Australian Precision Chassis) is a bolt-action precision rifle that mates the proven Howa 1500 barreled action with a modern aluminum chassis system designed in collaboration with the Australian company Accuracy International. Offering cold hammer-forged barrel quality from Japan's premier rifle manufacturer with AICS-compatible magazine feeding and fully adjustable ergonomics, the APC provides competition-grade precision at an accessible price point.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4760 g (167.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5000 g (176.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1092 mm (42.99") |
| Folded Length | 838 mm (32.99") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3515 J (2593 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, 7.62 NATO
- 6.5 Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Picatinny Rail, M-Lok Handguard, Folding Stock, Threaded Muzzle, Hact Two Stage Trigger, Aics Magazine Compatible
Variants
- Howa 1500 APC 6.5 Creedmoor — Caliber Variant
- Howa Mini Action — Compact
Service history
Operators
- Australian Police Forces
- Civilian Competitive Shooters · adopted 2019
Production
Production years: 2019-present
Commercial production for civilian and law enforcement markets.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Notes
The Howa 1500 action has been manufactured since 1967 and forms the basis for many OEM rifles including the Weatherby Vanguard series. The cold hammer forging process used for the barrel produces superior bore consistency compared to traditional cut or button rifling. The APC chassis accepts standard AICS-pattern magazines, giving users access to a wide range of aftermarket magazine options. The HACT (Howa Actuated Controlled Trigger) is a two-stage design adjustable down to approximately 2 pounds.
Background
Howa Machinery has been manufacturing firearms since 1907 and was responsible for producing the Type 99 Arisaka rifle during World War II. After the war, the company transitioned to civilian sporting arms and industrial machinery. The Howa 1500 action has quietly become one of the most widely used bolt-action platforms in the world, serving as the foundation for rifles sold under multiple brand names across several continents.