Howa 1500 Carbon Stalker
Howa Machinery · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2021
Also known as: Howa M1500 Carbon Stalker, Howa Carbon Stalker
Overview
The Howa 1500 Carbon Stalker is a lightweight bolt-action hunting rifle featuring a carbon fiber-wrapped barrel and carbon fiber stock, designed for backcountry and mountain hunting where every ounce matters. Weighing approximately 6.2 lbs in the short-action configuration, the Carbon Stalker pairs Howa's proven M1500 action with modern lightweight materials. The HACT (Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger) two-stage trigger provides a clean, consistent break, and the muzzle is threaded for suppressor or brake attachment. Available in short-action calibers including 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington, as well as a Mini Action variant for compact cartridges.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2812 g (99.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3115 J (2298 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3500 m (3828 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Carbon Fiber Wrapped Steel |
| Stock Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Finish | Matte Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5 Creedmoor · primary — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, 7.62 NATO, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Safety
- Features: Carbon Fiber Stock, Carbon Fiber Barrel, Hact Two Stage Trigger, Threaded Muzzle, Lightweight, Forged One Piece Bolt, Kryptek Altitude Camo
Variants
- Howa 1500 Carbon Stalker Mini Action — Compact
- Howa 1500 Carbon Stalker 6.5 PRC — Caliber Variant
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Hunters · adopted 2021
- Australian Civilian Hunters · adopted 2021
Production
Production years: 2021-present
Part of Howa's expanding lightweight hunting rifle lineup, offering carbon fiber technology at a lower price than competitors.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Notes
The Carbon Stalker uses Howa's forged one-piece bolt with two locking lugs and an M16-style extractor for reliable feeding and extraction. The carbon fiber stock features a Kryptek Altitude camouflage pattern on some models. The carbon fiber-wrapped barrel significantly reduces weight compared to standard steel barrels while maintaining accuracy. The internal magazine holds 5 rounds in short-action calibers. Thread pattern is 5/8-24 for 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. Distributed in the US by Legacy Sports International.
Background
The Carbon Stalker represents Howa's entry into the ultralight hunting rifle market, leveraging Japanese manufacturing precision with carbon fiber technology to offer a sub-$1000 lightweight rifle that competes with options costing two to three times as much.