Howa 1500 Mini Action
Howa Machinery · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2017
Also known as: Howa M1500 Mini Action, Howa Mini Action
Overview
The Howa 1500 Mini Action is a compact bolt-action rifle built on a shortened version of the proven Howa 1500 action, designed specifically for smaller intermediate cartridges including 6.5 Grendel, .223 Remington, and 7.62x39mm. The miniaturized action is approximately 14% shorter and lighter than the standard Howa 1500 short action, resulting in a rifle that is notably more compact and better balanced. The HACT (Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger) two-stage trigger provides a crisp, adjustable pull. Available with 20-inch or 22-inch barrels in standard, heavy, or lightweight contours, the Mini Action offers versatility from varmint hunting to medium-game applications with the efficiency of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3100 g (109.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1003 mm (39.49") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| 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 | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 790 m/s (2592 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2528 J (1865 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2500 m (2734 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5 Grendel · primary — also known as 6.5mm Grendel, 6.5x39mm
- .223 Remington · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm NATO, .223 Rem
- 7.62x39mm — also known as 7.62 Soviet, M43
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Safety
- Features: Mini Action, Threaded Muzzle, Hact Two Stage Trigger, Forged One Piece Bolt, Compact Design, Heavy Barrel Option, Lightweight
Variants
- Howa 1500 Mini Action Chassis — Chassis Variant
- Howa 1500 Mini Action Excl Lite — Lightweight
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Hunters · adopted 2017
- Australian Civilian Shooters · adopted 2017
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Distributed internationally through Legacy Sports International and Howa USA.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Notes
The Mini Action was developed to properly size the action to the cartridges it chambers, rather than using an oversized short action. This results in smoother feeding, lighter weight, and a shorter bolt throw. The forged one-piece bolt features two locking lugs and a Howa M16-style extractor. Barrel threads are 1/2-28 for .223 and 5/8-24 for 6.5 Grendel and 7.62x39. Distributed in the US by Legacy Sports International.
Background
The Howa Mini Action was developed in response to the growing popularity of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge among AR-15 shooters who wanted a bolt-action platform properly sized for the round, rather than fitting the compact cartridge into an oversized short-action receiver.