Howa Fenceline
Howa Machinery · Rifle · In Production · 2026
Also known as: Howa Fence Line, Howa Fenceline Series
Overview
The Howa Fenceline (Fence Line) is a 2026 field-grade bolt-action rifle from Howa Machinery, distributed in the United States by Legacy Sports International and shown at SHOT Show 2026. Built on Howa's proven 1500-pattern action, the Fenceline pairs the company's signature features - a two-lug bolt with a 90-degree throw, a three-position safety that allows unloading on safe or locking the bolt, and the HACT (Howa Actuator Controlled Trigger) two-stage trigger - with weather-ready modern touches. The metalwork wears a Cerakote finish, the hammer-forged barrel is threaded and ships with a radial muzzle brake, and the durable polymer stock carries a sponge-paint camo coating. Howa guarantees sub-MOA (sub-1-inch at 100 yards) three-shot groups. The series is offered across short-action, long-action and mini-action receivers in standard, magnum and modern intermediate chamberings.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3088 J (2278 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Cerakote |
Calibers
- 6.5 Creedmoor · primary — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety, Bolt Locking Safety
- Features: Two Lug Bolt, Ninety Degree Bolt Throw, Hact Two Stage Trigger, Three Position Safety, Hammer Forged Barrel, Threaded Barrel, Radial Muzzle Brake, Cerakote Finish, Camo Coated Stock, Sub Moa Guarantee, Detachable Box Magazine
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Civilian Market
Production
Production years: 2026-present
Introduced at SHOT Show 2026; distributed in the US by Legacy Sports International.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Notes
Specifications reflect a 6.5 Creedmoor short-action configuration; barrel length shown as 22 in (559mm), the standard offering for the series (a 20 in light-varmint barrel is also offered on mini-action models). Weight, overall length and exact twist were not published at announcement and are left null. Three color/coating offerings: Scorched Earth, Gray Light and Prairie Reaper. Caliber lineup spans short- and long-action standard and magnum cartridges including the new 25 Creedmoor, plus mini-action options (22 ARC, 6mm ARC, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62x39mm). MSRP from $729. Magazine capacity typical of the 1500 short-action detachable box (5 rounds).
Background
Named for the hardscrabble work of the rural fence line, Howa's 2026 field rifle leans into a no-nonsense weatherproofing pitch - Cerakote, camo paint and a brake on the muzzle - while keeping the same two-lug action and HACT trigger that earned the Japanese-made 1500 a cult following among budget-minded precision shooters.