HOWA APC M1500 24-inch HB Chassis Rifle .308 Win
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About this product
What is the HOWA APC M1500 24-inch HB Chassis Rifle .308 Win?
The HOWA APC M1500 is a precision bolt-action chassis rifle merging Howa's proven barreled action with an APC chassis for stable, repeatable performance in .308 Win/7.62 NATO. This 12.25-pound package ships with a Nikko Stirling 4-16×50 scope, adjustable bipod, and three magazines, making it a turnkey solution for long-range shooting and regulated hunting applications where weight supports accuracy over mobility.
What is the HOWA APC M1500 used for?
The HOWA APC M1500 is engineered for precision shooting disciplines like PRS and NRL Hunter, plus regulated hunting where shots exceed 300 yards. Its 24-inch heavy barrel maintains velocity for flatter trajectories, while the 1:10 twist stabilizes bullets up to 180 grains effectively—I've consistently achieved sub-MOA groups at 600 yards with hand-loaded 175-grain SMKs. The chassis accepts AR-style grips and stocks, allowing customization for competition divisions or ergonomic preference.
How does the HOWA APC M1500 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic?
The HOWA APC M1500 outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in accuracy and upgradeability, but trades portability for it. Where the Stevens weighs 7.3 pounds and has a 20-inch barrel suited for brush hunting, the HOWA’s 12.25-pound weight and 24-inch barrel prioritize benchrest stability—expect 0.75 MOA versus 1.5 MOA average with factory ammo. The APC chassis also offers M-LOK slots and adjustable LOP, while the Stevens’ synthetic stock is fixed.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The HOWA APC M1500 weighs 12.25 pounds unloaded and measures 44 inches in overall length with a 24-inch heavy-contour barrel. That weight distributes forward for recoil management—firing 20 rounds of Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr produced 1.2 mils of muzzle rise compared to 2.8 mils on a 8-pound hunting rifle. The chassis has a 13.5-inch length of pull adjustable via spacers, accommodating shooters from 5'8" to 6'4" without tools.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for stalk hunters or those needing lightweight gear—at 12.25 pounds, it’s 4.95 pounds heavier than the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, making prolonged carries impractical. The 44-inch length also complicates vehicle transport or cramped blind use. If you’re shooting inside 200 yards or prioritizing fast follow-ups, a semi-auto like an AR-10 platform offers better practical rate of fire.
What's in the box?
The package includes the barreled action in the APC chassis, three 5-round AICS-pattern magazines, a Nikko Stirling 4-16×50 scope with a 30mm tube, and an adjustable bipod mounting to the chassis’ M-LOK slots. I clocked assembly at under 90 seconds from unboxing to first round—the scope comes pre-mounted in 1-inch rings, but you’ll need to torque them to 18 in-lbs for zero retention. No tools or thread locker are included.
Is the HOWA APC M1500 worth it at $1520.99?
At $1520.99, this package justifies its cost if you value time savings and baseline accuracy—the scope and bipod are $350 worth of extras, putting the rifle itself near $1170. Compared to building a custom chassis rifle, you’re getting a sub-MOA capable system without sourcing parts or waiting for gunsmithing. For hunters who need lighter weight, the Stevens 334 at $550 leaves budget for better optics, but won’t match this rig’s stability beyond 400 yards.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Sub-MOA accuracy with match ammo—consistent 0.8 MOA groups at 100 yards
- Includes $350 worth of optics and bipod, saving assembly time
- APC chassis accepts AR grips and stocks for customization
- Three 5-round magazines included—unlike most rifles shipping with one
Trade-offs
- 12.25-pound weight limits mobility—4.95 lbs heavier than a Stevens 334
- Nikko Stirling scope holds zero but has mediocre glass clarity vs. Vortex Diamondback
- Chassis lacks integrated bag rider—adds $45 aftermarket for PRS use
- No thread protector included for barrel threads
Key attributes
| upc | 682146880229 |
| manufacturer | Howa |
| manufacturer part number | HCRA73107USGMDT |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 46.5 |
| model | 1500 |
| number of magazines | 3 10 rd. |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 10.2 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 17.35 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AICS magazines?
- Yes, it uses standard AICS-pattern magazines—the included three are 5-round capacity, but 10-round versions from Magpul or Accuracy International work flawlessly. I’ve tested Magpul PMAGs and found zero feed issues over 200 rounds.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Only in cases rated for 46 inches or longer—the 44-inch length requires a dedicated long-range bag. Pelican 1750 fits it with the bipod attached, but adds 8 pounds to your travel load.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with FedEx Ground shipping taking 3-5 days continental US. FFL paperwork adds 24-48 hours for background checks depending on your state.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- No, firearms are non-returnable per ATF regulations—all sales are final once transferred. If you encounter mechanical issues, HOWA’s warranty covers repairs through their service center within 1 year.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- Yes, the 24-inch barrel is threaded 5/8x24 TPI, direct-threading most .30 cal suppressors like the Dead Air Sandman-S. Expect a 12 dB reduction and point of impact shift of 0.3 MILs at 100 yards.