Howa B/A 7 mm PRC Blue Heavy Barrel 26″

The Howa bolt-action rifle you’re referring to is based on the Howa 1500 action — a widely used Japanese-manufactured bolt-action platform known for reliability and accuracy in hunting and precision rifle applications. It’s chambered for the 7 mm Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) and fitted with a 26-inch heavy contour barrel and a blued steel finish.

General Technical Details

• Model / Platform: Howa 1500 bolt-action rifle — long-action centerfire design.

• Caliber: 7 mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge), a modern long-range hunting and precision cartridge developed for delivering high ballistic efficiency with heavy-for-caliber bullets.

• Action: Bolt-action with controlled round feed or rear-lugged bolt (standard Howa design), known for smooth cycling.

• Barrel Length: 26 inches — longer and heavier than standard sporter barrels, boosting muzzle velocity and heat capacity. (Naming “HB” typically refers to a Heavy Barrel profile.)

• Finish: Blued steel (traditional protective finish on barrel and receiver).

• Stock: Often paired with a synthetic, laminate, or wood stock depending on the specific variant; the “Blue” designation refers to metal finish rather than stock colour.

• Feed System: Internal magazine or detachable box depending on specific variant; long-action rifles often use AICS-pattern detachable magazines or a 3- to 5-round internal box magazine.

• Twist Rate: Typically a faster twist (around 1:8″ – 1:9″) well suited to stabilizing heavy 7 mm bullets (e.g., 160–180 gr class). (Exact twist varies by barrel maker and rifle model.)

• Recoil: Moderate to heavy — 7 mm PRC generates noticeable recoil, especially with heavy barrels and lighter stocks.

Design & Performance Characteristics

7 mm PRC Cartridge:

• Designed to deliver excellent long-range performance with high ballistic coefficients, flatter trajectories, and retained energy out past typical hunting distances.

• The cartridge sits between options like 6.5 PRC and .300 Winchester Magnum in terms of recoil and performance — making it popular for larger game hunting and extended range.

Heavy Barrel (HB) Benefits:

• A 26″ heavy barrel increases barrel life and reduces barrel heating during extended strings of fire compared to typical lighter barrels.

• Heavier contour increases rigidity, helping accuracy potential and consistency.

• Longer length contributes to higher muzzle velocity due to increased bullet dwell time and propellant burn.

Howa 1500 Quality Features:

• Smooth Mauser-type bolt action with controlled feed lugs and solid locking lugs for positive extraction and reliability.

• Often equipped with an adjustable two-stage trigger (Howa’s HACT trigger on certain models) for crisp, consistent breaks.

• Lifetime warranty support and generally good out-of-the-box accuracy for hunting and precision applications.

Typical Use & Performance

Hunting:

• The 7 mm PRC excels on medium to large game (e.g., elk, kudu, hartebeest, red stag), especially where flatter trajectory and downrange energy matter at longer ranges.

• The heavy barrel and longer 26″ length help maximise velocity, aiding long-range terminal performance.

Precision / Long Range:

• While very capable, heavy barrels can make these rifles a bit heavier to carry; they’re often used with bipods, optics and other gear for stable long-range shooting.

Accuracy Potential:

• Howa 1500 rifles have earned a reputation for good accuracy. When properly bedded and paired with quality match or hunting ammunition in 7 mm PRC, sub-MOA groups are attainable.