HOWA Varminter Bolt-Action Rifle 20″ barrel .308 Win

HOWA Varminter 20″ .308 Win

The short-configuration HOWA 1500 Heavy Barrel Varminter in .308 Win with a 20″ barrel is the compact tactical/varmint variant of the HB line — same forged HOWA 1500 action and Hogue pillar-bedded stock as the 24″, but shortened to a handier 40″ overall length. The 20″ #6 heavy contour threaded barrel stays rigid and cool through sustained fire, while the shorter overall makes the rifle easier to manoeuvre from a bench, blind, stand, or vehicle. It has become one of the go-to budget-friendly precision/suppressor-host platforms in its category.

Optimized for Suppressor Use

The 20″ #6 heavy contour barrel with 5/8″-24 UNEF threads is designed as a suppressor-ready platform. .308 Winchester is at its quietest and most balanced on a 20″ barrel behind a can — the powder charge burns fully, and the shorter length keeps the rifle manageable with a suppressor installed. If suppressor use is a priority, this is the factory HOWA to start with.

Compact Handling

At just 40.25″ overall and 8.5 lbs, the 20″ Varminter is noticeably handier than full-length precision rifles without giving up the thermal and accuracy advantages of a heavy barrel. It shoulders fast from field positions, packs well, and transitions quickly between targets.

Match-Grade HACT Trigger

The two-stage HACT trigger arrives factory-set in the 2.5 – 3 lb range. A light first stage rolls into a crisp, consistent second-stage break — the kind of trigger feel you expect from aftermarket, delivered as factory standard.

Hogue OverMolded Pillar-Bedded Stock

The Hogue OverMolded synthetic stock provides a secure grip in all weather, quiet handling in the field, and aluminum pillar bedding that keeps zero stable across temperature and humidity changes. Sling studs and a Hogue recoil pad round out a stock that simply works.

Premium Components Included

• Forged HOWA 1500 barreled action
• 20″ #6 heavy contour, threaded blued barrel
• 5/8″-24 threaded muzzle (suppressor/brake ready)
• Hogue OverMolded pillar-bedded synthetic stock (black)
• HACT two-stage match trigger
• Three-position safety
• Sub-MOA factory accuracy guarantee

Specifications