S&W Model 1500

[Troystat]

I finally got around to taking a photo graph of my model 1500. It is chambered for 30-06 and has a Nikon 3x9 scope of about the same age as the rifle, I added the recoil pad as I did not particularly like the hard plastic butt plate and it made the stock a bit longer which is good for me since my arms are a bit longer than most. I have only shot factory ammo in this rifle and it seems to shoot Winchester ammo better than Remington ammo. I was able to lower the trigger pull to just about 3 pounds which helped a lot. Anyway pretty nice rifle.

 

[Shorty091261]

Beautiful piece!

 

[mauser9]

Yeah thanks for sharing. Sure is nice to see some high gloss bluing and glossy walnut sock. I see they were first produced in 1983. Sure looks higher end than many models on the market today. Seems we have to pay almost a grand or more for a gun like this today!

 

[Troystat]

I need to try some handloads. I have tried two different factory loads, Winchester PP 180 grain round nose and they grouped around 1.5 inches at 100 yards and Remington 165 grain corelock and they where around 2.5 inches. Of course it could have been the loose nut pulling the trigger

 

[Igiveup]

I bought the same rifle last year at a yard sale. Same caliber, 30-06, and reload for it. I am using Nosler Partition bullets, IMR 4895 powder. I think I am getting one inch groups at a hundred yds. I haven't shot it this year, but did carry it for elk season this year, just no luck.

 

[retiredbadge8091]

I have a Model 1500 in .223 with a Leopold M8 8X scope originally installed on the rifle at the time of purchase. I put the factory stock in the safe (after the original owner had already left his marks on it, unfortunately.) I added a Boyd's thumbhole stock in their Nutmeg laminate.The little rifle is a tack driver with 50 grain ballistic tips from Fiocchi. I'm getting ready to start handloading for the 1500 and I'm confident I'll find a load that will consistently go sub moa. The S&W 1500, though manufactured by Howa, is well deserving to wear the S&W name.

 

[jarhead49]

I just bought a Model 1500 in .223 with a 4X12 Charles Daly scope. sweet shooter even though the scope is a cheap scope it really holds tight groups.
My new rifle is what I think they called the Varmiteer. Parkerized bull barrel on a oiled walnut Monte Carlo stock Shooting Hand Loads of 55gr bullets pushed by 25gr H335 powder. Love this rifle.

 

[fyimo]

Great looking rifle and scope combo and they are generally great shooters. I bought my son one of these in the 90's in 270 Win and he has killed everything he has shot at and loves the rifle.

 

[Qmark]

Just can't beat the beauty of a blued steel, walnut stocked rifle. Guess I'm showing my age as the new plastic stocked, wonder finished metal rifles are nearly a sacrilege.

 

[jarhead49]

Do You really mean you you don't want tactical, with gadgets hanging off every surface??? I agree the deep blue makes a beautiful rifle and the 1500s I've seen look rich indeed. Good luck.

 

[mauser9]

I really like the nice clean looking lines and the great bluing. Checkering looks top notch. A model to definitely to look for on the used gun market. Pickens seem to be slim out my way as I believe folks hanging onto these fine looking pieces today. More glad than ever I bought when I did. Many guns which seemed run of the mill years back sure seem like high end models today.

 

[Ibu4aday]

I have the 1500 30,06 need mount for scope any suggestion ? It was given to me from from dad with other rifles. Not sure if I’ll keep or not it is in perfect condition.

 

[WPWarhawk]

I have the 1500 30,06 need mount for scope any suggestion ? It was given to me from from dad with other rifles. Not sure if I’ll keep or not it is in perfect condition.

These use a Howa action, so a mount for a Howa or Weatherby Vanguard (same action) will work. For a 30-06 you’ll need a Long Action mount.

 

[Texas Star]

I wish the fore-end had a tip like on Weatherby rifles.

I have a Howa 7mm-08 that I like, but it's got a black synthetic stock.