Howa 1500 Mag conversions

A fully detachable box magazine (DM) can be a useful addition to any centrefire, bolt-action rifle and there are a number of conversion kits around. However, they are not cheap. So I was interested when I visited Highland Outdoors at this year’s IWA Show and was shown something they have accessed. The Adaptive Technologies, Inc. Detachable Magazine Conversion Kit.

4 x 1500

The conversions are made to fit the following rifles – Howa 1500, Weatherby Vanguard, Smith & Wesson M1500 and Marlin M1500. Essentially all identical actions as all guns are made by Howa in Japan for the various companies. The kit consists of a new set of bottom metal (well bottom black polymer) that replaces the factory, floor plate system and with an integral trigger guard complete with magazine well and release catch.
The black polymer magazines offer two capacities, 5 and 10, and are a semi-staggered box that feed from a central position. Currently the conversions are only for short action receivers and cover the following calibres – 204 Ruger, 223 Rem, 22-250 Rem, 243 and 308 Win and 7mm-08 Rem. The main difference with this is the 204 and 223 share a common magazine size, as does 22-250 through to 308. However, I would imagine that you could add 222 Rem, 260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor to that as the cartridge overall lengths (COLs) should fit the platforms.

Smooth

That’s what I’m banking on as I’m having a 6.5 Creedmoor custom built for me by Riflecraft on a Weatherby Vanguard chassis, using a Howa 1500 varmint stock. So the chance to get a cost effective DM system was attractive.
The magazines are well made and load/feed easily, with virtually no swelling as can happen with polymer. The release catch is a pull-back lever at the front of the well; in use they have to be pulled free as they do not drop clear, which is no hassle. According to the instructions these kits are made for factory synthetic/moulded stocks and should go straight in.
However the instructions do make note that with wood or laminate stocks, the bottom well might require shimming out to get the correct feed height, which is probably a job for your gunsmith. They also say that a torque of 55 ft/in is the maximum to apply to the action screws; any more could damage the trigger guard/well assembly.
But the bottom line is pretty much a DIY magazine conversion at what is good money. For most needs the 5-shot will be ideal! However, the 10-rounder mated to a tight twist 223 Rem or 308 Win would make a highly cost effective Practical package given how well priced Howa 1500 rifles are these days! I will be getting this kit fitted to my 6.5 Creedmoor and will be doing a follow-up article on how it works.

For: A most practical accessory
Against: Nice to see it offered for more makes of rifle
Verdict: A well-priced and effective off the shelf DM system

PRICES:
Detachable magazine conversion kit £44.99
5 and 10-round magazine £54.99 each