The internal magazine can hold 3–5 rounds, loaded through the open action, similar to the Type 38 infantry rifle.
All guns circulating within Japan undergo fire-testing at the Toyokazu Company, and every new rifle has its paper test target enclosed with the firearm.
[5] For foreign exports, the barreled action with trigger mechanism are also supplied in a stripped-down form to various small arms manufacturers.
It is common that a maker will choose and attach its own gunstock to Howa's barreled actions, and then sell it under their own brand.
Currently in the United States, Legacy Sports International, a firearms manufacturer and distributor in Reno, Nevada, markets and sells bolt-action rifles that use the Howa M1500 barreled action.
In 1985, at the request of Mossberg, the M1550, which was based on the M1500 and had a 5-box magazine specification from the beginning, was additionally sold, but both are now discontinued.
In a live-fire test by overseas enthusiasts, a video showing that succeeful sniping of an empty can from 800 yards (730 meters) away was released.
[10] Spare parts have also sold fairly well, however starting with the incursion of Remington into the Japanese domestic market, foreign companies with stronger brand recognition and more competitive prices have caused M1500 sales to become sluggish.
However, on the ocean, it is said that the Howa Type 64 designated marksman rifles that is easier to fire faster than M1500 are used more frequently.
[14] The Armed Forces of Ukraine's 3rd Special Purpose Regiment (Kropyvnytskyi) has adopted a type called "Hogue 20" as a sniper rifle.