Dear all, please note I have just recently purchased a Smith & Wesson Model 1500 bolt Gun in 7mm Rem Mag, does anyone know the history of these rifle's?, ie; year of manufacture etc
Please note, I live in Australia and there is little or no information on the rifles
I actually have not received the rifle yet as it's still with the dealer and I don't know the serial number of the rifle yet ( with may help on this post? )

Any help appreciated
Regards
KRC508

Made by Howa in Japan, have not seen one in quite a while but they were nicely finished rifles.

It's a Howa 1500. It's also been sold in the US as the Mossberg 1500, the S&W 1500 and with some minor cosmetic changes is currently sold as the Weatherby Vanguard.

Howa made all Weatherby rifles when the Mark Vs were made in Japan. The 1500 by any name is a good solid rifle.

KRC508 - purchased a S&W M1500 in 1985 (+/- a few years). 24" heavy barrel, parkerized finish in .308W. Action was very smooth and accurate w/ 1:12 twist that loved 168gr SMK. Still have it alongside several other HOWA's. My SN PN735XX if that helps you any. Homesteader

OK thanks for the update, I finally picked up my Smith & Wesson model 1500 today, the stock is great, and overall the rifle is in good condition for it's age, with only a very few small marks on the stock ( hardly noticed ). The serial on the rifle ends in PNXXX753, therefore it's a an early production unit, I think?
I will post some photo's when I get a chance
Regards
KRC508

Just so you know, it takes Rem 700 bases, so lots of options.

I have a Vanguard, Howa and just sent a Mossberg 1500 off for a new barrel. All of the factory tubes had the same dimensions, so stocks that fit a Howa/Vanguard should fit that S&W.

KRC508 - "PNXXX753" if those XXX's are in the same range as mine rest assured you've a 30 y/o HOWA that's been cared for. As Hawk Driver stated it will take Remington bases. " it's a an early production unit ?"...could be. Mossberg M1500's may have their own SN blocks followed by S&W. I can't say for sure.
Homesteader.

Ok the actual serial number is PN000753, stamped on the left hand side of the action is "Smith & Wesson" Model 1500
Regards
KRC508