Howa Machinery, Ltd. (豊和工業株式会社, Hōwa Kōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha) is a Japanese machinery manufacturer known internationally for their production of military and civilian firearms.[4] They also manufacture products such as machine tools, sweeping vehicles and windows and doors.[3]
Toyoda's Loom Works, Ltd. (豊田式織機株式会社) was established by Sakichi Toyoda in February 1907.[5] In 1941, Toyoda's Loom Works merged with Showa Heavy Industries (昭和重工業株式会社, established in 1936 to produce rifles, artillery shells and airplane parts) and was renamed Howa Heavy Industries, Ltd. (豊和重工業株式会社).[6] The company was renamed to its current name at the end of World War II and restarted manufacturing textile machinery.
Weapon manufacturing
Military use
Toyoda's Loom Works began manufacturing armaments in 1932.[6]
During World War II
Since 1940, Howa has been heavily involved in the Japanese armaments industry, and was involved in manufacturing the famous Arisaka rifle series including Type 99 rifle, parts of Type 38 rifle, artillery pieces, airplane parts, and ammunition.[6] Many of their World War II-era weapons are highly sought after collectors' items.
During the early 1970s, Howa produced the AR-18 and AR-180 5.56mm assault rifle as a license from Armalite Inc. of Costa Mesa, California,[15] which marketed the rifle to various military forces. Japanese government restrictions on the sales of military small arms to foreign countries eventually forced Howa to cease production of the AR-18/AR-180, moving production back to Armalite.[16]
Civilian use
Howa has produced a long line of civilian hunting and target practice rifles in a range of calibers. Howa has also manufactured products or components for other firearm companies, such as Mossberg, Smith & Wesson, and Weatherby. The Smith & Wesson Model 1000 shotgun of the 1970s and 1980s was designed and manufactured by Howa.[17]
Howa M300: Based on the M1 / M2 carbine military automatic rifle designed in the United States, it was developed for hunting and sports. Produced between 1960-1996.
Howa Golden Bear: A bolt-action rifle that was once manufactured by Howa Industries between 1967-1979.
Howa M1500: A bolt-action rifle, is produced in sporting, varmint and heavy barrel configurations, which are sold in the U.S. via Legacy Sports International.[18] In Canada, various retailers stock Howa rifles, including Prophet River, Cabela's, and North Pro Sports. In the United Kingdom, Highland Outdoors imports the Howa rifles.
