BudsGunShop.com - Why is the scope SO close to the forend?

That definitely doesn't seem right, as James said you COULD buy new rings or a riser. But I wouldn't, id take pictures and send them to Howa customer service, and I'm certain they'd take care of you. When you spend that much on a rifle everything should work right out of the box without having to spend a bunch more money.
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Anthony, I have seen this on the factory supplied rings Sir. Two of these .25 inch risers will solve your issue : budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/109965/aim+sports+ml109+riser+mount+ar-platform+25+low+profile+black+hardcoat+anodized+160+long

It shouldn't touch the forend unless they provided incorrect height scope rings. With bigger Scopes like this with low height rings it's very possible for the scope to hit the forend. I have a Savage 10 ba stealth, a similar rifle with a similar sized scope andwith low scope rings my scope would hit the barrel. My best advice would be to buy high scope rings/mount. Sorry you're having issues but hope this helps.