HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE
Posted May 19, 2023
Howa M1500 Superlite Review
The Howa M1500 Superlite is a rifle designed for hunters and shooters who want all the power and accuracy of a full-sized rifle in a more convenient, lightweight, and maneuverable package. Featuring a synthetic stock, barrel, and action, the Howa M1500 Superlite weighs a mere 7.8 pounds. Its accuracy and reliability make it a very attractive option for shooters who don’t want to sacrifice quality for portability.
To begin, the Howa M1500 Superlite is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry when hunting or shooting for extended periods of time. This is especially true for those with smaller statures, as the lighter weight means they can make shots more easily and won’t tire out. This feature also makes the rifle easier to store and transport, whether it’s heading out into the field or just on an extended hunting trip.
The Howa M1500 Superlite also features a high-grade precision barrel that is known for its accuracy and reliability. The barrel is cold hammer forged, meaning it has been precisely cut and crafted from high-quality steel, resulting in a superior surface finish and secure attachment of the barrel’s components. The barrel profile is a 22-inch, .308 caliber, with a 1:10 twist rate that works well with both heavier and lighter bullets up to about the 78 grain mark.
The action of the Howa M1500 Superlite is a classic three-position bolt that enables quick and convenient cycling of the cartridges. With this model, Howa has incorporated a few unique features such as an integrated single-stage trigger, enlarged loading port, and a slick bolt-lift device to allow for more versatility and improved performance. The bolt is a two-lug design, giving it great strength and durability while remaining light in weight.
Another interesting feature of the Howa M1500 Superlite is the included scope rail. This is specifically designed to fit existing standard scope mounts, so you won’t have to buy additional hardware. Additionally, Howa includes a five-round detachable magazine with the rifle, which is a nice touch. This magazine features an integrated release button, making reloading a breeze and reducing wasted time in the field.
The Howa M1500 Superlite also boasts a 100 percent adjustable trigger that can be set to any weight between 3.25 and 4.25 pounds. This adjustable feature is great for tailoring the rifle to an individual shooter’s preference and skill set.
The safety system on this rifle is designed to easily be switched off and on after each firing session, again making the process quick and convenient. One nice portion of the safety system is that it can be switched on and off when the bolt is in the open or closed position, meaning the rifle can be safely carried in the field without having to bear the weight of the safety.
The stock is where the Howa M1500 Superlite really stands out. It is made of tough, lightweight composite material, shaped for complete ergonomic superiority. It also features Howa’s patented Soft Grip Technology, which keeps the stock from slipping in wet or icy conditions. This is especially nice to have on long hunting trips when conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Finally, the Howa M1500 Superlite comes with an exclusive 10-year, transferable, warranty. This is especially invaluable for novice shooters and new rifle owners, as any pre-existing defects can be serviced at no cost.
The Howa M1500 Superlite is a top-tier rifle that stands out from other models with its impressive lightweight design, accuracy, and reliability. It’s an excellent option for shooters looking for a lightweight, high-quality rifle, and is perfect for hunters considering a more maneuverable rifle. With its integrated single-stage trigger, adjustable safety, and Soft Grip Technology, the Howa M1500 Superlite is a solid choice for those looking for the perfect all-around hunting and shooting rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• High accuracy: The HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE is engineered to provide superior accuracy and consistency in all conditions. The barrel is cold hammer forged from steel, which allows for tighter tolerances and a more even distribution of weight, and the precision-machined bolt-action helps ensure a reliable and consistent lock-up.
• Durable construction: The HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE features a lightweight alloy chassis, forged one-piece receiver, and heavy-duty synthetic stock. The receiver and barrel are made from high-grade steel and the high-grade synthetic stock is weatherproof and corrosion-resistant.
• Versatile: The HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE is capable of handling a wide range of calibers, which makes it ideal for a variety of shooting applications, including hunting, target shooting, and tactical use.
• Value: The HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE provides top-notch accuracy at a fraction of the cost of other high-end bolt actions.
Cons:
• Heavy trigger pull: The trigger pull on the HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE is relatively heavy, which means it may not be ideal for precision shooting.
• Poor scope: The factory-installed scope is not of the highest quality, which may not be ideal for precision shooting.
• Lack of aftermarket parts: The HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE lacks a wide selection of aftermarket parts, so modifications may be difficult to come by.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable hunting rifle should consider a HOWA M1500 Superlite. The gun is lightweight, accurate, and reliable, making it an ideal choice for hunters of all experience levels.
The HOWA M1500 Superlite is not the best choice for those on a tight budget. It is certainly more expensive than other rifles in its class, so if budget is a consideration, it might be best to look elsewhere.
Comparisons
| Caliber | Barrel Length | Magazine Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| .223 Remington | 16.25" | 4-round Magazine | 6.3 lb. |
| .308 Winchester | 20" | 4-round Magazine | 7.5 lb. |
| .243 Winchester | 22" | 4-round Magazine | 6.5 lb. |
| .308 Winchester | 22" | 4-round Magazine | 7.5 lb. |
| .308 Winchester | 22" | 4-round Magazine | 6.75 lb. |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .308 Win, .270 Win, 6.5mm Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, .300 Win Mag
• Barrel Length: 20"
• Overall Length: 39.3"
• Weight: 6.7 pounds
• Stock: Black Pint synthetic stock
• Twist Rate: 1 in 8" RH
• Muzzle Thread: 5/8"-24
• Magazine Capacity: 4 (detachable box magazine)
• Safety: Three-position safety
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the HOWA M1500 Superlite are scope rings, a bipod, a muzzle brake, a folding stock, a replacement magazine, a sling, and an adjustable cheek piece.
Accuracy
The HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE is an excellent rifle for accuracy and precision. This rifle has a cold hammer-forged heavy barrel that offers superior accuracy, while the free-floated design minimizes any shifts in POI (point of impact) due to heating after sustained firing. Thanks to its two-stage match-grade trigger, the HOWA M1500 SUPERLITE allows for short and light trigger pulls with minimal creep or over-travel for increased accuracy. The accuracy of the M1500 SUPERLITE has been tested in the field with five-shot groups measuring around 0.5 Minute of Angle (MOA). In some cases, it has been found to perform even better with sub-MOA groups of 0.3 MOA. The accuracy of this rifle makes it a great choice for a variety of shooting activities, from hunting to target shooting.
