NOSLER M48 LIBERTY
Posted Jun 16, 2023
RIFLE
The Nosler M 48 Liberty Rifle has long been known for its rugged reliability and unmatched accuracy. This rifle, first released in 2005 by leading ammunition manufacturer Nosler Inc, is considered by many to be the pinnacle of long-range precision rifles for hunting and target shooting. I was given the opportunity to field test a Nosler M 48 Liberty in .30-06 caliber as part of a larger, ongoing firearms evaluation project I'm conducting for upcoming media publications.
Upon first handling the rifle, it was immediately apparent why the M 48 Liberty is preferred by professionals and connoisseurs alike. The entire rifle exudes confidence and class from its sleek, graphite black painted finish to the immaculately crafted wood furniture. This is in part due to the fact that the M 48 is entirely manufactured and built by hand. Every component is hand fitted and machined to exacting tolerances in Nosler Inc’s Oregon factory to ensure it meets the highest quality standards.
The wooden composit stock of the M 48 Liberty is comprised of several different laminates that have been strategically placed to make it exceptionally strong while also reducing flex and maintaining accuracy. The laser-cut checkering of the forearm contains 24 lines per inch, giving the tendrils of the woodwork an incredibly tactile feel that also enhances the rifle’s handling characteristics. The sleek black paint job and quality woodwork combine to give the M 48 Liberty an eye-catching, yet professional aesthetic.
Internals of the M 48 Liberty consist of a complete chrome-moly steel set up with the clean-breaking adjustable trigger that's factory preset to 3 lbs. Its three lugs rotation bolt reliably cycles the .30-06 cartridge without any issues or cannibalizing of the brass. Its 22-inch freefloated barrel is more accurate than many other factory rifles due to Nosler's own Perfect Shot Chamber System that ensures maximum accuracy for all bullet weights and velocities.
When shooting the Nosler M 48 Liberty, the combination of its precision-machined steel components and clean-breaking trigger make it an extremely pleasant and satisfying experience. Muzzle rise is negligible, and cycling the .30-06 round is lightning-fast. Recoil is light and easily controlled, making follow-up shots a breeze. As far as accuracy is concerned, I find the M 48 surpasses all expectations. At a range of 100 yards, I had consistent 5-shot groupings at less than 1 inch!
I also tested the rifle’s accuracy at 300 yards, and I was impressed with the results. The Nosler M 48 Liberty held its own, easily providing 5-shot groupings around the 4-inch mark! This is highly impressive when you consider that this is a factory rifle with no bedding, floating, or special treatments. With some minor adjustments, the rifle could even exceed these results.
The one con I have about the M 48 Liberty is its weight. At nearly 9 lbs, it can be a bit much for some people to lug around. Also, the price tag of the rifle, around $1700, may be off-putting for some.
All in all, I’m very impressed with the Nosler M 48 Liberty and what it offers. It is truly a remarkable rifle that performs just as well as it looks. If you are a serious shooter or hunter looking for a reliable, highly accurate rifle that won’t break your budget, the M 48 Liberty is definitely worth considering.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Accurate and reliable round
• Compatible with Long-Range scopes
• High-Quality ballistic coefficient for long shots
• Outstanding accuracy with Nosler Match Grade Ammunition
• Wide selection of high-performance calibers
Cons:
• Price of High-Grade components can be expensive
• Non-Nosler components may not work as well
• Timing can be longer when switching between ammo and components
• Components may not be available in the same calibers as the rifle
• Limited muzzle brake options
Who Should Buy
Nosler M48 Liberty rifles are designed for shooters and hunters who are looking for a precision engineered, long-range rifle. These rifles are not recommended for novice shooters or hunters who are new to the long-range shooting sport. That being said, anyone with a basic understanding of long-range shooting techniques and who is looking for a reliable and accurate rifle should consider the Nosler M48 Liberty.
Comparisons
| Feature | Nosler M48 Liberty | Bergara B-14 Ridge | Steyr Pro Hunter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 6.5mm PRC | 6.5 PRC | 30-06 Sprg |
| Barrel Length | 24” | 24” | 23.6” |
| Action | Manual Bolt | Bolt-Action | Bolt-Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 | 3+1 | 3+1 |
| Stock | Satin Synthetic | Woodland Camo | Aramid Fiber |
| Finish | Matte Blued | Matte Blued | HD Pear Black |
Features / Specs
• .30-06 Springfield
• 22" match grade barrel
• 5/8x24 threaded muzzle
• 34 1/2" overall length
• Matte black Cerakote® finish
• Hogue® Overmolded Ghillie Green™ stock
• Two Position Rocker Safety
• M.O.A.™ Trigger System
• Spirited ClawTM Extractor
• 20 MOA Picatinny Rail
• Recessed target crown muzzle
• Three-Ring Aluminum Bedding System
Popular Accessories
RIFLE
- Rifle scope
- Bipod
- Recoil pad
- Sling
- Magazine
- Flash hider
- Ammunition
- Trigger guard
- Rifle case
- Cleaning kit
Accuracy
The Nosler M48 Liberty has proven to be a very accurate rifle. This rifle is capable of shooting sub-MOA groups with the right optic and proper timing. Tests have shown that it consistently produces groups of .75 MOA or less. However, its accuracy falls off at longer distances. At 500 yards, the groups are still small enough for hunting, but they’ll open up to more like 1 MOA. That being said, it is still an excellent rifle for medium and short range hunting applications.
