Howa Superlite
Howa Machinery · Rifle · In Production · 2022
Also known as: Howa Super Lite, Howa 1500 Super Lite, Howa Superlite GEN 2
Overview
The Howa Superlite is an ultralight bolt-action hunting rifle from Howa Machinery, built around a unique action that sits between the company's compact Mini Action and its standard Short Action platform. At roughly 4 lb 7 oz (about 2 kg) bare, Howa markets it as one of the lightest centerfire rifles on the market. Weight is shed through a machined receiver, a forged bolt with an integrated bolt handle and pressure-vent holes, a slim sporter-contour cold-hammer-forged barrel, and a carbon-fiber stock. It retains Howa's HACT two-stage trigger and three-position safety. The 20-inch barrel is threaded (1/2x28) with a thread protector, and a flush-fit detachable box magazine keeps the profile clean. Chamberings include 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester and 7mm-08 Remington.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2013 g (71.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 991 mm (39.02") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 13 N (2.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3088 J (2278 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5 Creedmoor · primary — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm
- .243 Winchester — also known as .243 Win
- 7mm-08 Remington — also known as 7mm-08
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety, Bolt Locking Safety
- Features: Ultralight, Two Lug Bolt, Intermediate Action, Machined Receiver, Forged Bolt, Integrated Bolt Handle, Fluted Bolt Vent Holes, Hact Two Stage Trigger, Three Position Safety, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Sporter Contour Barrel, Threaded Barrel, Thread Protector, Carbon Fiber Stock, Flush Detachable Magazine
Service history
Operators
- United States Civilian Market
Production
Production years: 2022-present
Marketed by Howa as among the lightest centerfire bolt-action rifles available.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Notes
Bare weight ~4 lb 7 oz (~2013g), overall length ~39 in (991mm). Barrel 20 in (508mm), sporter contour, cold-hammer-forged, 1:10 in (254mm) RH twist, 1/2x28 threaded muzzle with thread protector. HACT two-stage trigger ~3 lb (~13 N). Flush detachable box magazine, 3-round capacity. Three-position toggle safety. Carbon-fiber stock (Stocky's), straight comb, ~13.25 in LOP, offered in Kryptek Altitude/Obskura camo as well as later solid-color and walnut options. The Superlite uses an in-between intermediate-length action distinct from both the Mini and standard Short Action. MSRP around $1,039. Year introduced ~2022; a Gen 2 has since been offered.
Background
To hit its sub-2-kilogram target, Howa machined the bolt handle directly into the bolt body and drilled vent holes through it, then hung the whole rifle on a carbon-fiber stock - shaving enough ounces that the company claimed the title of lightest centerfire rifle on the market when it launched.