Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Howa M1500 Super Lite Carbon

by
posted on August 11, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

What we have here is another exclusive brought to you by Davidson’s, which means the Howa M1500 Super Lite Carbon is only available through the company’s Gallery of Guns. Davidson’s has been in the firearm industry for decades, having expanded from its early roots in the automotive industry. From 1980 until today, the company has established itself as one of the preeminent firearm distributors in the nation. As such, Davidson’s can join forces with the biggest makers in the field, thus bringing to market unique designs you won­’t find elsewhere. And the Howa M1500 Super Lite Carbon, weighing in at just under 4.5 lbs., is one such firearm. Watch the video above to see the M1500 Super Lite Carbon out on the range with American Rifleman staff.

Gun Of The Week title screen text overlay of howa m1500 super lite carbon bolt-action rifle background leupold gold ring optic scope

For the folks who aren’t familiar, it’s important to note Howa is a well-respected Japanese manufacturer that’s been making firearms for some time now, with many of the company’s products brought to U.S. shores by Legacy Sports International. Add in the expertise at Davidson’s, and you’ve got an ultralight rifle any Western backcountry hunter can use effectively. The M1500 Super Lite Carbon is built with a scaled receiver that is machined and sized perfectly for .308 Winchester-length cartridges, so technically this is neither a Mini action nor is it a standard short action. It fits somewhere in the middle. Because of this, Howa was able to reduce its weight to create an efficient little bolt action that’s designed for some of America’s favorite hunting rounds.

rear view of man shooting holding bolt-action Howa M1500 Super Lite Carbon bolt-action rifle target shooting hunting

For Davidson’s to turn the M1500 into an exclusive offering, it partnered with Stocky’s for a gunstock made of carbon fiber. And not only is the stock incredibly lightweight, it also features a unique sponge-pattern camouflage. Furthermore, there is splattered texturing within a soft-touch topcoat—it’s a unique feel and look only found on this particular model. In addition, the barreled action of the M1500 Super Lite is fitted with a 20" lightweight barrel to get the most out of its available chamberings, which include: .243 Win., 6.5 mm Creedmoor, 7 mm-08 Rem. or .308 Win.

Nine images tiles mosaic gun rifle men shooting bolt-action HOWA M1500 SUPER LITE CARBON

The M1500 Super Lite Carbon comes with all the provisions needed to make it a perfectly capable, hunt-ready package, minus the optic and sling. The rifle comes with a one-piece Picatinny rail attached, and the barrel is threaded and capped, though a radial muzzle brake ships with the gun for those who wish to reduce recoil. You’ll also get the fan-favorite Burnt Bronze finish on the barreled action. Additionally, the gun is fitted with bottom metal that, too, is color-matched and houses a detachable box magazine with a four-round capacity. Attach your favorite piece of glass and a sling, and this rifle is ready for the field.

Howa M1500 Super Lite Carbon buttstock gun parts closeup detail paint carbon fiber splatter texture sheen

Our sample arrived chambered for the popular 6.5 mm Creedmoor cartridge, a round known for its manageable recoil. Despite the light weight of the sub-4.5-lb. Super Lite, it was soft on the shoulder. On the range with the Super Lite Carbon our testers enjoyed its fast-handling characteristics. The two-lug action was found to be smooth and easy to run, and its three-position safety is a great feature for today’s hunters.

Davidson’s Howa M1500 Super Lite Carbon Specifications
Distributor: GalleyofGuns.com
Action Type: bolt-action, repeating, centerfire rifle
Chambering:
Barrel: 20"
Magazine: four-round detachable box
Sights: none; Picatinny rail
Stock: Stocky's carbon, splattered-paint texture, soft-touch finish
Trigger: two-stage adjustable; 3-lb., 5-oz. pull
Length: 39.5"
Weight: 4 lbs., 6 ozs.
MSRP: $1,099.99

Latest

smith and wesson mp 22 right-side view on table indoor shooting range
smith and wesson mp 22 right-side view on table indoor shooting range

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Ruger Buys Anderson Manufacturing

Ruger announced on July 1 it has acquired all assets of Anderson Manufacturing, a recent top 10 producer of firearms in the U.S.

Favorite Firearms: Anticipating Answers

Everyone has a favorite gun, but not many have a story quite like the one from NRA member Jim Schollhammer.

Rifleman Report: Safe Passage

While the phrase “tools of the trade” may refer to specific items that a worker uses to ply his or her vocation, it could just as easily be a reference to the firearms, knives and other everyday carry, or EDC, gear that the average citizen uses to ensure his or her safe passage through the course of an uncertain, sometimes dangerous, daily existence.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model 1914 Auto Pistol

The Spanish/Basque city of Eibar is one of Europe’s great arms-manufacturing centers, with a history in gunmaking dating back to the 1500s.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.