The HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 .243 Win 20in Tan/Black is a purpose-built bolt-action rifle that gives you a lightweight 4.9 lb platform without sacrificing accuracy. Chambered in .243 Winchester with a 20-inch threaded barrel (1/2×28), this rifle pairs a carbon-fiber style stock from HS Precision in tan and black webbing with a two-stage match trigger and a flush detachable magazine. It’s drilled and tapped for optics right out of the box, ready for the field or the range.
| Manufacturer | HOWA (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 |
| Material | Carbon-fiber style polymer stock, steel receiver and barrel |
| Compatibility | HOWA M1500 short-action pattern, .243 Winchester |
| Finish | Tan and black webbing stock, black matte metal finish |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Lightweight 4.9 lb build — Why it matters: You can carry this rifle all day through rough terrain without fatigue, making it ideal for spot-and-stalk hunting or long hikes to your stand.
- 20-inch threaded barrel (1/2×28) — Why it matters: Attach a suppressor or muzzle brake quickly for reduced recoil and noise, keeping your setup compact and handy in the brush.
- Two-stage match trigger — Why it matters: The crisp take-up and clean break let you make precise shots at distance, especially important for varmint hunting or target work with .243 Win.
- Flush detachable magazine (3+1 capacity) — Why it matters: Reload fast without snagging on gear, and the flush fit keeps the rifle sleek for carrying through thick cover.
- Drilled and tapped receiver — Why it matters: Mount your preferred scope or red dot without gunsmithing — just bolt on rings and go, saving you time and money.
Who It’s For
This rifle is built for the hunter who walks miles before taking a shot. If you chase whitetail, mule deer, or varmints in open country and need a lightweight, accurate rifle that handles well, the HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 fits. It also suits new shooters who want a manageable recoil caliber (.243 Win) in a reliable bolt gun that won’t break the bank. Experienced shooters will appreciate the match trigger and threaded barrel for customizing their setup.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: At 4.9 lbs, it’s one of the lightest production bolt actions in its class — great for all-day carry.
- Pro: The two-stage match trigger is adjustable and breaks clean, giving you confidence at longer ranges.
- Pro: Threaded barrel (1/2×28) accepts common muzzle devices and suppressors without adapters.
- Con: The stock has a slightly narrow forend, which may feel less stable for shooters with larger hands or when using a bipod — a minor trade-off for the weight savings.
Comparison
| Feature | HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 | Tikka T3x Lite | Ruger American Predator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.9 lbs | 6.3 lbs | 6.4 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 20 in, threaded 1/2×28 | 22.4 in, threaded 5/8×24 | 22 in, threaded 5/8×24 |
| Trigger | Two-stage match | Single-stage adjustable | Single-stage adjustable |
| Magazine | Flush detachable (3+1) | Detachable (3+1) | Detachable (4+1) |
| Stock | HS Precision carbon-fiber style | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Price | $1,064.41 | $1,199.00 | $699.00 |
Compared to the Tikka T3x Lite, the HOWA is over a pound lighter and comes with a better stock for less money. The Ruger American Predator is more budget-friendly, but you give up the match trigger and lighter weight. For a dedicated lightweight build, the HOWA hits a sweet spot.
FAQ
What scope base pattern does the HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 use?
It uses a standard HOWA short-action footprint — drilled and tapped for 8-40 screws. Most one-piece or two-piece bases from Leupold, Talley, or Warne will fit.
Can I use .308 Winchester in this rifle?
No, this is chambered specifically for .243 Winchester. Do not attempt to chamber .308 — it will not fit and could cause damage or injury.
Is the barrel threaded under a cap or is it bare?
It comes with a thread protector installed over the 1/2×28 threads. The barrel is bare underneath — just remove the protector to attach a suppressor or brake.
What is the twist rate on the 20-inch barrel?
Per HOWA specs, the .243 Win barrel has a 1:10 twist rate, which stabilizes bullets from 55 to 105 grains well for varmint and deer hunting.
Does the stock have a bedding block?
Yes, the stock includes an aluminum bedding block for consistent action fit and improved accuracy over traditional pillar bedding.
✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✅ Ships 1-2 business days
✅ 30-day returns
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Browse more Bolt Action Rifles or check our Scopes & Optics to complete your setup.
Last updated: April 2026
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