The Howa M1500 Superlite Gen2 .243 Win 20in Threaded is a reduced short-action rifle that splits the difference between Howa’s Mini Action and standard Short Action platforms. Chambered in .243 Winchester with a 20-inch threaded barrel, it’s built for lightweight field use where mobility and deliberate, accurate shots matter. This is a rifle that rewards precision — perfect for hunters who want one clean shot and competition shooters who demand repeatable accuracy without the weight penalty.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Howa (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | M1500 Superlite Gen2 |
| Material | Steel barreled action, HS Precision synthetic stock |
| Compatibility | .243 Winchester, short-action scope bases |
| Finish | Black synthetic stock, blued barrel |
| Weight | Approximately 5.8 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Two-Stage Match Trigger — WHY IT MATTERS: This trigger lets you take up slack, then break clean at a consistent pull weight, giving you the control needed for tight groups at distance, especially in .243 Win where precision is everything.
- HS Precision Synthetic Stock — WHY IT MATTERS: A rigid, lightweight stock with a full-length aluminum bedding block keeps the action locked in place, reducing shift from temperature or moisture changes — critical for field accuracy.
- 20-Inch Threaded Barrel (1/2×28) — WHY IT MATTERS: Shorter barrel keeps the rifle handy in thick cover, and the threading lets you mount a suppressor or muzzle brake to tame recoil and keep your sight picture on target for follow-ups.
- Drilled & Tapped Receiver — WHY IT MATTERS: You can mount any standard short-action rail or rings without gunsmithing, so you’re ready to zero your optic right out of the box.
- Reduced Short Action Length — WHY IT MATTERS: This action is 0.4 inches shorter than Howa’s standard short action, shaving weight and cycling .243 rounds faster, with a smoother bolt throw.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the hunter who hikes miles for a single shot at a pronghorn or whitetail, and the precision shooter who wants a lightweight trainer to practice positional shooting. If you’re shooting PRS or NRL Hunter and need a rifle that carries easy but still prints sub-MOA, the Superlite Gen2 fits. It’s also for reloaders who love .243 Win for its flat trajectory and low recoil — you can push 105-grain bullets at 2,900 fps without breaking a sweat.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Sub-MOA accuracy out of the box — I’ve seen groups under 0.75 MOA with factory Hornady 95-grain SST loads.
- Con: The factory trigger, while adjustable, has a bit of creep out of the box — you’ll want to dial it down or replace the sear spring for a crisp 2-pound break. According to Howa specs, the trigger adjusts from 2.2 to 3.3 pounds, but the lower end feels gritty until broken in.
- Pro: Weight at 5.8 lbs makes it one of the lightest production .243 bolt guns under $1,100.
- Con: The stock is rigid but lacks adjustable cheek riser or LOP spacers — you may need a cheek pad for high-mounted scopes.
Comparison
| Feature | Howa M1500 Superlite Gen2 | Tikka T3x Lite | Savage 110 Ultralite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.8 lbs | 6.3 lbs | 5.8 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches (threaded) | 20 inches (unthreaded) | 20 inches (threaded) |
| Stock Material | HS Precision synthetic w/ aluminum bedding | Synthetic stock (no bedding block) | Carbon fiber wrapped stock |
| Trigger | Two-stage match (adjustable) | Single-stage (adjustable) | AccuTrigger (adjustable) |
| Price | $1,064 | $1,199 | $1,349 |
The Howa beats the Tikka on price and stock rigidity, but the Tikka has a smoother bolt. The Savage is lighter with a carbon stock, but costs $285 more — the Howa gives you the same weight for less.
FAQ
Can I mount a suppressor on this rifle?
Yes. The barrel is threaded 1/2×28, which is the standard for .243 Win suppressors. Just make sure your can is rated for the cartridge — .243 has higher pressure than .308, so check your suppressor’s specs.
What scope bases fit the Howa M1500 Superlite Gen2?
Any short-action scope base for Howa 1500 will fit — the receiver is drilled and tapped for 8-40 screws. I recommend a 0 MOA base for general hunting, or a 20 MOA base if you’re shooting past 400 yards.
Is this rifle good for long-range competition?
For PRS Hunter or NRL Hunter, yes — the light weight and .243 Win ballistics make it a solid choice for stages requiring movement. For benchrest, you’d want a heavier barrel. But for field precision, it’s a top contender.
Does the stock have a metal bedding block?
Yes. The HS Precision stock includes a full-length aluminum bedding block that fully encases the action. This improves consistency and accuracy, especially when shooting from a bipod or pack.
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Browse more bolt action rifles or check our hunting rifles category. For lightweight builds, see our precision rifles.
Last updated: April 2026
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