Howa Superlite

About the Howa Superlite

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.

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.

Howa Superlite specifications

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.