Howa M1500 Superlite 308 Win 20 in Threaded Walnut
About this product
The Howa M1500 Superlite .308 Win with a 20-inch threaded barrel and walnut stock is a lightweight, compact bolt-action rifle built for hunters who need to cover rugged terrain. This specific configuration, available from Ironclad Armory, is a Japanese-made action known for its smooth operation and reliability in field conditions. At 4.7 pounds, it's designed to be carried for miles, not just hauled from a truck to a tree stand.
What is the Howa M1500 Superlite used for?
This rifle is built for mountain hunting and mobile stand setups where weight and maneuverability matter most. The 20-inch threaded barrel is a conscious trade-off, losing about 75-100 feet per second of muzzle velocity compared to a typical 24-inch .308 hunting barrel, but gaining critical compactness for thick timber and packing. With its 1:10 twist rate, it stabilizes hunting bullets from 150 to 180 grains superbly, making it a do-it-all platform for deer, elk, and even bear within ethical ranges when paired with the right optic.
How does the Howa M1500 Superlite compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Howa M1500 offers superior action smoothness and a more rigid, two-lug receiver compared to the Stevens 334's budget-oriented action. I'd recommend the Stevens 334 for a shooter on a strict budget who just needs a functional .308, but the Howa is the clear choice for anyone valuing long-term durability and precision potential. The Howa's HACT two-stage trigger is also distinctly better out of the box, typically breaking at a crisp 3.5 pounds, while the Stevens 334's AccuTrigger clone often needs work to feel consistent.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 4.7 pounds (2.13 kg) and measures 39.5 inches (100.3 cm) in overall length. That weight figure is truly for the rifle alone; adding a durable 30mm scope like a Leupold VX-3HD in Talley mounts will push the total package closer to 6.5 pounds. The walnut stock has a length of pull of approximately 13.75 inches, which suits most adult shooters but will be challenging for younger or smaller-framed hunters without careful fitting.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the long-range precision shooter chasing sub-MOA groups at 800 yards with factory ammunition. The Superlite barrel profile heats up quickly—expect point-of-impact shift by the third shot in a string. It's also a poor choice for someone wanting a dedicated suppressor host. The 1/2-28 thread pattern is excellent for standard muzzle brakes or flash hiders, but a .308 can quickly induce suppressor baffle strikes with this finer thread pitch under heavy use; for serious suppressor work, you want a thicker, 5/8-24 threaded muzzle.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the complete barreled action fitted in the walnut stock. There are no iron sights included. You'll receive the factory-detached trigger guard assembly containing the HACT trigger mechanism, which is critical for zeroing the rifle. No tools, sling swivels, optic bases, or thread protector caps are included from the factory—those are all separate purchases. Plan on another $150-300 for a base, rings, and caps before you can even mount an optic securely.
Is the Howa M1500 Superlite worth it at $633.99?
Yes, for the hunter who prioritizes weight savings over maximum long-range ballistics. At this price point, you're getting the superior Howa 1500 action in a proven mountain-ready package. While you could spend twice as much on a custom ultralight build, you'd have to hunt down a compatible stock and bottom metal. For an immediate, reliable solution, the price is competitive. It's a smarter long-term investment than the lower-cost entry-level Stevens 334, assuming you value the smoother action and better trigger.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.7 lb — significantly lighter than the 7.5+ lb Stevens 555 Sporting O/U platform.
- 20-inch barrel length offers a 4-inch advantage in maneuverability over standard 24-inch hunting barrels in brush.
- HACT trigger typically breaks at a crisp 3.5 pounds out of the box with minimal overtravel.
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts standard #6-48 or metric M3.5 screws for common scope bases.
Trade-offs
- Walnut stock is not free-floated — barrel contact can affect precision as the wood swells in humidity.
- No thread protector included from factory — a $12-25 part needed immediately to protect muzzle crown.
- Limited aftermarket support for the walnut stock inlet compared to the more common Hogue or synthetic options.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 682146880403 |
| manufacturer | Howa |
| manufacturer part number | HWHSL308 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 38.75'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 3-Round |
| model | M1500 Super Lite |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 7.55 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1/2-28 muzzle devices?
- Yes, the standard thread pattern is 1/2-28, which accommodates most .223/5.56 and many .308 muzzle brakes and flash hiders. However, due to the barrel diameter, there is limited shoulder area; proper timing with a crush washer or Accu-Washer is mandatory to prevent cross-threading under recoil. Do not attempt to mount a suppressor without first confirming concentric alignment with a rod gauge.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. At 39.5 inches overall, it will fit comfortably in any standard 42-inch hard or soft rifle case. With scope mounts installed, overall length may increase by 1-2 inches depending on your ocular bell placement, but it will still fit in most 42-inch cases without issue.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock items within 2 business days. Shipment to your selected FFL dealer via ground service typically takes 3-7 business days depending on your location. You must coordinate the transfer directly with your receiving dealer; they will initiate a background check upon arrival which can add 15 minutes to several days depending on your state.
- Can I return it if I don't like it?
- No. Firearms cannot be returned once the transfer is completed at your local FFL, except for a verifiable manufacturer's defect. All sales are final after the background check is initiated. You must inspect the rifle for any cosmetic or functional issues with your FFL before completing the 4473 form. Ironclad Armory will assist with warranty claims through Howa USA if a mechanical defect is discovered within the 1-year manufacturer's warranty period.
- Does this work with AICS-pattern magazines?
- No. The Howa M1500 uses a proprietary, hinged floorplate magazine system. It does not have a detachable box magazine (DBM) option without aftermarket modifications. The internal magazine capacity is 4 rounds of .308 Winchester, which is standard for a hunting rifle in this configuration.