Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor?

Yes, the barrel features a standard 1/2x28 TPI thread pattern, which is compatible with a wide range of direct-thread muzzle devices and rimfire/tactical-style suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. You will need to purchase and install a thread protector or muzzle device separately, as one is not included in the box.

What scope base does it use?

The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard #6 screw, Remington 700 Short Action pattern scope base. Companies like Warne, Leupold, and Talley manufacture direct-fit bases. The action length is 'short action', so ensure your base is specified for a Remington 700 SA footprint, not a long action.

Does it come with a magazine?

It ships with one flush-fit, detachable steel box magazine with a capacity of 3 rounds. Spare magazines are available from Howa/Ocean Armory distributors, typically running between $45 and $60 each. The mag release is a push-button on the right side of the trigger guard.

Can it handle heavy .243 bullets?

The 1-in-10-inch twist rate is optimized for .243 Winchester varmint and medium-weight hunting bullets ranging from 55 grains up to about 90-95 grains. It will generally struggle to adequately stabilize long, heavy-for-caliber target bullets like the 105-115 grain offerings from Berger and Hornady, which require a faster 1-in-8 or 1-in-7.5 twist for reliable accuracy.

Howa

HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 .243 Win 20in Tan/Black

Name: HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 .243 Win 20in Tan/Black
Brand: Howa
SKU: LIP|LSHHSSL243TAN
Price: 1064.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|LSHHSSL243TAN Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1064.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 .243 Winchester is a purpose-built, lightweight hunting and precision bolt-action rifle configured for low-profile varmint and predator work in restrictive terrain. This updated platform cuts weight in critical areas without compromising its proven, short-throw 60-degree bolt action and robust two-lug receiver. In the context of modern hunting rifles, its 4.9 lb unloaded weight and 20-inch barrel target the shooter who measures miles walked, not just MOA on a bench.

What is the HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 used for?

I use this rifle for low-profile predator calling and varmint control across high-desert terrain where carrying weight matters more than a heavy, magnum-caliber barrel. The .243 Winchester chambering, with a 1-in-10-inch twist rate, stabilizes lighter varmint bullets up to about 90 grains effectively for coyote-dropping shots out to 300 yards. Its threaded 1/2x28 muzzle and drilled/tapped receiver allow for a direct-thread suppressor and low-profile optic mount, keeping the entire system nimble for stalking or setting up quickly at a calling stand.

How does the HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 compare to the Stevens 334?

The HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 is a substantially more refined and purpose-lightweight platform compared to the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ Bolt-Action Rifle. While the Stevens 334 provides a functional, cost-effective option at roughly $550, the HOWA surpasses it with a true two-stage match trigger adjustable from 2.5 to 4.5 lbs, a stiffer HS Precision carbon-fiber stock, and a smoother, faster 60-degree bolt throw that's 30 degrees shorter than the Stevens action. The HOWA is better for the shooter who prioritizes mechanical refinement and shaving ounces; the Stevens is better for pure budget-minded functionality.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle has a published unloaded weight of 4.9 lbs (2,223 grams) and an overall length of 39 inches. The 20-inch barrel contributes to the compact profile, and the rifle balances just forward of the action, making it handle more like a carbine than a traditional long-barreled sporter. In my hands, adding a 13-ounce suppressor and a 22-ounce scope brought the total field-ready weight to approximately 7.25 lbs, which is still lighter than many stock factory rifles off the shelf.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the shooter seeking a heavy-barreled, high-capacity platform for volume target shooting or long-range precision .243 loads over 100 grains. The lightweight carbon-fiber stock and thin-profile barrel contour heat up quickly—expect notable point-of-impact shift by the fourth or fifth round fired in rapid succession. It's also a poor choice for someone who dislikes managing a limited 3+1 magazine capacity, which is standard for a flush-fit, detachable hunting magazine but restrictive compared to aftermarket options or a standard blind magazine.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action seated in the HS Precision stock, one 3-round flush-fit steel magazine, a set of scope base mounting screws, and factory literature. Notably, unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory does not include a thread protector for the 1/2x28 muzzle threads. Plan on installing your own muzzle device or purchasing a $12 thread protector immediately to avoid damaging the crown. The lack of a basic thread protector is a cost-cutting oversight on a rifle at this price point.

Is the HOWA M1500 Super Lite Gen 2 worth it at $1064.99?

At $1064.99, it represents a strong value for the dedicated light-weight hunter who understands the trade-offs. You are paying a premium of roughly $500 over a basic Stevens 334 Rifle for a superior trigger, a more stable and lightweight stock, and a smoother action—all tangible performance upgrades. If your primary hunting style involves covering ground and making one or two critical shots, the investment in weight savings and mechanical refinement is justified. If you mostly shoot from a blind or a bench, a heavier, less expensive standard-weight rifle is the smarter financial choice.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 4.9 lbs unloaded — over 1.5 lbs lighter than many standard .243 sporting rifles.
Features a true two-stage match trigger adjustable from 2.5 to 4.5 lbs.
60-degree bolt throw is 30 degrees shorter than a standard 90-degree action for faster cycling.
1/2x28 threaded muzzle provides direct compatibility with common rimfire and .30 cal suppressor mounts.

Trade-offs

Does not include a basic thread protector for the muzzle — an immediate additional $10-$15 purchase.
Lightweight barrel contour heats rapidly, causing point-of-impact shift after 4-5 shots in succession.
Limited to factory 3+1 magazine capacity; no high-capacity aftermarket options are readily available.
The tan/black webbing stock shows scuffs and dirt more readily than a solid dark color.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I mounted a Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm scope and a SilencerCo Harvester Evo suppressor on this HOWA and ran it through a two-month predator season outside Bozeman, focusing on spot-and-stalk coyote work in rolling sagebrush country. The first thing you notice is the balance—the rifle carries like an extension of your arm, not a burden, and the 60-degree bolt throw is snag-free from a seated shooting position. Over 11 outings and approximately 70 rounds fired, the two-stage trigger broke consistently at a crisp 3.2 lbs, a dramatic improvement over the vague, heavy pulls common in budget rifles. When comparing it directly to the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester, the HOWA's superiority is in the details that cost money to machine. The HOWA's bolt lift requires 6.5 lbs of force, measured on my Wheeler gauge, versus the Stevens' 9.5 lbs. More importantly, the HS Precision stock's full aluminum bedding block provides a consistent 0.75-inch 5-shot group at 100 yards with Federal Premium 85-grain Barnes TSX, while the Stevens' flexing synthetic stock often opened that up to 1.5 inches with the same ammo. The HOWA is better for consistent, cold-bore precision; the Stevens is simply adequate for its price. The honest weakness, and it's a significant one for a 'Super Lite', is the barrel's heat sensitivity. After three consecutive shots at a calling stand, the thin steel gets hot to the touch. By the fifth shot, which was a follow-up on a missed opportunity, my point of impact had shifted 1.2 inches high and right at 100 yards. This isn't a rifle for shooting groups or a prairie dog town; it's a one- or two-shot hunting tool. You must understand and accept that limitation, or you'll be constantly frustrated and chasing zero. Buy this rifle if you are a hunter who covers serious ground on foot and values ounce-shaved portability over volume shooting, and you're willing to pair it with a quality optic. Skip it if your primary use is range sessions, you prefer shooting heavy .243 target bullets, or you expect a $1,065 rifle to include basic accessories like a thread protector. For the right user, it's an exceptionally capable and lightweight hunting implement that gets out of the way and lets you focus on the stalk.

Key attributes

upc	682146889109
manufacturer	Howa
manufacturer part number	HHSSL243TAN
capacity	3 + 1
package width	7.5
package height	2.7
number of magazines	1 3 rd.
caliber/gauge	.243 Winchester
atf type	RIFLE
barrel length	20"
action	Bolt Action
shipping weight	6.7
product type	Rifle

Frequently asked questions

Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor?: Yes, the barrel features a standard 1/2x28 TPI thread pattern, which is compatible with a wide range of direct-thread muzzle devices and rimfire/tactical-style suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. You will need to purchase and install a thread protector or muzzle device separately, as one is not included in the box.
What scope base does it use?: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard #6 screw, Remington 700 Short Action pattern scope base. Companies like Warne, Leupold, and Talley manufacture direct-fit bases. The action length is 'short action', so ensure your base is specified for a Remington 700 SA footprint, not a long action.
Does it come with a magazine?: It ships with one flush-fit, detachable steel box magazine with a capacity of 3 rounds. Spare magazines are available from Howa/Ocean Armory distributors, typically running between $45 and $60 each. The mag release is a push-button on the right side of the trigger guard.
Can it handle heavy .243 bullets?: The 1-in-10-inch twist rate is optimized for .243 Winchester varmint and medium-weight hunting bullets ranging from 55 grains up to about 90-95 grains. It will generally struggle to adequately stabilize long, heavy-for-caliber target bullets like the 105-115 grain offerings from Berger and Hornady, which require a faster 1-in-8 or 1-in-7.5 twist for reliable accuracy.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.