First Look: Nosler M48 Independence Handgun

by
posted on January 23, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
noslerm48independence_lead.jpg

Calling all handgun hunters: Nosler has something new just for you, the M48 Independence. Featuring a 15-inch stainless steel barrel that’s threaded for a muzzle device or suppressor and chambered in six popular calibers, the single-shot handgun balances and feels surprisingly good in the hand. This is mostly due to the mid-grip design of the stock—the action actually sits behind the hand and above the wrist, placing much of the weight aft of the grip and eliminating any muzzle heaviness.

Nosler’s M48 action forms the foundation of the Independence, fashioned in single-shot configuration. A solid-bottom receiver facilitates feeding. The stock is CNC machined from a solid piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. The action is bedded, and the barrel free-floated. The grip interface, in a nicely modular touch, is standard AR-15, enabling the user to customize look and appearance. It ships standard with black Hogue finger-groove grips.

Cerakote is Nosler’s finish of choice for the M48 Independence, with the barreled action coated Matte Black and the stock Gun Metal Grey. The colors compliment each other nicely in a kind of understated macho elegance. It’s not a lightweight handgun—that’s a good thing when you’re in the mood to shoot little tiny groups—which, according to reports, it does quite well.

Weight comes in right at 5.4 pounds with an overall length of 21 inches. Available chamberings include .22 Nosler, 6mm Creedmoor, .24 Nosler, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem., and 308 Win. The new M48 Independence has an MSRP of $2,495.

For more information, visit nosler.com.

Latest

W H2026 02 KNOW HOW CH1019 Hiking A Long Way In Or To Very Specific Refuges Can Lead To Coyote Success, Copyright Mark Kayser
W H2026 02 KNOW HOW CH1019 Hiking A Long Way In Or To Very Specific Refuges Can Lead To Coyote Success, Copyright Mark Kayser

Coyote Hunting Tips: Are You Overlooking These Details?

Don't overlook the small details on your coyote hunts. It could sink your hunt and leave you with a sinking feeling of failure. The following represent areas where overlooked details, big and small, could send your hunt to the bottom of the ocean faster than the Titanic.

New for 2026: Federal Heavyweight TSS Rob Roberts Limited Edition

Federal Ammunition has been shipping its new Heavyweight TSS Rob Roberts Limited Edition turkey loads. Developed in collaboration with legendary choke designer Rob Roberts, these limited-edition offerings are built to deliver extreme range, pattern density and lethal energy.

New for 2026: Pedersoli Kodiak Survivalist Compact Express Rifle

Italian Firearms Group (IFG) has released the Kodiak Survivalist, an all-new compact express rifle from Davide Pedersoli. Known for blending old-world detail with serious performance across its lineup, Pedersoli brings that same disciplined craftsmanship to a utility-driven concept, resulting in what might best be described as a "gentleman's survival rifle."

Turkey Loads 101

Seemingly simple, selecting the proper turkey load is anything but a grab-and-go proposition nowadays. Instead, it requires consideration of key load characteristics, purpose and value, all of which are covered in this article.

New for 2026: Kings Camo XKG Summit Series Packs

Kings Camo has launched its all-new XKG Summit Series Packs. Engineered for versatility, comfort and load-hauling capability, this pack systems offer modular performance suitable for a wide range of adventures, from streamlined day hunts to extended backcountry trips.

New for 2026: Real Avid Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags

Real Avid has announced the Ratchet Rest—Adjustable Height Shooting Bags designed to give shooters exact elevation control, faster target alignment and repeatable shooting performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.