First Look: Howa Superlite Rifle Series

Legacy Sports International has announced the launch of the Howa Superlite Series of rifles, each tipping the scales at a mere 4 pounds 7 ounces. The durable series of rifles boast sub-MOA accuracy, and a variety of camo offerings in the Kryptek Altitude or Obskura patterns. An incorporated black webbing soft-touch coating adds texture and grip overtop the Stocky’s carbon-fiber stock. 

The standout features of this rifle go beyond stock and finish, however. This new Howa offering has a unique Howa Reduced Short Action that is in between the already popular Howa Mini Action and the standard Short Action platform. The gun's unique action is fed by a flush-fit detachable magazine, slotted into a machined receiver. The bolt, however, is forged.

A 20-inch blued barrel is threaded to 1/2"-28 TPI for the easy addition of a suppressor, an eminently popular addition for the two initial caliber offerings—.308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. The gun's overall length is a portable 39-inches, but boasts a one-piece Picatinny rail on top for the easy addition of an optic. A 2-stage match trigger supports accurate shooting, while a three-position safety allows for safe unloading.

For cleaning, the firing pin can be removed footlessly, a real boon in the backcountry. An M16-style extractor/ejector is also used, to improve reliability.

For more information on this new series of rifles, which come with a lifetime warranty, please visit legacysports.com. MSRP: $1,399