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

Herman Shooting SPD Predator
Herman Shooting SPD Predator

#SundayGunday: Henry SPD Predator

Coming out of the skunkworks lab at Henry Repeating Arms is one lever-action series mighty enough to bear Supreme in its nomenclature. And given the fact this is a Special Products Division (SPD) rifle, it’s sure to host a few features otherwise not-so-standard on yesteryear’s lever gun. The SPD Predator is the focal point of this range session. So, let’s take it shooting and run through some details.

USFWS Refuge Review Recommends Establishment of Hunting Coordinators

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published “Rooted in Purpose 2026” on Nov. 6, a review that identifies changes in the policies, organization and spending that can improve the National Wildlife Refuge System’s ability to better fulfill its mission and serve the public—including hunters. The 20-page document [PDF] was quickly lauded by conservation organizations.

A Coues Deer Smorgasbord

Five elusive Coues bucks in three days? Odds for that are low in the Southwest habitat the diminutive deer call home. But that never stopped a family from trying.

A Not-So-Country Gal Might Survive: 5 Things I Learned from my First Hunt

Follow along as American Rifleman's Managing Editor Melissa Dixon goes on her first deer hunt, picking up five important lessons along the way.

Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks Recall

Hunters and others using Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks should discontinue their use immediately.

Head to Head: The .35 Remington vs. the 360 Buckhammer

The .35 Remington, or the 360 Buckhammer? Which will take the edge in this latest Head to Head matchup.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.