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

WB355, Whitetails Use Their Nose Moe Than Any Other Sense, Copyright Mark Kayser
WB355, Whitetails Use Their Nose Moe Than Any Other Sense, Copyright Mark Kayser

Three Whitetail Traps to Set for Close Shots

Your whitetail hunting location may be as expansive as a national forest or as small as an uncle’s 40-acre woodlot. In either scenario, whitetails have a knack for slipping by just out of shooting range. Whether using a firearm or archery equipment, you do have options to lure whitetails closer. Consider setting a trap this season for your best opportunity at an ethical, in-your-face shot.

Hardware Review: Ravin LR Crossbow

Looking for a new crossbow that packs some serious punch? Look no further than the Ravin LR. Check out Brian McCombie's review of it below.

Don't Fight the Feeling: Setting up a Booner Bowhunt

When your gut tells you to hunt, don’t fight the feeling. Josh Woods didn't, and dropped a legitimate Booner. Here's how he did it.

Range Review: Heritage Badlander Field .410 Bore

This flexible side-by-side from Heritage Manufacturing is ready for a variety of shooting roles including turkey hunting! Check out the full review of the Badlander here.

Win Leica Optics in Sitka’s Diverge 14 Photo Contest

No purchase is necessary to enter the Sitka’s Diverge 14 Photo Contest, and the grand prize winner will net gear worth more than $17,500 from Leica, Sitka, Pelican and Adobe.

Hardware Review: Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL60

Simply put, thermal weapon sights represent the greatest technological advantage a hunter or home protector can have since the advent of the firearm itself. The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF is a great example. Check out Jeff Johnston's Hardware Review of it here.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.