Howa M1500 Super Lite 6.5 Creedmoor 20 in. Walnut

The Howa M1500 Super Lite 6.5 Creedmoor 20 in. Walnut is a compact, field-ready bolt-action rifle built on Howa’s proprietary action that splits the difference between Mini and standard Short Action. At 6.5 lb. bare weight with a 20-inch barrel and threaded muzzle, this rifle is designed for hunters and shooters who prioritize portability without sacrificing the inherent precision of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. It ships drilled and tapped for optics, includes a one-piece Picatinny rail, and wears a traditional walnut stock—proving that lightweight doesn’t have to mean synthetic.

Manufacturer	Howa
Model	M1500 Super Lite
Material	Walnut stock, carbon steel barrel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	Howa M1500 short-action scope bases, 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition
Finish	Blued barrel and receiver, gloss walnut stock
Weight	6.5 lb. (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	Factory new

Key Features

• 20-inch threaded barrel (1/2″-28 pattern) — Keeps the rifle compact and maneuverable in tight cover while accepting standard muzzle brakes or suppressors, reducing recoil and report for faster follow-up shots.
• One-piece Picatinny rail (drilled and tapped) — Eliminates the need for aftermarket base fitting; mount your optic directly with predictable torque values and zero retention.
• Walnut stock with raised cheekpiece — Provides a classic, stable shooting platform that dampens vibration and aligns your eye naturally with the scope, even with larger objective lenses.
• Howa two-stage trigger (adjustable) — Factory set around 3.5 lb. with a clean second-stage break; you can fine-tune pull weight without swapping parts, giving you match-grade feel out of the box.
• Hinged floorplate magazine — Allows quick unloading without cycling rounds through the action, saving time and reducing risk of chambering a round you don’t intend to fire.

Who It’s For

This rifle is built for the hunter who walks miles before firing a shot—mountain goat hunters, backcountry elk stalkers, and whitetail guys who climb into a stand before dawn. It also appeals to the long-range shooter who wants a lightweight trainer that carries easier than a 26-inch competition rig. If you need a rifle that does double duty as a hunting tool and a steel-ringing platform, the Super Lite fits that niche.

Pros / Cons

• Pro: Sub-7 lb. weight with a real wood stock—hard to find at this price point.
• Pro: Howa action is known for its smooth bolt lift and solid extraction, even in cold or dirty conditions.
• Pro: Threaded muzzle with standard 1/2″-28 pattern means suppressor or brake compatibility without an adapter.
• Con: The walnut stock is beautiful but less resistant to moisture and impacts than synthetic stocks; you’ll want to apply a quality stock wax before taking it into wet weather.

Comparison

Feature	Howa M1500 Super Lite	Geissele Super Duty 6.5	Timney Triggers 6.5 Creedmoor Build
Weight	6.5 lb.	8.2 lb.	7.8 lb.
Barrel Length	20 in.	22 in.	24 in.
Stock Material	Walnut	Aluminum chassis	Carbon fiber
Trigger	Two-stage adjustable	Geissele SSA-E	Timney single-stage
Price	$633	$2,450	$1,875
Best Use	Hunting / field carry	Precision gas gun	Match / bench

FAQ

What is the twist rate of the 20-inch barrel?

The Howa M1500 Super Lite in 6.5 Creedmoor has a 1:8 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing bullets from 120 to 147 grains—the sweet spot for long-range hunting and target work.

Does the rifle come with scope rings or just the rail?

It ships with the one-piece Picatinny rail installed, but no rings. You’ll need to purchase rings compatible with your scope tube diameter (typically 30mm or 1-inch).

Can this rifle accept AICS pattern magazines?

No, the factory hinged floorplate uses an internal box magazine. Aftermarket bottom metal from companies like Pacific Tool can convert it to AICS, but it’s not drop-in.

Is the walnut stock bedded from the factory?

According to Howa specs, the stock is not pillar bedded from the factory. For best accuracy, consider having a gunsmith add pillars or bed the action.

What is the overall length of this rifle?

Overall length is 40.5 inches with the 20-inch barrel, making it easy to maneuver in a blind or truck rack.

✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — Ships 1-2 business days — 30-day returns — Secure checkout

Bolt Action Rifles | Hunting Rifles | 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles

Last updated: April 2026