First Look: Nosler M48 Independence Handgun

by
posted on January 23, 2019
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

RX 5000 SG Lede
RX 5000 SG Lede

#SundayGunday: Leupold RX-5000 TBR/W

On this week's #SundayGunday, we take a look at the Leupold RX-5000 TBR/W, a handheld rangefinder with an incredible 5000-yard range on non-reflective targets, along with the ability to integrate with onX Hunt and other mapping services.

Review: Tippmann Arms M4-22 Elite Rimfire Rifles

These two AR-type rimfires are ideal for hiking, camping and small-game hunting.

2025 NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award

The Smith & Wesson we know today, perhaps the entire firearms industry, would not be the same today were it not for Robert L. “Bob” Scott.

CWD Detected in Deer for First Time in Two South-Central Montana Hunting Districts

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was detected this season in a mule deer buck from Montana hunting district (HD) 515 and a whitetail buck from HD 525, both harvested by hunters. This is the first time CWD has been detected in these HDs.

Hunter Drops Unique Antlered "Deer"

A hunter in Illinois has taken what may be a true hermaphroditic deer.

Poacher Fined Largest Amount for a Single Whitetail in Ohio History

Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, Ohio, was sentenced in December in Clinton County Common Pleas Court for unlawfully shooting a trophy white-tailed deer buck in November 2023.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.