THE NOSLER M48 MOUNTAIN CARBON

Historically speaking, I have not been a fan of light rifles. Yes, they carry very nicely, and their lack of weight—although it’s often no more than 2 or 3 pounds—surely feels good going up a mountain.

But it usually comes at a price. A seriously light rifle doesn’t seem to balance well; recoil can be ferocious; and when it comes time for the shot, it can take what seems like forever for the muzzle to settle down. It’s a classic tradeoff—reduced weight or “shoot-ability”—and I’ll almost always opt for a well-balanced, heavier rifle and gladly carry a bit more weight.

That said, I’ve “met” a handful of light rifles that seem to have “it” and that handle very nicely; they were, in fact, properly proportioned and balanced well. For me, I know it when I feel it. Among those light rifles that grabbed my attention is the Nosler M48 Mountain Carbon.

I was visiting with my pals at the Nosler booth at the 2019 SHOT Show when Jeff Sipe handed me a