The Nosler M48 Long Range Carbon Improves on an Excellent Original

September 10, 2021 Topic: Firearms Region: United States Blog Brand: The Reboot Tags: RiflesHunting RifleShooting CompetitionRecoilBolt Action

The Nosler M48 Long Range Carbon Improves on an Excellent Original

It isn't cheap, but the M48 delivers on accuracy like no other long-range rifle.

 

Here's What You Need to Remember: The M48 Carbon is available in eight different calibers, all with a capacity of 3+1 rounds, with the exception of the 6.5 Creedmoor, which has a capacity of 4+1.

Many are familiar with the original Nosler Model 48 Long Range, but have you heard of the M48 Long Range Carbon? Nosler has included all of the original features that shooters loved about the original rifle, but added a few more that really make it stand out so you can excel at hunting and long-range competitions.

 

Nosler offers an MOA accuracy guarantee with Nosler ammo, and they do not disappoint. From 100 yards, my average grouping was just under an inch. There are no standard sights included on the M48 Carbon, but it is drilled and tapped for Model 700 scope bases. The stock even has a high cheekpiece that can accommodate large bells. With the right long-range scope, the accuracy potential is incredible.

The M48 Carbon’s pistol grip features a thick, molded, and textured palm swell. The texture extends onto the forend to ensure a strong, non-slip grip, even while your hands are wet or muddy, which makes the rifle perfect for high-stakes competitions. Another addition to the Carbon model is the PROOF Research, carbon fiber-wrapped, match-game barrel. It’s lighter and stiffer than the traditional stainless barrel to increase accuracy and durability, and it also dissipates heat better.

The M48 Carbon is designed to reduce felt recoil. Thanks to the sharp downward slope of the comb, the stock slides away from your cheek under recoil for a more comfortable shooting experience. It also has a flat bottom to reduce stock roll and an integral recoil lug. Put all of this together, add the PachMyer Decelerator buttpad, and you have a rifle that offers very manageable recoil.

Another high point of the M48 Carbon is the Timney trigger. It has a smooth pull of about 3.5 lbs, with no discernable creep or overtravel. It also includes a quiet, two-position safety that, when engaged, still allows the bolt to rotate for loading or unloading. The M48 Carbon is available in eight different calibers, all with a capacity of 3+1 rounds, with the exception of the 6.5 Creedmoor, which has a capacity of 4+1.

With a 26” barrel, the overall length of the Model 48 Long Range Carbon is 48”. It weighs just around 7 lbs without any scopes attached. Unlike the Howa 1500, this is definitely not a budget-friendly option. It will cost you a pretty penny at a $3,190 MSRP, but will give you accuracy like no other long-range rifle. Practice on range day, then win your next long-range competition with the M48 Long Range Carbon.

Richard Douglas writes on firearms, defense, and security issues. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, 1945, Daily Caller, and other publications.

This article is being republished due to reader interest.

Image: Reuters.