Hawkeye question

[lnewby]

 I was looking at a Ruger hawkeye rifle at the local gunshop the other day and have a few questions. The bolt appears to be bead blasted, to give it a matte finish I suppose. When I worked it back and forth it felt very rough, at least not nearly as smooth as my Mark II's. Has anybody else noticed this or was that not typical? Also has anyone seen a Hawkeye left hand in the short action yet?     lnewby

[lnewby]

 I would like to elaborate. Every Ruger rifle I've owned has been more accurate than I expected. I have never had one fail in all kinds of weather conditions. To me, they are the best looking rifle there is, and yes, I am a Ruger fan. I'm sure a Hawkeye is every bit as accurate, and I'm sure there bolts lock up just like every other Ruger 77, I was not questioning the quality or the finish on the rifle. What I really want to know is what do you think about a Hawkeye ? Why did you buy it? How about there trigger, has anyone put a gauge on one? Hopefully there is someone that can tell me about there Hawkeye.             lnewby

[jumpsteady]

I agree that M77 are the best looking bolt guns out there, and Yes I own a Hawkeye. I really like it. When the bolt is open it does feel a little loose but locks up tighter than a drum. The new LC6 trigger is great for a factory ,non-adjustable trigger. It is cleaner that the trigger on my dads Mk II. But no I have not put a gauge on it. I have a Hawkeye in .338 Federal. It is a great rifle and if I had the money I would have another one great now.

[Darrell Davis]

Hey there Inewby,

I have a Stainless/synthic Hawkeye, and while not as smooth as the rifle it replaces, it is far and away a better rifle.

The barrel is very good and it is shooting great.

I have noticed the bolt to be a bit slow, but figure that time and working will smooth things out in that department.

However, In what really matters to me, groups and consistancy I would be hard pressed to ask for more.

The best loads I could find for the rifle the Hawkeye replaced, never grouped as well as the Hawkeye shoots them, and some of my test loads are showing promise far beyond what I saw in the other rifle.

The replaced rifle, was great in the smoooooth department, but didn't group well or consistantly and after I missed a do-able shot it had to go.  As I have said before, I can and have missed, but I need to know it was my problem and not that of my equipment.

Keep em coming!

CDOC

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Seems like all Rugers get better the more you shoot them---be it pistols or rifles.

[StevenK11]

I've been enjoying my Left-hand Ruger Hawkeye in 30-06.   It's very accurate too !   I reload and H4350 has been the go-to-powder to make this rifle shoot.

I'm discussing another topic on this forum about this rifle here:  http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,189428.0.html

It's more about the barrel-markings and such, but I did post pics of the rifle.

Here is a sample target I shot yesterday.     4 shots @ 100 yards.    3 are touching.   It's pretty good shooting for me.



Larger image:  http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4125152461_a5b05dba28_o.jpg

[MagSav]

Just picked up the stainless/synthetic Hawkeye today in 223 Rem.  First Ruger for a Hunting rifle that I've owned.  Haven't shot it yet and I can't wait.  I got it used, (but seems unfired) for $419.00 which when I got it I did no research on prices.  When I checked I think I got a pretty good deal.

[jgrass5]

Hi Inewby,

The Ruger's are awsome hunting rifles. I did have one issue with a MKII-06 hunting in Anticosti. The safety was on Safe mode not bolt lock and safe during most of a days hunt with it freezing rain sleet and snow. When I took the safety to fire then pulled the trigger the gun misfired. The firing pin never contacted the round. Ice had built up in the knotch in the safety for the bolt lock, jambing or slowing the striker. Re-chambered a round, dead 8 pt buck. Just info if in that situation, keep bolt locked/safe position.

Thanks,

JGrass

[Harry Snippe]

We have hunted with our ruger Mk 2 in '06 for almost thirteen years in Wet snow and the like . It has many moose and deer to it's credit . Always a go to rifle and never a problem . It gets a wipe down after use and cleaned regularly, other than that never needs anything but ammo.
The hawkeye might not be as shinny and the stock a bit lighter , Different trigger, but otherwise not a new gun .
So it probably be your go to gun then too with a bit of care .

[MZ5]

I think Rugers are the best-looking rifles as well.  My brother bought a stainless/synth Hawkeye fairly recently.  I've handled it and played around with it, and have a couple thoughts.

First is that the feel of the stock is distinctly odd.  Not necessarily bad, just odd and different from what I'm used to.  It seems to work well, though. 
Second is that I like the laser etching on the bottom metal, and the metal finish overall is nice.
Third is that the trigger is very good.  I happen to prefer the 2-stage trigger of the Target Models, but this LC6 trigger is very good.
Fourth is that it shoots well.

So, to me, it's a great rifle, and one that deserves a very hard look by anyone in the market.

[lnewby]

 Thanks for all the information. These Rugers, they just shoot and look great.
     lnewby