NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter Rifle

by
posted on December 23, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Ruger’s Model 77 laid the groundwork for the company’s bolt-action rifle designs, first entering production in about 1968. The M77 design features a bolt similar to that of a German Mauser—two locking lugs and a long, external claw extractor—but the action was investment cast, rather than forged, a process Ruger really perfected for firearm manufacture. In 2006, Ruger released the Hawkeye variant of the M77—a model with an improved trigger and a stock that saw a slight redesign. The Hawkeye is still very much in production today and American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach happens to have a Hawkeye chambered for 6.5 mm Creedmoor for review. To learn more about this Hawkeye FTW Hunter Rifle, you’ll have to watch our feature video or stop by Ruger.com

Specifications:
Model: Hawkeye FTW Hunter Rifle
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Chambering: 6.5 mm Creedmoor
Action Type: bolt-action center-fire rifle
Barrel: 24”; cold-hammer-forged stainless steel
Finish: matte
Stock: laminate; Natural Gear camouflage finish
Sights: none; machined receiver for Ruger-style rings
Magazine: internal; hinged-steel floorplate
Trigger: 4-lb., 6-oz. pull
Weight: 7 lbs., 9 ozs.
MSRP: $1,269

Additional Reading:
Looking at the Ruger American Rifle   
Tested: Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor 
Ruger M77 Rifle: Exploded View 
A Look Back a the Ruger Model 77 Rifle  
Ruger Hawkeye Predator FTW Rifle 



 


  

 





 

Latest

FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19
FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.