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

Glock Gen6 V Series 1
Glock Gen6 V Series 1

Glock Unveils Its GEN6, V-Series Pistols

"Perfection" is now in its sixth generation, as Glock introduces its new GEN6 line of handguns, which incorporates substantial mechanical and ergonomic changes compared to previous factory offerings.

Tisas Introduces PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp & Tactical Comp Pistols

Many handgunners are seeing the value of muzzle compensators on their handguns, and Turkish gunmaker Tisas is answering the call with three new models: the PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp and Tactical Comp.

Preview: Federal BYOB .22LR Ammo Bucket

With 1,375 rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition, the stackable, reusable Federal BYOB .22 LR Ammo Bucket is sure to keep even the most ardent shooter of rimfire handguns or rifles busy for a while—even if there’s more than one new gun under the tree.

Gun Of The Week: CZ 600+ American

CZ expanded its 600 series of rifles with a particular version tailored to the American market, and this CZ 600+ American model has a few unique features incorporated into the design.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 5, 2025

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

30 Years Of Bond Arms Pistols

Bond Arms, the Texas-based maker of a series of double-barrel derringers inspired by a design from the Old West, celebrates 30 years in business in 2025.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.