Ruger Hawkeye Compact 243 Win: The Ultimate Lightweight Hunting Rifle for Discerning Shooters

For hunters and shooters seeking a potent blend of portability, precision, and robust reliability, the Ruger Hawkeye Compact in .243 Winchester stands as an exceptional choice. Engineered for those who demand maneuverability in challenging terrain or prefer a rifle with a shorter length of pull, this firearm is a testament to Ruger's commitment to quality and performance. Whether you're navigating dense brush, engaging in extended hikes, or introducing a younger or smaller-framed shooter to the sport, the Hawkeye Compact offers an unparalleled shooting experience.

Why Choose the Ruger Hawkeye Compact for Your Next Hunt?

The decision to invest in a new rifle is significant, and the Ruger Hawkeye Compact addresses several common needs and desires of the modern sportsman. It’s an ideal solution for:

• Hunters operating in tight spaces: Its 16.50-inch barrel and overall length of 35.50 inches make it incredibly easy to handle in blinds, treestands, or thick woods.
• Backcountry adventurers: Weighing in at a mere 6.20 lbs, it significantly reduces fatigue during long treks, ensuring you're fresh when the shot opportunity arises.
• Youth and recoil-sensitive shooters: With a 12.50-inch length of pull and chambered in the versatile .243 Winchester caliber, it offers manageable recoil, promoting confidence and better shooting habits.
• Those prioritizing durability: The Hawkeye Matte Stainless Steel finish on the barrel and receiver, paired with a resilient Black Laminate stock, provides superior corrosion resistance in diverse weather conditions.

This rifle isn't just about its compact size; it's about delivering full-sized performance in a reduced footprint, solving the classic dilemma of balancing portability with power and accuracy.

Key Features for Unmatched Performance and Reliability

The Ruger Hawkeye Compact isn't just a downsized rifle; it incorporates a host of meticulously engineered features designed to enhance accuracy, safety, and operational efficiency in the field. Every component is chosen to contribute to its overall excellence.

Precision and Consistency with the LC6 Trigger

At the heart of the Hawkeye's remarkable accuracy is the innovative LC6 trigger. This factory-tuned trigger delivers a crisp, clean break with minimal overtravel, right out of the box. What does this mean for you? It translates directly to improved shot placement, whether you're zeroing in at the range or making a critical shot on game. The consistency of the LC6 trigger minimizes shooter-induced errors, allowing for more precise control over your shots and ultimately leading to tighter groups and greater confidence in your rifle's capabilities.

Unwavering Reliability: Mauser-Type Controlled Round Feed and Fixed Ejector

One of the most praised features of the Ruger Hawkeye series is its non-rotating, Mauser-type controlled round feed extractor. This robust system is globally recognized as one of the most positive case extraction methods ever devised. Unlike push-feed systems, the controlled round feed firmly grips the cartridge case from the moment it leaves the magazine, maintaining control through the chambering, firing, and extraction cycles. This design virtually eliminates the risk of double feeding or short stroking under pressure, providing unmatched reliability in critical moments. Complementing this is a fixed blade-type ejector, which positively and consistently ejects empty cases as the bolt is moved fully rearward, clearing the action swiftly for follow-up shots.

Effortless Unloading with the Hinged Solid-Steel Floorplate

Field safety and convenience are paramount. The Hawkeye Compact features a hinged solid-steel floorplate, allowing for safe and easy unloading of the magazine without the need to cycle each cartridge through the chamber. This thoughtful design minimizes the risk of accidental discharge during unloading, a crucial safety feature for any responsible firearm owner. The robust steel construction also ensures long-term durability and resistance to damage in rugged conditions.

Ergonomics and Durability: The Black Laminate Stock

The rifle’s distinctive Black Laminate stock is not only visually appealing but also exceptionally functional. Laminate stocks are known for their superior stability in varying temperatures and humidity compared to traditional wood, contributing to consistent accuracy. The Hawkeye’s stock boasts ergonomically pleasing rounded contours along the barrel, enhancing comfort during carry and shooting. The wrap-around checkering on both the pistol grip and forend provides a secure, non-slip hold, even in wet or cold conditions, ensuring positive control and confident handling. This combination of aesthetics, durability, and ergonomic design makes the rifle comfortable to carry and shoot for extended periods.

Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: The Foundation of Accuracy

The 16.50-inch barrel of the Ruger Hawkeye Compact is cold hammer-forged, a manufacturing process revered for producing barrels with exceptional accuracy and longevity. This method creates ultra-precise rifling, optimizing bullet spin for superior flight stability and tighter shot groups. Furthermore, cold hammer forging compacts the steel, increasing its strength and making the barrel exceptionally durable and resistant to wear over thousands of rounds. The smooth, consistent bore also translates to easier cleaning, helping maintain the barrel's pristine condition and accuracy for years to come.

Optics Ready for Customized Precision

Recognizing the importance of modern optics in hunting and shooting, the Ruger Hawkeye Compact comes drilled and tapped from the factory. This feature allows for the direct mounting of scope rings or bases, making it optics-ready right out of the box. Whether you prefer a high-magnification scope for long-range precision or a low-power variable optic for quick target acquisition in dense cover, the Hawkeye provides a stable and reliable platform for your chosen sighting solution, maximizing your potential in the field.

Ruggedness and Weather Resistance: Matte Stainless Steel Finish

The Hawkeye Compact features a striking matte stainless steel finish on both its barrel and receiver. This finish is not merely aesthetic; it offers superior corrosion resistance, making the rifle an excellent choice for hunting in harsh, wet, or humid environments. Stainless steel requires less maintenance to prevent rust and pitting, ensuring your rifle remains in prime condition regardless of the weather. This rugged exterior paired with the durable laminate stock means your rifle can withstand the rigors of serious outdoor use.

The Versatile .243 Winchester Caliber: Ideal for Diverse Applications

Chambered in .243 Winchester, the Ruger Hawkeye Compact is incredibly versatile, making it a popular choice for a wide range of shooting activities. This caliber strikes an excellent balance between manageable recoil and effective terminal ballistics, suitable for:

• Deer Hunting: The .243 Win is widely regarded as an excellent cartridge for whitetail and other medium-sized deer, especially with appropriate bullet selection. Its flat trajectory aids in longer shots.
• Varmint and Predator Control: With lighter, faster bullet options, the .243 Winchester is highly effective for coyotes, foxes, groundhogs, and other small to medium-sized predators, offering high velocity and minimal recoil for precise shots.
• Target Shooting and Range Practice: Its mild recoil and inherent accuracy make it a joy to shoot at the range, allowing shooters to hone their skills without fatigue.
• Youth and Beginner Hunters: The lower recoil impulse compared to larger calibers makes the .243 Win an excellent choice for new shooters to learn proper shooting fundamentals without developing a flinch.

The combination of a compact rifle and a versatile caliber ensures that the Ruger Hawkeye Compact is ready for almost any challenge a hunter might encounter.

Who is the Ruger Hawkeye Compact 17108 For?

This rifle is meticulously crafted for the individual who values:

• Maneuverability: Ideal for still hunting, tracking game through dense undergrowth, or navigating cramped blinds.
• Lightweight Design: Perfect for extended backcountry hunts where every ounce counts.
• Precision and Reliability: Demanding a firearm that performs flawlessly, shot after shot, in all conditions.
• Weather Resistance: Requiring a rifle that can stand up to rain, snow, and humidity without compromise.
• Ergonomic Comfort: Appreciating a rifle that fits well and is comfortable to shoot, minimizing fatigue during long sessions.

If you're asking questions like, "What's the best compact rifle for deer hunting?" or "Which lightweight bolt-action offers reliable performance in harsh conditions?", the Ruger Hawkeye Compact is an answer that consistently rises to the top.

Experience the Ruger Advantage

Ruger has a storied history of producing reliable, accurate, and durable firearms, and the Hawkeye Compact continues this proud tradition. When you choose a Ruger, you're investing in a legacy of American craftsmanship and innovative design. The model 17108 embodies these principles, offering a rifle that is not only built to last but designed to perform at the highest level. Its controlled round feed system, renowned LC6 trigger, and cold hammer-forged barrel are not just specifications; they are assurances of quality that translate into real-world benefits for the shooter. This model's thoughtful balance of size, weight, and power makes it an indispensable tool for any serious hunter or sport shooter.

For those ready to elevate their hunting and shooting experience, the Ruger Hawkeye Compact 243 Win (UPC: 736676171088) is available at DEGuns, offering a trusted source for this exceptional firearm.

Ruger Hawkeye Compact 17108 Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Brand	Ruger
Category	Rifles
Series	Compact
Model	Hawkeye
Caliber	.243 Winchester
Capacity	4+1 Rounds
Stock Material	Laminate
Action	Bolt
Overall Length (OAL)	35.50 inches
Hand	Right Hand
Sights	Drilled & Tapped (Optics Ready)
Size	Compact
Barrel Finish	Matte Stainless Steel
Twist Rate	1:9" RH
Application	Field, Hunting, Target
Includes	Swivel Studs
Receiver Material	Stainless Steel
Safety	Three-Position
Barrel Length	16.50 inches
Length of Pull	12.50 inches
Max Capacity	4 Rounds (Magazine)
Receiver Finish	Matte Stainless Steel
Trigger	LC6
Weight	6.20 lbs
Stock Finish	Black
UPC	736676171088