Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor: Precision and Power for Discerning Shooters

For hunters and precision shooters who demand exceptional accuracy and rugged reliability at extended distances, the Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor stands out as a premier choice. Engineered to excel in demanding field conditions while delivering sub-MOA precision on the range, this full-size bolt-action rifle combines time-tested Ruger craftsmanship with modern long-range features. If you're searching for a rifle that can confidently reach out to distant targets, whether for ethical harvesting of game or for competitive shooting, the Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter offers a compelling package.

What makes a rifle truly excel at long range? It's a harmonious blend of critical components, each meticulously designed to contribute to shot consistency and shooter comfort. The Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter addresses these needs head-on, providing solutions for common challenges faced by long-range enthusiasts.

Unparalleled Precision: The Heart of the Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter

At the core of the Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter's impressive accuracy is its 22-inch cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel. This manufacturing process creates a barrel with exceptionally uniform bore dimensions and superior grain structure, leading to enhanced accuracy and a longer barrel life. The robust stainless steel construction ensures excellent corrosion resistance, a crucial feature for a rifle that will face varied outdoor environments, from humid forests to dry, dusty plains.

Further enhancing its ballistic performance, the barrel features 5R Rifling. Unlike traditional rifling, 5R rifling utilizes lands with sloped edges, which minimizes bullet deformation as it travels down the bore. This reduction in stress on the projectile translates into less jacket fouling, easier cleaning, and ultimately, improved bullet flight and greater accuracy. Shooters will immediately appreciate the consistency this design provides, allowing for tighter groups and more predictable shots.

The 1:8" right-hand twist rate is specifically optimized for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, ensuring ideal stabilization for a wide array of bullet weights, particularly the popular heavier, high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) projectiles that are favored for long-range performance. This optimal twist rate means your chosen ammunition will perform as intended, maintaining stability even at extreme distances.

Addressing the critical issue of recoil management, the barrel is equipped with a radial-port muzzle brake. This brake significantly reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise, allowing shooters to maintain their sight picture through the shot, facilitating faster follow-up shots, and reducing shooter fatigue during extended range sessions or hunting trips. For those who prefer to attach a different muzzle device, such as a suppressor, the barrel comes with a standard 5/8"-24 thread pattern, offering versatility and customization options right out of the box.

Ergonomics and Adjustability: Designed for the Shooter

A comfortable and consistent shooting platform is paramount for long-range accuracy. The Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter features a distinctive black speckled brown laminate stock with an adjustable length of pull (LOP). The laminate construction provides superior rigidity and stability compared to traditional wood stocks, making it less susceptible to warping from changes in temperature or humidity. This consistency is vital for maintaining zero and shot placement in diverse weather conditions.

The adjustable LOP mechanism is a standout feature, allowing shooters to fine-tune the stock's fit from 12.75 inches to 14.25 inches. This adjustability ensures a custom fit for shooters of various body types and also accommodates different shooting positions or layers of clothing. Achieving a proper and consistent length of pull is fundamental for optimal eye relief with your scope, a comfortable cheek weld, and natural point-of-aim, all of which are critical for repeatable accuracy. Whether you're a seasoned marksman or new to long-range shooting, the ability to tailor the rifle to your body enhances both comfort and precision.

Reliability and Control: The Ruger Hawkeye Action

The foundation of the Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter is its robust stainless steel receiver, known for its strength, durability, and resistance to environmental elements. The full-size receiver provides a stable platform for the action, contributing to the rifle's overall rigidity and accuracy.

Mounted directly to the receiver is a 20 MOA Picatinny rail. This integrated rail is a significant advantage for long-range shooting, providing an essential cant that helps maximize the available elevation adjustment in your scope. When shooting at distances beyond a few hundred yards, the curvature of the earth and bullet drop necessitate significant scope adjustment; the 20 MOA rail ensures you have enough "up" travel to reach those distant targets without running out of scope adjustment. Its Picatinny design offers universal compatibility with a wide range of scope rings and mounting systems, providing flexibility for your preferred optics setup.

The LC6 trigger is another critical component that contributes to the rifle's performance. Renowned for its crisp, clean break and minimal overtravel, the LC6 trigger allows for precise shot placement. A good trigger is often cited as one of the most important factors in achieving accuracy, and the LC6 delivers a consistent and predictable pull that helps minimize shooter-induced error.

For enhanced safety and operational control, the Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter features a three-position safety. This design allows the shooter to lock the bolt, preventing accidental opening, while also permitting safe loading and unloading of the rifle with the safety engaged. This feature provides peace of mind in the field, especially when navigating challenging terrain.

The rifle feeds from a reliable AI-Style magazine, providing a 5+1 round capacity. AI-Style magazines are known for their robust construction and reliable feeding, a crucial aspect for both hunting and competitive scenarios where quick, smooth reloads are essential.

Why Choose 6.5 Creedmoor? The Ideal Long-Range Cartridge

The selection of 6.5 Creedmoor as the chambering for this rifle is no accident. This cartridge has rapidly become a favorite among long-range shooters and hunters dueing to its exceptional ballistic performance, mild recoil, and widespread availability. Key benefits of the 6.5 Creedmoor include:

• Flat Trajectory: The aerodynamic bullets used in 6.5 Creedmoor maintain their velocity exceptionally well, resulting in a flatter trajectory over long distances compared to many other cartridges. This reduces the amount of elevation adjustment needed and makes range estimation less critical.
• High Ballistic Coefficient (BC): 6.5mm bullets often have a high BC, meaning they are very efficient at cutting through the air, resisting wind drift, and retaining energy. This is crucial for precision at extended ranges.
• Manageable Recoil: Despite its impressive performance, the 6.5 Creedmoor produces relatively light recoil, especially when paired with a muzzle brake. This allows shooters to maintain focus, reduce flinching, and spend more time practicing comfortably without fatigue.
• Versatility: While excelling at long-range target shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor is also a highly effective hunting cartridge for medium-sized game such as deer, antelope, and even elk, provided appropriate bullet construction is used.

The Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter leverages all these advantages, providing a platform that maximizes the potential of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge.

Who is the Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter For?

This rifle is an ideal solution for several types of discerning shooters:

• Serious Hunters: If you hunt in open country or mountainous terrain where longer shots are common, the Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter provides the accuracy and reliability needed for ethical kills at extended distances. Its manageable weight of 7.20 lbs makes it suitable for carrying afield, while its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting.
• Precision Target Shooters: For enthusiasts looking to consistently hit steel or paper targets at 500, 800, or even 1000+ yards, this rifle offers the features necessary for competitive performance. The 20 MOA rail, high-quality barrel, and precise trigger all contribute to repeatable accuracy.
• Long-Range Enthusiasts: Individuals new to or advancing in the world of long-range shooting will find this rifle an excellent companion. Its forgiving recoil, adjustable stock, and inherent accuracy make it easier to learn and master the fundamentals of extended-range marksmanship.
• Anyone Seeking a Rugged, Accurate Rifle: Beyond its long-range capabilities, the Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter is simply a high-quality, durable bolt-action rifle that can serve reliably for general shooting, varmint control, or even as a collection piece for those who appreciate fine firearms engineering.

With an overall length ranging from 42.25 to 43.75 inches, it strikes a balance between a full-size rifle capable of exceptional performance and one that remains maneuverable enough for practical applications. The matte stainless finish on both the barrel and receiver not only looks great but also provides an extra layer of protection against the elements, making this rifle a true field-ready performer. The absence of iron sights reinforces its design as a dedicated optics platform, allowing shooters to mount their preferred scope without obstruction.

In summary, the Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor (UPC: 736676471980, MPN: 47198) is a testament to Ruger's commitment to quality and performance. It's a rifle built for those who refuse to compromise on accuracy, reliability, and adjustability, ensuring every shot counts, whether in the challenging terrain of a hunting ground or on the precision lanes of a shooting range.

Ruger Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Ruger
Series	Long-Range Hunter
Model	Hawkeye
Caliber	6.5 Creedmoor
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Action Type	Bolt Action
Barrel Length	22 inches
Barrel Finish	Matte Stainless Steel
Barrel Material	Stainless Steel
Barrel Features	Cold Hammer Forged, 5R Rifling
Muzzle Device	Radial Muzzle Brake
Thread Pattern	5/8"-24
Twist Rate	1:8" Right-Hand
Stock Material	Laminate
Stock Finish	Black Speckled Brown
Stock Features	Adjustable Length of Pull (LOP)
Length of Pull	12.75" - 14.25"
Receiver Finish	Matte Stainless
Receiver Material	Stainless Steel
Scope Mounting	20 MOA Picatinny Rail
Trigger	LC6
Safety	3-Position
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Overall Length	42.25" - 43.75"
Weight	7.20 lbs
Application	Field, Long-Range Target
Magazine Style	AI-Style
SKU	115149
UPC	736676471980
MPN	47198