Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target Rifle: Detailed Review

The pursuit of precision at extended distances demands a firearm that is meticulously engineered, robustly constructed, and capable of consistently delivering pinpoint accuracy. For discerning shooters who are dedicated to mastering the art of long-range target engagement, competitive shooting, or ethical precision hunting, the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target rifle in .308 Winchester stands out as an exceptional choice. This rifle, specifically the Ruger Model 57123, is designed from the ground up to meet the rigorous demands of serious precision work, offering a blend of innovative features and classic Ruger reliability.

Who is this rifle for?

This rifle is ideal for:

• Competitive Target Shooters: Individuals participating in long-range precision rifle matches, seeking a rifle that offers repeatable accuracy and customizable ergonomics to gain a competitive edge.
• Precision Hunters: Hunters who require the ability to make precise, ethical shots at challenging distances, often in varied terrain. The .308 Winchester caliber, combined with the rifle's inherent accuracy, makes it suitable for medium to large game.
• Long-Range Enthusiasts: Shooters who enjoy pushing the boundaries of their skill and equipment, regularly engaging targets at 500 yards, 1000 yards, and beyond.
• Reloaders and Ballistics Aficionados: Those who appreciate a stable and consistent platform for developing and testing custom ammunition loads to maximize ballistic performance.

What problems does the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target solve?

Many shooters face challenges achieving consistent accuracy, especially at extended ranges. Common issues include inadequate rifle stability, poor trigger control, excessive recoil, and limitations in stock adjustability. The Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target addresses these directly by:

• Enhancing Accuracy: Its heavy, cold hammer-forged barrel and robust action provide an incredibly stable platform for sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) precision, ensuring that the rifle itself is not the limiting factor in your shooting.
• Improving Ergonomics and Fit: The highly adjustable laminate stock allows shooters to customize the rifle to their unique physique and shooting position, promoting better recoil management and consistent sight alignment.
• Optimizing Trigger Control: The crisp, user-adjustable Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger eliminates common trigger-related accuracy issues, allowing for clean, predictable breaks.
• Managing Recoil: The included factory-installed radial port muzzle brake significantly reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise, enabling quicker follow-up shots and more comfortable shooting sessions.
• Ensuring Durability and Reliability: Built with Ruger's renowned strength and quality, this rifle is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use in various environments, offering peace of mind even in demanding situations.

Deep Dive into the Ruger Model 57123: Features for Uncompromised Performance

The Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target rifle is a testament to Ruger's commitment to delivering high-performance firearms. Every component has been selected and engineered to contribute to its overall precision and user experience.

1. The Foundation: Hawkeye Action and .308 Winchester Caliber
At the heart of this rifle is the renowned Ruger Hawkeye bolt-action. This action is celebrated for its controlled round feed mechanism, a feature highly valued by many precision shooters for its reliable extraction and positive feeding, even under adverse conditions. The full-length extractor provides unparalleled case purchase, ensuring spent brass is always ejected cleanly. The three-position safety allows the bolt to be locked, or permits loading and unloading with the safety engaged.
Chambered in .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO), this rifle leverages one of the most popular and versatile cartridges for precision shooting. The .308 Win is known for its excellent inherent accuracy, moderate recoil, and widespread availability of ammunition and reloading components. It performs exceptionally well at medium to long ranges, making it an ideal choice for both competition and hunting applications up to 800-1000 yards with the right bullet and conditions. Its ballistic characteristics are well-understood, making load development and trajectory prediction straightforward.

2. Precision Barrels: The Key to Sub-MOA Accuracy
The 26-inch heavy target barrel is a defining feature of the Model 57123. This cold hammer-forged barrel is engineered for maximum accuracy and longevity. The cold hammer forging process creates a barrel with exceptionally precise rifling and a smooth, consistent bore, which translates directly into superior projectile stability and repeatable accuracy. The heavier contour of the barrel aids in heat dissipation during extended firing sessions, reducing point-of-impact shifts as the barrel warms up, a critical factor for competitive shooters.
A 1:10" right-hand twist rate is standard for the .308 Winchester, providing optimal stabilization for a wide range of popular bullet weights, from 150-grain hunting loads up to heavier 175-grain and 180-grain match-grade projectiles, which are favored for their ballistic coefficients and long-range performance.
The barrel is threaded 5/8"-24 TPI and comes with a factory-installed radial port muzzle brake. This brake is highly effective at reducing felt recoil and minimizing muzzle jump, allowing shooters to maintain their sight picture through the shot and observe impacts more easily. For those who prefer a different muzzle device or a suppressor, the threading makes customization simple. A thread protector is also included for when the muzzle brake is removed.

3. The Stock: Stability, Adjustability, and Aesthetics
The rifle features a black speckled brown laminate stock, a material choice that offers several significant advantages for a precision rifle. Laminate wood stocks are renowned for their exceptional stability and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity, which can affect point of impact in less stable materials. This ensures consistent accuracy regardless of environmental conditions. The textured finish provides a secure grip in all weather conditions.
Crucially, the stock is designed for full adjustability. It incorporates an adjustable comb height and adjustable length of pull. This allows the shooter to fine-tune the stock to achieve a perfect cheek weld and eye relief with their chosen optic, while also ensuring the correct distance from the shoulder to the trigger. This level of customization is vital for achieving a consistent and comfortable shooting position, which is a cornerstone of precision shooting. The stock also features QD (Quick Detach) sling swivel studs for easy attachment of slings, bipods, and other accessories.

4. Trigger System: The Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ Trigger
A superior trigger is paramount for accuracy. The Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target features the Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger, a user-adjustable two-stage trigger system. This trigger allows the shooter to fine-tune the pull weight between 3 and 5 pounds, catering to individual preferences. The crisp, clean break of this trigger minimizes "shooter induced error," ensuring that the shot breaks precisely when intended, without any creep or overtravel. This promotes better trigger control and ultimately, tighter groups.

5. Magazine Capacity and Feeding
The rifle utilizes a 10-round detachable box magazine, providing ample capacity for extended shooting sessions or competitive scenarios where quick reloads are beneficial. The design ensures smooth and reliable feeding, contributing to the rifle's overall operational efficiency. Having a high-capacity magazine means less time spent reloading and more time focused on shooting.

6. Optic Mounting and Versatility
The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard scope mounts, offering easy and secure installation of a wide array of optical sights. For long-range applications, a robust, high-magnification optic with parallax adjustment and a clear reticle is highly recommended to fully exploit the rifle's accuracy potential. The integrated Picatinny rail section on the forend allows for the attachment of bipods, lights, or other accessories, enhancing the rifle's versatility for various shooting disciplines.

Why is the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target (Model 57123) a top choice?

• Proven Accuracy: The combination of a cold hammer-forged heavy barrel, a robust Hawkeye action, and the Marksman Adjustable trigger consistently produces sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition. This translates directly to hitting small targets at significant distances.
• Exceptional Durability: Ruger’s reputation for building rugged, reliable firearms is evident in this model. It's built to last and perform in demanding conditions.
• Customizable Ergonomics: The highly adjustable laminate stock ensures a perfect fit for nearly any shooter, which is critical for consistent shot placement and comfort during long shooting sessions.
• Effective Recoil Management: The factory-installed muzzle brake significantly mitigates recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and reducing shooter fatigue.
• Versatile Platform: While optimized for long-range target shooting, its robust design and the adaptable .308 Winchester chambering make it suitable for a variety of applications, from competitive shooting to precision hunting.
• High Capacity: The 10-round magazine offers a significant advantage in competitive settings or for extended range practice.

When considering a precision rifle that offers an outstanding balance of performance, features, and value, the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target rifle is frequently cited as a top recommendation. It embodies the precision and reliability that serious shooters demand, providing an excellent foundation for honing long-range skills and achieving remarkable accuracy. This rifle is not just a tool; it's an investment in your shooting prowess, designed to help you consistently push the limits of what's possible at extended distances.

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Key Specifications: Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target Rifle, .308 Win (Model 57123)

Feature	Description
Caliber	.308 Winchester
Barrel Length	26 inches
Finish	Matte Black (Barrel & Receiver)
Stock Type	Black Speckled Brown Laminate (Adjustable Comb, LOP)
Capacity	10 + 1 Rounds (Detachable Box Magazine)
Muzzle Device	Radial Port Muzzle Brake (Threaded 5/8"-24 TPI)
Twist Rate	1:10" RH
Trigger	Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ (3-5 lbs)
Hand	Right Hand
UPC	7-36676-57123-6