Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator: The Ultimate .308 Winchester Rifle for Precision Hunters and Varmint Control

For serious hunters and precision shooters, the choice of a rifle is paramount. It's not just about pulling a trigger; it's about ethical shot placement, reliability in challenging conditions, and the confidence that your equipment will perform when it matters most. Are you searching for a dependable, highly accurate bolt-action rifle specifically designed to excel in predator and varmint hunting scenarios? Do you need a firearm that combines robust construction with refined shooting characteristics, capable of delivering consistent long-range performance? The Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator, chambered in the versatile .308 Winchester, stands out as an exceptional choice, meticulously engineered to meet the demands of discerning marksmen.

This rifle (SKU-47140) is not just another hunting tool; it's a testament to Ruger's legacy of building "Ruger Tough" firearms that perform flawlessly in the field. From its distinctive Green Mountain Laminate stock to its matte stainless finish, every element of the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator is optimized for hunters who require precision, durability, and stealth. Whether you're targeting elusive coyotes across vast open fields, managing destructive varmint populations, or simply engaging in precision target shooting, this rifle offers the features and performance necessary to achieve your objectives with confidence.

Why Choose the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator in .308 Winchester?

The .308 Winchester cartridge is renowned for its balance of power, accuracy, and widespread availability, making it an excellent choice for a dedicated predator rifle. When paired with the expertly crafted Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator, this combination creates a formidable system.

• Versatile Ammunition: The .308 Winchester is effective for a wide range of game, from small varmints and predators like coyotes and bobcats to larger deer, ensuring that your rifle is ready for diverse hunting opportunities. Its moderate recoil also contributes to faster follow-up shots and extended shooting comfort.
• Optimal Ballistics: For medium-range to long-range engagements, the .308 Winchester delivers excellent energy retention and trajectory, crucial for precise shot placement on cunning predators.
• Global Availability: Ammunition for the .308 Winchester is readily available globally, making it a practical and cost-effective cartridge to train with and hunt using.

Unpacking the Precision: Key Features for Unmatched Performance

What specific features make the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator a top-tier choice for those who demand exacting performance from their firearm? This rifle is loaded with enhancements that contribute directly to its accuracy, reliability, and user experience.

Superior Barrel Design: The Heart of Accuracy

The rifle features a 22-inch Cold Hammer-Forged Stainless Steel Barrel with a medium contour. This is a cornerstone of its exceptional accuracy and longevity.

• Cold Hammer Forging (CHF): This advanced manufacturing process creates a bore that is exceptionally precise and concentric, leading to outstanding accuracy potential and extended barrel life. The process also work-hardens the steel, making it more durable and resistant to erosion, which is vital for maintaining consistent performance over thousands of rounds.
• Stainless Steel Construction: Offers superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use in harsh weather conditions and reducing the need for intensive maintenance after exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures. This is particularly beneficial for hunters who spend extended periods outdoors.
• Medium Contour Barrel: Strikes an optimal balance between weight and heat dissipation. It's robust enough to resist warping during rapid firing sequences, maintaining accuracy, yet not excessively heavy, ensuring the rifle remains maneuverable during long treks in the field.

Optimized Rifling for .308 Winchester

With a 1:10-inch Twist Rate with 6 Grooves, the barrel is specifically optimized for the .308 Winchester cartridge.

• Bullet Stabilization: This twist rate is ideal for stabilizing a wide range of popular .308 Winchester bullet weights, from lighter varmint rounds to heavier hunting loads, ensuring excellent accuracy regardless of ammunition choice. Proper bullet stabilization is critical for maintaining trajectory and terminal performance at extended distances.

Robust and Reliable Bolt Action

The One-Piece Stainless Steel Bolt ensures smooth, reliable cycling and exceptional durability.

• Smooth Operation: Designed for effortless chambering and extraction, the bolt's refined action minimizes friction, allowing for quick and quiet follow-up shots—a critical advantage when dealing with fast-moving targets.
• Corrosion Resistance: Like the barrel, the stainless steel construction of the bolt enhances its resistance to rust and wear, ensuring consistent performance in all environments.
• Integral Ruger Pattern Scope Mounts: A hallmark of the Ruger M77 series, these integral mounting surfaces are machined directly into the receiver. This unique design provides an incredibly strong, stable, and repeatable platform for mounting optics, eliminating the need for separate scope bases and reducing potential points of failure. This ensures that your scope stays zeroed, even after bumps and long periods of transport in the field.

Enhanced Trigger and Safety for Precision Control

Precision shooting demands a crisp, predictable trigger, and the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator delivers.

• Two-Stage Adjustable Target Trigger: This advanced trigger system allows shooters to take up initial slack (first stage) before encountering a crisp, clean break (second stage). It is designed to be adjustable, allowing users to fine-tune the pull weight and overtravel to their personal preference, which significantly contributes to precise shot placement and reduces the chance of flinching. A consistent trigger pull is vital for accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
• Three-Position Safety: Provides an excellent level of security and control.
  • Forward (Fire): Allows the rifle to fire.
  • Middle (Load/Unload): Locks the firing pin but allows the bolt to be cycled, safely permitting loading and unloading without the risk of an accidental discharge.
  • Rear (Safe/Bolt Locked): Locks both the firing pin and the bolt, preventing any accidental operation, even if the bolt handle is snagged. This feature is particularly valued by hunters traversing rough terrain.

Practical Magazine and Stock Design

• Hinged Floorplate Magazine: This traditional magazine design offers reliable feeding and easy, safe unloading of the rifle's 4-round capacity. Instead of cycling each round through the action, simply unlatch the floorplate to empty the magazine quickly and efficiently, minimizing handling and ensuring safety.
• Green Mountain Laminate Stock: Beyond its striking appearance, the laminate stock provides superior stability and resistance to environmental changes compared to traditional wood stocks. It minimizes flexing and warping due to temperature and humidity fluctuations, ensuring a consistent bedding for the action and barrel, which directly translates to improved accuracy. The stock also features Sling Swivel Studs for easy attachment of a sling, making transport in the field more comfortable.

Thoughtful Aesthetics and Ergonomics

• Matte Stainless Finish: This non-reflective finish not only complements the stainless steel components but also reduces glare, preventing reflections that could spook game. It provides an additional layer of protection against the elements, making the rifle less susceptible to scratches and corrosion from brush or moisture.
• Length of Pull (LOP): Ranging from 12.75 to 14.25 inches, the design accommodates a wide array of shooters, allowing for a comfortable and consistent shooting posture. Proper LOP is crucial for managing recoil and ensuring repeatable sight alignment.
• Overall Length: At 41.25 to 42.75 inches, the rifle strikes a balance between maneuverability in dense cover and sufficient barrel length for optimal ballistic performance from the .308 Winchester cartridge.
• Weight: Weighing in at 8 lbs, the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator offers a substantial feel that helps absorb recoil, yet it remains manageable for carrying during long hunts. This weight contributes to its inherent stability and aids in steady aiming.

Who Benefits Most from the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator?

This rifle is an outstanding choice for:

• Dedicated Predator and Varmint Hunters: Those who frequently target coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and other varmints will appreciate its precision, quick follow-up shot capability, and stealth features.
• Precision Shooters: Individuals looking for a rifle capable of delivering consistent sub-MOA groups on the range will find the cold hammer-forged barrel and adjustable trigger highly satisfying.
• Hunters in Demanding Environments: The stainless steel components and laminate stock make it exceptionally durable and reliable in diverse weather conditions, from humid swamps to icy plains.
• Ethical Hunters: The rifle's inherent accuracy empowers hunters to make clean, ethical kills, minimizing suffering and maximizing success rates.

Availability and Trust

The Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator (UPC-736676471409, SKU-47140) represents a significant investment in your hunting and shooting endeavors. Its blend of Ruger's legendary craftsmanship, advanced manufacturing techniques, and thoughtfully integrated features ensures a firearm that will serve you reliably for years to come. This exceptional firearm is available at DEGuns, a trusted source for firearms and shooting accessories. When considering a rifle that marries heritage with cutting-edge performance for predator control and precision shooting, the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator stands as a premier option.

Key Specifications: Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator

Feature	Description	Benefit
Model/SKU	M77 Hawkeye Predator / 47140	Optimized for predator/varmint hunting
Caliber	.308 Winchester	Versatile, accurate, widely available
Barrel	22" Cold Hammer-Forged Stainless Steel	Exceptional accuracy, durability, corrosion resistance
Barrel Contour	Medium	Good balance, heat dissipation
Twist Rate	1:10" with 6 Grooves	Stabilizes diverse .308 bullet weights
Bolt	One-Piece Stainless Steel	Smooth cycling, strength, corrosion resistance
Scope Mounts	Integral Ruger Pattern	Strong, stable, reliable optics platform
Trigger	Two-Stage Adjustable Target	Customizable, crisp break for precision
Safety	Three-Position	Enhanced security, controlled bolt operation
Magazine	Hinged Floorplate (4 Rounds)	Reliable feeding, easy/safe unloading
Stock	Green Mountain Laminate	Stability, weather resistance, distinct appearance
Finish	Matte Stainless	Reduced glare, corrosion protection
Weight	8 lbs	Aids recoil absorption, good balance
Overall Length	41.25" - 42.75"	Maneuverability and ballistic performance
Length of Pull	12.75" - 14.25"	Accommodates various shooters for comfort
UPC	736676471409	Unique Product Identifier