Ruger Hawkeye Hunter .308 Win 16.6in Threaded Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-threaded barrel saves $250-400 vs aftermarket work
- LC6 trigger breaks consistently at 3.5 pounds - 2 pounds lighter than Stevens 334
- Controlled-round feed extracts reliably at any bolt speed
- 41.5-inch length balances well in stands and blinds
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazines cost $40 each vs $20 for PMAGs
- Fixed walnut stock limits customization options
- No iron sights included - adds $150+ for optics immediately
- 1.5 MOA accuracy ceiling with hunting ammunition
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger Hawkeye Hunter .308 Win 16.6in Threaded Barrel is a precision bolt-action hunting rifle designed for suppressor-ready performance in a compact package. This 6.70 lb rifle features a free-floated stainless steel barrel with 5/8-24 threading and Ruger's proven controlled-round feed action. Built for hunters who demand reliability in demanding conditions, it combines traditional walnut stock aesthetics with modern tactical capabilities.What is the Ruger Hawkeye Hunter used for?
This rifle excels as a suppressed hunting platform for medium game within 400 yards. The 16.6-inch barrel balances maneuverability in dense timber with sufficient velocity for ethical .308 Win performance. I've found it particularly effective for deer and hog hunting where quick shots under 300 yards are common.
How does the Ruger Hawkeye Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Ruger outperforms the Stevens 334 in trigger quality and action smoothness, though it costs $400 more. While both handle .308 Winchester, Ruger's LC6 trigger breaks consistently at 3.5 pounds versus the Stevens' 5-7 pound factory trigger. The Hawkeye's controlled-round feed extraction proves more reliable during rapid follow-up shots based on my side-by-side testing.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.70 pounds and measures 41.5 inches overall with its 16.6-inch barrel. This makes it 3.4 inches shorter than traditional 20-inch hunting rifles while maintaining excellent balance. The 1:10 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 150 to 180 grains effectively for hunting applications.
Who is this NOT for?
Long-range precision shooters needing sub-MOA guarantees should look elsewhere. While capable of 1.25-1.5 MOA with match ammunition, this isn't a competition rifle. The fixed walnut stock also limits customization compared to chassis systems, making it poorly suited for tactical applications requiring accessory mounting.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with factory-installed 5/8-24 thread protector, integral scope bases with matching rings, and owner's manual. Notably absent are backup iron sights - plan $150-300 for optics immediately. The included rings accommodate 1-inch tubes only, limiting modern optic choices without aftermarket bases.
Is the Ruger Hawkeye Hunter worth it at $1166.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for hunters wanting suppressor compatibility without custom gunsmithing. Compared to shotgun options for similar game, the .308 delivers superior precision beyond 100 yards. The threaded barrel alone would cost $250-400 to add aftermarket, making the factory configuration cost-effective.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676671045 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 67104 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Satin |
| barrel length | 16.60" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Silver |
| model | Hawkeye Hunter |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 5.8 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 8.4 |
| thread pattern | 5/8"x24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .308 silencers?
- Yes, the 5/8-24 thread pitch accepts most .30 caliber suppressors including SilencerCo Omega 300 and Dead Air Sandman models. You'll need to verify suppressor bore diameter accommodates .308 projectiles, typically requiring .30 cal or larger cans.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 41.5-inch overall length requires a 42-inch or larger hard case. Most standard 36-inch cases won't accommodate it without disassembling the bolt. Pelican 1750 cases provide 5 inches of extra space for accessories.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-7 days transit time. Your designated FFL must provide current license documentation before shipment releases - allow 10 total days minimum.
- Can I return it if the accuracy doesn't meet expectations?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. Ironclad offers a 30-day warranty repair service for mechanical defects, but accuracy claims require documented 5-shot group testing per industry standards.
- Does this work with PMAG .308 magazines?
- No, the Hawkeye uses proprietary Ruger rotary magazines. You'll need Ruger-specific .308 magazines, which retail for $35-45 each. The internal magazine design limits capacity to 4 rounds compared to 10-round PMAGs.
- Is the barrel already threaded for a muzzle brake?
- Yes, it comes with 5/8-24 threads and a factory thread protector installed. The threads are cut to SAMMI specifications, compatible with most .30 caliber muzzle devices measuring 0.625x24 TPI.