Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Stainless
About this product
What is the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Stainless?
The Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter is a precision bolt-action rifle built for extended-range hunting in variable field conditions. It combines a stainless cold hammer-forged barrel with a fully bedded synthetic stock for mechanical consistency critical to ethical, long-distance shots. This specific configuration in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24-inch barrel is engineered to maximize the cartridge's external ballistics for terminal performance beyond 600 yards.
What is the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter used for?
The Hawkeye FTW Hunter is designed for disciplined hunters pursuing medium to large game like elk or mule deer at extended ranges. Its primary use case is open-country, spot-and-stalk hunting where shots can present between 300 and 800 yards, demanding a combination of precision, environmental durability, and moderate recoil. The rifle's 8.1-pound weight is a compromise, making it transportable for a full day afield while remaining stable for a steady offhand or bipod-supported shot.
How does the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Hawkeye FTW Hunter is better suited for long-range precision hunting, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a more affordable, close-to-mid-range utility rifle. The Ruger features a premium 24-inch stainless barrel with a 1:8 twist optimized for heavy 6.5mm projectiles and superior wind-bucking capability, whereas the Stevens' 20-inch barrel chambered in .308 Win favors shorter-range brush hunting with a more compact 44.75-inch overall length. For shots consistently past 500 yards, the Ruger's ballistics and bedding system provide a definitive accuracy advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.1 pounds and measures 45.75 inches in overall length. The cold hammer-forged stainless barrel is the defining dimensional factor at 24 inches, with a 5/8-24 threaded muzzle for suppressor or brake attachment. The HS Precision stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull and a 1.5-inch wide forend channel, providing a stable platform for a Harris-style bipod. The internal aluminum bedding block runs the full 14 inches of the stock's action area, a critical detail for maintaining zero under thermal stress.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious shooters, close-quarters brush hunters, or those averse to maintenance. At $1,630.99, it's a significant investment over entry-level platforms like the Stevens rifles. Its 45.75-inch length makes it cumbersome in dense timber or a ground blind compared to a compact 20-inch barreled rifle. Furthermore, the stainless finish and threaded muzzle require regular cleaning to prevent carbon locking if frequently using a muzzle device, a consideration outlined in our suppressor guide.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with the removable Ruger Muzzle Brake System installed, a matching muzzle weight, one 4-round steel detachable box magazine, and the necessary Allen wrench for brake/weight interchange. Ruger includes a basic cable lock and owner's manual covering the LC6 trigger adjustment procedure, which allows pull weight modification from the factory-set 3.5 pounds down to a crisp 2.5 pounds. Notably absent is any form of optic mounting system; you'll need to budget for and torque quality 30mm or 1-inch rings to the pre-drilled receiver.
Is the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter worth it at $1,630.99?
Yes, for the hunter who needs and can exploit its long-range capability, the FTW Hunter justifies its price through its barrel, bedding, and controlled-round feed action. The cost buys you a stainless, hammer-forged barrel that will maintain sub-MOA accuracy for an estimated 3,000+ rounds before significant erosion, and a bedding system that eliminates the point-of-impact shift common in cheaper, pillar-bedded stocks. If your hunting consists of shots under 250 yards, a rifle like the Stevens 334 at nearly half the price is the financially smarter tool.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 24-inch cold hammer-forged stainless barrel maintains sub-MOA accuracy for an estimated 3,000+ rounds.
- Full-length aluminum bedding block eliminates action shift; provides 100% consistent contact across 14 inches.
- 5/8-24 threaded muzzle accepts standard .30 cal suppressors without adapters.
- LC6 trigger is user-adjustable from 3.5 lbs down to a crisp 2.5 lbs with simple tools.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system locks you into Ruger mags; no AICS compatibility adds long-term cost.
- 45.75-inch overall length is challenging in tight blinds or dense timber.
- Matte stainless finish shows carbon fouling and requires diligent cleaning to prevent staining.
- No optic mounting hardware included adds $75-$200 to the initial setup cost.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 736676571529 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 57152 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 45.75'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 4-Round |
| model | Hawkeye |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Three-Position |
| shipping weight | 9.4 |
| sights | Integrated Base |
| thread pattern | 5/8"-24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded muzzle compatible with my suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8-24 thread pitch is the standard for .30 caliber and 6.5mm suppressors from major manufacturers like SilencerCo, Dead Air, and Rugged. You will need to verify your specific suppressor's caliber rating covers 6.5 Creedmoor and ensure you use a quality piston or direct-thread mount. Always check concentricity with an alignment rod before firing.
- Does it come with scope mounts or bases?
- No. The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 scope base screws but does not include bases or rings. You will need to purchase separate bases. For optimal performance with long-range optics, I recommend a one-piece Picatinny rail from Warne or EGW to maximize mounting surface and ensure a consistent 20 MOA cant for extended ballistics.
- How long is the shipping process to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 2 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground. Transit time typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your location. The firearm will ship to your selected licensed FFL dealer, who will then conduct the mandatory NICS background check upon your arrival, which can add minutes to several days depending on state.
- Can I return it if the accuracy is unsatisfactory?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for un-fired, new-in-box merchandise in original packaging. Once fired, returns are only accepted for verified manufacturing defects. For accuracy concerns, you must first demonstrate the issue using a minimum 5-shot group from a stable rest with quality factory ammunition; the process requires coordination with Ruger's customer service for potential warranty evaluation.
- Does this work with AICS-pattern magazines?
- No. The Hawkeye FTW Hunter uses Ruger's proprietary steel detachable box magazine. It is not compatible with Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) pattern magazines. The included magazine has a 4-round capacity, and Ruger offers additional magazines, but aftermarket options are limited compared to the universal AICS system used by many custom actions.