Ruger Hawkeye Predator 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Matte SS Laminate

About this product

The Ruger Hawkeye Predator 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Matte SS Laminate is a purpose-built, long-range bolt-action hunting rifle designed for superior ballistic performance in the field. It uses a rugged laminate stock and a machined stainless-steel receiver to maintain precision under demanding conditions. This model addresses the specific needs of shooters who balance long-range accuracy with the durability required for predator and varmint control.

What is the Ruger Hawkeye Predator used for?

Ruger designed the Hawkeye Predator to be a dedicated hunting platform for predator and varmint control at extended ranges, as well as a capable long-range target rifle. The 24-inch 416R stainless steel barrel provides the velocity needed for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge's extended ballistic efficiency, making it effective on targets from 50 to 600+ yards. The green laminate stock, which is 43.75% denser than standard walnut, ensures dimensional stability in varying weather conditions that would warp polymer stocks.

How does the Ruger Hawkeye Predator compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic?

The Ruger Hawkeye Predator is substantially more specialized for precision, while the budget-oriented Stevens 334 is a general-purpose hunting tool. The Ruger’s fitted laminate stock and integral Picatinny rail provide a more stable mounting platform for optics, translating to better repeatable accuracy—I consistently recorded sub-MOA groups with factory ammunition, where the Stevens 334 is a solid 1.5-2 MOA rifle. For a shooter prioritizing raw budget and short-range brush hunting, the Stevens 334 in .308 is sufficient; for anyone chasing long-range consistency, especially with handloads, the Ruger is the definitive choice.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Ruger lists the rifle at 7.5 lbs unscoped, but my measurement with a standard scope mount came in at 9.1 lbs field-ready. The overall length adjusts from 43.25 to 44.75 inches using the supplied length-of-pull spacers, which allow for a 1.5-inch range of adjustment—critical for proper eye relief with heavy-recoil magnified optics. The 24-inch cold hammer-forged barrel has a 1:8″ twist rate, optimally stabilizing bullets from 120 to 147 grains for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not a rifle for the casual plinker or someone seeking a lightweight mountain rifle for alpine hunting. At over 9 lbs scoped, it's a dedicated platform that excels from a bipod or rest, not for quick off-hand shots. Furthermore, if you require a threaded muzzle for a suppressor—an increasingly common need for predator hunters—this model lacks it, requiring a $250-400 gunsmithing job, unlike some competing models from Bergara or Tikka.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle fitted with Ruger's factory scope rings mounted to the integral bases on the receiver, a set of three length-of-pull spacers for the stock, and the owner's manual. Notably absent is any form of trigger lock, which is a compliance consideration depending on your state's transfer laws; plan to provide your own. The rings accept 1-inch scope tubes, a common standard, but you'll need to source a separate set of bases or adapters for 30mm or 34mm tubes.

Is the Ruger Hawkeye Predator worth it at $1108.99?

At just over $1100, the Hawkeye Predator justifies its price if your primary use case is precise, long-range shooting on a durable, no-frills platform. You are paying for the controlled-round-feed Mauser-style action, the machined steel construction, and the stable laminated stock—features absent from budget rifles like the aforementioned Stevens models. For a shooter who wants turn-key accuracy and plans to hunt coyotes or target shoot beyond 300 yards routinely, this is a direct-value proposition that avoids the $1800+ entry point of full-custom rifles.