Ruger has an extended historical past of constructing rugged, dependable firearms that mix conventional craftsmanship with sensible innovation. From the timeless M77 sequence to in the present day’s precision-oriented rifles, Ruger delivers instruments hunters and marksmen can rely upon within the discipline. After they teamed with FTW Ranch in Texas, dwelling to the SAAM capturing and looking programs, to create a purpose-built rifle, I took discover.
FTW Ranch is understood for world-class instruction and terrain that assessments each shooter and gear. A rifle developed alongside instructors who educate in that terrain made good sense. The result’s the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter, a rifle born within the hills and canyons the place it is going to truly be used. Chambered in .308 Winchester, it guarantees reliability, accuracy, and flexibility for hunters who want greater than a reputation on the barrel.
I’ve attended a number of programs at FTW Ranch. The drive up the dusty street, the lengthy view of the Hill Nation, and the instructors’ give attention to real-world software left an impression. Lots of these instructors have navy or dangerous-game backgrounds, and their coaching emphasizes sensible efficiency underneath strain.
When Ruger introduced the FTW collaboration, I needed to see whether or not the rifle lived as much as the FTW identify. When the Hawkeye FTW Hunter in .308 Win arrived for evaluation, my first impression matched what I hoped for. This rifle appears to be like like a device constructed for onerous use. It balances nicely within the arms, and the end provides a way of quiet confidence somewhat than flash.
The Hawkeye FTW Hunter is predicated on Ruger’s M77 controlled-round-feed motion, a system trusted by hunters and guides for many years. It makes use of a non-rotating Mauser-type extractor for optimistic feeding and a fixed-blade ejector for positive case ejection. These are particulars that matter when reliability is non-negotiable.
The .308 Winchester chambering balances recoil, vary, and ammunition availability. Ruger suits a 22-inch chilly hammer-forged chrome steel barrel for sturdiness and constant accuracy. A 20 MOA Picatinny rail is secured with 4 #8-40 screws for rock-solid optic mounting and additional elevation for long-range work.
The inventory is an H-S Precision Professional-Collection artificial with a full-length aluminum bedding block. FTW instructors helped form the inventory geometry, leading to a slimmer pistol grip for higher management in discipline positions and a snug cheek weld for various capturing angles. The tan and black speckle end stands as much as brush, mud, and dirt; situations anybody who hunts in Texas Hill Nation or western backcountry will acknowledge.
Different options embrace Ruger’s LC6 set off, which breaks cleanly with minimal creep, and a three-position security that enables the shooter to lock the bolt or unload safely with the security engaged. The inner journal holds 4 rounds and makes use of a hinged floorplate for fast unloading. Total weight is available in just below 8 kilos, making the rifle secure to shoot whereas nonetheless sensible to hold.
Taking the Hawkeye FTW Hunter to the vary and operating life like discipline drills strengthened why FTW’s affect issues. The rifle carried out in the identical situations FTW trains for: steep-angle photographs, kneeling positions, and fast transitions from supported to unsupported capturing.
The LC6 set off is crisp and predictable, which makes precision easy. The inventory geometry encourages a pure capturing place, whether or not susceptible or standing. The rifle’s stability helps it settle naturally onto targets, and recoil from the .308 Win is delicate sufficient for fast follow-up photographs.
Accuracy impressed. With high quality manufacturing facility ammunition I noticed constant teams round 1 MOA at 100 yards, and handloads tuned for the barrel tightened teams additional. The mix of chilly hammer-forged barrel, inflexible bedding, and predictable set off provides the Hawkeye FTW Hunter precision that rivals many higher-priced rifles.
Extra importantly, the rifle conjures up confidence. Whether or not operating drills on FTW’s long-range course or capturing from uneven terrain, it merely labored. The controlled-round-feed motion cycled easily, feeding cleanly even when labored quick or at odd angles. The chrome steel parts shrugged off mud and light-weight rain with out difficulty.
This isn’t a featherweight mountain rifle, however it feels purpose-built for the sort of looking many people do: spot-and-stalk deer, hogs, or western recreation the place photographs range from 50 to 400 yards. It’s reliable, the kind of rifle you may take wherever and belief to carry out.
The Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter is greater than a particular version with a emblem. It represents an actual collaboration between a revered rifle maker and a premier capturing college. Each function displays sensible expertise from instructors who practice 1000’s of hunters, and it’s constructed by an organization that understands reliability.
For those who worth real-world performance, sturdiness, and accuracy, the Hawkeye FTW Hunter deserves a tough look. It’s very best for anybody who has attended or plans to attend a SAAM or FTW Ranch course, and it’s equally at dwelling within the deer woods of Michigan, the elk mountains of Colorado, or the comb nation of Texas.
To be taught extra and examine accessible calibers and seller stock, see Ruger’s official site for full specs.
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