Range Report on Ruger Hawkeye 7mm-08 (was... which brand 7mm-08)

[SuperstitionCoues]

Hello!

Well, I shot it last week, used Winchester Super X Power Point 140 gr. factory loads.  With the Nikon Monarch UCC 3 * 9 scope on it, I shot a 1/2" group at 100yds.  No joke, no fibbing either - Scout's Honor.

It handles well, is balanced well, and although the bolt is a little sticky at full rearward, a little Breakfree LP has helped that out.  Recoil was very pleasant also.  It is the first factory rifle I have had in a long time that I don't feel the need to have a Limbsaver put on it.  The trigger pull is firm, but very crisp without any creep; it's a keeper also.   Cleanup was a whiz also, using a combination of Hoppe's No. 9, Gunslick foaming bore cleaner and their Ultra lube.  I really didn't see too much fouling come out.

It's a keeper.  I should have bought this one 10 years ago, instead of my 25-06. 

[ms]

Consider your self lucky now go kill a buck!

[Zachary]

I wouldn't recommend that to him just yet....the game warden wouldn't look too kindly upon shooting bucks out of season.

Zachary

[Warthog]

Sounds about like my Hawkeye 30-06, SuperstitionCoues.  Mine didn't like the Fusion 165s from Federal.  I got about 3" out of them.  At first I was afraid it was the rifle. (I mean, c'mon, it couldn't be the shooter!!!)  Anyway, I switched over to plain old 150 grain PowerPoints.  I shot the groups a little different than most.  I fired two shots, then waited.  Two shots then waited.  Etc...  (My goal in this type of shooting is to simulate the initial hunting shot and then a relatively quick follow up.  I don't know if it really helps working from the bench, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.)  After 10 shots in about 20 minutes, I ended up with 10 holes in 1.65"  I think I've found my deer load.  I'll play with the reloads for bigger and smaller game though. 

[nomosendero]

And American too, how bout that! 

[SuperstitionCoues]

And American too, how bout that! 

Surprised the heck out of me!!!  

It does have a Japanese scope on top, though.

[Dave in WV]

Two suggestions for you.  Remove the firing pin and spray it off with carb cleaner so you don't have any cold weather issues. After it dries spray it down with Remington drylube. Spray the bolt body down with drylube and work the bolt. I have a MK II stainless .243. It helped my rifle smooth out. I'm glad you like your Ruger. I really like mine, butt ugly boat paddle stock and all. 

[nomosendero]

And American too, how bout that! 

Surprised the heck out of me!!!  

It does have a Japanese scope on top, though.

Sure is a turn of events, isn't it.

[SuperstitionCoues]

And American too, how bout that! 

Surprised the heck out of me!!!  

It does have a Japanese scope on top, though.

Sure is a turn of events, isn't it.

I have to tell you that this gun is a completely different rifle than the first one was - everything that I envisioned and a close second to the one I saw in Flagstaff (a 30-06) last December.  When I found it, I snapped it up and didn't look back.  Pretty darn good customer service at Sportsmans Warehouse, too.

Yes, it sure is a turn of events.

[nomosendero]

And American too, how bout that! 

Surprised the heck out of me!!!  

It does have a Japanese scope on top, though.

Sure is a turn of events, isn't it.

I have to tell you that this gun is a completely different rifle than the first one was - everything that I envisioned and a close second to the one I saw in Flagstaff (a 30-06) last December.  When I found it, I snapped it up and didn't look back.  Pretty darn good customer service at Sportsmans Warehouse, too.

Yes, it sure is a turn of events.

Good, I thought all along it was more customer service & how it was handled at both ends than whether it was a POS American product. 

[SuperstitionCoues]

Well, the one that I ordered and came inwas a POS.  I would have been embarrased to sell it if I had been the shop owner.  If I classified all American firearms as a POS, it wasn't intentional, please believe me. That  specific one though, was. 
 
Oh well, what is done is done.  I am a few hundred $$$ poorer, but richer by a new 7mm-08 that is the most comfortable centerfire rifle that I have ever shot.   That goes a long way ... spinal fusion surgery for L5-S1 is set for August 29th.  That is what set off the quest for this rifle.

[nomosendero]

Well, the one that I ordered and came inwas a POS.  I would have been embarrased to sell it if I had been the shop owner.  If I classified all American firearms as a POS, it wasn't intentional, please believe me. That  specific one though, was. 
 
Oh well, what is done is done.  I am a few hundred $$$ poorer, but richer by a new 7mm-08 that is the most comfortable centerfire rifle that I have ever shot.   That goes a long way ... spinal fusion surgery for L5-S1 is set for August 29th.  That is what set off the quest for this rifle.

We all get anal at times. I am glad you have a good one now. I bought a Mod 700 '06 that had the scope mount holes crooked in the rec. I sent it to Rem & they sent me a new barreled action fast, good service.

[Mattkc]

Superstitioncoue, I had a double spinal fusion a couple of years ago and it really helped.  You will come to love the the pump and as soon as you see the physical therapist come into your room start hitting the pump.  If they go in the front after surgery they will keep asking if you farted, it turns out that is important.  They won't let you eat or drink until you fart.  It took five days before I passed gas, I was never so happy to fart in my life.  Broth and jello never tasted so good.   Good luck and get off the pain killer as soon as possible.  Matt

PS getting through airport security will become a real pain.

[SuperstitionCoues]

Thanks for the headsup.  I have been wondering about airport security. They are going in through the back, thank God.  My doctor, though, has already told me that I am not going to get out of "jail" until I pass the real thing, not just gas.  Man, I'm already feeling the pressure!