New Ruger Hawkeye Sporter 338 Win Mag

Went to my dealer to pick up a check from a handgun sale and came home with this Ruger Hawkeye Sporter 338 Win Mag.  It's not like I need another project with a 700 still waiting for a scope since last Fall.  But this was such a strikingly good looking piece.  It's built like a tank.  The action is a little rough and the trigger measures a consistent 4#'s which is passable but not great.  The 'target grey' color was a surprise as the catalog and internet pictures look like matte stainless.  The recoil pad measures about 1/2" and although it's better than past 77's I'm thinking it's still going to hurt in 338.  I'm hoping this one gets to shooter status.

EDIT:  As was pointed out to me the finish is 'Hawkeye Matte Stainless', not 'Target Grey'.

Edit for spelling.




Edited by timber - April/20/2009 at 21:16

I have zero experience with a 338.  I've shot 300 Weatherby's but that's the heaviest so I'm concerned with recoil.  I'm thinking it's going straight to the gunsmith for a Pachmayr or Kick-Ezz.  I'm also hoping I can get the action smoothed out some and the trigger massaged a little (both are quite a contrast to may regular hunter, a Sako 85).  I've been wanting to experiment with both a Hawkeye and the 338 so maybe I'm "killing two birds with one stone", ha ha.  Anyway, I'm an old 30-06 guy and not crazy about lots of recoil so I know this is going to be a challenge.

I was hoping you'd say something about the action.  It's not terrible but it's a little rougher than my Featherweight 6.5 Swede.  It has a light oil coating on the action rail and I thought about wiping it off and putting on a very thin coating of grease.  Bad idea?  Maybe just use it and let time take care of it?

I haven't decided on a scope yet but I've got a big fat 4.5-15x56 VX-L I'll probably strap on as a mule to try out the recoil pad.  I've had pretty good luck with Pachmayr Decelerators so that's what I'm trying first.  Kick-Ezz's are softer but I want something more durable for this rifle.

I'm still surprised what a good looking rifle this Sporter is with the Target Grey finish.  The forestock is very slender, maybe even more so than a 700 Mtn. stock.  They also slenderized the pistol grip but the shape is not quite as good as the Mtn.  I'm wishing they hadn't gone smaller with the buttstock but it's not too small.

Edit spelling


Edited by timber - February/20/2009 at 00:26

You're right.  Let the gunsmith polish it or let it wear in over time.  I'm not sure though how rough is too rough to start out with on a Ruger.  He should know. 

There's also a small gap between the magazine floorplate and the stock (the box is inset 1/16").  It's seems tight when shut but there is some movement if pressure is applied.  Does yours have this Big Squeeze?

Good to hear from you 8shots.  

the .338 doesnt kick anymore than the .300roy does you will be fine.

Originally posted by timber You're right.  Let the gunsmith polish it or let it wear in over time.  I'm not sure though how rough is too rough to start out with on a Ruger.  He should know.  There's also a small gap between the magazine floorplate and the stock (the box is inset 1/16").  It's seems tight when shut but there is some movement if pressure is applied.  Does yours have this Big Squeeze? Good to hear from you 8shots.

..........Those gaps are normal with mine and not to worry. Both my Frontier and Alaskan are the same way. It affects nothing.