Ruger Hawkeye Predator?

[Joel]

Does anyone have any experience with a Ruger Hawkeye Predator?

I like Ruger rifles, have had a few Hawkeyes and an African...but I am wondering about the Predator. Specifically: Does it handle better than a very heavy barreled rifle like a Remington 700 SPS Tactical with a 20 inch barrel, etc?

Looks like a great compromise between very accurate but still portable and able to carry around a lot and shoot well offhand. I hope.

 

[Crashman]

I have one, shot it a bit with run of the mill factory ammo, it is a decent shooter and will probably really blossom with better factory ammo or handholds. Sold it, then buyer backed out last minute, kinda glad he did, I rather like carrying it in the woods.

 

[Joel]

Thanks for the info Crashman! I appreciate the hands on review.

Especially the part that it carries around the woods well.

Total weight can be deceptive. Had a Remington heavy barrel rifle that was advertised as 7.5 lbs. Okay cool. Throw a scope on it, 8.5 right? Should not even be a thng!

Except the balance was so off I hated shooting it offhand or carrying it.

If this is better...I am diggin the idea more and more.

 

[Crashman]

You are welcome, yes it does seem to balance well which of course like you said supersedes the weight. I have not put this one on a scale because the balance and carry has been good enough that the weight never really entered my mind. I have also always really liked the way Ruger does their matt stainless steel, and the laminate stock is very nice too, trim and not bulky.