I'm in the process of selling my T/C Encore. I'm looking to replace it with another .22-250 bolt gun. I have owned a Rem 700 VLS in the past, but I'm looking for a more light weight hunting rifle. Anyone have any opinions on the Ruger Hawkeye? Other suggestions are welcome.
Varmint Rifle
- Thread starter Rocket94
- Start date
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
If you go with a Ruger, buy an older used one. In my opinion the Hawkeye has a rough action, older tang safety models are smooth....big fan.
Cooper, Cooper or a Cooper, talk to Clay at Prophet River (site sponser)
manbearpig
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Somewhere in the Third World
the M77 Hawkeye actions are fine. theyre one of the best factory guns for the money in terms of quality and features.
you cant compare a Mauser-style action like that of the Rugers to something like a Remington or Tikka. the former is deliberately designed with some bolt slop for reliability and function in all conditions. its not a bad thing. beefy mauser claw extractor, fixed blade ejector, and CRF for the win
one thing you gotta be aware of with the old tang safety Ruger M77s that MS recommended is that back then Ruger wasnt manufacturing their own barrels but outsourcing them to the cheapest bidder, and as a result they had a reputation for poor accuracy. i wouldnt buy one unless i could shoot it.
i prefer the solid 3-position safety on the Rugers to the safeties on most other production rifles - not only does it rotate a solid wedge of metal to block the trigger, but also visibly blocks the cocking piece. its very reassuring: i dont normally rely on a safety and prefer to only load when im about to fire, but its nice to know that if i did it could be trusted.
the LC6 trigger is a decent improvement on what used to be a mediocre point of the Ruger rifles. its still no target trigger, but its crisp and very suitable as a hunting trigger (dropping in an aftermarket spring also helps). the integrated QR ringmounts are also a good value and will save you some money.
if you do buy a Ruger, try and find one in Target Gray (not sure what they have in .22-250s, but worth a look at their website and in the EE). it is hands down the best finish on a firearm IMO - i wish more manufacturers would start doing something like it.
although honestly since you mentioned lightweight, and insist on a .22-250, id be looking at something like the Remington Model 7 Predator at 6.5lbs:
you cant compare a Mauser-style action like that of the Rugers to something like a Remington or Tikka. the former is deliberately designed with some bolt slop for reliability and function in all conditions. its not a bad thing. beefy mauser claw extractor, fixed blade ejector, and CRF for the win
one thing you gotta be aware of with the old tang safety Ruger M77s that MS recommended is that back then Ruger wasnt manufacturing their own barrels but outsourcing them to the cheapest bidder, and as a result they had a reputation for poor accuracy. i wouldnt buy one unless i could shoot it.
i prefer the solid 3-position safety on the Rugers to the safeties on most other production rifles - not only does it rotate a solid wedge of metal to block the trigger, but also visibly blocks the cocking piece. its very reassuring: i dont normally rely on a safety and prefer to only load when im about to fire, but its nice to know that if i did it could be trusted.
the LC6 trigger is a decent improvement on what used to be a mediocre point of the Ruger rifles. its still no target trigger, but its crisp and very suitable as a hunting trigger (dropping in an aftermarket spring also helps). the integrated QR ringmounts are also a good value and will save you some money.
if you do buy a Ruger, try and find one in Target Gray (not sure what they have in .22-250s, but worth a look at their website and in the EE). it is hands down the best finish on a firearm IMO - i wish more manufacturers would start doing something like it.
although honestly since you mentioned lightweight, and insist on a .22-250, id be looking at something like the Remington Model 7 Predator at 6.5lbs:
All good advice, thanks nutz. I did take the time to handle the hawkeye at Epps. It felt good, I did like the 3 position safety. Appearance was average - I really liked the gray that manbearpig posted a pic of.
I'm not overly familiar with the Coopers. A friend is buying one soon though, so I'm sure I'm about to learn alot more about them!!!!! Thanks cummins.
I'm not overly familiar with the Coopers. A friend is buying one soon though, so I'm sure I'm about to learn alot more about them!!!!! Thanks cummins.
Once you have a Cooper most rifles just seem to not measure up. I only have one but it certainly won't be my last.
I sure can't wait until mine is done..........but its going to be at least another 7-9 months
bulls-eys what have you ordered?
I ordered a Custom Classic in .17 HMR, Lilja Barrel, Skeleton butt and grip cap and Grade 2 Engraving. I sent my own blank in.
hoorahh, what a gorgeous piece of wood. I was shooting a buddys 17M2 Cooper last weekend, a varmint. 5 shots in one ragged hole at 50m.
I know you stated you wanted a bolt gun but why don't you just buy a 22-250 barrel for your Encore.
I haven't looked but it may be available in a 28" barrel which should bump up velocities by 80 - 100fps.
I have a 21" barrel in 223 for my T/C Contender carbine I can hardly believe how accurate this little rifle is with 40gr V-Max & H322 powder = 3400fps I consistently put 3 shots into 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" @ 300 yards.
If I was into Encores I would definitely have a 22-250 barrel for it...
I haven't looked but it may be available in a 28" barrel which should bump up velocities by 80 - 100fps.
I have a 21" barrel in 223 for my T/C Contender carbine I can hardly believe how accurate this little rifle is with 40gr V-Max & H322 powder = 3400fps I consistently put 3 shots into 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" @ 300 yards.
If I was into Encores I would definitely have a 22-250 barrel for it...
Thanks for the tips guys. I have looked into some Coopers, think they might be a bit out of my price range for a bush rifle chasing coyotes.
The Encore I'm selling is in .22-250. It is listed in the EE section. I have not been happy with how it is shooting. My groups are pushing 2" at 100m. I do not hand load, and have tried two different types of factory ammo. The Win 55 gr silver tips shoot a bit better than the Fed Premium 55 gr. But both shoot much better after the barrel has warmed up with 5-6 shots.
I have installed all of the springs that come with the Bellm T/C tune up kit, aswell as the 1x hinge pin. I'm using a Leupold VX III 6.5-20x50 with the varmint ret.
Aside from not being happy with how it is shooting, I want to go to some type of repeater and get away from the single shot for hunting. I have always had luck bolt guns. (I have owned Ruger M77 varmint and Rem 700 VLS). I hoping someone will get that Encore to perform better than I have been able to.
Thanks again for all the input. I am a fairly new user to cgn and am very impressed with the instant feed back.
The Encore I'm selling is in .22-250. It is listed in the EE section. I have not been happy with how it is shooting. My groups are pushing 2" at 100m. I do not hand load, and have tried two different types of factory ammo. The Win 55 gr silver tips shoot a bit better than the Fed Premium 55 gr. But both shoot much better after the barrel has warmed up with 5-6 shots.
I have installed all of the springs that come with the Bellm T/C tune up kit, aswell as the 1x hinge pin. I'm using a Leupold VX III 6.5-20x50 with the varmint ret.
Aside from not being happy with how it is shooting, I want to go to some type of repeater and get away from the single shot for hunting. I have always had luck bolt guns. (I have owned Ruger M77 varmint and Rem 700 VLS). I hoping someone will get that Encore to perform better than I have been able to.
Thanks again for all the input. I am a fairly new user to cgn and am very impressed with the instant feed back.
Have you looked at a Tikka Varmint? The last time time I shot my 223 it was doing better 3/4MOA.
The heavy barrel is actually not heavy to carry. You can pick one up for $1,000+.
BTW Why don't you consider a 223 instead of 22-250 - for cheaper and easier to find ammo? The 223 barrel should last longer than the 22-250 as well.
The heavy barrel is actually not heavy to carry. You can pick one up for $1,000+.
BTW Why don't you consider a 223 instead of 22-250 - for cheaper and easier to find ammo? The 223 barrel should last longer than the 22-250 as well.
one-mad-dog
Regular
- Location
- Central Ontario
I have a Remmington 700 LVSF (Light Vamint Stainless Fluted) in .223 but they were also chambered in 22-250. It's a light accurate bolt gun and available here on the EE from time to time.
