Hawkeye Compact

[Meeteetse]

What can you guys tell me about the new compact models Ruger is making. I really like the size of the compact models, but I am a little concerned about the short (16.5") barrel. Will accuracy suffer or will the short stiff barrel aid accuracy?

I've got one located and I really like its looks. Anyone have any experience with the compact model?

 

[Canazes9]

I purchased a compact ss/laminate for my son for his 1st deer rifle. It was one of the most accurate rifles I've ever shot out of the box. With a 3-9x40 scope it would consistently put 5 shots in about 3/4" at 100 yards w/ cheap factory Remington core-lokt ammunition. I was not satisfied w/ the 243's performance on deer so I sold it, but that wasn't the rifles fault.

David

 

[pcgod]

I have a 243 compact. It is extremely accurate, sub inch groups. You will however lose velocity. I lose 200-300 fps depending on the handload. This velocity reduction doesn't effect accuracy but I feel it limits the range when hunting. For deer hunting,with the 85 gr Sierra BTHP, this is 150 yard gun and with the 100gr Hornady a 200yard gun. I base this on 1000 ft pounds of energy. For varmint hunting, maybe out to 250 yards but I live in the Northeast and normally shots are closer than that.

I recommend thes rifles due to their weight and size. They are a joy to carry and shoot well. But they do have limits.

 

[Kanook]

Got one in 308. The wifes is in 260. The next one will be in 6.8 as soon as I put my grips on it.

 

[Black Frog]

I have several compacts, all in blue/walnut. I'm still trying to decide if I like to older gloss blueing, or the newer bead-blasted blueing.

I don't know if I'd call that little barrel 'stiff'. All the compacts come with a forearm pressure pad in the stock. Like all rifles, some shoot better than others- you may need to tinker with some things to get it shooting its best.

My compacts have all come in 1.5" or less with factory ammo.

I love how small and light that gun is- I have no reason to be carrying around some huge cannon all day in the woods. I may have preferred a 18" barrel, but I still like the compacts.

 

[Meeteetse]

Thanks to all who have responded. It makes my choice easier.

I want a Compact in a small center-fire caliber to use on varmints and other pesky critters around the cabin/ranch. I have several large caliber rifles that are heavy and unnecessary for what I want. I have a couple of caliber options (.223 and .243) and perhaps others to consider. Part of my decision will be based on what is available locally.

Keep the comments coming. It is always interesting to hear from everyone about their experiences.

 

[Meeteetse]

Well, as a follow-up, today I brought home a new, walnut and blue, .223 compact, and I couldn't be happier. Probably won't have a chance to shoot it until next weekend.

I mounted a 2.5x6-30mm scope and I can only hope it shoots as well as you all have indicated it should. I am pleased with the fit and finish and I think the rifle is the perfect size for the caliber. I would post a picture, but I have no idea how to do that.

 

[QB]

Congratulations on your purchase. I bought a M77 MKII Compact in .223 but haven't shot it so I can't comment on how it shoots yet. I was going to buy a rail and use an Aimpoint Micro H-1 sight but I may change my mind and get a scope instead (I know nothing about scopes).

Here's a picture of mine........I use Photobucket to host my pictures so that I can post them to the forum.

 

[Black Frog]

Like I said before- I love compacts! so much so that I just picked up a new compact in the 6.8SPC caliber.... I haven't seen many around, so when the opportunity came around I jumped at it.

 

[Canazes9]

Like I said before- I love compacts! so much so that I just picked up a new compact in the 6.8SPC caliber.... I haven't seen many around, so when the opportunity came around I jumped at it.

Why the 6.8SPC?

I understand the appeal of the 6.8SPC in the AR-15/Mini-14 platform (medium game capabilities in an .223 autoloading rifle platform), but I'm curious why you would choose the 6.8SPC in a bolt action over the same rifle in 260rem or 7mm-08. Not criticizing, not saying anything negative, just curious why you chose this caliber in this platform over other choices.

Thanks,

David

 

[Black Frog]

Not criticizing, not saying anything negative, just curious why you chose this caliber in this platform over other choices.

Because I have most of the other choices already. 8)

Well, I don't have one in 7.62, ...yet. 6.8 seems like a fun caliber- not sure how many are going to be made either. Not even sure I'll shoot it- sometimes those rare birds can get quite valuable down the road.

I'll probably end up getting a compact in just about all the calibers they offer. I like collecting.

But the 6.8 intrigues me. Remington had a comparison ballistic chart on their website of the 6.8 as a "270 light". They had the comparative charts of the 6.8 and a 270 firing their Managed Recoil ammo. Both use the same bullet. The charts were almost identical (within 5-7%). Impressive.

I was looking at the ballistic tables for other popular short-range "deer rounds" like the 30-30 and 35Rem. The 6.8 beats both in energy and velocity from muzzle all the way out. It is VERY similar to the 257 Roberts, but slightly better in ballistic catagories and uses a bigger diameter.

But what amazes me is that the recoil of the 6.8 is 10-20% LESS (depending on who you read) than those just mentioned! What a sweet round for someone just starting out deer hunting.

Not a fan of the AR platforms for hunting. And to see that caliber in a bolt action is just fun.

 

[Canazes9]

I've read a little on the 6.8SPC and it does seem like a cool caliber. I don't remember, is it supposed to reach published ballistics in a short barrel like the compact? Seems like it was designed for shorter barrel performance, but I really don't remember. If you do shoot your and chrony it I would like to hear the numbers.

David

 

[Black Frog]

The 6.8 WAS designed for the shorter barrels of the AR-platform. Not sure of final velocities, but here's some interesting articles on the 6.8 as a hunting round:

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammuniti ... gton_0303/

http://www.petersenshunting.com/content/will-dog-hunt

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m ... _n8709810/