Question about Hawkeyes and Phantom scopes

[Hashknife Hartley]

Does anyone know the part number or model number for the Bushnelle base mount for the Hawkeye. I've looked through all the old Gun Digest editions of the period and seen a number of pictures there, as well as Dougan's books, but can't tell much about the base or rings and how they attach to each other. I'm assuming it's a dovetail type attachment for the rings, but need a full description of the setup if anyone has it.
Thanks for any help,
HH

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

HH,
Just went and got mine out of the safe remembering that it
came with two bases, one on the gun and one boxed.

The extra base is a Tasco #750 RHK for a RedHawk, Box also says
"Pistol Scope Base, #750 RHK Fits .256 Ruger Hawkeye". Base itself
is marked RHK.

The base on the gun I do believe is a Bushnell but I do not have its box.
It is marked "Hawkeye"on top. No other markings.

Sorry not to be of much help.
Terry

 

[Hashknife Hartley]

Hey, thanks a lot Terry, with your pics and numbers, and a few I just found by ACRYLICTNK, I know what to watch for now. Got the gun, an original manual and a full box of cartridges, and maybe the scope setup someday. Probably never on the box, too expensive for me, but maybe I can trade for one someday, 'ya never know. Thanks so much again,
HH

 

[americal]

FINE Hawkeye & box T.A. 8) my friend has 803 99+% same set-up with scope

 

[RPM Enterprises]

I have seen two types of phantom scopes used. One is a bit longer than the other.

 

[Coogs]

There was also a Busnell "post mount" system that I think, but correct me if I'm wrong, was actually the first system by Bushnell for use on the Hawkeye. It consisted of two cone shaped posts, smaller at the bottom that screwed into the two holes on the barrel, and the seperate ring/Base that slid over the "post" and had a set screw, allen head, that tightened up on either side. At least that is what I have on my Hawkeye, #553. Neat critter about 95-98% no box, but someone, long before I got it put that disgusting extra hole in the top stap!!!! So, I shoot, and shoot. God Bless, Coogs.

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

There was also a Busnell "post mount" system that I think, but correct me if I'm wrong, was actually the first system by Bushnell for use on the Hawkeye. It consisted of two cone shaped posts, smaller at the bottom that screwed into the two holes on the barrel, and the seperate ring/Base that slid over the "post" and had a set screw, allen head, that tightened up on either side. At least that is what I have on my Hawkeye, #553. Neat critter about 95-98% no box, but someone, long before I got it put that disgusting extra hole in the top stap!!!! So, I shoot, and shoot. God Bless, Coogs.

Coogs,
I never heard of that set up for mounting a scope on a Hawkeye.
That would be very neat! Maybe Hawkeye28 will chime in and provide
some additional info. Thanks for sharing!!!
Terry

 

[chet15]

FINE Hawkeye & box T.A. 8) my friend has 803 99+% same set-up with scope

Hmm...saw 804 a long time ago at a Monroeville, PA theme show in the '80's. Don't remember for sure but I think our RF friend "street" owned it. I have 805 in my notes also but don't remember who had it.
Chet15

 

[street]

FINE Hawkeye & box T.A. 8) my friend has 803 99+% same set-up with scope

Hmm...saw 804 a long time ago at a Monroeville, PA theme show in the '80's. Don't remember for sure but I think our RF friend "street" owned it. I have 805 in my notes also but don't remember who had it.
Chet15

I had 804 but I sold it 2 years ago at the Roanoke, VA gun show. I was in Texas at a gun show in the early 80s and I saw either 803 or 805, I can't remember which only that it was consecutive to mine. It was only in about 90% shape and the gentleman was not interested in selling it.

 

[Hashknife Hartley]

Great info on Hawkeyes from you guys, and Terry's pics of his neat set really set it off. One more question, what would you value a scope setup at, including scope and proper mount, not a jury rigged special. How much does it increase the value of the gun, or does it just make it more saleable in the future.
HH

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

PM sent!

 

[americal]

FINE Hawkeye & box T.A. 8) my friend has 803 99+% same set-up with scope

Some nice info guys 8) will tell my buddy--He got his from a guy in Huntsville Al. back in the early 1980's just got a box for it off E-Bay--the last one that sold there I think Thanks guys :!:

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

FINE Hawkeye & box T.A. 8) my friend has 803 99+% same set-up with scope

Some nice info guys 8) will tell my buddy--He got his from a guy in Huntsville Al. back in the early 1980's just got a box for it off E-Bay--the last one that sold there I think Thanks guys :!:

If thats the box I am thinking about, your friend got a very good buy!!
Terry

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

FROM THE HAWKEYE GIRLS' LAIR;........The referenced post type two piece mount was Bushnell's Phantom Scope Mount #76-2928. Mine came from the secondary market and one has to watch EBAY for them. These were termed "all purpose" and were a (pair of) "V" block bottom mounted on any level surface round or flat, and locked to two (one screw/stud for each mount) hardened chrome molybdenum steel studs seated in the two factory tapped 6-48 holes on the top rear of the Hawkeye's barrel. Bushnell called out that the studs only required normal screwdriver tightening pressure and the mounts were to be used for no recoil greater than the 38 Special caliber.

BTW, I have multiple rigid base sets for the Hawkeyes in the big steel box, yet none of the rigid one piece mount boxes has a Bushnell catalog number on it, nor is there a number on the small information and install instruction sheet.

If any of you need a copy of the instructions for either the rigid mount or the two piece mount set, I would be happy to send to you. PM me and I will give you my PO Box and you can send me a SSAE for me to return the info copies to you. Sorry, I seek these quietly, so none of mine are currently for sale. However, the info sheets would be a start for you and are usually missing when you finally find the physical parts........

Last, RE: your question on value......I think a complete set: screws, base, instructions, small stop block for secure mount of the Phantom scope, 1.3X or 2.5X scope, long or short version, have to run at least $175 to 250 and frankly, based on completeness and age, 1963!!, maybe more. As noted in the Southern Ridges, "Holler back" if any questions........There have been more than 55 Hawkeyes thru this grinder, and even tho John Dougan told two of my Stalwart Friends in Tulsa, that "Splitz doesn't know sh*t about Hawkeyes", I suspect I could help write that chapter in his book(s) for him, with no need for revisions......... 8) :wink: After 71 cranks on the Big Guy's calendar and 41 of them in the Ruger Collector Harness, I'd be letting all of you down if I did not call it like I see them, everyday, and share information as I promised all of those who mentored me, some decades ago........... :lol:
MIKE

 

[UmpquaCharlie]

Nice set up. I bought mine new way back when and tossed the box because I had a fancy wooden box to keep it in. I too have the scope and base...shot it for years as my first scoped handgun.
Charlie

 

[rugerguy]

Amen 'Splitz' and good info as to the Bushnells with the studs, as well as the "pricing", but gotta add, there was the 'other' Bushnell two stud system that used the rear sight elevation screw hole and only ONE hole had to be drilled out on the top strap, that was used even more often from what we ;ve seen over the years and have had to 'redo', they usually only had that ONE "damn" hole out in the middle of the top strap, same one used on MANY Blackhawks over the years...................

and yes, for that 'Hawkeye' chapter, we'd turn to you also..... :wink:

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Thanks, Brother Dan. Like you, I try. Lots of Stalwarts will never experience the "stuff" that you, Laura and I have seen and touched, nor the people whom we've met, admired , close-up. I am surprised that there have been no requests for the information on Hawkeye mounts, but not all have the firearm and I understand that. BTW, the information shows the print descriptions of the various two piece mounts and includes the dreaded "drill one hole" variety :? MIKE 8)

 

[rugerguy]

I've heard that the 'plate' provided with the gun, (for use in the two holes pre-drilled on the barrel) is "supposed" to be marked "Hawkeye" but we've seen some 'exactly' the same size ,shape ,etc ,but NO markings????? and the after market ones should have numbers or letters..........funny this came up as you may have heard , Jacquas' had that one 3 digit gun, in the #900, I "think" it was 933?? , had SEVEN holes drilled in it!!!!!!! I t came to us at the OGCA before it went to Jacquas, and he walked the show with it, Bill H and some of the others got to "see" it....WOW
I wish we had some of them back that our gunsmith in the first shop rechambered for some odd ball calibers...back then they (Ruger ) couldn't give the guns (Hawkeyes) aways, we were stuck with 3 of them.....dooh
You may recall then , we even chamberd a Dan Wesson revolver in the .256, built 3 of them, was written up in the American Handgunner......

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

8) BTTT to remind of offer of FREE HawkEye scope mount model/ instructions sheet........... :wink:

 

[chet15]

Splitz:
One thing I've seen in JD's work is that he claims the spring loaded breech block stop on the Hawkeye lasted well beyond where I've noted them. For the life of me I've never seen a spring loaded stop on a Hawkeye later than sn 975, nor have I seen a Hawkeye with the pressed style of breech block stop earlier than sn 993. So I have a strong suspicion that once the first lot of Hawkeye frames were produced up to sn 975 or just after, Ruger went strictly with the pressed pin thereafter.
What say you?

I also wonder if he's noticed the Newport proofmarks on the barrels of his Hawkeye prototypes?
Chet15

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Dan here is a picture of mine. This is what you were talking about
I think.

As to the different scopes, mine measures 7 5/8", heres a pic of
the lettering. I am guessing that the higher powered one is a different length?

 

[Eagleye256]

I've got a box with "something" in it, actually not sure what specifically, may be scope, if so with or w/o base, or base, fill screws and the paperwork (directions). have to check it out when I get back to the store tomorrow. Sold all my HE"s, so, if anyone is interested, I'll let you know what I have.

eagleye 304-813-2060

Actually have two boxes. One is and includes Bushnell handgun scope Pt# 74-2911 2.5xz Magnum Phantom 7/8" tube. Has all paperwork, separate gun "fill" screws and a mt. in separate box that is marked "RHK" 1 pc. The other box is just the box marked Bushnell 1.3x Phantom pistol and rifle scope. It has tube of lube, instructions and a pair if "fill" screws. No scope.

 

[Corky]

For what it's worth.......
I have two different mounts with the same Bushnell part number.
One is labeled "All purpose mount" and the other "Phantom scope mount.
I have no idea whether they were offered at the same time or not.

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Corky,
Thanks for posting those pictures!
I was having trouble picturing that tapered post setup in my head.
Now I have a better understanding of Hawkeye28's explanation.
Terry

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

I think the package and contents on the left, although numbered the same, is different in that the bases (EACH) have two mounting screws and holes, assuming a need to drill and tap at least two more holes in the barrel(Remember: the Hawkeye has two factory D/Tapped holes at the top rear of the barrel. The package on the right uses the two factory D/T holes only and requires one moly stud screw to mount each of the bases. Also, each package's bases appear to be differently configured.. I think the package on the left would precede that on the right, age-wise......JMO 8)

 

[Snake45]

I have seen two types of phantom scopes used. One is a bit longer than the other.

They came in two magnifications, 1.3 and 2.5. That's prolly the difference.

BTW, if you ever want to make a custom holster for the thing, let me know. :wink:

 

[UmpquaCharlie]

I just checked my scope mount and it is marked Hawkeye but between the two screwss an along the edge....