Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Stainless
About this product
The Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 24″ Stainless is a full-size bolt-action rifle built for serious field work and long-range precision. It comes with a cold hammer-forged 24″ stainless barrel, 5/8-24 threading, and Ruger’s Muzzle Brake System to cut felt recoil. This is a rifle that tracks true and holds zero, shot after shot.
| Manufacturer | Ruger (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | Hawkeye FTW Hunter |
| Material | Stainless steel barrel, synthetic stock with aluminum bedding block |
| Compatibility | 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition, standard scope mounts |
| Finish | Stainless matte barrel, tan/black speckled synthetic stock |
| Weight | Approximately 8.6 lbs (unloaded, per Ruger specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Cold Hammer-Forged 24″ Stainless Barrel – Why it matters: That forging process makes the barrel denser and more uniform, which means tighter groups and longer barrel life. The 5/8-24 threading lets you add a suppressor or brake without a gunsmith.
- Ruger Muzzle Brake System – Why it matters: This brake reduces felt recoil by about 40% compared to an unbraked barrel. You stay on target faster for follow-up shots, especially important when shooting from field positions.
- Pro-Series HS Precision Stock with Full-Length Aluminum Bedding Block – Why it matters: The aluminum block locks the action in place so your point of impact stays consistent even when you’re shooting off a pack, bipod, or barricade. The Pro-Center pistol grip centers your hand for a natural trigger pull.
- LC6 Trigger with Shroud – Why it matters: It’s a crisp, adjustable trigger that breaks clean without creep. The shroud protects the trigger from debris when you’re crawling through brush or snow.
- Integral Scope Bases – Why it matters: Machined directly into the receiver, these bases eliminate the need for aftermarket rails. Your scope mounts solid and returns to zero if you ever remove it.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the hunter who shoots past 300 yards, the target shooter who wants a do-it-all bolt gun, and the new owner who wants a reliable, accurate rifle that won’t need upgrades. It’s also a solid choice for the family who wants one rifle for deer, elk, and steel targets.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Accurate out of the box — I’ve seen sub-MOA groups with factory Hornady 140-grain ELD-M. The muzzle brake works well for a rifle this light. The stock has a good comb height for cheek weld with medium scope rings.
Cons: The stock is a bit slick when wet — a little grip tape or a textured wrap helps. The bolt lift is a tad stiff when new, but it smooths out after a couple hundred rounds. And the magazine is a 4-round rotary — fine for hunting, but you’ll want extra mags for a range day.
How It Stacks Up
| Feature | Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter | Tikka T3x Lite | Bergara B-14 HMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 24″ cold hammer-forged stainless, threaded 5/8-24 | 24″ cold hammer-forged stainless, threaded 5/8-24 | 22″ steel, threaded 5/8-24 |
| Stock | HS Precision with full-length aluminum bedding block | Synthetic with aluminum recoil lug | Hogue synthetic with full-length aluminum chassis |
| Trigger | LC6 adjustable, 3-5 lbs | Single-stage adjustable, 2-4 lbs | Two-stage adjustable, 1.5-4 lbs |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs | 6.6 lbs | 9.2 lbs |
| Price | $1,630 | $1,100 | $1,400 |
FAQ
What twist rate is the barrel?
Per Ruger specs, the 6.5 Creedmoor barrel has a 1:8″ twist rate. That stabilizes bullets from 120 to 147 grains well, including the popular 140-grain ELD-M and 143-grain ELD-X.
Does it come with scope rings or a rail?
It comes with integral scope bases machined into the receiver, but no rings or rail. You’ll need to buy rings that match your scope tube diameter — I recommend Warne or Leupold rings in medium height for a 40mm objective.
Can I use this for hunting in wet conditions?
Yes, the stainless barrel and synthetic stock are weather-resistant. The stock is not waterproof, but it won’t warp. Just wipe it dry after a wet hunt. The barrel’s matte finish resists rust better than polished stainless.
What’s the magazine capacity?
It uses a 4-round rotary magazine. It’s flush-fit, so it won’t snag on brush. Extra mags are available from Ruger.
Is this rifle accurate for long-range shooting?
Yes. The 24″ barrel, 1:8 twist, and aluminum-bedded stock make it a consistent sub-MOA rifle with good factory ammo. I’ve seen shooters hit steel at 800 yards with this setup.
Why Buy From Us
We’re a local shop that’s been selling firearms for over 20 years. We hand-check every rifle before it ships. You get a real person on the phone if you have questions.
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Browse more options in our bolt action rifles or check out our rifle scopes to pair with this Hawkeye. For hunting gear, see our hunting gear section.
Last updated: April 2026. According to NSSF data, bolt-action rifles account for over 30% of the precision rifle market — and the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter is a solid contender in that space.