The Ruger Hawkeye Hunter is a bolt-action rifle in .308 Winchester with a free-floated, cold hammer-forged stainless barrel and an American walnut stock. It's a straightforward hunting rifle that doesn't overcomplicate things. 
 

Key Specifications: 

• Model: Hawkeye Hunter 
• Caliber: .308 Win 
• Action Type: Bolt Action 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 40 inches 
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds 
• Weight: 7 lbs (112 oz) 
• Finish: Satin Stainless / Wood 
• Safety Mechanism: Three-position safety 
• Trigger Type: LC6 
• Grip Material & Finish: American Walnut, Stained & Polished 
• Twist Rate: 1:10 RH 
   

Detailed Features: 

The 5R rifling in the stainless barrel tightens shot groupings by reducing bullet deformation during engraving. The non-rotating Mauser-type extractor handles feeding and extraction reliably, which matters when you're in the field and can't afford a malfunction. 
 
The stock has rounded contours with wrap-around checkering for a consistent grip. The three-position safety lets you lock the bolt, or load/unload without touching the trigger. The LC6 trigger breaks cleanly out of the box. A Picatinny rail is included for optics mounting. 
 
The walnut and satin stainless combination is a classic pairing — the wood darkens and develops character with use, while the stainless holds up in wet conditions without needing much attention. 
 

Usage 

This rifle is well-suited for deer and other big game hunting, where a 20-inch .308 barrel gives you solid performance without the bulk of a full 24-inch tube. It's also a good platform for long-range target work given the trigger and rifling quality. The 7 lb weight is on the heavier side for a carry rifle, but it helps manage recoil during longer sessions.

The Ruger Hawkeye Hunter in .308 Stainless/Walnut gets consistently positive reviews on build quality and accuracy, with a few practical complaints worth noting.

Shooters across the board praise the stainless and walnut combination — it looks traditional and holds up well in the field. The bolt runs smooth, and accuracy reports are strong at distances ranging from 100 to 300 yards. The LC6 trigger is a common highlight; it breaks cleanly without needing aftermarket work.

On the downside, weight comes up regularly. At 7 lbs unscoped, it adds up fast on a long pack-in hunt. A few buyers also flag the price — it sits above comparable bolt-action options from other manufacturers, which invites scrutiny. Some wish the stock was more adjustable or that it came with modern features like a threaded barrel. Recoil is manageable for most shooters, though those sensitive to .308 recoil sometimes mention wanting a better recoil pad installed.