I've been looking for an all-purpose .223 bolt action for use around my place in Texas, mostly for wild dogs and coyotes which have become somewhat of a nusance. Also, I might try some long-distance target shooting just for fun. Shots on the coyotes are likely to be sometimes all the way out to 300 yards or so. I do plan to carry the rifle around while walking the place. I finally have my choice narrowed down to two rifles, both Ruger Hawkeyes in stainless w/ laminated stocks: the sporter or the Hawkeye Predator.
I'm not particularly a fan of the look of either stock but am going for function over form. My preference would be walnut but unfortunately Ruger doesn't offer the walnut with stainless. Don't want the synthetic, that's for sure.
I've studied Ruger's website and best I can tell, the only difference is that the sporter has the LC6 trigger, and weighs 7 1/4 lbs., while the Predator has a two-stage trigger and weighs 7 3/4 lbs. The 22" barrel contours look the same, the finish the same, & the stocks look the same other than colors, so what is really the difference between the two rifles? I suspect the stock shaping may be a little different, and maybe the Predator's barrel is heavier, but sure can't tell from looking at the website. Are the triggers that much different? I really don't need a target trigger as long as the LC6 is decent (which I've heard is is), but if the target trigger is much better, I might as well go with that. However, in the end, I also would rather have the lighter rifle, everything else being equal.
I'm planning to buy one or the other in the next few days. But since none of the shops around here have them for a side-by-side comparison, I have to special order. The cost difference is negligible. Please help me make up my mind. Thanks!
I'm not particularly a fan of the look of either stock but am going for function over form. My preference would be walnut but unfortunately Ruger doesn't offer the walnut with stainless. Don't want the synthetic, that's for sure.
I've studied Ruger's website and best I can tell, the only difference is that the sporter has the LC6 trigger, and weighs 7 1/4 lbs., while the Predator has a two-stage trigger and weighs 7 3/4 lbs. The 22" barrel contours look the same, the finish the same, & the stocks look the same other than colors, so what is really the difference between the two rifles? I suspect the stock shaping may be a little different, and maybe the Predator's barrel is heavier, but sure can't tell from looking at the website. Are the triggers that much different? I really don't need a target trigger as long as the LC6 is decent (which I've heard is is), but if the target trigger is much better, I might as well go with that. However, in the end, I also would rather have the lighter rifle, everything else being equal.
I'm planning to buy one or the other in the next few days. But since none of the shops around here have them for a side-by-side comparison, I have to special order. The cost difference is negligible. Please help me make up my mind. Thanks!
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