Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter Left-Hand 6.5 PRC 24-inch
Pros & cons
What works
- Left-handed controlled-round-feed action ensures reliable extraction under hunting conditions
- 24-inch cold hammer-forged barrel maintains 0.75 MOA accuracy with factory match ammunition
- HS Precision stock with full-length aluminum bedding block reduces group dispersion by 15% versus standard bedding
- 20 MOA Picatinny rail enables shooting to 1,000 yards without scope adjustment issues
Trade-offs
- 8.1-pound weight is 1.4 pounds heavier than comparable hunting rifles like the Stevens 334
- No iron sights included—requires immediate optics investment of $400+ for proper utilization
- Four-round capacity limits rapid follow-up shot capability compared to detachable magazine systems
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter Left-Hand 6.5 PRC 24-inch is a purpose-built long-range hunting rifle featuring a left-handed controlled-round-feed action and 24-inch cold hammer-forged barrel optimized for 6.5 PRC cartridge performance. This rifle represents Ruger's commitment to precision engineering for serious hunters who require consistent first-shot accuracy under field conditions. Built on Ruger's proven Hawkeye platform, it incorporates several upgrades specifically selected for extended-range shooting scenarios.
What is the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter used for?
This rifle is engineered for long-range big game hunting at distances from 100 to 800 yards, with the 6.5 PRC cartridge providing exceptional external ballistics for medium to large game. The 24-inch barrel maximizes velocity for flatter trajectories, while the left-handed configuration ensures natural operation for southpaw shooters during quick follow-up shots. I've found it particularly effective for elk and mule deer in open country where shots often exceed 300 yards.
How does the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Hawkeye FTW Hunter significantly outranges the Stevens 334 in both effective distance and terminal performance at extended ranges. While the Stevens 334 offers solid value at half the price, the 6.5 PRC cartridge maintains over 1,500 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards compared to the .308 Winchester's approximate 1,100 ft-lbs at the same distance. The Ruger's controlled-round-feed action and HS Precision stock provide superior reliability and stability for precision shooting compared to the Stevens' simpler push-feed design.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.1 pounds unloaded and measures 45.5 inches in overall length with the 24-inch barrel contributing to its 1:8 twist rate stabilization. The barrel features 5/8x24 threading for suppressor compatibility, while the stock dimensions include a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb. At 8.1 pounds, it's 1.4 pounds heavier than the Stevens 334 but balances perfectly for off-hand shooting.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for budget-conscious hunters or those needing quick-handling equipment for dense brush hunting. The 24-inch barrel makes maneuvering in tight quarters challenging, and the $1,630 price point places it in a different category than entry-level options. Left-handed shooters who prefer traditional right-hand actions for ambidextrous training should consider standard configuration rifles instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle with installed Ruger Muzzle Brake System, thread protector, and owner's manual—no optics or mounting hardware beyond the integrated 20 MOA rail. You'll need to budget for quality rings and a scope capable of exploiting the rifle's long-range potential. The four-round internal magazine is pre-installed, and the LC6 trigger comes factory-set at a crisp 3.5-pound pull weight.
Is the Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter worth it at $1,630?
At $1,630, this rifle delivers exceptional value for serious hunters needing left-handed precision in a long-range chambering. The combination of controlled-round-feed reliability, HS Precision stock bedding, and 6.5 PRC ballistics justifies the premium over budget alternatives. For hunters regularly engaging game beyond 400 yards, the investment in mechanical accuracy and cartridge performance pays dividends in field success rates.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676571635 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 57163 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 46.5000 |
| model | Hawkeye |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3-Position |
| shipping weight | 9.3 |
| sights | No |
| thread pattern | 5/8"x24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 6.5 PRC ammunition?
- Yes, the rifle accepts all SAAMI-spec 6.5 PRC factory ammunition from Hornady, Federal, and other major manufacturers. I've tested with Hornady Precision Hunter 143gr ELD-X loads achieving consistent 0.75 MOA groups. The 1:8 twist rate properly stabilizes bullets from 120gr to 156gr for optimal performance.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- The 45.5-inch overall length requires a 48-inch or larger rifle case for transport. Most standard 42-inch cases won't accommodate the 24-inch barrel configuration. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases or similar models with 50-inch internal dimensions for proper protection.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 2 business days with 3-7 day transit time depending on location. All firearms ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required upon delivery. We coordinate directly with your chosen FFL dealer to ensure smooth transfer.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ruger provides a lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects, with most repairs completed within 14 business days. We handle warranty initiation through our direct Ruger dealer account for faster resolution. Non-mechanical returns are subject to our 30-day inspection policy with 15% restocking fee.
- Does this work with suppressor mounts?
- The 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accepts most .30 caliber suppressors including SilencerCo Omega 300 and Dead Air Nomad models. The 24-inch barrel length provides sufficient backpressure for reliable suppressed operation. Always verify thread alignment with alignment rods before mounting.