I'm really hoping Ruger makes enough money off the RARs to come out with a slightly redesigned, nicer stocked Hawkeye....the new "Rifleman's Rifle". I truly think they could sell a bunch of them to guys looking for a higher end, tough hunting rifle. That is, if marketed correctly.
The Hawkeye is supposed to be a refined MkII with a slimmer stock and better (!?!) trigger. A return to the tang safety while retaining the CRF and possibly a round top version, along with a real improvement of the trigger might stir things up, but since the RARs are selling well and the goal is to make money, not gratify persnickety loonies, they'll likely just stay the course. Lots of 77s out there that can be tricked out if so desired. And let's not forget that the tactical-ish Hawkeyes seem to be doing pretty well at a pretty hefty price.
