Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Ruger Hawkeye question

I have a Hawkeye 7-08 all weather that I really like, does anybody know how much weight I would save by changing the stock to a McMillan Edge?

couple ounces

None, and it'll probably be heavier. McMillan doesn't offer one of their lightweight Edge stocks for the Ruger. A standard weight McMIllan is about 2 oz heavier last time I weighed. If they offered the Edge, it would save 6-8 oz.

I forget which company, but there is only 1 option out there for the Hawkeye that is actually lighter than factory. I want to say MPI or Manners, but can't recall for sure.

Personally the Hawkeye has one of the better factory synthetics. It isn't worth the effort to change it. You'll spend several hundred $$$$ and at best be making a lateral move. Most of the other synthetics made for Rugers are a downgrade.

If you want to go LW for a hawkeye, I think MPI is the best bet. I could look up the specifics, but I think my stock is around 23oz. Its a well made stock, but I don't think that they are as "drop in" as a McMillan. Mine was fit by Rick Stienhour of extreme rifle works and did the fitting, bedding, painting etc for around $600. He has a couple of different patterns that work for the Rugers.

If you starting out from scratch and want a LW, there are lots of better places to start than a Ruger ( me I would start with an off the shelf Montana), but I have quite a few Ruger MKII/ Hawkeyes and its nice that my LW 358, is just the same as nearly every other hunting rifle I own in terms of action, safety etc. With a barrel of modest profile, a LW scope and the MPI stock my 358 is right at 6lbs. I have thought a little about building a similar one in 7mmSAUM.

Would an older Ruger boat paddle style stock be lighter?

Thanks for the input. I really like the rifle it just seems heavier than necessary. I had no idea what the factory stock weighed.

McMillan does offer an Edge fill stock now but they apparently have to reinforce the angled action screw area with fiberglass so it's not as light as the regular Edge stocks. This was per someone at McMillan a few days ago as I'm half considering ordering a McMillan for my Hawkeye.

Good to know. Also, glad to see you ended up keeping that Hawkeye.
That thing will grow on you like a fungus! Love all 3 of mine.

John

ScottnSA - if your 7mm-08's stock is like my .338 Federal HE/AW it indeed is stouter and heavier than the current trend of the 'not quite' tupperware variety stocks. I like it. Now, if Ruger could improve on the factory recoil bricks (non RAR) that would be nice too. Homesteader