Ruger American vs Ruger Hawkeye

Joined
Feb 19, 2025
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5
I'm new here. Wish I could figure out how to edit the above post. Ruger Americans are a great value. I know the Gen 1's get a lot of bad reviews over the rotary mag cycling issues, but otherwise are seen as very accurate, though ugly.
 
Joined
Mar 27, 2019
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Location
Lyon County, NV
Is the Ruger Hawkeye worth 3x the price of a Ruger American?


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Over Gen 1, yes. Over Gen 2, for general hunting purposes, no. I would argue they're not worth 3x - especially if accuracy is one of your top concerns.

The Hawkeyes are control-round feed, and you could argue they're Ruger's answer to the Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester. A lot more goes into making those than the Americans - the Ruger Americans were designed from the bottom up to use modern and updated manufacturing to create a sub-MOA rifle out of the box for as cheap as possible. They're different animals entirely.

If you want cheap, something you'll have a very hard time ever outshooting, with virtually all the modern cartridge options and detachable mags, you're looking at Gen 2 American.

If you want the most rugged and durable, and especially if you want heavier cartridges like big-bores, then go with a Hawkeye.
 
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
39
The American is an entry level gun, albeit accurate and reliable.

The Hawk eye is made to the traditional standards of a mid to higher grade hunting rifle: fit, finish, material, etc.

If you are just trying to put meat on the table, or use the rifle exclusively as a tool, the American is the way to go.

If you are a rifle afficianado, and appreciate a higher grade of gun, the Hawkeye may be the way to go.

Both great rifles, just different.
 
Joined
Feb 12, 2018
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Grand Junction
There's no "pride of ownership" with a Ruger American but you can get them functioning really well. The only way the Hawkeye is worth it is if you highly value the feeling of extra quality.
 
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