There isn't much to read on the Ruger Hawkeye because its basically been unchanged since 1991 outside of the Hawkeye trigger. The Hawkeye rifles that I've shot have all been decent shooters. I would say that they are 1.5" or better rifles in a general statement which is on par with every other factory rifle out there.
I find it interesting that wood stocks are deemed sub-par to synthetic. Factory wood is more often than not, better than factory tupperware from a bedding and stiffness standpoint. You have to go aftermarket to get into a quality synthetic stock.
If you like wood, get it and do two things. Make sure the barrel has good free float clearance, and skim bed the action. The only other thing to do is take off the buttpad and slather some wood finish on under there. They often don't finish under the pad. At that point, it is stable and weatherproof enough for all but the most extreme hunts.
Jeremy