I got a new toy today

[The Raven]

Placed an order last weekend for a Ruger Hawkeye Predator in 223, picked it up today.

Just spent a pleasant few hours going over it, reading the instruction book (book of warnings they ought to call it), cleaned and lubed everything, and fitted the new scope (Nikon Monarch 6-24x50).

I'm hoping to take it to Little River this weekend to run it in and see how it shoots.

Pics will follow, when I can get some good light.

Oh, the supplied rings work a treat.... Too bad I bought the "number 6" just to be safe. Oh well, means I may need a bigger scope some time in the future.

[Cammo]

Look forward to the pics.

I have a Ruger Predator in .204 and love it, you wont be disappointed.

Regards

[Sako 22-250]

Good news Raven , great looking rifle .it should make a good fox gun!!
Cheers Mark

[crackers17]

Always good getting a new rifle. .
What twist is the barrel. ..

[The Raven]

I'm impressed with the build of the rifle. Looking at the parts you can see that it'll last just about forever. There is no skimping on material, and I like the heavier 'magnum' contoured barrel. I thought it a bit thinner than anticipated until I compared it with my Marlin 308. It's about twice the OD with a tinier hole.

223 should be fine for most of the stuff I'm likely to shoot, with the Marlin stepping in for the bigger/closer critters.

Twist on the 223 is 1:9.

The matte stainless is an interesting finish but I like the overall look of it. Barrel looked very nice, once I cleaned it.

I'll leave the trigger alone until the rifle is fully run in. It's a bit heavier than I'd like out of the box, but that's to be expected for a factory setup. First stage is nice and short, second is "lawyer" spec.

[Camel]

Well, congratulations Mr Raven, that should suit you very well. Rifle basics trigger should fix that, if you want to go that far. Good pick up mate.

[The Raven]

Well, congratulations Mr Raven, that should suit you very well. Rifle basics trigger should fix that, if you want to go that far. Good pick up mate.

The Predator comes with the target trigger as opposed to the standard LC6. It's supposedly more adjustable etc and the same as offered in the VT "target" model. I haven't pulled it from the stock yet but suspect it should provide more than adequate adjustment to suit my basic rifle skills.

Took me a while to get around to purchasing something better than a 'basic' rifle. However, I was surprised I couldn't order it in 25 Camel! The guys at the LGS didn't have a clue what I was talking about. Typical!!!!

[223 fanboy]

Pics will follow, when I can get some good light.

Looking forward to them Raven.

[Teepee]

Good to hear Raven
Nice work.
Now all we gota do is get you into one of those 20 cals down the track.
Or maybe the 25 camel!

Look forward to seeing some pics.

[Tackleberry]

good one raven i got one too last week

now if that trigger is the same as my sons 25-06 VT it will adjust up a treat .

[Camel]

Well, congratulations Mr Raven, that should suit you very well. Rifle basics trigger should fix that, if you want to go that far. Good pick up mate.

The Predator comes with the target trigger as opposed to the standard LC6. It's supposedly more adjustable etc and the same as offered in the VT "target" model. I haven't pulled it from the stock yet but suspect it should provide more than adequate adjustment to suit my basic rifle skills.

Took me a while to get around to purchasing something better than a 'basic' rifle. However, I was surprised I couldn't order it in 25 Camel! The guys at the LGS didn't have a clue what I was talking about. Typical!!!!

Well that's alright about the trigger then. Didn't know if they had the standard or adjustable.

You want to tell that gunshop of yours to get up with the times mate, fancy not knowing about the 25 Camel, what is wrong with those guys. I dunno !

[kickinback]

Does Mrs Raven like it?

[The Raven]

Does Mrs Raven like it?

She thinks it would look better blued rather than stainless, and she's never been a fan of laminated stocks (particularly the Predator's mountain green).

I'm also banned from receiving any further 'presents' until the end of the year.

[B4408]

Raven, the Predator should serve you well. I had one on my short list but couldn't get to hold one in 223 so went the CZ. I don't mind the green and matt stainless finish.

Not long to the end of the year just enough time to do some research and order the Xmas present.

Bruce

[Tackleberry]

Does Mrs Raven like it?

She thinks it would look better blued rather than stainless, and she's never been a fan of laminated stocks (particularly the Predator's mountain green).

I'm also banned from receiving any further 'presents' until the end of the year.

but but but you need a scope for the new rifle