I really love/use this rifle and caliber for getting ready for my African safaris. The ammo is obviously cheaper than my regular African caliber rifles, and allows me to practice all the standard positions (standing on sticks, sitting, & kneeling. I don’t shoot prone with heavy recoiling rifles for obvious reasons, plus the flora usually eliminates that option), at a ‘good price’. $6.00 for 20 rounds (Cabela’s years ago when I stocked up), beats the hell out of $20/round of 505 Gibbs!

I admire Ruger’s thinking when they designed this rifle, which was explicitly to imitate a safari African rifle, complete with open sights, barrel band front swivel, etc. It’s purposely heavy to give the same ‘feel’ as one’s safari rifle, at 9.2 lbs. with rings and my Leupold 2.5-8 scope, which I put on all of my PG rifles up to and including my 375 H&H.

I think only 200 of these rifles were made by Ruger, I believe at the request of Gunsite in AZ for their week long training course in high recoiling safari rifles. Whoever thought of this idea was a genius, for which I am grateful!

I usually shoot 10-20 rounds out of this rifle before going on to my regular safari rifles. Today, I began with this .223, and then moved on to my 9.3x66, 358 NM, and ended the session with my 404 Jeffery. A fruitful day on the range.

Thank you Ruger!

I have a 22-250 built on a Kurz action in the exact same style as my big game 375H&H. I just can't stop shooting it!

A couple of years ago, the Gander Mountain in Opelika AL got in several used Hawkeye Africans in various calibers, one of them being .223. I toyed with the idea of buying it as I thought it super cool. At the time funds were limited, so I let it pass. I wish I would have purchased it, especially reading this about how few were produced.

I really wanted one of their Hawkeye Africans in 6.5x55 and scoured the internet and gun stores looking for one, to no avail. Ended up with a T3X Hunter in 6.5 Swede, but loved the look of the Hawkeye African.

When Ruger came out with these small/medium caliber Hawkeye Africans, I bought two of each, thinking THIS was a great idea. They were in 275 Rigby, 6.5x55, 9.3x62 & of course for Gunsite, the .223. I believe the first three were made in runs of 250. Too bad Ruger doesn’t seem too interested anymore in building these special runs. I was hoping it would continue with their next caliber in 30-06, then 35 Whelen, etc.

I remember the run of 275 Rigbys they did a few years ago. Would have like to have one of those too. It seems the latest exclusive is 280 AI which is pretty cool.

Yes, the 280AI was their last caliber. I was going to buy that one as well, until I handled one. The contour of the barrels of the first (3) calibers were very light and slim, which contributed to the weight, balance and overall feel of the rifle.

For some reason, when they produced the 280AI, they increased the thickness of the barrel contour, which increased the weight of the rifle, and affected the balance.I did not buy the 280 AI for that reason. I don’t know if they ever sold all 250 rifles of that run.

At any rate, they have not produced anymore calibers in this unique Ruger rifle. If they would go back to the smaller contour barrel, and offer it in 30-06, 35 Whelen, or maybe even 270 Win or 280 Rem, I think they could sell these rifles.

Just IMHO.

I had a Ruger International in stainless steel and wood in the 250-3000 and they went out of sight and as usual I got greedy and sold mine, another in a 308, and another in 7x57, both blue, same story..dammit!

I have a RJ Renner custom on a Mark 2 Ruger action and its a beauty with Schnable forend, side panels and pancake cheekpiece 22"fwt barrel with Ruger iron sights, complete with a 2x7x28 leupold in 7x57 that shoots under an inch 6.5 pounds loaded, found it in an Arizona pawn shop for $600. a couple of years ago. jumped on it, its a keeper.

I wish I had bought one! Ruger is now offering an African 22 Hornet. Wish they would offer the 223 again, but with the 24” “A” profile barrel, ebony forend tip and 1:8” twist!

I have a Ruger American predator, in 223, that is a tac driver.

WEll the two most recent calibers from Lipsky's is the 35 Whelen and the 22 Hornet? What more could you ask for?

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
WEll the two most recent calibers from Lipsky's is the 35 Whelen and the 22 Hornet? What more could you ask for?

I personally have no use for the 22 Hornet. I’m sure I could take Coyotes and prairie dogs at typical ranges with the Hornet, but a fast twist 223 is becoming my favorite. I was a 222 (triple deuce) guy through and through, but I’ve been pulled over to the dark side. Still love the 222 though.

Ray, you are correct. I just bought a Ruger African in 35 Whelen! Joy!!

They seem to be releasing them now, but slowly. Hard to find them, and if you do, folks want inflated prices for them. I found one for regular retail and didn’t hesitate to buy it. My dreams come true!

Now, if they will just do the next one in 30-06…

Has anyone bought one in 22 Hornet? I saw one for sale on the ‘net the other day. I’m very curious to learn of it’s weight, and the thickness of the barrel contour.

Lipsey's lists the hornet as having a 22" barrel, weight 6.5 lbs. A hornet would be fun. I really like my cz.

quote:

Originally posted by bghntr416:
Lipsey's lists the hornet as having a 22" barrel, weight 6.5 lbs. A hornet would be fun. I really like my cz.

Thanks bghntr416!

Mine is one of my most favorite rifles.