Remington CDL or Ruger Hawkeye...the final decision. HELP!

schoolcraft · 05-28-2009, 09:24 AM

Ok. I've FINALLY narrowed down my "all around" big game rifle purchase to these 2 models.

Left hand. Wood stock. Blued steel. In .30-06

There are things I like about both rifles. I've felt like the length of pull was too short on the Remmy, but a 1/4" or 1/2" spacer will fix that.

Controled round feed vs. Push feed?????? I don't know if there really is a "better" since I'm not hunting dangerous game.

Any info you guys could give me that might help me make up my mind between these 2 rifles would REALLY be appreciated!!!

No need to recomend a different rifle. I've looked at them all and FOR ME, it's down to these 2.

If it helps any, I'll be hunting deer and hogs at normal distances. I'm not going to be shooting over 250-300 yards. I would be going after a totally different setup for that and frankly I lack the practice time and skill involved in shooting Ridge Runner distances. LOL

Things that are important to my decision....

1. Out of the box accuracy. (I know you can get a lemon or a tack driver from any company... But what should I view as acceptable hunting accuracy?)

2. Ease of customizing. Glass bedding. Barrel floating. Trigger work. Ect.

3. Good warranty/customer service should they ever be needed.

thndrchiken · 05-28-2009, 09:41 AM

Personally I'd say Ruger, I am a big fan of mauser actions. The new lc6 trigger is very nice. Remington has been having quality issues over the past few years and I have had bad customer service experiences with Remington, enough to make me stay away from anything green. The Remington triggers are adjustable, Rugers are not though my Hawkeye breaks clean and crisp at 3lb 12 oz consistantly and is a vast improvement over the old trigger. As far as glass bedding and barrel floating it's the same on either gun. So I guess is comes down to fit and customer service. Which gun fits you better? In my opinion Ruger's customer service is without a doubt the winner over Remington.

Ron Duval · 05-28-2009, 10:34 AM

removed by RD

wolverine72 · 05-28-2009, 01:10 PM

I have three 700's, and one Ruger 77 Mark II standard. I do not have a Hawkeye.

From my experience:

Out of the Box accuracy: Both are okay out of the box, but improve quite a bit with a trigger job. Remington is easily adjustable; Ruger is not. You'll likely have to put an aftermarket trigger on the Ruger. Being a public company, Ruger still has lawyer triggers. The LC6 is better than the old one, but IMHO not quite there. My experience, after a trigger job, my 700's shoot a little better... but that's splitting hairs. My Ruger has killed a lot of game.

Ease of Customizing: 700 hands down. Aftermarket parts are much, much easier to find for the 700.

Customer service: I've received good customer service from both, but give the nod to Ruger.

Between the two firearms, I'm sure that you'll be happy with either. I prefer the CDL, but it's your money, and it's truly hard for me to say No to either gun. I'm sure that they'll both treat you well. Buy the one that feels the best.

bugsNbows · 05-28-2009, 01:24 PM

+1 Ron Duval's comments.

salukipv1 · 05-28-2009, 01:53 PM

rem.

that cdl sf is pretty sweet, does it not come in a lefty?

Summitsitter · 05-28-2009, 03:11 PM

I have purchased 3 Rem 700's in the past 4 years and have never once had an issue with customer service.... because I've never needed them. They rifles are perform very well. I've owned savage, ruger, and winchester and prefer the 700. My 700 Mountain Rifle is my favorite!

Colorado Luckydog · 05-28-2009, 06:45 PM

Get the Remington 700 CDL. Unless you are a paper puncher all you will have to do to it is a trigger job. It will be accurate as hell with just that. If you want to shoot tiny tiny groups you can go for it but a trigger job will be all you need for hunting. You will love the fit and finish of the CDL.

schoolcraft · 05-28-2009, 08:05 PM

Salukipv1,

I wish they did make the CDL SF in a lefty version... But they don't.

That is one sweet looking rifle!!!!!

I'm going to have the carbon steel coated with DuraCoat for weatherproofing, and down the road add a custom barrel for better accuracy. I'm thinking a fluted barrel like the SF has would look sharp.

VAhuntr · 05-29-2009, 04:07 AM

I own a Remington 700 CDL in 270 Win and a Ruger M77 MKII in 30-06. They both are excellent rifles but the Remington is definately more accurate, has a better fit and finish, and seems to balance better with the 24" barrel.

TheRuger does have the advantage ofthe 3 position safety(IMO) and the scope mounting systemisstrong and reliable.