Rare Ruger Hawkeye Single Shot Rotating Breech Pistol In .256 Win Mag, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,885.00
LSB#: WY242308JH032
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Hawkeye
Serial Number: 614
Year of Manufacture: 1963 to 1964
Caliber: .256 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Single Shot Rotating Breech Hammer Fired Pistol.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked, “614”. The left side is marked, “STURM, RUGER & CO. SOUTHPORT, CONN U.S.A.”. The barrel is marked, “RUGER HAWKEYE. WIN. .256 MAG. CAL.”
Barrel Length: 8.5?
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade set on the barrel via a raised base. The rear sight is a micro-adjustable square notch set into the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut with silver Ruger medallions. There are some small pressure dents throughout. The bottom edge of the grip paned has some small chips. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate at an Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The frame has turned to a deep plum color. There are small handling marks throughout and small spots of wear on the leading edges. The screw heads are sharp and the pins undamaged. The markings are clear. This pistol is in overall Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Hawkeye Single Shot Rotating Breech Pistol, chambered in .256 Winchester Magnum, is a unique and rare firearm produced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. between 1963 and 1964. This pistol was developed as a variation of the popular Ruger Blackhawk, but instead of the traditional revolver mechanism, it features a single-shot design with a rotating breechblock. This innovative breech system made the Hawkeye distinct from other handguns of the time, combining elements of both single-shot rifles and revolvers into a compact, pistol platform. The .256 Winchester Magnum, introduced in 1960, was a relatively new cartridge designed for high velocity and flat trajectory, primarily marketed for varmint hunting and small game. It was a necked-down version of the .357 Magnum case, using a smaller, .25-caliber bullet. The round performed well for its intended purpose, but it never gained widespread popularity, which ultimately affected the commercial success of firearms chambered in this caliber, including the Ruger Hawkeye. The Hawkeye’s most distinguishing feature is its frame-mounted rotating breechblock, which is manually opened by bushing a button at the rear of the pistol. This breech design allowed the shooter to insert a single round directly into the chamber, making it ideal for precision shooting and varmint hunting, where a quick follow-up shot was not necessarily required. The barrel length is 8.5 inches, offering sufficient accuracy for longer-range shots, especially when paired with the high-velocity .256 Winchester Magnum cartridge. In terms of design, the Ruger Hawkeye retained many aesthetic elements of the Blackhawk revolver, including its classic single-action grip frame, sights, and trigger. The pistol had adjustable rear sights and a ramp-style front sight, offering a good sight picture for accurate shooting. Despite its innovative design and the inherent accuracy of the single-shot system, the Hawkeye was only produced in limited quantities. The niche appeal of the .256 Winchester Magnum, combined with the single-shot format, limited its commercial success, and Ruger discontinued the model after just over a year of production.
Today, the Ruger Hawkeye Single Shot Pistol in .256 Winchester Magnum is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity, unique mechanics, and historical significance. It stands as an example of Ruger’s willingness to experiment with different firearm designs, even if the market response was limited. -R.E.
