When your hunting or backcountry mission demands immediate stopping power in a compact package, the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan chambered in .35 Whelen answers the call. Designed for close-range encounters with big game and for hunters who need a rifle that won’t slow them down, the Alaskan is a short-action workhorse that delivers hard-hitting terminal performance with manageable handling.
Chambered in the potent .35 Whelen, this rifle provides excellent energy transfer and deep penetration on medium to large game, while the Alaskan’s shortened barrel and compact stock make it far easier to maneuver in tight brush, tree stands, and hunting camps. Ruger’s build quality gives you a rugged platform that stands up to harsh field use — rock-solid lockup, predictable feeding, and a trigger that lets you place shots with confidence.
Whether used as a dedicated bear-defense rifle, mountain gun, or close-quarters hunting rifle, the M77 Hawkeye Alaskan .35 Whelen balances terminal power with a trim, carry-friendly footprint. It’s ideal for hunters who want a purpose-built rifle that’s quick to shoulder, simple to maintain, and ready to perform in the toughest conditions.
Key features & benefits
- Caliber: .35 Whelen — powerful, deep-penetrating performance for medium to large game.
- Compact Alaskan profile: Short barrel and compact stock for superior maneuverability in tight terrain.
- Bolt-action reliability: Rugged, field-proven action built for durability and consistent performance.
- Hunting & defense versatility: Great choice for bear country, mountain hunting, and camp defense.
- Easy carry: Lightweight handling and compact length reduce fatigue on long treks.
- Optics-ready: Accepts scopes and optics for fast acquisition at close to moderate ranges.
- Trusted Ruger craftsmanship: Engineered for repeatable accuracy and long service life.
FAQ
Q: What is the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan best used for?
A: It’s ideal as a compact heavy-game rifle for bear country, close-range mountain hunting, and camp or trail defense where stopping power and maneuverability matter.
Q: Can the .35 Whelen also shoot .30-30 or other rounds?
A: No — .35 Whelen is a distinct wildcat/standardized cartridge and does not interchange with .30-30. Always use the correct caliber ammo marked on the barrel.
Q: Is this rifle optics-ready?
A: Yes — the M77 platform accepts scope bases and optics to suit your preferred hunting setup.
- FFL:
- Yes
