Make: Ruger

Model: Hawkeye

Serial Number: 835, 836

Year of Manufacture: 1963

Caliber: .256 Winchester Magnum

Action Type: Single Action, Breech Block, Single Shot Pistol

Barrel Length: 8 1/2"

Sights / Optics:

835: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade integral to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch leaf pinned to the top strap that is adjustable for elevation and windage. The top of the barrel has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.

836: The front sight is a serrated beaded blade pinned to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch leaf pinned to the top strap that is adjustable for elevation and windage. The top of the barrel is mounted with a Hawkeye scope rail, screwed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: Both pistols have two-piece smooth wood panels. There are minor handling marks scattered throughout the panels. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition for both pistols.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9/10 each.

Overall Condition:

835: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout with faint thinning on the leading edges and at the muzzle. There is little to no operational or handling wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition.

836: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The breach-block release shows moderate finish loss. There are very faint nicks, and fine surface scratches scattered throughout the balances of the finish. There is light oxidation on the sides of the hammer. There is subtle thinning on the ejector shroud and on the leading edges. There is intermittent oxidation. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is solid with light side to side play. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This rare consecutive serial number pair of Ruger Hawkeye single shot pistols, manufactured in 1963, represents one of the most distinctive and short lived handgun designs produced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Chambered in .256 Winchester Magnum and built around a breech block action more commonly associated with rifles, the Hawkeye was Bill Ruger’s unconventional attempt to merge rifle like ballistics with handgun form. Production was limited and commercial success was brief, making original examples scarce today, with consecutive serial numbers adding an additional layer of collectability rarely encountered.

Both pistols retain strong original blue finish and remain mechanically sound, with bright bores and sharp rifling throughout. Minor differences in sight configuration and barrel mounting reflect period variations rather than later modification. Grips show only light handling wear, markings remain clear, and overall presentation reflects careful ownership. The consecutive serial numbers elevate this offering beyond individual examples, presenting a matched pair that illustrates Ruger’s experimental era in near original condition.