Built for hunters who want full-size Ruger reliability in a fast-handling, easy-to-carry package, the Ruger Hawkeye Compact Sports South Exclusive in .243 Winchester delivers classic walnut-and-blued-steel styling with modern Ruger performance. Featuring a handy 16.50" satin blued alloy steel barrel, a rugged Hawkeye receiver with integral scope mounting (Ruger’s signature ring system interface), and a beautiful American walnut fixed stock, this compact bolt-action is ideal for woods hunting, mountain carry, youth or smaller-framed shooters, and anyone who prefers a rifle that balances quickly and carries effortlessly. This right-hand model is 37138 (UPC 736676371389) with a 4+1 capacity.
If you’re searching for a Ruger Hawkeye Compact .243, a Sports South exclusive Ruger 37138, or 736676371389, this is the exact configuration designed to match those keywords.
Compact, Quick-Handling Design for Real-World Hunting
A compact hunting rifle isn’t just about barrel length—it’s about how the rifle moves, balances, and carries when you’re covering ground or hunting in tight cover. With a 16.50-inch barrel, the Ruger Hawkeye Compact is built to be:
Easy to maneuver in brush, blinds, and treestands
Comfortable to carry for long hikes and all-day hunts
Quick to shoulder when a shot opportunity appears fast
Well suited for smaller shooters without feeling “toy-like”
This is the kind of rifle that feels lively in the hands—perfect for hunters who prioritize mobility.
.243 Winchester: Versatile, Mild-Recoiling, and Field Proven
Chambered in .243 Win, this Hawkeye Compact offers a highly popular balance of flat-shooting performance and manageable recoil. The .243 Winchester is widely appreciated for:
Mild recoil that supports better shot placement and confidence
Excellent suitability for many hunting scenarios (ammo selection matters)
A wide range of available factory loads
A strong reputation as a practical “do-it-all” light-recoiling cartridge
For hunters who want an approachable caliber without giving up capability, .243 Win is a classic choice.
4+1 Capacity: Practical Field Readiness
With a 4+1 capacity, this rifle offers practical round count for hunting and field use while maintaining a traditional, streamlined hunting profile. It’s a great balance for:
Typical big game hunt scenarios
Range sessions and sight-in work
Hunters who want capacity without bulk
A clean, classic bolt-action feel
Satin Blued Alloy Steel Barrel: Traditional Looks, Rugged Performance
The satin blued alloy steel barrel provides a time-tested combination of strength and classic aesthetics. The blued finish and alloy steel construction are favored by hunters who want:
A traditional appearance that pairs perfectly with walnut
Durable performance for normal field conditions
A classic “rifleman’s rifle” look and feel
It’s the kind of finish that looks right in the rack—and looks even better in the field.
Integral Scope Mounting: Classic Ruger Strength and Simplicity
Ruger’s integral scope mount system is a hallmark of the Hawkeye line, designed for a strong, clean interface on the receiver. For many shooters, integral mounting is a big advantage because it:
Creates a streamlined, solid mounting solution
Reduces the need for separate base installation
Provides a clean, rugged setup for hunting optics
Add the appropriate Ruger-compatible rings and you’re ready to mount an optic built for your hunting environment.
American Walnut Stock: Timeless Style with Real Ergonomics
The American walnut fixed stock gives this rifle the classic look many hunters still prefer—while offering a comfortable, traditional feel in the shoulder. Walnut is loved because it:
Offers a warm, premium appearance with natural character
Feels stable and comfortable in varied temperatures
Complements blued steel for a truly classic hunting rifle aesthetic
Makes the rifle feel like a lifetime piece, not just a tool
If you appreciate traditional craftsmanship but still want modern performance, this stock checks the box.
Sports South Exclusive: A Standout Variant for Collectors and Hunters
As a Sports South Exclusive, this Hawkeye Compact configuration appeals to shooters who want something a little more distinctive than a standard catalog model—while still getting Ruger’s proven design and build quality. It’s a great pick for:
Hunters who want a compact Ruger Hawkeye in a classic trim
Buyers who like exclusive runs with specific feature combos
Rifle enthusiasts who prefer walnut and blued steel
Anyone wanting a practical field rifle with traditional style
Ideal Uses
The Ruger Hawkeye Compact .243 is especially well suited for:
Woods and mountain hunting where maneuverability matters
Youth, smaller-framed, or recoil-sensitive shooters
Hunters who want a lighter, quicker-handling bolt-action
Truck, ranch, and “grab-and-go” field rifle roles
Traditionalists who still want a modern, scope-ready receiver
Product Details for Search and Verification
Brand: Ruger
Model: Hawkeye Compact (Sports South Exclusive)
Caliber: .243 Win
Capacity: 4+1
Barrel Length: 16.50"
Barrel/Receiver Material: Alloy Steel
Finish: Satin Blued
Receiver: Integral scope mount
Stock: American Walnut, fixed
Hand: Right Hand
Part Number: 37138
UPC: 736676371389
SEO Search Terms That Match This Rifle
If you’re searching for:
Ruger Hawkeye Compact 243 Win 37138
Sports South Exclusive Ruger Hawkeye Compact walnut blued
736676371389 Ruger Hawkeye Compact .243
16.5 inch Ruger Hawkeye Compact 4+1
Ruger Hawkeye integral scope mount walnut stock
…this is the exact rifle designed to match those searches.
For hunters who want a compact bolt-action that carries easily, balances quickly, and still delivers classic Ruger durability, the Ruger Hawkeye Compact Sports South Exclusive .243 Win (37138) combines a handy 16.50" satin blued alloy steel barrel, integral scope-mounting receiver, and an elegant American walnut stock—a right-hand, field-ready rifle built for comfort, confidence, and timeless style.
The End
