Shooting public wanted a small-caliber high-velocity handgun. Smith & Wesson Model 53, chambered for .22 Jet, appeared in 1961; cartridge created extraction problems for a revolver. Ruger solved this problem with introduction of Hawkeye — a single-shot that looked like a six shooter. In place of the cylinder was a breech-block that cammed to the side for loading. This pistol was excellent from an engineering and performance standpoint, but was not a commercial success. Hawkeye chambered for .256 Magnum, a bottleneck cartridge and 8.5" barrel and adjustable sights. Finish blued, with walnut medallion grips. Barrel tapped at the factory for a 1" scope base. Pistol is quite rare as only 3,300 were produced in 1963 and 1964.