Ruger Precision Rifle...

S

Smokey Joe

New member
The write-up in American Rifleman piqued my interest in this beastie. Since, of course, none of my LGS's have had one in stock that I could fondle. I'm enamored of the 6.5 Creedmoor (same thing; an AR writeup) and it would seem that a ready-made target rifle with all the trimmings in 6.5 CM would be a very sweet thing.

(I have a couple rifles in 6.5 Swede, so I'm not unfamiliar with the caliber, at least.)

But I have yet to handle an RPR, nor even talked to anyone who has.

Worth the $$$?? Works as claimed?? What will be the "street" price?? Anybody know anything for sure?
 
Essentially a Ruger American Varmint in a more tacticool style stock and bigger magazines.

Whether or not it is worth the cost is up to the buyer. With the Varmint variant being on the street for 499 most places that's a lot of cash to pay for the extra cool looking stock and larger magazines.

But, if you want to get into the long range game without spending a lot of money and getting a solid rifle, Ruger and Savage are good choices for 6.5 CM. If you can find one of the Tikka heavy barreled variants in 6.5 Swede and you handload that's a great option.

Jimro
 
I looked at one in a shop recently. It was a .243. I really liked the rifle just handling it. I wouldn't mind having one in .308 but doubt i'd buy one as I have no use for it.
 
http://www.scout.com/military/snipers-hide/story/1564384-the-ruger-precision-rifle-6-5-cm
http://www.scout.com/military/snipe...ruger-precison-bolt-action-rifle?s=541&page=1

49 pages worth of the RPR. Jimro while the stock does look tacticool, it does offer most features a comparable chassis does at a way lower price point. Your talking about DBM which is at the very least a 300$ install job on most rifles not to mention i don't know of a single DBM that will accept any magazine like Ruger's. Most if not all of them are AICS/AW footprinted DBM. That's 80$ a magazine. The Ruger RPR will take, SR25, M14/M1A, AICS, AW, Accurate mags, and so on. Saying it's just a rifle with a cool stock is a bit of an understatement as those features on a comparable chassis alone are 400-600$, not to mention it's a folder which would boost a chassis cost up to 1000ish. This is all excluding the rifle. Your talking about a factory budget friendly rifle ready for shooting PRS. Up until now that has been unheard of. The next best thing i can think of for the money is a Tikka T3 dropped in a W3 chassis. Going the traditional way like i have with my Remington 700 5R is basically a waste of money now if your getting started out you can just grab on of these for 900ish put an HDMR on it for 1000ish and have a 2000$ setup and run with it.

If you want to go compete and don't want to spend 1500-2000$ on a rifle getting started, then this rifle is for you. If your just looking at it thinking it looks interesting and would like to have one, it might be for you but if you have no use for the application it was created for it might strike you as a waste of money because your other rifles will essentially do the same thing.

Ruger CEO has shots on target at 1600yds with this rifle, Frank is giving it praise at snipers hide, and plenty of people are satisfied with it on the hide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbrB0j9VJ24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crHUhGuBc14
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pLSptz9fTY
 
Do a search here, several recent threads on it.

While it is based on the RA, it has a groundbreaking (and I'm sure, patent-pending) design in that it's one-piece- no chassis/stock. The receiver itself is what the buttstock attaches to- which means there's no parts to move, no movement possible between receiver and chassis/stock as you'd have on a typical bolt action.

It would be interesting to see how much (if at all) accuracy might be improved with a match grade barrel instead of the Ruger OEM.
 
It would be interesting to see how much (if at all) accuracy might be improved with a match grade barrel instead of the Ruger OEM.
Click to expand...

You're not the only one who has that question. The blueprint drawings for the barrel have been developed and gunsmiths across the country are wringing their hands to install match barrels on the Ruger. I got a copy of the blue prints myself.

I might my self. I don't need one that's for sure, but that fact wont stop me from buying one in 6.5 if I'm in the mood when I spot one.

Certainly wont be the first rifle I bought that I didn't need and I doubt it will be the last.
 
Check the thread on the hide, a person or two have already replaced the barrel. Also LRI is making bolt shrouds and dust covers for them.

http://www.scout.com/military/snipe...uger-precison-bolt-action-rifle?s=541&page=41

Hawk Hill med palma 6mm dasher, finished at 26"
ruger.jpg
 
5RWill,

I stand by my previous post.

A cool looking stock and the ability to use larger magazines isn't what puts holes in targets. There is nothing wrong with the Ruger Precision Rifle, and I will probably get one in 6.5 CM just because it's a good buy for all the features you get.

But it still won't shoot any better than the Ruger American Varmint model, at least not with the factory barrels still installed. Sure looks a lot cooler though.

Jimro
 
A cool looking stock and the ability to use larger magazines isn't what puts holes in targets. There is nothing wrong with the Ruger Precision Rifle, and I will probably get one in 6.5 CM just because it's a good buy for all the features you get.

But it still won't shoot any better than the Ruger American Varmint model, at least not with the factory barrels still installed. Sure looks a lot cooler though.
Click to expand...

I agree, I also don't see the ability to use 20-30rd mags in a bolt gun as a huge advantage. If I want to put that kind of fire power down range, ill build a long range AR and slap a scope on it. With that said I think it's a pretty cool rifle, I don't really have a use for it.
 
I dont think the gun looks cool. In my case, if I ever got one, it would be in spite of the looks. I dont wear camo and army boots at the range. I can tell already, sure as sun rise and sun set, Ruger will sell a very large number of guns based on style alone. It is all over the web, buyers lined up and waiting. And good for Ruger.

I though the reviews and customer expectations were for this rifle to shoot some where close to 1/2 up to 3/4 moa in 6.5 with hornady factory ammo. I dont know that you would 'expect' that from every American varmint/predator in 6.5. I would not. If I am wrong, then maybe I need a predator in 6.5. Why buy a Tikka or sako when a ruger american will shoot the same?

In theory this type of solid frame/receiver is more rigid than bolting an action down on a stock. And, factory guns are usually not bedded. That means cheaper to build for more accuracy. This is not a chassis, it is one solid unit. Thats the hype. Nothing can move, even f there are parts involved.

I had hoped Ruger would take a little more care in machining the barrels. That is the spin the promos give it. The stiff barrels have no detrimental machining such as flutes or dovetails that can induce problems with heat (google for new data on flutes to think about). Not excessively long either. What is 5R rifling, just more smoke and mirror for same old Ruger barrels?

If a barrel swap is SOP, right out of the box, that stinks. Having a great gun and later swap out a spent barrel is a good thing. I dont shoot that much. If it is an actual technological advancement and honestly competitive, out of the box rifle, as some sport, any sport, that is the deal of the decade. I will wait for the reports of stock rugers winning some matches. No factory test targets either? Right? Assemble and ship, get what you get?
 
Last edited:
Jimro has got me thinking.

Everyone seems to be saying the Ruger PR needs a match barrel.

So you pay $1000 for a rifle and install a new $500 barrel, (probably more when you consider the machining involved for this rifle), why wouldn't it be better to go with the Ruger American Predator. I say predator because I would be considering the 6.5 CM and both rifles are chambered for that round.

So I pay suggested retail of $499. Another $500 for a match barrel. (cant count reamer and HS gages because you'll need them for either rifle).

You true the receiver to the internal threads, lap the bolt lugs, and tight head space, you're going to have a shooter at a bit less then you have in the precision rifle.

I like the looks of the Ruger American better then the space gun look of the Precision rifle and I bet I can get it to shoot at will.

My wife wanted to learn LR shooting to improve her hunting so I sent her to the Gunwerks LR school. He has three rods (from a broken back) between her shoulder blades so doesn't handle recoil very well. They had her shooting the 6.5 Creedmoor and she fell in love with it.

Maybe this Ruger American w/barrel change might just be the ticket.

All I need, another project rifle.
 
kraig,

Reading your post and extending the logic... Say a person wants a 6.5 creed specifically for using the Hornady factory ammo. No handloading and no formal competition, no burning 1000's rounds in practice. Is the wisdom of the web that a Predator will shoot exactly the same as a PR, out of the box? I mean on average, one not more accurate than other. Same chamber and rifling tolerances?

I sure dont see that pistol grip as a plus for my shooting. And the Predator trigger is very accessible for spring swap and adjusting. I wont need double XX high rings for eye alignment on a predator as reported by some for the PR. Hypothetically. For real, I probably dont want a predator either. Just throwing mud on the wall to see what sticks.

Really is this just about BLACK style? ... People are going nuts trying to buy one, I mean like yesterday, pants on fire, nuts. For style?
 
Last edited:
jimro said:
5RWill,

I stand by my previous post.

A cool looking stock and the ability to use larger magazines isn't what puts holes in targets. There is nothing wrong with the Ruger Precision Rifle, and I will probably get one in 6.5 CM just because it's a good buy for all the features you get.
Click to expand...

I think your missing my point looks has nothing to do with this rifle IMHO. Though i understand you standing by your statement. Not trying to sell one or anything just making a point. To me it looks decent but when did functionality or practicality for that matter for application be considered "tacticool" or "cool" looking. Is a tube rifle viewed the same way? Because that's essentially what it is, a tube rifle that accepts AR 15 parts. Point to me another rifle for the price putting out that kind of accuracy with the same features. By features I mean adjustable length of pull, adjustable comb height, folding stock, bolt knob, threaded barrel, and DBM. You simply won't find one, not at that price point. The rifle was built for PRS as an entry level rifle to get going in practical long range shooting competitions. Sure other rifles will punch holes but speed is a apart of scoring in PRS and practical competitions. Thus DBM is sort of a must. The fact it's compatible with AR parts is a plus for most though I can't see why anyone would want to spend more money on replacing the stock or handguard. I'm not saying this is some end all be all LR rifle, but for it's intended purpose and the niche market that Ruger developed it for it's simply worth it IMHO if your one of those looking to get into practical long range competitions and want those features.

See the resemblance? Though that's rather ugly IMHO.
1350001794_6775362_EP-243-01_1_big.jpg


Also where is the anecdotal evidence showing it wont shoot any better than a Ruger american? From what i've heard the Ruger american's are spotty are they not? I realize it's an american action but i thought that's where the similarities end with this particular rifle. I hadn't heard it was the same barrel.

As for the barrel users are claiming theirs are throwing shots when heating up. Franks video would say other wise but idk I don't own own one. I think people think this rifle is some tacticool craze cause of looks when it's really the first ever affordable entry to a PRS ready rifle compared to spending 2500$ on a rifle comparable rifle for the features. Really think it's the black that does it, there is no way anyone would say it's cool looking if it was pink lol.
 
Last edited:
Fourbore I cant answer that, too many variables. One is a target rifle and one is (I assume) a varmint rifle.

I would think that more work would be put in the target rifle and logic tells use, off the shelf it should shoot better.

But nothing is certain. What I was eluding to, was that if one was going to put a match barrel on both, it would take much to convert the Predator into a high quality target rifle.

Before on installs a match barrel I would assume he would square up the face of the action. Lap the bolt lugs, and if needed bed the action.

I don't know the trigger on the Predator but I know there are some pretty darn good triggers out there.

If I was to do it I'd set it up for factory ammo and load accordingly. That way if something come up and I didn't have loaded ammo I could get factory.

The more I read about the Predator I believe is will shoot quite will unless one was a top tear shooter.

Contrary to all the little bitty sub min group you see on the internet, 1.5 to 2 inches in field conditions would be more in common with what 90% + of the shooters out there can do.

That would allow you (assuming you correct for conditions) to hit an 18 inch target between 900-1200 yards.

I would bet, with a good scope, the Predator will out shoot most of us in the field right off the shelf.

But again nothing is sure and certain.
 
That's a really cool gun. I haven't heard of it until now. You have to give them credit for that butt-stock, pretty amazing, even an accessory rail on the bottom for a mono-pod(makers of butt-stocks always leave that out). I like the externally adjustable trigger as well, I wish it could go a little lighter, but 2#'s is probably riding the edge of a lawsuit. Easy as an AR for a barrel swap, geez, I would have to buy another barrel just because. Really nice rifle, hate the long flat-top rail though, would rather just have a carbon-fiber tube with few inches of rail where needed, but theirs' is probably more stable. Detachable magazines on a bolt? kind of a turn off for me, but why not, it doesn't look like they gave up any integrity to achieve that feature. I am sure it will be a big seller for Ruger and further concrete them into the being best guns of current make. I think they only wrong turn they made on the RPR is the flat-top forend, just looks lik they are trying to be "tacti-cool" rather than selling a serious long-range rifle, although it seems like it is exactly that. That's just my opinion, I am sure half of us love the AR-ish look and the other half dislike it, I think overall it looks like a bad-@#$ gun that I can't afford.

I myself would be better suited to the Predator. I spend at least ten minutes a day thinking if I should go grab one or not. I have read a half dozen reviews showing that out of the box it can 2x2 plates at 1000 yards over and over. That's just too good to be true on a sub 500$ rifle, I would be more than happy with that. If I bought the predator, I would have to spend about 4-500 for a scope and I would want a different stock. But if that has me shooting at 1000 yards for under 1000$ then great, if it's true. i'll leave the precision rifle for actual precision shooters.
 
5RWill,

I agree with you that is a lot of features for the price point, I never disagreed with that to begin with so I don't know why you keep bringing it up.

Doesn't change my point that all of those features don't put holes in targets, because essentially it is a Ruger American Predator in a different stock.

If you take umbrage at the word "tacicool" just contact Boyd's and tell them to stop using that to describe some of their stocks as well.

KraigWY,

If you handload, and you do, you could probably get a Ruger American into the .5 MOA zone pretty quickly with the factory barrel. Most of the accuracy reviews are using factory ammo in 6.5 CM and so far they've all found at least one factory load that was solidly sub MOA.

Jimro
 
I hope not to sound like a guy that just posts to get a rise out of people and argue around in circles all day. It is easy to get into a bad mode posting on the web or argue for sake of it. I am really just curious about the RPR and best way to learn sometimes is devil advocate or stir the pot. Ok. so. I re-read American Rifleman Aug 2015 and I want to copy closeto verbatim. This is what Ruger told the NRA reviewers. Not the NRA measured results.

...the 5R rifling places a land opposite the groove and results in less bullet upset.... 5R also features less sharp edged...reduced fouling....tightest possible groove and chamber tollerances...extra care to ensure centralized chamber and MINIMUM head spacing...
Click to expand...

This is mighty bold talk for Ruger.

Beyond all this sales pitch info, I am looking at the receiver. It is a massive block of steel, nothing like any sporting rifle I have seen. The gun is the receiver. The stock bolts to the back. The trigger&magazine parts bolt under. It looks solid to me. Certainly not an American receiver, not even close. The bolt is similar. It is not an action in a metal frame. The action is the frame.

Ruger picked a gun to be tested by the NRA. FWIW - Hornady 140 CM avraged 0.7 moa and 120 were 0.8 moa. Now, is there a comparable American Rifleman test for the Ruger American in 6.5 cm, I can find? It sure sounds like a great gun to hear Ruger talk about it. And a good review.

Edit: After though. This would be excellent accuracy for a sporting rifle. All that precision/tolerance talk might be more impressive to see 1/2 moa from one of the three loads. Ruger also stated they are seeing 0.8 on average on thier sample testing at the factory.
 
Last edited:
Wow!

This is the OP--I certainly appreciate all the learned discussion, guys. I like punching tiny little groups. All your talk has done nothing but convince me that this is a rifle I can buy, relatively cheaply, that is set up from the factory to punch tiny little groups at considerable distances.

If I need a new bbl, that can be done and the whole thing is STILL cheaper than the competition. Wow!

There is, of course, a fly in the ointment: Have been shopping around and all my LGS's say that they'll have one in stock--In about a year to 18 months. Have 2 not-so-local sources to check, and then I'll have to just sit back and wait, I guess.

Thanks again for all the information!!
 
jimro said:
5RWill,

I agree with you that is a lot of features for the price point, I never disagreed with that to begin with so I don't know why you keep bringing it up.

Doesn't change my point that all of those features don't put holes in targets, because essentially it is a Ruger American Predator in a different stock.

If you take umbrage at the word "tacicool" just contact Boyd's and tell them to stop using that to describe some of their stocks as well.
Click to expand...

I misinterpreted what you were getting at, my mistake.

I don't necessarily take umbrage at the word, rather than it's use to quantify anything that isn't a BDL hunting rifle. That is where it gets on my nerves. It's like people who want to call PRS/competition shooters "posers playing sniper" cause of the way their rifle is setup. It actually has no association with the term other than shooting at distance and milling.

No worries all in good fun, go get one so we can see if it's somewhat better than a ruger american because i'm broke :o

Most people are getting good results out of them. As Kraig said shooting positions and such most of us would be doing good to hit 1-2 MOA at distance. I think the rifle will serve it's purpose but Kraig has a point about changing out the barrel.

The same could be done with a Tikka T3 if your willing to spend a little more than 1000$. Find a decently cheap Tikka, drop it in a chassis of your choice, and grab a nice barrel. I thought i read that the Tikka's don't have to be trued, don't hold me to that though.
 
I can't find anything that indicates that the RPR uses a barrel that is essentially the same as the Predator. Those of you that are stating that this rifle is just a dressed up Predator - where are you getting that info?

Can this also mean that the standard American is essentially the same as the Predator?

I had an American for a while and if you shot five rounds in ten minutes you were going faster than what the barrel could keep up with.

It seems to me that Ruger, the past couple years, has shown a lot more saavy than the Ruger of the past.

So, it sure seems like a poor idea to release a Precision Rifle that shows the same characteristics as an entry level hunting rifle.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top