In the area of long-range precision shooting, the Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) is a relatively recent innovation. It was released in 2015 by Sturm, Ruger & Company and has since been a favorite among both amateur and professional shooters. The rifle was created with a wide variety of shooters in mind, offering a high degree of accuracy, adaptability, and affordability. We decided to get one and check it out to see what the hype was about.
History Of The Ruger Precision Rifle
In 2013, while Ruger‘s product manager Mark Gurney was watching a long-range shooting competition, the Ruger Precision Rifle’s tale started. He noticed a need in the market for a rifle that could satisfy long-range shooters’ requirements at an affordable price. The project was started by the company’s engineers, and the first RPR prototypes were constructed in 2014.
To easily adapt to the needs of the user, the RPR was designed as a modular rifle. Along with a free-floating barrel, foldable stock, and adjustable trigger. Numerous ammunition types, such as the 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and .338 Lapua Magnum, may be fired with the rifle. The RPR also comes with a 20 MOA Picatinny rail for attaching optics and other accessories.
After being introduced in 2015, the RPR immediately became popular among long-range shooters. It was acclaimed for its cost, adaptability, and accuracy. The modular architecture of the rifle also made it popular with gun enthusiasts who want to personalize their weapons. Hunters, leisure shooters, and competition shooters all rapidly grew to love the RPR.
The RPR Gen 2 was released by Ruger in 2016. This model differed from the original in a number of ways, including a revised handguard, an enhanced bolt shroud, and a hybrid muzzle brake. The trigger on the Gen 2 model was likewise new and lighter, and it could be adjusted from 2.5 to 5 pounds.
The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and the National Rifle League (NRL) are two shooting events that have utilized the RPR. The rifle has established itself as a dependable and accurate long-range shooting platform, and demand for them is rising.
Ruger launched the RPR in Magnum form in 2018. This model is intended for long-distance hunting and target shooting and is chambered in.300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum. To manage the additional recoil of the bigger calibers, the Magnum variant has a longer barrel and a stronger receiver.
One of the most well-liked long-range precision rifles on the market today is the Ruger Precision Rifle. Its accessibility to a larger variety of shooters is a result of its low cost and modular construction, and competitive shooters choose it because of its accuracy and dependability. The RPR is evidence of Ruger’s dedication to innovation and openness to taking consumer feedback into account.
Ruger Precision Rifle Specs
The Ruger Precision Rifle(RPR) is a highly versatile and customizable firearm designed and manufactured by Ruger, a renowned American firearm company. Ruger Precision Rifle is available in multiple calibers such as .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .338 Lapua Magnum. We got the 6.5mm Creedmoor version as we feel that it is the most popular caliber this rifle is currently offered in, so this is a Ruger Precision Rifle 6.5 Creedmoor review more specifically too.
One of the cool features is the proprietary stock that River designed for this rifle which has adjustable comb height and adjustable overall length. This feature is mainly helpful for precision shooters for consistency and a comfortable shooting position for each shot. The stock is also foldable making it easy to transport and store.
The bolt in the RPR is a 3-LUG design with a 70-degree throw, there is even a trigger adjustment tool in the back of the bolt route. Rifles action is a hybrid design that combines the features of a traditional bolt action to that of a semi-automatic rifle. This results in a smooth and reliable cycling of the bolt with a short throw and a crisp trigger pull. Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger which can be set to pull weights between 2.25 and 5 pounds allows the shooter for a light and crisp trigger for precision shooting or a heavier trigger for more rugged applications.
The Ruger Precision MSR stock with QD sling attachment points features a bottom Picatinny rail and soft rubber buttpad. The AR-style grip and safety selector, which gives a familiar feel for shooters who are already used to these features. The rifle’s magazine is compatible with both AI-style and Magpul PMAG magazines, making it easily compatible with magazines for the rifle.
From the factory it comes with a Ruger Precision Rifle hybrid muzzle brake which help alleviate much of the felt recoil, and the barrel is threaded with a 5/8×24 thread if you wanted to replace the hybrid muzzle brake with another different muzzle brake or suppressor.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ruger Precision Rifle is a budget-oriented rifle that performs and competes right next to rifles costing twice its price. Its solid and robust chassis, free float barrel, adjustable trigger, and fully adjustable stock make it an excellent choice for long-range shooting and hunting. The compatibility with a wide range of magazines and muzzle devices makes it a highly customizable firearm for any shooting purposes.
Although it is not perfect, and the bolt is not nearly as smooth as custom rifle actions or a Tikka for example, it is good enough to be able to stand it’s own among the best, and there have even been PRS matches that have been won by shooters using a Ruger Precision Rifle. At this price point, it is a really solid deal to get started into the world of chassis bolt action rifles.
You may then wonder, can you hunt with a Ruger Precision Rifle? Yes of course you can hunt with it, and very well at that. The problem comes in with carrying it on a hunt, which will not only be uncomfortable against your body with a slight give all it’s edges and angles, but also way too heavy of a rifle to heft around compared to your average hunting rifle.