To the RPR owners would you buy it again ?

Canadiankeeper

Canadiankeeper

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To the RPR owners would you buy it again ? My review!

As the title says, To the RPR would you buy it again ? Give me a low down on your likes and dislikes!

Im in about 200 rounds a good couple of range days, farm days and days out hunting in the field. Now that I have spent some time with mine, I feel that I can give an honest no BS opinion. I'm not a competitive shooter, I have my good days and my bad. Ive squeezed under half MOA groups out, ive blundered and pumped out 1 1/2 moa groups. I am an average joe, who likes to shoot and has the opportunity to shoot a lot. Keep in mind I have slight OCD so almost all of my "bad" things are completely personal. I really think I will be going against the majority of owners with my opinion.

So, lets get into the question. Would I buy it again ? No, I would not. Let me elaborate.

The good

-Lets be honest, shes a tacticool beauty and everyone wants to shoot it.
-AR style
-Modularity-Ergonomics
-Its a shooter, straight up. Put good ammo in it and it will preform for you if you do your part.
-Magazines, it will take almost any mag out there right now! Also it comes with 2! (doesn't mean they will feed well)
- A folding stock that will STAY solid, Omg finally... Someone has done it !
- External trigger adjustment.
- Bolt knob

The bad (my opinion)

-Not well balanced, very front end heavy. Its a heavy rifle to begin with but the front end is heavier I find.
-Detailed Cleaning, ok ok ok this is a personal one for sure ! Not as quick and easy as any bolt guns. I learned quickly when taking that for end off to put a towel in there or something to keep it from bumping the barrel, it WILL scratch it. Obviously not something you do after every range trip. Definitely something to do after a dewy morning out hunting, or if blasting in a sandy area it is needed.
-Trigger, this is a precision gun you need a good trigger with a clean crisp break. You don't get this with this rifle, there is creep.
- Stock, the rear skeleton like stock is easy enough to adjust. I didn't like it because it gets hung up in clothing, branches, ect ect. Go to sit up after a group and your coat is hung up in it almost pulling it off the bench. Not cool.
- Quality control, right out of box the for end is bent and not centered with the barrel. The stock clamp broke for the cheek riser... The rail they provide is weak. 1st day with a bipod on it broke. Not sure if the key mod rail let it go or the pillar that goes into the rail snapped. Need to take apart for a closer look.
- Feed issues, I think this is a mag problem. I'm going to try out other mags.
- Pistol grip is cheap hard polymer.
- That bolt shroud gah plastic really?

I understand and appreciate you pay for what you get. I know this rifle is supposed to be a foot in door type of rifle. After taxes you are looking at close to $2000 or above depending where you got it. Then after fixing broken parts, upgrading less the satisfactory parts. You are getting up there ! I droped a Magpul PRS stock, well you also need an AR tool (or a soft mallet and a punch if your cheap), a longer but stock tube. There is an extra 500 bucks. Pistol grip up grade, 40 bucks. New for end, gah there is another 500 after taxes and shipping. A new rail to replace the factory one. 40 bucks.

So is it really a foot in door rifle? We are looking at 3000 after upgrades. Mind you, you don't HAVE to do this.(except me, the butt stock broke and so did the rail).

Just my personal views on it, I like simple and rugged that works ! The RPR, I don't think fits that bill. I think it is a good base, but be prepared to spend some more cash to refine it.

If I could cash out the RPR and get what I put in, what would I do ? Remington 700 police and drop it in a McMillan stock...

Will I sell my RPR, no Im happy with it now. Its a head turner and shoots well. Would I buy another ? Nope.

Let me know what you think, what do you agree or disagree with ? Again im not a professional, im stubborn and I like what I like. Simple and tuff !

My ruger is a 6.5
To end it off, a photo/gif dump !









The wife digs it
 
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You nailed it when you said you get what you pay for. Its a mass produced factory rifle. You can put lipstick on a pig but its still a pig.
 
Canadiankeeper said:
As the title says, To the RPR would you buy it again ?

I understand and appreciate you pay for what you get. I know this rifle is supposed to be a foot in door type of rifle. After taxes you are looking at close to $2000 or above depending where you got it. Then after fixing broken parts, upgrading less the satisfactory parts. You are getting up there ! I droped a Magpul PRS stock, well you also need an AR tool (or a soft mallet and a punch if your cheap), a longer but stock tube. There is an extra 500 bucks. Pistol grip up grade, 40 bucks. New for end, gah there is another 500 after taxes and shipping. A new rail to replace the factory one. 40 bucks.

So is it really a foot in door rifle? We are looking at 3000 after upgrades. Mind you, you don't HAVE to do this.(except me, the butt stock broke and so did the rail).

Just my personal views on it, I like simple and rugged that works ! The RPR, I don't think fits that bill. I think it is a good base, but be prepared to spend some more cash to refine it.

If I could cash out the RPR and get what I put in, what would I do ? Remington 700 police and drop it in a McMillan stock...

Will I sell my RPR, no Im happy with it now. Its a head turner and shoots well. Would I buy another ? Nope.

Let me know what you think, what do you agree or disagree with ? Again im not a professional, im stubborn and I like what I like. Simple and tuff !
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
-Not well balanced, very front end heavy. Its a heavy rifle to begin with but the front end is heavier I find.

Yeah well buy a DTA if you want a properly balanced rifle. No std configuration rifle with a 26 inch barrel and a decent barrel contour will have a great balance. It will be always front heavy but that is not designed to be a hunting rifle. Nothing to complain about....

-Detailed Cleaning, ok ok ok this is a personal one for sure ! Not as quick and easy as any bolt guns. I learned quickly when taking that for end off to put a towel in there or something to keep it from bumping the barrel, it WILL scratch it. Obviously not something you do after every range trip. Definitely something to do after a dewy morning out hunting, or if blasting in a sandy area it is needed.

This one must be a joke. You really had to find something? Who the hell remove the fore end? For what purpose? Just use compressed air to remove dust and water if you are worried. That not a cons.

-Trigger, this is a precision gun you need a good trigger with a clean crisp break. You don't get this with this rifle, there is creep.

Maybe, I think they are far better than the remington trigger and on par with savage , maybe a hair better. But when you buy such rifle you understand that you won't find aftermarket trigger, at least for now until timney release one.

- Stock, the rear skeleton like stock is easy enough to adjust. I didn't like it because it gets hung up in clothing, branches, ect ect. Go to sit up after a group and your coat is hung up in it almost pulling it off the bench. Not cool.

Still the best OEM stock ever available on a factory rifle EVER. Way better that the too expensive PRS stock that don't have enough cheek height adjustment with 34 mm tube scope because it was designed for AR platform. The clamp might get caught but it is not big deal, just place them in the correct direction to reduce the chance to get caught.


- Quality control, right out of box the for end is bent and not centered with the barrel. The stock clamp broke for the cheek riser... The rail they provide is weak. 1st day with a bipod on it broke. Not sure if the key mod rail let it go or the pillar that goes into the rail snapped. Need to take apart for a closer look.

It is the only real big issue with this rifle . The rail is cheap and should have been designed with a flat bottom. On the 4 rifle we have for students the fore end was of centered.

This was discussed over on the SniperHide forum and the response from Ruger was that one must loosen up the 3 retaining bolts, center the cover, and retorque the bolts. Ruger suggested tightening up to 75 inch pounds for the two screws.


- Feed issues:

It is a mag issue. Their design is really cleaver and an awesome feature.

- Pistol grip is cheap hard polymer.

Not to bad. Not Fancy but that is really a personal preference.

- That bolt shroud gah plastic really?

Buy a replacement one for LRI if you don't like it. It doesn't need to metal since it is not a "mechanical" part.

Only thing I don't like is how it hold to the bolt body. Could have been stronger to reduce the wobble.


All consider it is best bang for buck right now if you don't have 4/5000 + $ to put on a high end build or high end factory rifle like an AI.

Ruger is the only manufacturer to have been able to listen to the PRS croud for a affordable entry level rifle with all necessary features.

The aftermarket product is going strong with LRI making replacement custom barrel and other parts like the bolt shroud.

Ruger is releasing a second generation with a new fore end to correct the issue.

Dont compare this to Dropping a Remington into a 1400$ + stock. It is still a piece of junk with major QC issue way worst than off center fore end that the RPR.
 
Yea you get what you pay for.

AI AW or Steyr SSG also have solid folding stocks but you're looking at $4-5k more. They have none of the cons you listed, but again, for $4-5k more.

13173047_10153669155404352_5664067631780916313_o.jpg
 
I do not own one but have 2 friends that do own them and I have shot both of them. They are nice rifles that are good shooters, but my Savage 10tr in a cadex chassis is still my preference. And it out shoots both of the RPR's.
 
NO, I would absolutely not buy again.

Mine was in 6.5 as well. I am sure there are some good ones out there, and it is probably just luck of the draw,but mine would not shoot consistently.

There were some good groups,but almost always flyers.

Maybe some hand loads would have worked. But then again there is probably a reason most people in the States are changing out their barrels.

- Overall the fore end is a very weak set-up.
- It has a poor trigger
- mags fit in sloppy, and has feeding problems
- the safety switch is sloppy
- and the bolt is sloppy

And no I don't work for Ruger...haha

Oh ya, I almost forgot my wife really liked it!


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Tikka Varmint in 308 and an MDT HS3 Chassis and Skeleton butt stock and you are only a few hundred bucks more with a rifle that will shoot circles around the RPR any day. IMHO.
 
kevin9934 said:
-Not well balanced, very front end heavy. Its a heavy rifle to begin with but the front end is heavier I find.

Yeah well buy a DTA if you want a properly balanced rifle. No std configuration rifle with a 26 inch barrel and a decent barrel contour will have a great balance. It will be always front heavy but that is not designed to be a hunting rifle. Nothing to complain about....

-Detailed Cleaning, ok ok ok this is a personal one for sure ! Not as quick and easy as any bolt guns. I learned quickly when taking that for end off to put a towel in there or something to keep it from bumping the barrel, it WILL scratch it. Obviously not something you do after every range trip. Definitely something to do after a dewy morning out hunting, or if blasting in a sandy area it is needed.

This one must be a joke. You really had to find something? Who the hell remove the fore end? For what purpose? Just use compressed air to remove dust and water if you are worried. That not a cons.

-Trigger, this is a precision gun you need a good trigger with a clean crisp break. You don't get this with this rifle, there is creep.

Maybe, I think they are far better than the remington trigger and on par with savage , maybe a hair better. But when you buy such rifle you understand that you won't find aftermarket trigger, at least for now until timney release one.

- Stock, the rear skeleton like stock is easy enough to adjust. I didn't like it because it gets hung up in clothing, branches, ect ect. Go to sit up after a group and your coat is hung up in it almost pulling it off the bench. Not cool.

Still the best OEM stock ever available on a factory rifle EVER. Way better that the too expensive PRS stock that don't have enough cheek height adjustment with 34 mm tube scope because it was designed for AR platform. The clamp might get caught but it is not big deal, just place them in the correct direction to reduce the chance to get caught.


- Quality control, right out of box the for end is bent and not centered with the barrel. The stock clamp broke for the cheek riser... The rail they provide is weak. 1st day with a bipod on it broke. Not sure if the key mod rail let it go or the pillar that goes into the rail snapped. Need to take apart for a closer look.

It is the only real big issue with this rifle . The rail is cheap and should have been designed with a flat bottom. On the 4 rifle we have for students the fore end was of centered.

This was discussed over on the SniperHide forum and the response from Ruger was that one must loosen up the 3 retaining bolts, center the cover, and retorque the bolts. Ruger suggested tightening up to 75 inch pounds for the two screws.


- Feed issues:

It is a mag issue. Their design is really cleaver and an awesome feature.

- Pistol grip is cheap hard polymer.

Not to bad. Not Fancy but that is really a personal preference.

- That bolt shroud gah plastic really?

Buy a replacement one for LRI if you don't like it. It doesn't need to metal since it is not a "mechanical" part.

Only thing I don't like is how it hold to the bolt body. Could have been stronger to reduce the wobble.


All consider it is best bang for buck right now if you don't have 4/5000 + $ to put on a high end build or high end factory rifle like an AI.

Ruger is the only manufacturer to have been able to listen to the PRS croud for a affordable entry level rifle with all necessary features.

The aftermarket product is going strong with LRI making replacement custom barrel and other parts like the bolt shroud.

Ruger is releasing a second generation with a new fore end to correct the issue.

Dont compare this to Dropping a Remington into a 1400$ + stock. It is still a piece of junk with major QC issue way worst than off center fore end that the RPR.
Click to expand...

I agree with everything said here. And to those who have not hand loaded, you should try it before you peg a rifle as not accurate or producing fliers.
 
Thanks OP. Very much.

I waited it out for everyone to receive their RPRs. I am not a Ruger fan, at all. But I liked what they were doing with this concept. I had the cash ready to go. But then I saw the EE flood, the retailers have "many calibers in stock!" and read a ton of reviews. The Ruger fans love em, everyone else is mixed. I think I would have bought one if the price point was a tad lower. But am glad I went the 700 route. No looking back now.
 
EC said:
You nailed it when you said you get what you pay for. Its a mass produced factory rifle. You can put lipstick on a pig but its still a pig.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't go as far as a pig, it is a cool rifle. Yes, it is a mass produced factory rifle. I don't love it, but I don't hate it.

LeducAb said:
So what would you buy instead?

I'd love some ideas ����
Click to expand...

Honestly, I've always shot savage rifles. I have never been let down by one. This time around, I would love to try a rem 700 police, could drop in a timney trigger and if I wanted to get REAL crazy a Mc Millan stock.


mebiuspower said:
Yea you get what you pay for.

AI AW or Steyr SSG also have solid folding stocks but you're looking at $4-5k more. They have none of the cons you listed, but again, for $4-5k more.
Click to expand...

Yea, I should have saved for a few more months. Im not sure im at the level of shooting yet to really justify it though.

langbanger said:
I agree with everything said here. And to those who have not hand loaded, you should try it before you peg a rifle as not accurate or producing fliers.
Click to expand...

^^ This, the hornandy 120 grain 6.5 is not loaded very well.. Getting inconsistant fps from a round every 5, so I have just accepted im going to get some odd balls if I don't hand load.
 
Thanks for everyone taking the time to check it out, appreciate yall can keep it real.

Kevin9934 - im sorry I upset you lol. This was a personal opinion post. Obviously as I had said, you pay for what you get... Im not bashing the rifle, I own one ffs lol. I am just helping out the community and letting them know my experience and thoughts.

I will address a lot of your posts as best as I can for you...

"Yeah well buy a DTA if you want a properly balanced rifle. No std configuration rifle with a 26 inch barrel and a decent barrel contour will have a great balance. It will be always front heavy but that is not designed to be a hunting rifle. Nothing to complain about...."
Well, yah but some people may not know that...This is me pointing out obvious things for people... This is also things you might notice when you pick one up. Im just stating facts. All though the PRS by magpul actually balanced it out a bit...

"This one must be a joke. You really had to find something? Who the hell remove the fore end? For what purpose? Just use compressed air to remove dust and water if you are worried. That not a cons."
I mean again, this is a personal thing. I didn't have to "find" anything it is something I noticed... I had stated im OCD... Also compressed air will remove grit and water but you still need to oil it... Ie needing to remove the for end... In MY eyes a slight con.

"Maybe, I think they are far better than the remington trigger and on par with savage , maybe a hair better. But when you buy such rifle you understand that you won't find aftermarket trigger, at least for now until timney release one."
I personally don't think they come close to a savage accu trigger... I have always had crisp accu triggers and really liked them. Maybe on par with remmy triggers, but for 100 bucks I Can get an after market for a remmy, I cant for a RPR... Not yet at least, so in the con pile.

"Still the best OEM stock ever available on a factory rifle EVER. Way better that the too expensive PRS stock that don't have enough cheek height adjustment with 34 mm tube scope because it was designed for AR platform. The clamp might get caught but it is not big deal, just place them in the correct direction to reduce the chance to get caught."
No argument, one of the best factory rifle stocks out there... Wait a second, savage ashbury? The new line of savage's with MDT stocks ? May have some contenders here! I obviously try to keep the RPR's latches out of the way, crap happens and they still get snagged up sometimes. Not an end all deal just annoying sometimes...

"It is the only real big issue with this rifle . The rail is cheap and should have been designed with a flat bottom. On the 4 rifle we have for students the fore end was of centered.
This was discussed over on the SniperHide forum and the response from Ruger was that one must loosen up the 3 retaining bolts, center the cover, and retorque the bolts. Ruger suggested tightening up to 75 inch pounds for the two screws."
Ok, so still an out of factory issue. Con. I have also tried that and many other things to straighten it out, I have it to the point you have to REALLY look to see its off center... Still tinkering I would have rather not done.

"It is a mag issue. Their design is really cleaver and an awesome feature."
Yup, as stated love how it takes all mags and I think feed issues are the mag... figured it out today on the range. The rounds cant be seated all the way back in the mag or they cant weird and don't get picked up. Have to sit as close to the nose of the mag as possible.

"- Pistol grip is cheap hard polymer.
Not to bad. Not Fancy but that is really a personal preference."
Exactly, personally find it cheap feeling lol.

"Buy a replacement one for LRI if you don't like it. It doesn't need to metal since it is not a "mechanical" part.
Only thing I don't like is how it hold to the bolt body. Could have been stronger to reduce the wobble."
Sadly I have a list of other things I needed to buy first, such as a replacement stock for the broken ruger stock. A new rail for the broken rail ruger provided... A new grip because comfort over looks every day... So I mean its down there, IE why I don't have one yet. Don't think I will get one TBH.

"All consider it is best bang for buck right now if you don't have 4/5000 + $ to put on a high end build or high end factory rifle like an AI.
Ruger is the only manufacturer to have been able to listen to the PRS croud for a affordable entry level rifle with all necessary features.
The aftermarket product is going strong with LRI making replacement custom barrel and other parts like the bolt shroud.
Ruger is releasing a second generation with a new fore end to correct the issue.
Dont compare this to Dropping a Remington into a 1400$ + stock. It is still a piece of junk with major QC issue way worst than off center fore end that the RPR."
There isn't anything to compare, it is a truth even without a new stock. I have had the same if not better results on paper with savage axis's. I have shot a Remington police (stock) and it was a great solid rifle I enjoyed.
There is literally nothing special about the RPR other then tacticool looks. Put lead to paper, they are all even. Its up to you to decided what you want to do with your money. Im just trying to give a no BS review by a guy who has a budget and likes to shoot.

I think the PRS crowd just like the rest of us love tacticool stuff ! Cmon ! Who doesn't !? I love that Ruger stepped up and set the bar. Savage is now fallowing with their own line. We have started a new era of affordable ergonomic and customizable rifles. It is the new standard.
 
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Hey CanadianKeeper

Great review without any punches pulled.....I'm looking at the RPR at the moment and was about to 'pull the trigger' on one (a 243 or 308) this week.......now I'm not too sure i will. I love its looks and the AR compatibility as well as being a little different.

The real issue i have is that for every 'OMG...this is an awesome rifle' review, there is one that highlights some concerns. I may still go ahead and get one.....or not.......If not, then its back to the drawing board :-( ............

PS which Vortex scope did you put on it?
 
acq.away said:
Hey CanadianKeeper

Great review without any punches pulled.....I'm looking at the RPR at the moment and was about to 'pull the trigger' on one (a 243 or 308) this week.......now I'm not too sure i will. I love its looks and the AR compatibility as well as being a little different.

The real issue i have is that for every 'OMG...this is an awesome rifle' review, there is one that highlights some concerns. I may still go ahead and get one.....or not.......If not, then its back to the drawing board :-( ............

PS which Vortex scope did you put on it?
Click to expand...

Careful with the Vortex, it's the same situation as the RPR.
 
I think Riger should be applauded for what they've done with the RPR. There are some really good ideas built into the rifle and they have made it affordable considering what you get with the rifle. The best part is that the competition will now have to up the game with something similar ... Savage has just recently done exactly that.
 
Tikka223 said:
Careful with the Vortex, it's the same situation as the RPR.
Click to expand...

Bugger!!!......is nothing simple.....this is turning into a nightmare....I was looking at a PST scope from Vortex.....What's the issue with Vortex scopes? Also what about Sightron scopes? I have $1200 budget to get my first scope....What's it going to be used for? I hear you all ask....basically i want a good quality all round scope that will be capable being used for hunting, precision shooting out to 800/1000 as well as plinking in the back woods.
 
acq.away said:
Bugger!!!......is nothing simple.....this is turning into a nightmare....I was looking at a PST scope from Vortex.....What's the issue with Vortex scopes? Also what about Sightron scopes? I have $1200 budget to get my first scope....What's it going to be used for? I hear you all ask....basically i want a good quality all round scope that will be capable being used for hunting, precision shooting out to 800/1000 as well as plinking in the back woods.
Click to expand...

No hi jack here... but Sightron SIII. Had an issue with 1 out of 5 Sightrons. It was with an SII I still own. The top turret's zero stop was not spring loaded resettable, it had a small hex bolt. It stripped. Sightron sent me a new one, immediately. Solid glass.
 
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