Ruger Precision - Thoughts and advice?

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TacticalCanuck

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Priced out a ruger precision in 308, with a 6-20x vortex scope today.

From all the research I have done, I really don't hear anything bad about the RP. The bolt shroud and lack of muzzle break - which are all part of the enhanced version, were the main complaints.

I want to hear from owners. What do you like? Is it really a '2 litre soda bottle at 1000 yards' kind of gun.

I know there lots of custom precision rifles out there. But I'm talking about this one.

I am new to the long range game, I know very little. But from shooting shot gun pattern down to clover leaf with other calibers from 50 to 200 yards, I think I can get into this - I want to get into this.

So what I really need is feedback from owners and those that have experience using this particular gun. Is it a good starter gun? After I shoot out the barrel will a custom barrel fit on it? I need to hear the good, bad and ugly on the RP from real people who have shot it enough to know what it can do. Will I be able to get into the long range game with this rifle, and maybe even start competing?

Thanks!
 
To a guy who's never had a better rifle the RPR is awesome.
If you think you are getting a $5000 rifle for $1300 you are mistaken.

I have the RPR 308 for a fun gun and think I should have gone with the 6.5 Creed for reduced recoil and better ballistics. I think I will change the barrel before long.

Accuracy of mine is not what many claim. I get anything from 3 inches to .625 inches at 100 yards with the same load in consecutive 5 round groups depending on how firmly I hold the rifle. Firm is better.

I have the steel mags which jam up and fall out. You will get better performance in this regard with the P mags but then you're stuck with 5 rounds in Canada.

AI Mags feed better than the steel ruger mags but they will fall out too if you rummage around with it enough.

Having said all that, the rifle doesn't suck overall and I think its something that gets you into the tacticool game cheap and you can change the barrel (without a gunsmith) and a couple things to make it shoot better.

I'll bet before long given the popularity we'll have a dozen guys who will specialize in tweaks and accurizing packages for the rifle.
 
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The RP in 6.5 creedmore and .308 are two rifles I've had the luxury of watching in action.

Although I didn't get a chance to fire , I've got a good chance to hold / inspect and shoulder both of these rifles..



Things I liked


All in one style package no need to purchase custom stock or cheer riser , it's all included

Solid bolt 70* throw makes it feel natural and comfortable...

I like the folding stock although it's not really practice other then to reduce size when sling / carry




Things I didn't like:

Its an all in one "custom" kit , meaning it has a custom chassis and a great barrel / action & trigger , with river selected components.... Why this is a bad thing ? Well it's not customized to "you" therefore if you for example instead bought your favourite tried and tested rifle , then proceeded to purchase your favourite chassis and then selected your favoured pistol grip etc. ect. The rifle would be "yours" to so many more degrees...

I love the idea of just buying a proven rifle... But I also thing customizing something to suit your needs / purpose of use should be weighed higher



Watch this video .... It going to explain / show some shot placement from Mike shooting the 6.5 version ( which I freaking love ) it's going to show some of the possible enhancements that make sense to turn the Rpr into a 1200m love bug

https://youtu.be/6AlwsoMYOVg
 
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I have a custom 6mm Dasher ($4000) that won 3 gold medals in our Provincial F Class Championship a couple months ago; it's a laser beam. Compare that to my son's RPR in 6.5 Creedmoor (not the enhanced version, about $1400) with no upgrades yet. The entire rifle costs less than the action for my Dasher.

I have found two nodes that consistently shoot at .3 MOA at 300 yards using handloads and a crappy die (it holds the bullet too tight). I have ordered the Insite Arms brake for it and a better die (Redding FL bushing die). While neither of these have arrived yet, I am sure it may improve things slightly, probably give me even more consistency. I can't comment on the 308, but the rifle I have shoots nice. Get a quality bipod, and take your time developing a load with good components, and you will be fine. Like you said, in the future upgrade the barrel when the old one is worn out. That would make the biggest difference in accuracy.

You did mention you wanted to maybe compete. If you wanted to do F Class, I would go for a used Savage FTR in 308. A friend of mine bought a used one for $800 and it is very good. It's a single shot, but not as cool looking as the RPR though.
 
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I have an RPR in 308. I just like the out of box look no plans to compete nor reload to get x sized groups. I run cheap PMC and love blasting things as far as I safely can. I put on a brake, monopod and bought an aftermarket shroud. After a couple hundred rounds I adjusted the trigger to as light as possible. The weight adds up fast on them once you add accessories. I love shooting it. Best value "tac" bolt in my books.
 
If you want a factory long range precision rifle, have a look at the Savage Target Rifles. The 12 F Class is a good example. I would recommend a Sightron scope over a Vortex too.
 
Got my bushing die yesterday and did a quick reload this morning. This is 5 shots at 300 yards with a 6.5 creedmoor RPR (the old one without the enhancements) and about an 8mph crosswind. I think that's around a .1 MOA group.

IMG_0332_zpso5iegmuk.jpg
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There is a nice 6.5 creedmoor rpr on the ee right now with a heathen brake and a JC custom barrel and all the other fixins "wink wink nudge nudge.
 
MikeinCalgary said:
Got my bushing die yesterday and did a quick reload this morning. This is 5 shots at 300 yards with a 6.5 creedmoor RPR (the old one without the enhancements) and about an 8mph crosswind. I think that's around a .1 MOA group.

IMG_0332_zpso5iegmuk.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
Click to expand...

Care to elaborate your recipe? :)
 
TacticalCanuck said:
Priced out a ruger precision in 308, with a 6-20x vortex scope today.

From all the research I have done, I really don't hear anything bad about the RP. The bolt shroud and lack of muzzle break - which are all part of the enhanced version, were the main complaints.

I want to hear from owners. What do you like? Is it really a '2 litre soda bottle at 1000 yards' kind of gun.

I know there lots of custom precision rifles out there. But I'm talking about this one.

I am new to the long range game, I know very little. But from shooting shot gun pattern down to clover leaf with other calibers from 50 to 200 yards, I think I can get into this - I want to get into this.

So what I really need is feedback from owners and those that have experience using this particular gun. Is it a good starter gun? After I shoot out the barrel will a custom barrel fit on it? I need to hear the good, bad and ugly on the RP from real people who have shot it enough to know what it can do. Will I be able to get into the long range game with this rifle, and maybe even start competing?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Sounds like we`re at the same point

I`ve been thinking about a RPR for a while and the Enhanced version could be the final straw

I started off thinking about 6.5 CM which is probably the best bet ballistically from what I can tell but after some discussions at the range and local gun shop decided that maybe a 308 might be a better bet to start

As I understand it 308 ammo is way more common and so more affordable and also the barrel is likely to last much longer (up to 10,000 rounds for the 308 versus 3000 for the 6.5 CM is what I was told). Local experts reckon 308 is good for up to 1000 yards which is better than me at this point. One summed it up quite well when he said "Everyone should own a 308"

I know the RPR is your primary focus (as it was for me too) but the new Savage Stealth appears to in the same league on features and price, also has more calibers to choose from (something to think about moving forward as you progress and can swap barrels) - I`m REALLY torn between the two
 
Ive got an original RPR in .243 and have a Sightron 6-24x50 on it. Love the low recoil, flat trajectory, and the fact that it can (I stress CAN) be a sub MOA rifle out to about 500m. (It is currently more consistent than i am!) I don't reload my own yet but have found it loves the 95gr Hornady SSTs and the 100gr Hornady 'whitetail' BTSP interlock ammo.

It does attract a lot of attention at the range and you may find that people wonder over just to chat about it.

Over all, a really good, fully modular and customizable 'budget' rifle that in the right hands and with the right ammo can shoot out to 1k.
 
It's a budget rifle that thinks it customize-able for a decent entry level price point. It can shoot tight groups (here and there), more here than there. And I have one of them to keep my sponsored rifle company (AI Ax in .308). At my PR matches in Garrison Petawawa, I offer the shooters a chance to light up the figure 11 targets at 600m with BOTH the RPR in .308 and my AI Ax in .308. Lots of wonderful surprises come out of these shooters (and they are shooting their own .308 match loads). :cool:

Have a read of my report here:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1458366-RPR-Don-t-Buy-ONE

Yes I have had custom guns made for me and they all shot well. I just could not resist jumping on the bandwagon and learning about this RPR, which is basically a poor man's (I'm not rich.... ) Tube gun or a Ruger American shrouded in a chassis.... I could go on singing the cheaper and upgraded features on this platform but I'll let you discover what's on there. I just like the learning process and a platform that uses all my AICS / M14 / MDT magazines that are all sitting in my storage bin. What's not to like?

Like I said, I've got both platforms that shoot small groups; life is good. Now join me in my matches and learn to steer that match booolit into the wind! :wave:

Cheers, :evil:

Barney
 
Thanks guys,

To reply to a few comments.

.308 is easier and cheaper to source. I do plan on reloading, but for the first while I will need to build up a stash brass to reload - so factory will be the name of the game for while till I can find what bullet weight the twist in the barrel prefers to chew on, do research on powder preferences, get 308 dies and shell plates for the press and brass trimmer, etc. This stuff costs money!

I'm new to the game - getting an average of about 4 inch groups with 5.56 out of a 6x scope at 200 yards and it left me wanting more. I didn't start that way it took a lot of trial and error.

I know that there are expensive custom guns, but those should be in the hands of competent and experienced shooters who know what is what for all the parts pieces etc. I have a lot to learn, so 308 will let me fire more rounds.

I need to understand how to calculate distance using FFP optics with MRAD. I need to learn how to read the wind, humidity hold over, etc.

You don't know what you don't know, and by that, there is a great deal I don't know, I just know I want to start learning, getting on the bench, and putting shots on target is the best way I know!

The savage suggestion was nice, thanks. It will give me something to google while I wait for walking dead to start tonight :)

I'd put a box of Hornady custom match grade in 308 up on it being Abraham and/or Eugene :p If they knock of Darryl because of his other shows I will quit watching it lol.

Cheers CGN!
 
dastt said:
Care to elaborate your recipe? :)
Click to expand...

You bet. Berger 6.5mm 140gr hybrid, 42.5 g H4350 powder, CCI primers, base to ogive 2.126, 6.5 creedmoor Hornady brass turned just enough to make it shiny, Redding FL bushing die with .288 bushing, Sinclair primer pocket uniformer, K&M flash hole uniformer, annealed after each shot
 
TacticalCanuck said:
Thanks guys,

To reply to a few comments.

.308 is easier and cheaper to source. I do plan on reloading, but for the first while I will need to build up a stash brass to reload - so factory will be the name of the game for while till I can find what bullet weight the twist in the barrel prefers to chew on, do research on powder preferences, get 308 dies and shell plates for the press and brass trimmer, etc. This stuff costs money!

I'm new to the game - getting an average of about 4 inch groups with 5.56 out of a 6x scope at 200 yards and it left me wanting more. I didn't start that way it took a lot of trial and error.

I know that there are expensive custom guns, but those should be in the hands of competent and experienced shooters who know what is what for all the parts pieces etc. I have a lot to learn, so 308 will let me fire more rounds.

I need to understand how to calculate distance using FFP optics with MRAD. I need to learn how to read the wind, humidity hold over, etc.

You don't know what you don't know, and by that, there is a great deal I don't know, I just know I want to start learning, getting on the bench, and putting shots on target is the best way I know!

The savage suggestion was nice, thanks. It will give me something to google while I wait for walking dead to start tonight :)

I'd put a box of Hornady custom match grade in 308 up on it being Abraham and/or Eugene :p If they knock of Darryl because of his other shows I will quit watching it lol.

Cheers CGN!
Click to expand...

I have to agree on the .308...been shooting a .308 Howa Axiom FFP Mil/Mil for a couple of years...all is good. FWIW I did LOTS of load development on the way here and ended up where everybody said I would using Varget and Sierra's LOL. But it was fun trying a bunch of powders and bullets, so wouldn't take that away from you. Helps you learn reloading and what affects the shot. That being said Varget and 175s are the magic for me. 155's also good, but I also did something recently that made sense...at least to me....and switched to one bullet for all calibers.

By this I mean that I replaced my hunting 7mm RM with a 300 Win Mag and picked up a 30-06 to fill in the gap. Now I have all three shooting 30 cal 175 match for fun, and 180 Accubonds for hunting (30-06 and 300 only...308 too damn heavy!) For small/medium game 30-06...for larger 300 WM (or when I am in grizzly territory). Might sound simple, but now I only have two types of bullets and two types of powders on the bench...for rifle anyway.

Would love to be able to put my hands on the new Howa HCR/Weatherby modular chassis and give it a feel.

Have fun shooting!
 
I really like my RPR in .243. I know there will be people going "What, a .243....................." however I have a 260 Rem and .308 that I didn't need to duplicate.

The rifle is tight and shoots around 1 MOA with reloads. However the factory trigger on my rifle SUCKED. It broke (kinda) at 3 lbs (in the zone I personally prefer) but creeped like crazy. Not just creeped but corduroy-road creep with enough grinding to spook the my spotter. I picked up a new Timney trigger and installed it and noted an immediate, significant improvement. The Timney broke at a very consistent 1.5 lbs with NO CREEP. Can't wait to get out to the range to see what the new trigger does for the rifle.
 
I was extremely hesitant buying an RPR but caved and purchased the Enhanced 6.5 creedmoor. Off the hop I found the trigger to have lots of creep and bolt extremely rough and loud when cycling. The bolt has all kinds of rough machining marks, probably ugliest bolt Ive ever seen minus a Savage. I purchased 3 boxes of factory 140 ELD and crossed my fingers. I was honestly thinking this was gonna be a 2 moa shooter. Got set up and sent a round, cleaned, sent 2 rounds, cleaned then shot my first 5 round group on paper. I was shocked....it shot 3/4 moa off the box of my pickup. I did 4 5 shot groups and it shot solid 3/4 MOA with one group under 1/2 MOA
I have a 12x12" AR 500 gong and set it out on a gravel pit and moved 1000 yards out. Im no pro but did manage to hit it after a few shots,,couldn't hit it every time but did hit it. I was sold right then and there.
Im just waiting for my Redding dies to show and hope to get things even better if possibly but Im very pleased with how the rifle shoots, feels and looks in my hands. Other then the trigger and rough bolt its a fantastic rifle.
 
Hats off to Ruger for bringing out the RPR.... for an out of the box chassis rifle, it checks off alot of boxes and simplifies putting it all together.

As you have read, there are a variety of responses to the QC of the rifle and they can range in performance. Best thing you can do is get behind the rifle you want to own and see how it fits YOU

I found the ergonomics pretty decent but the comb not a good match to my face. Most had good fitting forends and accuracy overall was around MOA'ish

Two had decent triggers.. some much worst then the factory American they are based on.... but then I have played with some American hunting rifles with really creepy triggers so maybe this is more factory QC? The current predator I own has a really creepy trigger, much worst then my first American hunting rifle.

The concept is really good. The execution from rifle to rifle can vary a lot so you will need to pick and choose the rifle to suit.

If you are going to reload, start right away. There is no need to fire factory ammo to make brass. There is no guarantee factory will agree with your barrel and given the costs, you can easily spend more then basic reloading gear playing with factory ammo that may not shoot.

I doubt you will choose a bullet from a better manf that will not shoot as well or better then the factory barrel. Unfortunately, factory barrels can range huge in performance and there is no way to look at one and know how it will work. Yes, there are aftermarket match barrels galore but that is more money that you may not want to invest

If you like the looks and features of the RPR and it fits you... go for it. Can it shoot a 2L bottle at 1000yds? Yes, no, maybe... like many factory rifles, it can be a crap shoot to know what you actually end up with.

If you get a good one, then the cost to play is great... if not, you will easily exceed a semi custom build to fix and get similar results.

I love the concept.. just wished the rifles were more consistent

Jerry
 
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