help me make a decision...

[SwiftScope]

Ive been doing as much research as I can and have changed my mind multiple times but i think I have finally settled on a couple rifles and want to reach out to the community. I have narrowed it down to the Howa Bravo or the Ruger Precision Rifle.

Im really leaning towards the Howa, Seems like the action is well reviewed and the KRG chassis is exceptional. The modularity of the RPR is appealing and they are great shooters but have seen a lot of people talking about the "chassis" being just ok and somewhat cheap. Im sure id be fine with either but that's what these forums are for right!

I have already purchased a Nikon Black FX1000 4-16x50 for what its worth.

Thanks.

 

[bgavin]

I haven't shot a howa but have friends with rpr's and they shoot great. I don't like the buttstock on that chassis. That's the only thing and that's purely subjective. They all love them.

 

[GrandpaDeadLegs]

I read that people end up (like with the 10/22) modifying their RPR into an expensive-ish custom project that makes me think... Just make a custom rifle from the get go. If you won't be swapping parts then better try them both out somehow and see what your arms like better.

 

[wildcats]

Just build a custom rifle,or buy one in the FS section.plenty of good deals going on and you can save a few bucks as opposed to starting from scratch.
I guess it all depends on your budget and what you are trying to achive.

 

[308pirate]

Just build a custom rifle,or buy one in the FS section.plenty of good deals going on and you can save a few bucks as opposed to starting from scratch.
I guess it all depends on your budget and what you are trying to achive.

I'm going to assume that if he's looking at those two (sub $1500 rifles) that customs (even used ones) are outside of the budget.

 

[SwiftScope]

I'm going to assume that if he's looking at those two (sub $1500 rifles) that customs (even used ones) are outside of the budget.

Yeah i prob should have been more clear, sorry.

Im looking in the $1300-$1500 MAX budget. I can get the Howa for $1K at my local shop, $1,200 for the RPR

 

[stello1001]

Go Howa. I handled a few Ruger precision rifles and finger banged them but was not very impressed. I know they shoot great and work well, but so do the Howas and they also feel and run better (to me of course). So of course, I ended up with a Howa.

 

[wildcats]

I'm going to assume that if he's looking at those two (sub $1500 rifles) that customs (even used ones) are outside of the budget.

pirate,that is a high probability.
If that's the case,i would choose the RPR.

 

[SwiftScope]

Go Howa. I handled a few Ruger precision rifles and finger banged them but was not very impressed. I know they shoot great and work well, but so do the Howas and they also feel and run better. So of course, I ended up with a Howa.

This is what im seeing from a lot of outlets.

 

[308pirate]

pirate,that is a high probability.
If that's the case,i would choose the RPR.

I would choose the Howa, but I'm biased

 

[wildcats]

Yeah i prob should have been more clear, sorry.

Im looking in the $1300-$1500 MAX budget. I can get the Howa for $1K at my local shop, $1,200 for the RPR

What about the glass?

 

[stello1001]

What about the glass?

Read the OP, he posted he already has glass.

 

[wildcats]

The RPR with a top quality barrel will shoot almost as good as any top drawer custom build.
and there are prefit barrels you can buy.switch calibers as well.

just my 2 cents.

 

[SwiftScope]

What about the glass?

Just purchased a Nikon black fx1000

 

[GrandpaDeadLegs]

Shameless Hide plug - don't forget Frank's semi-custom that he mentions in the podcast

 

[308pirate]

The RPR with a top quality barrel will shoot almost as good as any top drawer custom build.
and there are prefit barrels you can buy.switch calibers as well.

just my 2 cents.

I can say exactly the same thing about Howa.

 

[spife7980]

If you can stand a 6cm over a 6.5 then the RPRs have been going for 800 with some in person sales being 700. Thats hard to beat.

If you are looking at a "howa bravo" thats all put together when you pick it up then I would check to see which version of the howa bravo stock it is.

If its this first run version with the three weird bumps up front I would skip it as the fore end is all plastic.

If its this revised version then the metal chassis extends all the way up and I would go this route.

You can also buy just a howa barreled action and put it into the second version bravo stock for cheaper, or at least the same price, and make sure you dont get stuck with the first version.

 

[SwiftScope]

If you can stand a 6cm over a 6.5 then the RPRs have been going for 800 with some in person sales being 700. Thats hard to beat.

If you are looking at a "howa bravo" thats all put together when you pick it up then I would check to see which version of the howa bravo stock it is.

If its this first run version with the three weird bumps up front I would skip it as the fore end is all plastic.
View attachment 7000112

If its this revised version then the metal chassis extends all the way up and I would go this route.
View attachment 7000113

You can also buy just a howa barreled action and put it into the second version bravo stock for cheaper, or at least the same price, and make sure you dont get stuck with the first version.

Solid information. Good eye, I'll make sure to physically see it before i buy if i choose to go this route.

 

[stello1001]

If you can stand a 6cm over a 6.5 then the RPRs have been going for 800 with some in person sales being 700. Thats hard to beat.

If you are looking at a "howa bravo" thats all put together when you pick it up then I would check to see which version of the howa bravo stock it is.

If its this first run version with the three weird bumps up front I would skip it as the fore end is all plastic.
View attachment 7000112

If its this revised version then the metal chassis extends all the way up and I would go this route.
View attachment 7000113

You can also buy just a howa barreled action and put it into the second version bravo stock for cheaper, or at least the same price, and make sure you dont get stuck with the first version.

That's true, those 6 creed Rugers are going cheap. I almost bought one not too long ago only because at 700 bucks new, I thought it might not be too bad if I ended up not liking it.

 

[reeljob]

Rem 700 action $350
CBI barrel. $300
Lug and nut. $45
Greyboe renegade M5 BM 400
Timney 510. $130
Solid rig and satisfaction of a rifle you assembled.
Just a thought.

 

[spife7980]

Rem 700 action $350
CBI barrel. $300
Lug and nut. $45
Greyboe renegade M5 BM 400
Timney 510. $130
Solid rig and satisfaction of a rifle you assembled.
Just a thought.

Your list adds up to 1,225

If you want that muzzle threaded thats another 75

Lug is 27 and nut is 28 for 55 total from NSS with a barrel order, thats only 10 bucks over your listed so no big deal.

What I was really going to hop onto you about was the grayboe price but I see that on redhawk rifles they will discount the two when purchased together for actually 424, thats pretty darn good. I was thinking it would be 355 plus 160 for the bottom metal. I would still probably go with a KRG bravo over the grayboe for the equivalent cost but still.

Plus 60-70 on a mag


Add in tools for ~190 bucks. Action wrench is 60+ 25 for the lug alignment+ 18 for the nut wrench+ 60 for a barrel vice + 30 for a head space gauge.
Depending on your location and proximity to others here someone could use their tools to spin it on for you but I imagine that, like most, once you start you will be doing more barrels in the future so they arent a bad investment.


So all in it would be 1610 to finally have it all up and running in a manner that I would want (plus shipping and FFL fees if applicable).

Oh, plus a scope base for another 60 or so since rem actions come without one (as does the howa it appears)

Thats a good chunk over the RPR or howa bravo but there is something to value about building it yourself as you said. In fact I have nearly done this very same thing on two rifles now so Im slowly amortizing the tools but if someone is strapped for cash and just wants to shoot the factory offerings are an easier decision.

 

[SwiftScope]

Your list adds up to 1,225

If you want that muzzle threaded thats another 75

Lug is 27 and nut is 28 for 55 total from NSS with a barrel order, thats only 10 bucks over your listed so no big deal.

What I was really going to hop onto you about was the grayboe price but I see that on redhawk rifles they will discount the two when purchased together for actually 424, thats pretty darn good. I was thinking it would be 355 plus 160 for the bottom metal. I would still probably go with a KRG bravo over the grayboe for the equivalent cost but still.

Plus 60-70 on a mag


Add in tools for ~190 bucks. Action wrench is 60+ 25 for the lug alignment+ 18 for the nut wrench+ 60 for a barrel vice + 30 for a head space gauge.
Depending on your location and proximity to others here someone could use their tools to spin it on for you but I imagine that, like most, once you start you will be doing more barrels in the future so they arent a bad investment.


So all in it would be 1610 to finally have it all up and running in a manner that I would want (plus shipping and FFL fees if applicable).

Oh, plus a scope base for another 60 or so since rem actions come without one (as does the howa it appears)

Thats a good chunk over the RPR or howa bravo but there is something to value about building it yourself as you said. In fact I have nearly done this very same thing on two rifles now so Im slowly amortizing the tools but if someone is strapped for cash and just wants to shoot the factory offerings are an easier decision.

I completely understand the building route and I know it would be a fun & rewarding process. Id agree with your point of view here, I dont have any of the tools required at this point and they are something that i will buy over time, im just not in the position right now to do so. I will build a custom rifle at some point and im learning more and more every day on this forum. im only 31 so I feel like ive got time on my side

 

[reeljob]

Yes Spife you are correct, these are rounded numbers. Op has his optic already. Red Hawk is running amazing deals right now on the Greyboe. As far as tools Im sure one of the fine Hide members might help a new shooter out. If Op wants to get into the sport and all thatvis stopping him is the tools I will be more than glad to work something on a some loaner tools.
I did forget the mag though, good catch.

 

[308pirate]

If you can stand a 6cm over a 6.5 then the RPRs have been going for 800 with some in person sales being 700. Thats hard to beat.

If you are looking at a "howa bravo" thats all put together when you pick it up then I would check to see which version of the howa bravo stock it is.

If its this first run version with the three weird bumps up front I would skip it as the fore end is all plastic.
View attachment 7000112

If its this revised version then the metal chassis extends all the way up and I would go this route.
View attachment 7000113

You can also buy just a howa barreled action and put it into the second version bravo stock for cheaper, or at least the same price, and make sure you dont get stuck with the first version.

First of all, the top picture is a prototype design and was never, ever sold. The bottom picture is the production version of the Howa inlet Bravo and the only one ever sold. But don't take my word on it. @Massoud can confirm nicely.

Second of all, I have two Howa 1500s in KRG 180-Xrays, and they have indeed a plastic forend with no steel backbone. The steel chassis ends just fwd of the recoil lug. And you know what? I don't know why you would recommend avoiding it because you have no idea how well it works or doesn't work.

I'm pretty sure you don't have a Howa rifle, and even more sure you don't have one in a KRG 180-Xray chassis. So what's your opinion based on? I know: pure speculation.

As the owner of not one, but two Howa 1500s both in KRG 180-Xrays with the shitty forend; I can say that I am 110% satisfied with the strength, integrity, and durability of KRG's design. I shoot them slung up tight as fuck, pressed against barricades, bipod loaded against hard object, and generally run them hard. Not yet have I found any evidence of flex that will degrade accuracy. Not a single rub mark on the underside of the barrels, and the targets speak for themselves:

 

[SwiftScope]

First of all, the top picture is a prototype design and was never, ever sold. The bottom picture is the production version of the Howa inlet Bravo and the only one ever sold. But don't take my word on it. @Massoud can confirm nicely.

Second of all, I have two Howa 1500s in KRG 180-Xrays, and they have indeed a plastic forend with no steel backbone. The steel chassis ends just fwd of the recoil lug. And you know what? I don't know why you would recommend avoiding it because you have no idea how well it works or doesn't work.

I'm pretty sure you don't have a Howa rifle, and even more sure you don't have one in a KRG 180-Xray chassis. So what's your opinion based on? I know: pure speculation.

As the owner of not one, but two Howa 1500s both in KRG 180-Xrays with the shitty forend; I can say that I am 110% satisfied with the strength, integrity, and durability of KRG's design. I shoot them slung up tight as fuck, pressed against barricades, bipod loaded against hard object, and generally run them hard. Not yet have I found any evidence of flex that will degrade accuracy. Not a single rub mark on the underside of the barrels, and the targets speak for themselves:
View attachment 7000254

View attachment 7000258

View attachment 7000259

Thank you for the photos and suggestions from first hand experience, this helps alot. real world use

 

[Harman117]

I have a Howa 1500 and have been impressed with the overall quality of the barreled action for the money. Fit and finish seems to be higher on the Howa than the few RPR's I have handled/shot before. (Specifically: less machining marks, general construction and the "feel" seems more "solid" on the Howas than the RPR)

Of course most of that is somewhat subjective, so take it with a grain of salt.

Both would be very acceptable choices and would fit the intended role just fine. I would urge you not to place too much importance on the selection between the two. I have found myself in a similar situation and always left wondering
about the "other choice". Which often ends up with me being dissatisfied and chasing the other choice.

If you decide to go the Howa route I'd also recommend buying the barreled action and KRG Bravo separately (for the already mentioned reasons) plus at times Brownell's can have some good deals on certain calibers and configurations. Example: A while back you could get a complete Howa 20" non-threaded heavy barreled action in .308win for like $239. (which is crazy good value)

 

[stello1001]

Another thing to take into consideration, Howas are flat bottomed and have an integrated recoil lug. These are attractive features for me, mostly because it'll allow me to use them in a chassis as I already do, or drop it into a more traditional stock, which I am planning to do, and the bedding job should theoretically be simpler. A Ruger precision rifle, well, will always stay where it is as it is. Can't take the barreled action out and drop it on somewhere else.

 

[spife7980]

First of all, the top picture is a prototype design and was never, ever sold. The bottom picture is the production version of the Howa inlet Bravo and the only one ever sold. But don't take my word on it. @Massoud can confirm nicely.

Second of all, I have two Howa 1500s in KRG 180-Xrays, and they have indeed a plastic forend with no steel backbone. The steel chassis ends just fwd of the recoil lug. And you know what? I don't know why you would recommend avoiding it because you have no idea how well it works or doesn't work.

I'm pretty sure you don't have a Howa rifle, and even more sure you don't have one in a KRG 180-Xray chassis. So what's your opinion based on? I know: pure speculation.

As the owner of not one, but two Howa 1500s both in KRG 180-Xrays with the shitty forend; I can say that I am 110% satisfied with the strength, integrity, and durability of KRG's design. I shoot them slung up tight as fuck, pressed against barricades, bipod loaded against hard object, and generally run them hard. Not yet have I found any evidence of flex that will degrade accuracy. Not a single rub mark on the underside of the barrels, and the targets speak for themselves:
View attachment 7000254

View attachment 7000258

View attachment 7000259

I feel a bit jumped on.

Yeah Ill take your word on that not being whats being sold but the top version is pictured in so many places it wouldnt be hard to have missed the post or where ever it was clarifying so. I figure if it was the only one ever then it wouldnt be featured in so many product pictures where people would be purchasing them such as brownells.

And I may be "speculating" but its based on others complaints of the flex on this very forum where you swooped in to say that they were baseless and the poster was a retard also for thinking so and not being a manufacturing engineering specialist something or other such as yourself. So thats why I warned him. Unlike you I also dont go telling people to buy alpha mags when its nothing but a can of rattlesnakes but hey, if we're being assholes I might as well call a spade a spade.

And as or those results "speaking" for themselves? Well Ill just let other be impressed with barely 1 moa results.

 

[patriot07]

I wouldn't pay $1k for a Howa or $1200 for an RPR. If I was spending that money, I'd buy a Tikka.

But if you're set on those 2, I'd get the RPR. Resale will be better. There will likely be very little difference in performance between the two.

 

[308pirate]

And I may be "speculating" but its based on others complaints of the flex on this very forum where you swooped in to say that they were baseless and the poster was a retard also for thinking so and not being a manufacturing engineering specialist something or other such as yourself. So thats why I warned him. Unlike you I also dont go telling people to buy alpha mags when its nothing but a can of rattlesnakes but hey, if we're being assholes I might as well call a spade a spade.

And as or those results "speaking" for themselves? Well Ill just let other be impressed with barely 1 moa results.

Maybe it's just as simple as you repeating shit that you don't know anything about?

I'm sure you have plenty of sub 1/2 moa ten shot groups lying around

My rifles highlight my weakness as a shooter, not their own.

 

[acudaowner]

Ive been doing as much research as I can and have changed my mind multiple times but i think I have finally settled on a couple rifles and want to reach out to the community. I have narrowed it down to the Howa Bravo or the Ruger Precision Rifle.

Im really leaning towards the Howa, Seems like the action is well reviewed and the KRG chassis is exceptional. The modularity of the RPR is appealing and they are great shooters but have seen a lot of people talking about the "chassis" being just ok and somewhat cheap. Im sure id be fine with either but that's what these forums are for right!

I have already purchased a Nikon Black FX1000 4-16x50 for what its worth.

Thanks.

have not seen or fired the howa , but own and love my rpr yea it could be a complete custom barrel is not it works every time i have taken it to a range it's price enabled me to buy much nicer glass to use with it. while i would love to have a way more expensive custom rifle as a newer shooter it really enabled me to learn how to do something I've always wanted to do have fun , and learn to shoot better and not break the bank not sure what the price is now. I originally wanted an ai 6k + that was not happening then Barrett mrad 4k+ that also was not affordable but the rpr around 1k was and 3k for optics fit my budget.

 

[Massoud]

Regarding those early Howa pics, that never was produced. It was something that Legacy (Howa importer) needed to have a stock for pics, we just didn't have the full length Howa backbones yet and they were in a crunch with SHOT coming up. You see that forend still partly because of that original batch of photos and partly because Matt H. the Howa rep was running the early 180-Xray with a Whiskey-3 back end as his personal rifle. The all polymer forend only comes on the Savage and the CZ chassis now.

We've worked hard on getting the flex out (of the polymer-only forend), it's certainly way better than a tupperware stock but not equal to a full aluminum backbone like the Howa Bravo's have. It's still plenty usable and most guys would never have any issues or really notice but if you start grabbing/squeezing the barrel and the stock at the front you'll notice. There's quite a few aftermarket stocks like that but we try to hold ourselves to a higher standard and that bit of flex still bugs me.

Coming back around to the OP, thank you for considering our stock. So far shooters have really been liking it and the Howa Bravo in general has been well received.

Thank you,
Justin

 

[SwiftScope]

I wouldn't pay $1k for a Howa or $1200 for an RPR. If I was spending that money, I'd buy a Tikka.

But if you're set on those 2, I'd get the RPR. Resale will be better. There will likely be very little difference in performance between the two.

I already own a Tikka, just looking for something different!

 

[SwiftScope]

Regarding those early Howa pics, that never was produced. It was something that Legacy (Howa importer) needed to have a stock for pics, we just didn't have the full length Howa backbones yet and they were in a crunch with SHOT coming up. You see that forend still partly because of that original batch of photos and partly because Matt H. the Howa rep was running the early 180-Xray with a Whiskey-3 back end as his personal rifle. The all polymer forend only comes on the Savage and the CZ chassis now.

We've worked hard on getting the flex out (of the polymer-only forend), it's certainly way better than a tupperware stock but not equal to a full aluminum backbone like the Howa Bravo's have. It's still plenty usable and most guys would never have any issues or really notice but if you start grabbing/squeezing the barrel and the stock at the front you'll notice. There's quite a few aftermarket stocks like that but we try to hold ourselves to a higher standard and that bit of flex still bugs me.

Coming back around to the OP, thank you for considering our stock. So far shooters have really been liking it and the Howa Bravo in general has been well received.

Thank you,
Justin

You make a great product that fits the need for shooters at every budget and that is appealing.

More importantly, thank you for taking the time to get the proper information into my thread!

 

[notez2beat]

I am battling with this same decision, even considering the Nikon scope (in 6-24).
OP-did you make a choice yet?

 

[hlee]

I don't have a howa, so I don't have anything to say about them. I will share my experience with my RPR. Let me start with; it is VERY accurate. Even with factory hornady match ammunition, I know that if the bullet misses the mark that it was me and not the rifle. While not heavy by PRS standards, the rifle is heavy. The ability to use magpul mags has been a match saver at least once. The action is not smooth like you see on custom rifles. It is better than my bone stock Rem 700, but has a number of bumps on the way to lockup. There is also a "zipper" noise that some find annoying. I am told that polishing the bolt release recess will eliminate this, but I have not attempted that. In comparison to those silky smooth actions, the RPR feels like 3 miles of gravel road. But, it goes bang every time and hits its mark when I point it in the right direction- every time. The stock trigger is... ok. The Timney drop in is a marked upgrade. The factory stock is garbage- a magpul PRS is a marked upgrade. A Seekins ambi safety does not work well in this rifle, regardless of claims to the contrary. Seekins makes a flat bottom fore end that would be a good upgrade, but I haven't gone there yet.

Is there rom for improvement on the factory rifle? YES

Am I happy with my purchase? Yes.

Would I go a different route knowing what I know now? Not for the same money.

Would I sell this rifle? Everything is for sale...

Would I trade this rifle? Not for the same money.

Could I be faster with a different rifle? Yes.

Are the deficiencies in this rifle holding me back? No.

If you go with the RPR, know that you are buying a shooter, but are also probably buying a project. It is the AR15 of the bolt action world.

 

[SwiftScope]

I am battling with this same decision, even considering the Nikon scope (in 6-24).
OP-did you make a choice yet?

no choice as of yet, may be a month or so before I have the funds, will def update

 

[SwiftScope]

I don't have a howa, so I don't have anything to say about them. I will share my experience with my RPR. Let me start with; it is VERY accurate. Even with factory hornady match ammunition, I know that if the bullet misses the mark that it was me and not the rifle. While not heavy by PRS standards, the rifle is heavy. The ability to use magpul mags has been a match saver at least once. The action is not smooth like you see on custom rifles. It is better than my bone stock Rem 700, but has a number of bumps on the way to lockup. There is also a "zipper" noise that some find annoying. I am told that polishing the bolt release recess will eliminate this, but I have not attempted that. In comparison to those silky smooth actions, the RPR feels like 3 miles of gravel road. But, it goes bang every time and hits its mark when I point it in the right direction- every time. The stock trigger is... ok. The Timney drop in is a marked upgrade. The factory stock is garbage- a magpul PRS is a marked upgrade. A Seekins ambi safety does not work well in this rifle, regardless of claims to the contrary. Seekins makes a flat bottom fore end that would be a good upgrade, but I haven't gone there yet.

Is there rom for improvement on the factory rifle? YES

Am I happy with my purchase? Yes.

Would I go a different route knowing what I know now? Not for the same money.

Would I sell this rifle? Everything is for sale...

Would I trade this rifle? Not for the same money.

Could I be faster with a different rifle? Yes.

Are the deficiencies in this rifle holding me back? No.

If you go with the RPR, know that you are buying a shooter, but are also probably buying a project. It is the AR15 of the bolt action world.

awesome post, thank you for sharing and i have noted it all!

 

[m6z]

RPR, HMR and the Howa Bravo are all great entry level options that can be found under $1k if you look.

I've almost bought one of the $700-$800 RPR rifles a couple times, but I'm just not a fan of the looks and want a more traditional style rifle. They're a hell of a rifle for the money though and they've got strong aftermarket support.

I'm leaning towards the HMR myself. The 700 compatibility for triggers and stocks gives it the edge over the Howa.

 

[SwiftScope]

RPR, HMR and the Howa Bravo are all great entry level options that can be found under $1k if you look.

I've almost bought one of the $700-$800 RPR rifles a couple times, but I'm just not a fan of the looks and want a more traditional style rifle. They're a hell of a rifle for the money though and they've got strong aftermarket support.

I'm leaning towards the HMR myself. The 700 compatibility for triggers and stocks gives it the edge over the Howa.

Ive looked at the HMR quite a bit and while i agree with you that the R700 platform opens up a lot of options the KRG stock is really appealing over the bergara stock. This is why its hard to choose haha. Im basically just going to pick whats cheapest at the time.

 

[acudaowner]

after you decide and make a choice , after you have it for a bit and shoot please let it be know which you chose. why and how you like it.. the only bad thing about most forums i read you find people asking question but never find out what was picked. and pics always nice to see how it turned out.

 

[notez2beat]

Thanks @hlee, that is right in line with things I have heard also thanks everyone else for the input and @SwiftScope for the perfect question post!! I really wanted a traditional stock type setup but have handled the RPR in the store and it just feels good. Sadly I haven’t had a chance to handle a Howa Bravo but have handled Howa 1500s. I have not shot either. I guess at this point the RPR is pulling ahead just on the amount of support there is surrounding the rifle and it’s inherent accuracy.

 

[stello1001]

Howas have all the support they need.

 

[SwiftScope]

after you decide and make a choice , after you have it for a bit and shoot please let it be know which you chose. why and how you like it.. the only bad thing about most forums i read you find people asking question but never find out what was picked. and pics always nice to see how it turned out.

I absolutely will, may be a couple months but i will

 

[notez2beat]

I went a head and “pulled the trigger” on the RPR. Ordered it last night.

 

[m6z]

Nice. 6mm or 6.5mm Creedmoor? Any mods planned?

 

[notez2beat]

6.5, I also ordered a Magpul PRS stock for it.

 

[Cas7980]

I really like the looks of the RPR

 

[DannC]

I got bit by the LR shooting bug about 18 months ago after seeing a RPR in a gun store. Did not have any guidence from the fellow shooters at my club as they were all about benchrest style matches. Had not discovered the Hide at that time either for a place to learn what I did not know. Bought the RPR in .308 and mounted a Vortex 2.5 - 10 x 40 scope that I had. After about 200 rds I knew I needed more magnification. Bought a Vortex PST Gen2 5 - 25 x 50. Never liked the Original stock so I bought the Magpul PRS Gen 3 stock. This added to my dislike of the OEM pistol grip. Bought a Ergo grip with palm shelf. The aluminum bolt shroud was lossly fitted and I did not see the plastic take down tool lasting very long. Bought Anarchy Titanium bolt shroud with tool. Shooting off improvised rest led me to buy the Atlas PRS bipod and then added the three inch leg extensions and claw feet. Added Atlas mono pod and several different rear bags. Here on the Hide I read a thread asking which would be the better scope for PRS matches, the Vortex PST Gen2 or the Vortex Razor Gen 1. The consenus of the Hide was the Vortex Razor was the better scope for it's superior glass/turrets and you would seldom need more that twenty power. Bought a Vortex Razor Gen1 and Sphur mount. It did not work well for me, should of kept the PST. Got a great BF deal on a Vortex Razor Gen 2 4.5 - 27 x 56 and could not be happier. Still to come will be Anarchy bolt handle/knob and Seekins SR3 rail. All of this does not include the hard carry case, mag throw levers, scope levels, flipup lens caps, various scope mounts etc. and the 900 rds of ammo. If you don't reload find what your rifle likes and buy lots of it. For my RPR it is FGMM 168 gr. With new scope and five round zero, have fired two five round groups that could be covered with a penny.
Could I have bought a higher quality rifle and not needed to customize/personalized for less money? Probably, but I have enjoyed the journey and have only lost relatively little in buying/selling. From my long winded tale of my experience with the RPR I have learned that the rifle is only the part that holds all the other pieces together if the action and barrel are adequate.

Best of luck with your RPR

 

[flyright]

It took me a while to finally decide that I preferred a chassis style over a conventional stock. In fact, the RPR was the first chassis style rifle I purchased. Long story short, I ended up with an AX SA which is one of my favorite rifles. However, when I take the RPR out to the range, I don't feel I'm held back by it in the least. It handles just fine, is smooth and fast enough and accuracy is as good (generally better) as anything out there.
It is a rifle that I will probably never sell. When the factory barrel is toast, I'll rebarrel with something high quality since I believe the rifle is worth it. For all the criticism it receives it is a superbly accurate and solid rifle and I really can't find much fault with it. Can it be nit picked about the smoothness, trigger, stock etc? Yes it can. But, it flat out works right from the box. I've owned and shot plenty of factory and custom rifles that were superior in their details but few performed on paper as well. Maybe I got a "good one" but I'd take my chances with one again. Especially with all the high quality prefit barrels you can get for it today. All IMHO.