New to PRS is the Ruger RPR a good first gun?

[SNOW JW]

Budget is in the 1k area curious if the RPR is a good option others I should look at? I got dies & everything for a 6.5 creedmoor so I think I'll stick to the 6.5 creedmoor.

Another? Is buy new or find a used setup possibly with optic?

 

[arm017]

RPR is a good rifle; but there are better options for 1k in my opinion. Many of the factory offerings are extremely solid. Quite accurate out of the gate. What is your background? Hunting/ military, etc? If you are half way serious about competing, just volunteer to go out and RO. Or watch local matches. That is more valuable than us internet trolls. But often there are loner rifles/ backup rifles that you can use to get your feet wet before investing in to the sport. All this to say, if you do take the plunge, I would urge you to save up a few more bucks and get into the 1500-2000$ range for a rifle. This way, you are really in a sweet spot for a rifle that then would have some retail value opposed to a cheaper factory gun.

The used market can be good, and the hide is a good place to look. Starting over again I would start with a used tika. Or a bighorn origin+ criterion prefit barrel + krg bravo chassis would put you in that 1500$ camp for a Very capable setup- That is actually comp ready. A lot of folks are coming out with these versions of “semi custom” sort of rifles (pva, Franks with APO, rimrock, Tikas, etc.)

 

[W54/XM-388]

For the price, it's a great way to get into the game.
There are other rifles a bit more refined for a higher price.
You do get a lot of value for the money with the RPR
The accuracy on them is usually quite good.

There are several options going up from there such as some of the Tikka models, but most of them will push over your budget by a fair bit.

 

[KyleJ]

I bought a 6.5CM RPR with a Vortex HSLR on it for $1100 this summer, with 80rds of match ammo included. Deals on used RPRs seem to be everywhere these days.

 

[W54/XM-388]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/tikka-t3x-tac-a1-6-5-creedmoor.6918177/

 

[Danattherock]

It makes a great first PRS rifle. I put 5000 rounds on my last year. Upgraded the barrel to a patriot valley after three thousand rounds on the factory Barrel. Easy to upgrade lots of different aspects of this rifle. Seeking handguard. Timney trigger. Etc. I would avoid that. Use it and then upgrade later without having a $2000 rpr, like me, lol. Masterpiece Arms is my choice now, much nicer. In hindsight should have started off with one. But for $1,000 the Ruger is very hard to beat.

 

[gsd1983]

The RPR is the reason I’m broke. It’s a gateway drug. I bought a Gen 1 .243 about two months after they dropped, and it’s been downhill since then.

Don’t get me wrong, the only one who hasn’t enjoyed the ride so far is my bank account.

 

[Olen_4504]

my buddy and I got into PRS last year and shot 5 matches. he shot and continues to shoot a RPR in 6.5creedmoor and has no intentions of upgrading anytime soon.

 

[NICETRY]

RPR is good rifle. My wife has used one for PRS past two years. She shot out the factory 6.5 barrel in about 2000 rounds and I upgraded it to a 6.5 barrel from LRI. And it has shot great over the past year. Close to 3000 rounds on it. My suggestion if you get an RPR is swap out the hand guard for the Seekins one that has a flat bottom and get Timneys trigger. After that just shoot it. Depending on skill you can be very competitive with one.

 

[fdkay]

Absolutely. Very few factory offerings can compete in the same price range (maybe Howa Bravo).
One thing that frequently is overlooked is that fact that you get two 10 round mags with the gun.
That is not an insubstantial inclusion.
Add in the fact that they can be easily rebarreled at home, nothing else really comes close at the 1100 dollar mark.

 

[bfglowkey]

RPR in 6.5 will outshoot most peoples abilities. It has a ton of great features, a surprisingly good factory barrel ( am on 2500 rds of moderate handloads and it hasn't shown any signs of being shot out yet...fingers crossed) Trigger is above avg and with a few minor DYI can surprise you in a good way. I bought 2 barrels and gauges that allow me to go from 6.5, 308 and now 6mm in a matter of 15 minutes. Aftermarket support for mods are growing daily. Where it falls short is hunting. Not saying it cant or anything...the weight makes it more suited for hunting from a blind, or those longer open field etc. I was very successful on a recent hog cull using a box of American Whitetail ammo cause I ran out of my handloads.
But you will not be disappointed if you are looking for a great priced chassis rifle for target shooting. RPR is a real value.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

I think the RPR is about 1.5 lbs heavier than it should be in 6.5 CM. The 20" 308 is pretty balanced as far as thrust to weight ratio, but that isn't exactly a longrange combo.

 

[winniedonkey]

I've seen more then a few people do well in matches with an stock RPR. Good place to start. Grab a good scope and off you go.

 

[Estes640]

With the prices I've seen recently, I'd go with the 6mm creedmoor at $675 and shoot the crap out of it. (Sportsman warehouse had the price a couple days ago when added to the cart). After that, replace the barrel and keep going

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Yep an RPR is perfectly suitable for PRS shooting. The Seekins hand guard is a very worthwhile upgrade right off the bat though. I'd grab one and rock it without hesitation.

 

[308pirate]

Absolutely. Very few factory offerings can compete in the same price range (maybe Howa Bravo).
One thing that frequently is overlooked is that fact that you get two 10 round mags with the gun.
That is not an insubstantial inclusion.
Add in the fact that they can be easily rebarreled at home, nothing else really comes close at the 1100 dollar mark.

In reality, re-barelling a Howa at home is a piece of cake now that prefits are available.

The tools and the process differ slightly, but unless one is a complete fuck up with tools one is just as easy as the other

 

[winniedonkey]

With the prices I've seen recently, I'd go with the 6mm creedmoor at $675 and shoot the crap out of it. (Sportsman warehouse had the price a couple days ago when added to the cart). After that, replace the barrel and keep going

I keep getting that price in my emails. No doubt I will one day wake up and buy the damn thing. Almost too funny what you can get for a few hundred buck nowadays.

 

[Rimfiremike]

The RPR, Savage or Remington APO's are all a great way to get started if you are keeping the budget at around $1k.
Better to start there and shoot as many matches as you can.
While you are at the matches, observe carefully, ask lots of questions, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how many people will offer to let you check out/try their equipment.
By the end of your first year, you'll know if PRS is for you and will have a real good idea of what gear you now want (if you want to upgrade what you have).

 

[wadebrown]

In reality, re-barelling a Howa at home is a piece of cake now that prefits are available.

Maybe I am a wimp but getting the original barrel off of the 3 Howas I have rebarreled required me to spin it up in the lathe and make a relief cut in front of the shoulder. After the factory barrel is off a Savage-type barrel nut would make DIY barrel changes easy, I have always just started from a blank.

 

[Olen_4504]

I love these threads. OP asks a question. then never comes back

 

[308pirate]

Maybe I am a wimp but getting the original barrel off of the 3 Howas I have rebarreled required me to spin it up in the lathe and make a relief cut in front of the shoulder. After the factory barrel is off a Savage-type barrel nut would make DIY barrel changes easy, I have always just started from a blank.

Not doubting you but evidently they are not all that tough: https://rifleshooter.com/2017/11/howa-1500-barrel-removal/

 

[footsteps]

My RPR shoots the cheap Hornaday 129 grain interlock real well , and I'm very happy. The good stuff has not seen My bench . Shooting 1/2 moa with this non match ammo is a pleasure, hey maybe a fluke buy my targets don't lie.

 

[SNOW JW]

Thanks for all the replies I think I will try to find a RPR with some mods done then hand it off to my wife when I'm ready to upgrade.

 

[VegasHKShooter]

My good shooting buddy has a RPR in 6.5CM. It’s his first “precision” rifle. He put a Razor 4.5-27 on it, bought here on The Hide for $1900. So, for UNDER $3k he has a legitimate rifle that I’ve personally seen him shoot .6moa 5 shot groups, and I’ve seen a couple go sub .5moa. This is a relatively beginner shooter. That price is what I paid for my first S&B scope!!!
Now, the trigger isn’t a Timney, and the chassis isn’t all high end, and the velocity out of his barrel isn’t what my match rifle will do, but SO WHAT. Point is: he shoots it, and pretty well. It handles match ammo just fine. He regularly makes hits to 1K. And he loves it, FOR HIM. Better a rifle in hand that he can own, enjoy, and most important learn with. Nothing replaces shooting with a good coach, and learning. The RPR allows guy to do that.
Let’s face it, not everyone is in a financial position to buy a $4K match rifle, a $3K or more scope, a bi-pod, etc, you’re easily at $8K for what many of us shoot. The number of folks that can do that is very small. He has a gun to get him in the game, and if/when he ever sells it, he won’t get hurt much.
I say they are a great gun for what they are. More people get into the sport, the shooting sports grow and prosper. Growth is MOSTLY a good thing.

 

[Sutherlandsd]

Honestly if they made the RPR in left handed I would probably sell off a few custom guns. People can complain about them, belittle them.... honestly the damn things shoot and shoot very well. I have owned no less than 5 of them now, everyone of them shot lights out. I keep selling them off and eventually another will find its way at my house.

 

[BANG...ping]

Many people call the RPR a beginner gun. Do not believe them. Give an RPR to a top level shooter and they will still be a top level shooter. Every time.

Bang

 

[ubettcha]

Having the sr25 mag capability is a nice plus. You can add a new barrel and still be far less than quite a few. Folding stock standard. Lots of aftermarket and growing everyday. I'm a fan of the way the bolt rides under as well as the recoil pulse.

 

[308pirate]

A lot of people seem to forget that you can't buy skill.

 

[Dirty8404]

I have a pretty heavily modded 308 RPR with maybe 1500rds through it, shooting partner has maybe the same amount through a 6.5 Creed. I’d recommend a different rifle, (T3x) unless you want an inexpensive folder.

1) Finish is poor, prone to rust. Strip it down and paint it.

2) Factory stock is poor quality, both of us swapped for XLR stocks after about 1k rds.

3) The Gen 2 handguard is flimsy, mine was off center, you’ll probably end up swapping it.

4) Pull the scope base off and locktite the screws and retorque, lots of reports of them loosening.

5) Heavy.

The good?

They shoot very well, and as an inexpensive compact package (I chopped my barrel) they can’t be beat.

After the above mods I’m happy with mine, it’s a damn good beater rifle.

 

[BANG...ping]

Even when caked with mud, it never fails to feed, extract, or eject.

 

[DaleGribble82]

I love these threads. OP asks a question. then never comes back

Yeah no kidding.

 

[gsd1983]

Yeah no kidding.

He posted the same day Kyle said that....I was accused of it once before too, I just wait a few days to let people respond.?

 

[Olen_4504]

He posted the same day Kyle said that....I was accused of it once before too, I just wait a few days to let people respond.?

Yeah he came back. Good good

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Last night I swung by my buddies and picked up his unfired 6mm Creed RPR with Hensoldt mounted, his new Proof SS 6.5 Creed barrel, Seekins handguard, and 60 rounds of hornady American Gunner ammo ($.70/round ammo).

This afternoon I swapped the barrel for him and installed the Seekins rail and was walking out to hang the target less than 30 minutes after I started. It’s printing sub 1/2 minute with literally the cheapest ammo you can buy and a 10 shot string over the Magnetospeed had a ES of 29 and SD of 10.1.

He’s got a rifle that will function flawlessly and has a phenomenal shooting cut rifled barrel plus a nice forend for less than $1500 invested including the LMT DMR stock that hasn’t been put on yet. He can also sell the factory stock, barrel, and handguard for $300 or better. It’s hard to beat that.

 

[Rant Durden]

I've done two long range competitions, one local and one Guardian. I put together a heavy barrel A/R and did reasonably well for my abilities. The deals on last years RPR's are really hard to pass up. My deal to myself is do 10 competitions (with all the practice, reloading etc. this entails), then look at a wazoo Mausingfield in a MPA chassis or something similar. Right now, I need to learn, not have.

 

[Danattherock]

Rant, you are much smarter than me, lol. Great advice there, truly. Hope you and others will continue to support The Guardian Long Range Matches. Awesome matches for a great cause. So many children benefit from the adoption and foster care the organization provides. Most the matches for 2019 are two days, which I am excited to see!

Dan
NC

 

[HeavyAssault]

I think a RPR will bore you to death. My son bought a Gen 2 this year. Dropped a cheap end Vortex on it. Off to the range to get on paper and 100yd zero. Less than 20 rounds later we were clover-leafing groups at 100yds off the bag and shoulder. Yea....BORING to death to shoot. We spent more time walking the target down to 200yds (range limits) than it took to zero the weapon. Good thing there's a range with an 800yd spot that we can use.