Ruger Precision Rifle Gen 2 vs. original?

I think Ruger was getting complaints about scope objective's contacting the rail.

Rugers site has a video about the enhancements. Yes the hand guard is lower for larger optics and wider on the bottom for steadier bipod mount,muzzlebrake and billet bolt shroud. IMHO Id rather put the muzzle device and handguard of my choosing on my RPR. LRI makes a nice bolt shroud as well.

I'd like to get one in 6.5 but haven't seen any for a decent price. I hoe you are right about close outs.

I don't know if I'd hold out for closeouts on the original RPR, as they seem to be selling both versions, just labeling the new one the "enhanced" version. I have the original, and the only enhanced part I think I might buy is the shroud, which is available directly from ruger for $50. I don't really see the value in the brake, the rifle doesn't have much recoil to begin with, and the items I'm seeing most often screwed on to RPR barrels are suppressors. The new rail looks pretty nice, but I run extra high rings on my RPR to get a good head position and cheek weld, so I'm not sure, if I was doing it over again, that I could justify the extra expense for the different handguard.

I too had the head scratching moment, as to why do they already have a gen2, when I saw the ad.

Fitting the scope is a real pain with those. I went through several scope mounts getting one to fit my 50MM ( really more like 56 mm ) objective Zeiss. If they are mounting the rear rail a little higher its a good thing.

What is the purpose of the bolt shroud? Doesn't seem to be anything I'd need, but I'm not a big bolt gun guy, so I'd like to know what it brings to the table.

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Besides holding a few small tools, I think it just guides the bolt for a smoother travel, and is used to partially disassemble the bolt for lubrication. Some folks have reported that their shrouds broke during cycling of the action. I haven't had problems, but I might pick up an aluminum shroud anyway. There are several aftermarket metal shrouds, but the Ruger looks nice and is pretty cheap.

Selling for $1040 the most popular caliber around here, that was asking $1300 ($99 off MSRP) only a few weeks ago while the less popular calibers were discounted to $1100 for 6.5CM and $1000 for .243, back then sure seems like closeout pricing, but I could be wrong.

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The 6.5 has been the most sought after and difficult to acquire RPR chambering since it came out, so it makes sense that they are pricier. Your LGS has some great pricing, looking on Gunbroker, I don't see any 6.5 RPR auctions that are within a day or so of ending and under $1,200.

The reason I don't expect any closeout pricing on the original RPR right now, is that Ruger doesn't seem to be closing out that model, they are advertising both the original and the enhanced version as in current production.

Closeouts or not, I'd sure try to find the original first if the "enhancements" don't bring enough value to you to justify the extra $200 in MSRP

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I agree.

Fitting the scope is a real pain with those. I went through several scope mounts getting one to fit my 50MM ( really more like 56 mm ) objective Zeiss. If they are mounting the rear rail a little higher its a good thing.

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What height rings are you using? looking around at different forums, it seems that standard AR height rings, around 1.5" seem to be working best for folks. I wound up going with Burris extra-high's, and I don't think I would be able to get proper head positioning with rings that were much lower.

I don't know why anyone would have issues mounting a scope on one of these, even with a large objective -- just mount the scope high enough for it to clear. That's why the rifle has adjustable comb height.

I mounted the scope on mine the same way I mount them on an AR -- with a YHM 0.5" extended riser and 30mm low rings. The current scope only has a 44mm objective though -- I have a Kahles 6-24x56 on the way that will require a little higher ring, but nothing unmanageable.

I am really enjoying my 6.5 RPR. I was just out at the range today doing some OCW load development for it. When I bought it the week it came out, I was worried that they would soon release an improved version of it... but it looks like this version at least doesn't have any feature I really want or need.

I used the LaRue 111 perfect for the RPR. I contacted LaRue and that's what they recommended and they were spot on. LaRue

Gtscotty said:

What height rings are you using? looking around at different forums, it seems that standard AR height rings, around 1.5" seem to be working best for folks. I wound up going with Burris extra-high's, and I don't think I would be able to get proper head positioning with rings that were much lower.

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I ran through 3 or 4 different manufacturers "extra high" rings burris included. Using a Zeiss 50 MM Conquest scope that is actually quite a bit wider at the end it wouldnt clear.

One thing you should always do before buying rings is to get the dimensions of the scope you're mounting and make sure to get the proper height mounting setup for it. The RPR has a 20 MOA receiver rail, so you have to do a little extra math to get the correct clearance. Either that or if you already have the scope in hand, you can stack up coins between the rail and the tube until you get enough clearance, and then measure the height of the coin stack to figure out what height you need.

With that 50mm Zeiss, you may have to use a riser and rings to get the right height. I personally found that I wanted my scope a little farther forward than I could get it just mounting it straight to the receiver with rings anyway, so I used an extended riser that cantilevers the scope out forward of the receiver and put my rings on that. YMMV on scope position, but something along the lines of a 0.5" Picatinny riser (whether cantilevered or not) should get you where you can do the rest with rings.

Here is what my riser + rings setup looks like:

I'm giving the RPR some time. People expected the RPR to sell around $950-1000, but they stayed closer to $1200 and that's if you could find them in stock. And a lot of places sold them for full MSRP. I think we saw supply and demand at its worst with the RPR over the last year. It was new, innovative, and people just had to have one. Retailers didn't get massive shipments and people were willing to pay close to MSRP. Yes, I know some places were selling in the $900-1000 range, but they were usually the .243 version and the $900-1000 prices were the exception and not the norm. I figure I'll give the RPR gen2 a year or so to hit the market and come down in price before I buy one. Besides, Hillary will be banning our ARs and AKs before our bolt action guns.

I've seen 243s for $1000 buy an LRI match barrel in 6.5 CM for $575 and IMHO you have a much better deal than buying 6.5 for the 1499 I've bee seeing them listed at.

I'm getting closer to purchasing a Ruger Precision Rifle. I'm not fixed on new. If I could find a descent used rifle I would be open to purchasing it. My local range only goes out the 200 yards. With this in mind I was thinking of sticking with 308Win. I wonder if I should consider something different however. 6.5CM would be my second choice.

I know they are on 2nd gen, but what I really would like to see is a left hand bolt model.

Id just like to see one in stock at any of my local stores. Gander mountain has a .243 for $1100 but want .308. Round here all .308s are full retail and a 12 month waiting list. These must be very popular right now.

Hillary will be banning our ARs and AKs before our bolt action guns.

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She cant do anything without a demoratic majority in congress.

Saw one for the first time @ LGS, they had an original .308 for $999 and two gen II's, a 6.5 & a .308 for $1195. Very impressive rifle that just moved to the top of my list.

Manny, that's a heck of a deal and you should jump on the 6.5!

I love my 6.5 1st Gen (paid $1064+6% sales tax at my LGS after waiting months for it to come in). The thing shoots to say the least

I think the Gen 2 is an ok option if you can get a deal, but if you can save the money and go Gen 1, I would. Leaves you enough money to pay for a tax-stamp

Girodin makes a great point - buy a cheap/$900, less-popular RPR (aka not 6.5) and buy the $575 LRI drop-in barrel. Would shoot as good as any rifle could according to what I can see.

As much as I wanted to buy one, I just couldn't bring myself to let go of the money and went with a Savage LRP. I think the changes will make it easier to outfit than the "classic" version. I think Ruger is very much on the right track. Love my GSR.