Ruger’s just-introduced Precision Rifle is an all-new, in-line recoil path, bolt-action rifle that’s highly configurable. In production now, the Ruger Precision Rifle is available in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .243 Winchester. Jon Mather, who designed the rifle, goes over its features in the video below.
The Ruger Precision Rifle is available in three models: No. 18001 is in .308 Win. with a 1:10 twist, 20-inch barrel weighing, 9.7 pounds.
No. 18005 is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 1:8 twist, 24-inch barrel that weighs 10.6 pounds.
The third option is No. 18010, which has a .243 Win. chamber. The barrel has a 1:7.7 twist and is 26 inches long. It weighs 11.0 pounds.
Suggested retail for all three chamberings is $1399.
Too often, buying an over-the-counter rifle like this includes dealing with a sucky trigger that needs to be replaced for extra cost and trouble. The company has solved this by including a Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger that is externally adjustable, with a pull weight range of 2.25 to 5.0 pounds. The hex wrench to make pull-weight adjustment is stored in the bolt shroud, as is a bolt disassembly tool for accessing the striker and striker channel.
The Ruger Precision Rifle incorporates an in-line recoil path directly from the rear of the receiver to the buttstock, eliminating the need for traditional bedding or a “chassis” system, and provides maximum accuracy potential by simplifying the rifle’s response to recoil.
The Ruger Precision MSR stock is adjustable for length of pull and comb height. While easily adjusted, the length of pull and comb height changes lock solidly in place and will not move while firing.
The stock also features multiple QD sling attachment points, a bottom Picatinny rail for monopod attachment, and a soft rubber buttpad. The left-folding stock hinge (which provides access to the bolt) is attached to an AR-style buffer tube and accepts AR-style stocks.
The Ruger Precision Rifle features a Multi-Magazine Interface, a patent-pending system that functions interchangeably with side-latching M110/SR25/DPMS/Magpul magazines and front-latching AI-style magazines. Two 10-round Magpul PMAG magazines are shipped with each rifle.
The free-floated barrel is cold hammer-forged from 4140 chrome-moly steel, and features 5R rifling for minimum bullet upset. The rifle is specified with minimum bore and groove dimensions, minimum headspace, and a centralized chamber. The medium-contour barrel (0.75 inch diameter at the muzzle) features a thread protector over 5/8”-24 threads, allowing easy fitting of muzzle accessories such as sound suppressors. Barrels can be replaced using AR-style wrenches and headspace gauges.
The Ruger Precision Rifle’s upper receiver and one-piece bolt are CNC-machined from pre-hardened 4140 chrome-moly steel to minimize distortion.
The three-lug bolt with 70-degree throw features dual cocking cams and a full-diameter bolt body. An oversized bolt handle is fitted for positive bolt manipulation and features 5/16”- 24 threads in case you want to change it.
The lower receiver is CNC-machined from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum forging and is Type III hard-coat anodized for maximum durability. The magazine well front is contoured for a positive grip or for bracing against shooting supports.
Up top, the rifle sports a 20-MOA Picatinny rail secured with four #8-40 screws for increased long-range elevation capabilities.
The Ruger Precision Rifle can be configured with AR-style grips, safety selectors, and handguards. The rifle is equipped with a Ruger extended trigger-reach AR-style grip, a left-side, 45-degree safety selector, and a Samson Evolution Keymod handguard.
A short section of Picatinny rail is provided that will accept a bipod, and a QD sling cup also is included.
Ruger has ceased allowing any third party shipments. Unfortunately, Cheaper Than Dirt! does not carry Ruger at this time.
JJust a few quick comments: I own two, one in 6.5, one in 308. Both will shoot 1/2-moa at 100, with factory ammo. It took several tries to get something they like though. I think they could both shoot better, I just need to get a better rest, practice more, and start hand loading for them.
There seem to be quite a few people on eBay swapping out the factory stock for something else, and selling the factory stocks. I’ve bought two so far, one for my Ruger SR762, and one for my SR556VT.
As for stocks: I’ve tried the Magpul PRS, LuthAr, and an A2 style, modified with RAT pads, to provide a good cheek weld, on the 308. The factory Ruger stock is back on it, and will probably stay there.
Folks are also selling the barrels on eBay, and I’ve picked up a 243 barrel I’m going to try on the 308 action. May have it reamed out to 243AI, but I’m going to try just the stock chambering first.
@ jigs-n-fixtures,
Good info. Thanks for sharing.
I shopped for quite a while trying to get my hands on one but they were always out of stock or dealers were price-gouging the heck out of customers with the few that would trickle in stock at $1,400-$1,600. Eventually I got lucky and bought my .308 version of this rifle for just $1,049.
I suppose I shouldn’t complain, but right after my purchase Ruger then announced the release of their new enhanced versions of these Precision Rifles. I would have liked that option, but can do my own upgrade should I decide it is necessary. The parts to do a spec upgrade would cost $400 from Ruger direct.
I’m sure you are aware of the enhancements, but for those that aren’t, it entailed 3 major changes:
1) Changed to a short action handguard which improves scope clearance.
2) Added a hybrid muzzle brake.
3) Replaced the plastic bolt shroud with an aluminum one.
What is the model # of the Burris scope that is used in your Video clip for Ruger’s Precision Rifle, three models: No. 18001, 308 Winchester, 18005 6.5 Creedmoor, and 18010 .243 Winchester.
I hope that wasn’t a 100 yd group. I have a stock browning a-bolt 25-06 that will make one ragged hole @ 100 yds. That ruger is a nice looking rifle. Now chamber it in 338 lapua.
338 is an awesome round. The best one that I have fired and eventually bought was the savage. The 6.5 is a really nice round too. I think the whole idea behind it tho is that you can reach out to 1600 and then make a quick follow up shot without having to completely realign yourself with the target. If that was a 338 it would probably snap that stock in quite a few pieces.
Found a place today that is selling this gun for under $1K
Where did you find them for under $1000?
the 6.5 Creedmoor unfortunately is upwards of $2 a round. That would be way out of my budget. I like that the 243 is able to travel 1000 yards with accuracy. I do not really know too much about the .308. What is the distance on the 7.62×51? too bad the 243 model does not have the thread muzzle for the suppressor.
@ Vector16.
You weren’t specific on rounds used, so I’ll try to answer both. Fired for a 24-inch barrel, but:
The .308Win or (.308/7.8×51.18 actual) Effective is ~804-meters and Maximum is ~1,609.344-meters.
The 7.62x51NATO or (.308/7.82×51.2 actual) Effective is ~954-meters and Maximum is ~1,909.5-meters.
Thank you for the input. makes its clearer now. The .308 is a great deal cheaper. Tula makes the .308 too so that would be great for just going to the rang with this rifle. I use Tula with all my AR 223’s and I think its a better ammo that a lot of the other less expensive stuff out there but that me.
I have looked around and cannot find this rifle anywhere for sale and the video says its available at all of the major resellers. Maybe I will look a little harder for it when I move the Phoenix AZ area in the next month or so.
Its just has all the stuff I have been wanting on my other rifles and much of the stuff I would not want on my next.
@ Vector16.
As an added bonus, the .308Win can be fired safely from the 7.62x51NATO Rifle. Barrel Pressure Ratings, are based on “Proofing Load’s” and NOT “Actual Loads”. Proof Load’s are 125% to 130% of Actual Loads…
So, with the .308 rifle I would also be able to load the AR10 30rnd pmag into this rifle without any issues? That is what they are saying, right?
@ Vector16.
I really can’t say, because I don’t what Magazine’s the Rifle will Accept…
@ Vector16.
Considering the .308Win and 7.62x51NATO are Virtually Identical in size. Just use the .308-caliber magazines provided, the difference in overall length is 1.22mm. The .308 is 71.12mm in length and the 7.62×51 is 69.9mm in length. The .308 Magazine should easily accommodate the 7.62×51 round. Note: A “Proof Cartridge/Round” is ~0.0762mm (0.003-inches) longer than the Standard Cartridge/Round…
@ Vector16.
When you get to Phoenix, try ( fflgundealer . net > browse by state ). Excuse the format. I’ve been Redacted several times in the past…
Well we’re are you getting your prices from I get 6.5 Creedmoor for 26 a box. .243 is a good way to go but 1,000 yards with factory ammo Gona be a Lil tuff. With hand loads or custom ammo you will get more than 1k. Same with .308. This rifle was built for the long-range shooting sport why would you won’t to shoot junk threw a precision rifle.
@ shooter.dm.
A few people that have actually purchased the Rifle, have had Barrel Modifications to 14-inch Barrels. Almost ALL in the .308Win and at least one in the 6.5 Creedmoor, can’t find anything so far on the .243Win…
Why would anyone switch out a 26″ barrel for a 14″. That does not make any sense for a long range bolt action rifle. I mean even for any rifle to go long range. I even switched out my 16″ on my AR for the 24″ and that made it possible to hit a fly in the eye at 300 yards with a 223.
@ Vector16.
Depend’s on what your trying to Conceal it in, or who your tryng to hide it from. Standard Folded Length of the .308Win is 30.6-inches (24.6-inches), the 6.5 Creedmoor 34.6-inches (24.6-inches) and the .243Win 36.6-inches (24.6-inches). Possibly a “Stow-Away” Gun, who know’s, Only the Rifle Owner can tell you that…
@ Vector16.
If you “Cut” the Barrel’s of ALL Three Models to 14-inches.
1. .243Win is ~380-meters effective and ~757.569-meters maximum
2. 6.5 Creedmore is ~530-meters effective and 1,055.25-meters maximum
3. .308Win is ~565-meters effective and 1,131.228-meters maximum and the 7.62x51NATO is ~670-meters effective and 1,342.278-meters maximum…
Exactly, you are cutting the effective distance in half and more in a couple cases. If you are shooting paper, it does not matter I guess. But is you are shooting anything with a heartbeat at longer distances, you want to be sure that you kill and not injure. Just the opinion of one hunter.
Cutting the barrel length also messes up the velocity and trajectory. also switching out the barrel that the firearm was designed for with an inferior one is just not a smart move. If you added a better one I can understand but, otherwise it just does not seem right.
@ Vector16.
If I was the Devious Sort. A Skilled Plumber or Machinist, could Install a “Coupler” by Threading two Independent Barrel Sections. A Coupling them together to Form One Complete Barrel. Unfortunately, I’m Not…
I really Do Like Bolt-Acton Rifles, but not the Ammunition Capacity of there Respective Magazine’s. Any possible Future Models like the 7.92×57 (8-mil) in the Foreseeable Horizon…
The above article states;
“Barrels can be replaced using AR-style wrenches and headspace gauges.”
A competent gunsmith should be able to do this, however, the Ruger manual parts list states, (the barrel is an asterisk item).
“Parts designated by an asterisk must be factory fitted. These parts are fitted on an exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts. We will not return anypart that is broken, malfunctioning, badly worn or has been modified.” The manual goes on to state that the refitted barrel is proof tested using special proof ammo.
It looks like the Precision Rifle can be converted to any of its three cartridges merely by changing the barrel. So will the factory do it for you because it does not look like they will sell you a barrel as a part. They would probably charge you enough that you might as well buy a new rifle. I suspect that it won’t be long before after market barrels are made, but you would be on your own liability and warrantywise.
@ EZ,
Quite an interesting find there – especially when comparing Woody’s article to the nearly identical official Ruger release from their “Ruger Firearms News”.
However, in the original Ruger version the sentence in question is almost verbatim, except Woody left out, “by a competent gunsmith”. Thus giving the impression one can easily do it themselves without warranty or exchange issues.
In full this reads, “Barrels can be replaced easily by a competent gunsmith using AR-style wrenches and headspace gauges.”
Compare for yourself in the original Ruger news release located here:
http://www.ruger.com/news/2015-07-17.html
Now that the source is cleared up and despite Ruger’s policy to do factory fittings and test firing, I still feel that even Ruger has made a conflicting statement here by giving the impression a barrel swap is allowed to be done outside their factory as long as it is done by a “competent gunsmith“, when in-fact their official policy reads otherwise.
But in-the-end I am going to write this off as Ruger’s own way of letting us know how easy a barrel swap can be regardless of who does it. It is a selling point even if one is willing to void their warranty.
This rifle uses the savage type barrel that screws in not a ar barrel that slides in
I wonder why RUGER USED A 1-7 twist on the 243 ??
@ jim.
Yes and No. It’s a 1-7.7 twist…
To use the heavy 107 or 115 for long range shooting
Left-handed variant available?
@ Milkman.
Presently NO. The first such question goes back to September 2014. The is a .243Win w/o a Magazine and .308Win Scout w/magazine available. I think there Testing the Product First, Before committing to the venture…
Ruger is certainly a high quality company in my opinion, and to be honest, this isn’t my kind of rifle but it looks and sounds awesome. I have an M1A and a Mosin in my inventory, as well as a Garand.
I will pass on an article that suggested people slow down and wait to see how the actual production rifles perform versus the ones that the Ruger tuned up for the demos.
http://john1911.com/the-ruger-precision-rifle-and-big-promises/
@ Mikial.
Check out the New .458WM Garand by McCann Industries, Ltd. of Tucson, AZ. A .458-caliber 11.43×63.5mm cartridge w/510-grain bullet. Effect Range ~160-meters and a Maximum Range ~500-meters and 5-round clip…
Oh, wow!
Absolutely, Brother. I will do that.
Thanks!
@ Mikial.
Man, I hope you have Disposable Income. Because I sure don’t, $7,875.00 USD. is a little RICH for my Blood…
@Secundius
Checking it out ain’t same as buying it. 😉
I think if I was going to plunk down that much green, it would be for something a bit more practical since I don’t shoot many Cape Buffalo.
@ Mikial.
Cape Buffalo’s? Or T-Rex’s…
Well this just went on my list. I’m impressed with all the included features like the Samson Evolution rail, adjustable marksman trigger, threaded barrel (for a sound suppression), comes with a short picatinny front rail for mounting bipods, accepts any AR stock and grip (but the folding Ruger MSR adjustable stock is already as sweet as it gets), and 3 caliber version at the same price.
This is unbeatable quality with many unique features that can all be had for $1200 at some retailers. This rifle could easily command a much higher price with most manufacturers nickel and diming you to order all those extras that are already included here.
A quick review on other sites shows many snipers and enthusiast prefer the 6.5 Creedmoor version.