What's so bad about Ruger?

[miningshawn]

I have been a "shooter" for years but only in the last four or five have I started to get serious about accuracy. I started accurizing AR's and moved up to an RPR .308. I liked it so much that I picked up a RPR rimfire, and I just picked up another RPR in .338 LM.

One universal constant is the hate poured out whenever I mention RPR. I built a 700P in .300 WM just to see if I was missing something...

The 700 after: Timney Calvin Elite, Blueprinting, Magpul Hunter stock, Threading, Badger Ordnance Knob, Ultradyne Apollo Compensator, Devcon Bedding, and many, many loads of H1000 and Berger 210 VLD's has turned out to be - just as accurate as my RPR. And more expensive. I am proud of the work I have done to it and it makes me happy to see groups all touching - but it was sooooo much cheaper and easier to do with a RPR. Instead of focusing on the rifle I focused on the loads.

I can't think of a way to get into VLD\ELD quicker or cheaper unless you "know that guy". Why is there so much vitriol whenever an RPR is mentioned? I am really hesitant about trying out PRS and local NRA Rimfire now just because of the flaming I see on the forums. And to make it just a little worse I choose to use NF for my optics.

In my short journey I have found that mechanics and habits of shooting (thank you Uncle Sam!) followed by handloading make the most difference for me. Everything else is incremental improvements. Does it really matter if I show up with a "box stock" rifle if I still shoot >1 MOA?

What are your thoughts?

 

[Just Say Moe]

I guess it's NIH - not invented here.

 

[Bc'z]

I like your thinking.
Why?
Cuz I shoot factory rifles myself.
My favorite to shoot is my Ruger American
In 6five. About the same price as a
Bix n Andy trigger.
My scope costs about the same as you'd spend on getting a barrel chambered and set.
Is it accurate? Yes !
Is it competitive accurate? No
But it shoots in the 3s which is good enough for what it is.

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

Does it really matter if I show up with a "box stock" rifle if I still shoot >1 MOA?

>1 MOA means "greater than 1 MOA". Perhaps you mean <1 MOA.

 

[Clancy]

I like your thinking.
Why?
Cuz I shoot factory rifles myself.
My favorite to shoot is my Ruger American
In 6five. About the same price as a
Bix n Andy trigger.
My scope costs about the same as you'd spend on getting a barrel chambered and set.
Is it accurate? Yes !
Is it competitive accurate? No
But it shoots in the 3s which is good enough for what it is.

I’m not trying to be smart, honest, but will your American really shoot 5 shot groups consistently in the .3s?

 

[69mach]

I’m not trying to be smart, honest, but will your American really shoot 5 shot groups consistently in the .3s?

I don't know about his specific rifle, but I shoot against 2 guys at our local bench shoot that shoot the ruger American rifles in 6mm creed and they are annoyingly accurate to 600 and 800 meters.

 

[Clancy]

I don't know about his specific rifle, but I shoot against 2 guys at our local bench shoot that shoot the ruger American rifles in 6mm creed and they are annoyingly accurate to 600 and 800 meters.

I keep reading about them on multiple forums.

I have several complete customs built by two different smiths and even with custom dies and loads it’s difficult to hold mid .3s at 100 yards on a day to day basis. In fact, they shoot more in the high .4s than low .3s.

Sometimes I wonder if my press is messed up or something, although I’ve got a couple builds that will shoot .1s and .2s.

 

[69mach]

I have been a "shooter" for years but only in the last four or five have I started to get serious about accuracy. I started accurizing AR's and moved up to an RPR .308. I liked it so much that I picked up a RPR rimfire, and I just picked up another RPR in .338 LM.

One universal constant is the hate poured out whenever I mention RPR. I built a 700P in .300 WM just to see if I was missing something...

The 700 after: Timney Calvin Elite, Blueprinting, Magpul Hunter stock, Threading, Badger Ordnance Knob, Ultradyne Apollo Compensator, Devcon Bedding, and many, many loads of H1000 and Berger 210 VLD's has turned out to be - just as accurate as my RPR. And more expensive. I am proud of the work I have done to it and it makes me happy to see groups all touching - but it was sooooo much cheaper and easier to do with a RPR. Instead of focusing on the rifle I focused on the loads.

I can't think of a way to get into VLD\ELD quicker or cheaper unless you "know that guy". Why is there so much vitriol whenever an RPR is mentioned? I am really hesitant about trying out PRS and local NRA Rimfire now just because of the flaming I see on the forums. And to make it just a little worse I choose to use NF for my optics.

In my short journey I have found that mechanics and habits of shooting (thank you Uncle Sam!) followed by handloading make the most difference for me. Everything else is incremental improvements. Does it really matter if I show up with a "box stock" rifle if I still shoot >1 MOA?

What are your thoughts?

I'd just shoot whatever you have. The point is to have fun. Anyone that looks down at the guys shooting the rpr is insecure. I don't know where your shooting but everyone in my area are great guys and are more than willing to help a guy out. There is always an ass to be found. Just don't let it bother you, let alone let it keep u from shooting and doing what you enjoy.

 

[69mach]

I keep reading about them on multiple forums.

I have several complete customs built by two different smiths and even with custom dies and loads it’s difficult to hold mid .3s at 100 yards on a day to day basis. In fact, they shoot more in the high .4s than low .3s.

Sometimes I wonder if my press is messed up or something, although I’ve got a couple builds that will shoot .1s and .2s.

I dont own one anymore and I would be surprised if one held a consistent .3 that's tuff for a light cheap factory gun. For what they are, they are very accurate however. Holding consistently under a half inch would be impressive to me though.

 

[grovey]

To each his own, but I'd buy a Tikka varmint or CTR before I bought a Ruger RPR.

 

[joshb]

I’m sorry you’re getting flamed on other sites. Stick with us. We like most shooters. Yeah, we are perceived as a lot of “old codgers” that like to shoot Benchrest. We do get grumpy on some issues but that’s not typical behavior here.
I see you like the boomers.
If I could suggest something, try a 6br sometime. I couldn’t get my 300 Win to shoot “fantastic”, even after a lot of trying.
My first 6br still shoots like a dream and it’s stupid easy to load for.

 

[Sniper338]

Never seen RPR bashing. They make after market barrels for em that sound good too. It aint the prettiest, but it works. Id buy an RPR way before a savage... Only issue with the RPR I know of is they make it in the 6.5 sickening bandwagon nails on a chalk board caliber.

 

[grovey]

Never seen RPR bashing. They make after market barrels for em that sound good too. It aint the prettiest, but it works. Id buy an RPR way before a savage... Only issue with the RPR I know of is they make it in the 6.5 sickening bandwagon nails on a chalk board caliber.

I suggested that caliber to the only person that asked me for advice on buying a RPR. It was his first rifle, and right outta the box he was soon shooting tiny groups with factory ammo at 100 yds off a bipod and squeeze bag. To each his own.

 

[Evlshnngns]

If you're feeling down about your Ruger, find a freind with a Savage in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Let the target do the talking.

 

[Mark W]

I’ll quote my comment from a recent thread about the RPR. The bottom line is to shoot what you want have fun. Wouldn’t it be a boring world if we all liked the same stuff!!

I have a Gen 1 RPR chambered in .243 Win. I’ve always felt it was a good rifle for the money. I’ve shot 1/2 moa groups out to 500 meters and shot steel out to 950 yards. I also took a doe with it at 400 yards last year and it will be going along with me to South Dakota on a prairie dog shoot this year.

Most of the negative comments will come from folks who’ve never shot one. You also have to remember that it’s a mass produced factory rifle and not a hand built custom. There’s always a chance that you might get a good one or a bad one.

 

[Milo 2.0]

I can't think of a way to get into VLD\ELD quicker or cheaper unless you "know that guy". Why is there so much vitriol whenever an RPR is mentioned? I am really hesitant about trying out PRS and local NRA Rimfire now just because of the flaming I see on the forums. And to make it just a little worse I choose to use NF for my optics.

Does it really matter if I show up with a "box stock" rifle if I still shoot >1 MOA?

What are your thoughts?

The answer to your 2nd question is no, you will be fine. Just don't roll up in a 92 Toyota corolla and step out declaring that you are here win it all with your RPR, lol

As can happen with about anything, it's associations with a said product that drives down opinions. I honestly don't think anyone really disliked the RPR as much as some clowns shooting it making claims. That all started in a private FB group and went viral quickly. Today, it's mostly idiots who can't come up with new material that continue on with the bashing.
The RPR is a solid performer for a factory rifle, it gained aftermarket support faster than most guns ever will too.

If you are concerned with what others think, life could be hard for you. Go shoot a match, I bet you will be pleasantly surprised with the reception you get and enjoy it.

 

[mongo chicago]

THE TRUTH IS ------ Ruger bashing started a long time ago and it has absolutely NOTHING to do with quality or accuracy. When this assault weapon crap started, (in the 70s?) Ruger caved in to the anti-gun crowd and agreed not to make high capacity magazines and their govt. model mini-14 available to the general public. This was the start of all the Ruger bashing. It has carried on ever since and grown through the generations, though most don't even know why they are bashing them. Their quality has usually been top notch. When others bash Ruger, try to pin them down on specifically why. Usually they can't come up with an intellectual rerason - if they can answer at all.

 

[Milo 2.0]

THE TRUTH IS ------ Ruger bashing started a long time ago and it has absolutely NOTHING to do with quality or accuracy. When this assault weapon crap started, (in the 70s?) Ruger caved in to the anti-gun crowd and agreed not to make high capacity magazines and their govt. model mini-14 available to the general public. This was the start of all the Ruger bashing. It has carried on ever since and grown through the generations, though most don't even know why they are bashing them. Their quality has usually been top notch. When others bash Ruger, try to pin them down on specifically why. Usually they can't come up with an intellectual rerason - if they can answer at all.

Before you pin anyone down on the mini 14 subject, you should research what you are saying a little further. Your time frame is off by 20 yrs, which you (?), ok, production of the gun never ceased, it was exempt in the 94 ban.

 

[STOMP442]

Rugers have always been a favorite of mine. I have always liked their classic looks and craftsmanship. I have never had any complaints about accuracy either. That being said I have never been a fan of the RPR as far as looks and features go but damn they shoot good. I worked up a load for a client that bought one in 6.5 Creedmoor and was very impressed with it. Can't ask for better than this from a bone stock factory rifle. This is a five shot group at 100 yards.

 

[miningshawn]

Thanks for the comments! I think I may have a theory.

I've seen this before. I used to be a Jeep guy (I still am but my Jeeps aren't as hardcore as they used to be, it gets in the way of my range time and gun budget). I remember when the Jeep Rubicon hit the dealers...

All of a sudden any Joe Schmoe could have lockers, axles, capable tires, and a trail-worthy vehicle driving off the dealer's lot. It wasn't about talking to your mechanic and wrenching late into the nights and weekends after doing tons of research and buying then installing an improvement with your hard-earned money and testing it out. Now anybody could hit the trails and follow along without pouring money and sweat into their new hobby.

Guilty as charged. I was skeptical of the Rubicon and the crowd it brought. There were mall-crawlers and outrageous claims; but, there were also solid, honest people that wanted to get out there in a vehicle they didn't have to worry about. The entire scene changed over two years after the introduction of the Rubi - and almost always for the better. Jeep clubs grew and trails got better.

There is still to this day people who hate seeing a new Rubi on a trail ride. They instantly discount the operator as an untrained newb and talk down to them - even if that newb has more actual experience under their belt and has worked just as hard or harder developing their ride and skills. Try finding a 4 year old Rubicon without modifications...

There are far more capable 4x4's out there but not a single one in the price bracket and with the capabilities. I think this is eerily similar to what I am seeing with the RPR.

I'm going to enjoy my rifles, don't doubt that. I'm also not a jeeper any more because of the politics that grew up around my local club. If it turns out that PRS and other events are only about the gear and the latest hot topic in Recoil magazine I imagine that I will do the same thing I did before - quit the club and hang out with my friends instead. I will still spend three out of five of my days off developing loads or ringing gongs at the range.

I'll just do it at 10 in the morning on weekdays before the gun bigots and haters arrive!

Thanks for the replies! It turns out there was the usual mix - good solid advice based on the community and a few "never-nellies". At least I have a correlation and can rest a little easier when I pull my black rifle out at the range next week.