I have a Ruger Precision Rifle on order, they seem hard to find in some places. (I’m sure they have plenty where you live, I’m not so lucky)

Therefore it was quite a surprised when Ruger announced a new enhanced version of the Precision Rifle. So soon?

Like most, I’m a sucker for “the latest” and I’m sure Ruger have some good reasons and user feedback to base the new design on since the 2015 release.

As we know, there is always room for new designs and improvement, and I’m keen on getting them on my rifle.

“Before” (ignore the scope and any scale between the pictures)

New: “Enhanced”

The improvements are:

• New handguard. Free-floating (as before) and KeyMod-compatible.There is no longer a top-mounted Picatinny rail. The benefit is that you increase any scope clearance. As many long range optics use large lenses, you can now mount the optic closer to the line of sight (barrel)
• Muzzle Brake. The enhanced model ships with a muzzle brake installed, said to reduce recoil with up to 58%. Your shooting buddies aren’t going to like the side blast, but you’ll be able to enjoy a more relaxed shot.
• New bolt shroud. Out with plastic, in with billet aluminum, hard anodized.

Unsurprisingly Ruger ‘upgraded’ the price as well. From $1.399 to $1.599, but I guess it makes sense considering the extras. Actually I see no reasons not to go for the new model.

The enhanced RPR is available in .308 Win and 6,5 Creedmoor. If there will be an enhanced .243 Win is unknown, will Ruger stop making it? Will there be a new caliber?

I have only tried the 6,5 CM once, in an AR-15 platform made by Rhino. I scored 50/50 in my first and only 5 shots at 300 meters, so it liked me and I like it back…

But if I could wish for a few things (Mike Fifer, are you listening?)

Ruger, please make a Ruger Precision Rifle XL. For calibers like the 6,5 mm (Swedish) Mauser, .338 Lapua Magnum and similar calibers.

While you’re at it, the receiver would have to become just a bit longer so no need for cantilever scope mounts. You could also re-design the rifle, so that the handguard is attached to the lower rather than the upper. This would enhance long range accuracy, and avoid that the barrel is affected by any forces applied on the handguard via a bipod for instance.

Yes, I know the size of the caliber is very different between 6,5 CM and 6,5 Mauser, but please just do it. 6,5 CM is nice, but to find it is virtually impossible (for me) and I prefer shooting over reloading.

Below: Old handguard (made by Samson) with Picatinny rail. Requires a higher line of sight to clear large scopes.

Below: Beware of beard and blast.

Jeff Quinn with the new Ruger Precision Rifle in 6,5 Creedmoore

Jeff Quinn from http://www.gunblast.com tests the Enhanced Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor.