Ruger Precision Rimfire Review: Small Bore Performance?

The Ruger Precision Rifle has taken the shooting world by storm. Today, in this Ruger Precision Rimfire review, we are going to take a closer look at this compact member of the RPR family, chambered in .22LR.

Now, I originally reviewed this gun back in 2022. However, after spending more time with it and shooting a couple of hundred rounds, my thoughts on this gun have slightly shifted. So, let’s dive into this review and see what’s different.

Ruger Precision Rimfire (RPR) Background

As a self-taught shooter who is passionate about precision shooting, I’ve been closely following the Ruger Precision Rimfire (RPR) series. The original RPR, a short action wonder, single-handedly drove a new market due to its immense popularity. Ruger quickly capitalized on this success, introducing a long-action RPR and a rimfire version.

The simple and effective design of the RPR produced great accuracy, and it came at a very reasonable cost which opened up precision shooting to a whole new market. A thriving aftermarket soon followed this family of rifles allowing gun owners to do what gun owners do; customize nearly every aspect of their beloved firearms. Custom options are available from Ruger as well as many custom shops.

It’s been at least a decade if I’m not mistaken, that the shooting circuit has been awash with RPRs. The advent of the rifle created such a tide that other ships soon rose to fill the growing demand for affordable precision rifles. Companies like Mossberg, Savage, and others also released similar models. Many of us who had spent years building customs were slow to accept the RPR into the fold, but it is undeniable to see how the RPR lowered the entry-level cost for this precision shooting game.

Ruger Precision Rimfire Features

1 Chassis System

The rifle utilizes a chassis that replaced the traditional stock with a modular fully adjustable rigid skeleton made of polymer and metal

2 Optics Ready

The rifle is optics-ready with an included scope mounting rail

3 10/22 Magazines

The rifle utilizes the extremely popular Ruger 10/22 magazine design allowing various capacity options for the user to choose from

4 Handguard

Free-floated handguard with M-Lok slots for accessories

5 Barrel

The hammer-forged barrel comes threaded and suppressor ready

Ruger Precision Rimfire Models

The Ruger Precision Rimfire Rifle is available in multiple calibers, including 22lr, 22 magnum, and 17HMR.

A hoard of Cerakote colors are also available including:

• Black
• American Flag
• Burnt Bronze
• Flat Dark Earth
• Tactical Grey
• OD Green
• Red Titanium

Ruger Precision Rimfire Review – Our Take

I had heard good things about the RPR, so I took the plunge and purchased one to finally fill that rimfire void in my gun safe.

My initial impression of the RPR was that I got what I had paid for, I expected it to be easy to figure out and smooth to operate. The short bolt throw was quick to manipulate, making fast reloading seem like a simple task. The AR 15 compatible grip is a very familiar feel, as was the safety that also felt like it had come straight from Stoner.

I wasted no time in getting the rifle into my gun room so I could finish prepping it for the range. I mounted up a scope and added a bipod to the front. And after a quick foresight, it was time to head into the hills to burn up some ammo. My boresight job was good enough to be close on paper, requiring only a few more shots to get the rifle zeroed. I was using some Federal ammunition to zero the rifle, which seemed to shoot groups under an inch easily at fifty yards. I also shot some CCI ammunition that also shot very well.

I knew the kids were going to like this rifle, so I let them take a few shots with the rifle. In less than a magazine they were all hooked, dinging little plate targets at a hundred yards seemed better than video games now.

The adjustable chassis of the rifle easily fit the smaller shooters in the group, which was nice. I felt like the rifle fit me just fine with the stock fully extended. I also liked the stock. It has a Picatinny rail at the toe for a monopod. If you don’t use one, rail covers make it comfortable on a rear bag. The grip angle too felt right at home, though the gun did feel somewhat front-heavy due to the thick barrel. We ran through quite a pile of ammunition, running several magazines at a time. As I expected, the little RPR just kept going through box after box of ammunition.

The threaded muzzle of the rifle was calling my name, I pulled out a couple of my favorite rimfire suppressors to see how the rifle shot suppressed. First up was the Dead Air Mask, I spun it on, and everything went quiet. The little Ruger barely popped with every trigger pull, and hearing the bullets hit our targets was as much fun as seeing them hit. I also shot extensively with my Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22 suppressor, both cans provided exceptional sound suppression and a very pleasant shooting experience.

I did notice a couple of things about this bolt action rifle as I got more familiar with it. The bolt was slightly sticky, something I think is more common on rimfire bolt action rifles. The very short length of the bolt makes it easily torqued in its raceway when it is pulled or pushed on. I have seen this before on other rimfire rifles as well. It wasn’t a big deal and something that was easily controlled and avoided with practice. Rimfires are dirty, and I did have a couple FTEs that were probably from cheap ammo and a dirty chamber.

Ruger Precision Rifle Pros and Cons

Ruger Precision Rimfire Review – FAQs

What types of customization options are available for the Ruger Precision Rimfire?

You can customize your Ruger Precision Rimfire with adjustable stock components, aftermarket accessories like bipods and optics, and barrel upgrades.

Does the Ruger Precision Rimfire have any specific safety features?

Yes, Ruger firearms like the Precision Rimfire usually come with standard safety features such as manual safeties and trigger safeties to ensure safe handling.

What sets the Ruger Precision Rimfire apart from other rimfire rifles?

What sets the Ruger Precision Rimfire apart from other rimfire rifles is how it mirrors the features of centerfire rifles like you’d find on the range. Its customization, adjustability, and operational features make it a standout choice for precision shooting training. It helps you improve fundamental skills, positional shooting, and target transitions without the hefty price tag of a centerfire rifle and match-grade ammunition.

What upgrades and accessories are recommended for the Ruger Rimfire Precision Rifle?

Recommended upgrades and accessories include extra magazines (10, 15, or 25 rounds), a quality bipod (e.g., Harris SL Bipod), and a suppressor for enhanced shooting experience (options like Dead Air Mask 22 Silencer or YHM Phantom 22).

Ruger RPR 22 LR Ammo

I fired ammunition from Winchester, CCI, Federal, and Aguila. The best shooting ammo was the Aguila Super Extra, but most of the brands shot fairly well, the CCI AR Tactical ammo would be my choice for best performance for the price. It is bulk packed, and shot in sub-inch groups.

Ruger RPR Starter Pack

So what’s next? Well, if you decide to get the Ruger Precision Rifle, you’re going to need to pick up some must-have basics. Here’s our recommendation for what you need to get started.

• Gun Cleaning Kit: Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box on Amazon or build your own personalized cleaning kit with premium components.
• Shooting Glasses: All it takes is one piece of rogue hot brass, and you’ll learn the importance of shooting glasses. But not all glasses are built the same. See our recommendations for the Best Shooting Glasses.
• Hearing Protection: Firing a gun without wearing proper ear protection can be very dangerous and detrimental to your hearing. Find out the best hearing protection for you in our full-length review.
• Storage: Check out our article on the Best Biometric Gun Safes
• Targets – If you’re want a great resource for shooting practice or zeroing your optics on your optics rifle or pistol, download our FREE Sighting in Targets below.

Ruger RPR Upgrades

You will definitely want to get some extra magazines for this rifle, you will be going through plenty of ammo. Ruger makes excellent factory magazines in 10, 15, and 25. I would recommend getting a couple of whichever you prefer.

A good bipod is another good accessory for this rifle, I used a Harris SL bipod, but anything comparable would be a good choice.

A suppressor is a must-have upgrade for ultimate rimfire fun. The Dead Air mask and YHM Phantom 22 were both excellent options, I would also recommend the Huxwrxs RAD 22 suppressor.

Ruger RPR Upgrades & Accessories

1. Ruger 10/22 Magazines		10-25 Round Capacities Inexpensive Very Popular	Check Price
2. Harris SL Bipod		Extremely Durable Many Options Available	Check Price
3. Dead Air Mask 22 Silencer		Premium Rimfire Suppressor Excellent Noise Reduction	Check Price

Ruger Precision Rifle Maintenance

An important aspect of owning a firearm is knowing how to field trip it ready to be cleaned. While scouring the internet we have found a great short video on the disassembly and reassembly of your Ruger Precision Rifle which I would highly recommend.

Ruger RPR Documents

• Ruger Precision Rimfire Family
• Ruger Precision Rifle Owners Manual
• Product Registration