Thread: RUGER PRECISION® RIFLE, CALIBER: 308 WIN

Howa or Bergara 308, And spend $500 on a .22 to get some trigger time.

Precision / target rifles are generally driven to a range and shot, put back in a case and driven home. They aren't generally carried through the bush, dragged through scrub and undergrowth, and abused like hunting rifles are.

Sniper rifles are the closest thing to precision hunting rifles, and they often have a stock that is somewhat adjustable (M24, M40 series), or a chassis that looks a bit more like a conventional stock (Accuracy International AW system). More modern sniper rifles have admittedly gone down the chassis route, which has more to do with the role of modern snipers having changed to more sharpshooting and less concealed movement. The need for quick ergonomic adjustability in sniper platforms has also increased as the range of accessories (night vision, thermal optics, etc) has increased in the past decade or so. Prior to that, a sniper rifle was adjusted for length of pull and cheek weld height - that was pretty much all that was needed. Once set, it wasn't messed with at all.

The reasons that most chassis systems (at least, those that look like the RPR, with heaps of adjustability) are not great for hunting that were given in previous replies - they are heavy, a chassis snags on things and gets mud, twigs, grit and shit where it shouldn't, among others. They are also as cold as a witches heart to hold, which makes them distinctly uncomfortable to carry. Many of the tacticool (form over function) chassis on the market have features and adjustability far beyond what is actually useful. The hunter tactical style chassis are better, but still not perfect.

Also, adjustable and rigid are incompatible characteristics, unless the stock is overengineered (heavy and rigid) or expensive (comparatively light and rigid). Cheap... light... rigid... choose any two!

Originally Posted by Eamonn

Can folks give their thoughts on a gun like this as an all-rounder for a first gun.

It can long range (target) shoot, Hunt and has manageable recoil for most. Also want something made well? What range will this target shoot out to? A rifle like this will tick all my boxes?


https://www.ruger.com/products/preci...ets/18028.html

In the past, “All Rounder” meant bush/ tops/ flats / slips and gost to red deer to pigs and chamois with the occasional mountain hare thrown in. No one can know when they start out exactly what they’ll use their rifle for. You might live in Otago and Nek Minute a mate is inviting you up to hunt sika or over to The Coast on a tahr ballot. Its interesting that now it might include target practice and precision rifle style competition too. Quite an ask, but a standard weight hunting rifle like the Howa 1500 or Sako 85 could be pressed into service for all those. Not ideal perhaps for a Precision Rifle style shoot at 200-600m but good for most hunting. For an all rounder, avoid the shorter and lighter models; go for 6.5 creed, 270 or similar and stay with a common cartridge; go for a traditional hunting stock, perhaps with adjustable cheekpiece if you must; avoid a freestanding pistol grip and go for a thumbhole configuration but consider that not many hunters use them except for varmiting (rabbits hares and perhaps Certain birds) but thats not all rounder stuff.

Regarding 308, its virtues are availability of the widest range of factory ammo and some for the cheapest price (yet still good), NATO standard military calibre, required calibre for some minor types of target shooting ( fullbore and F -TR) well established reloading knowledge and good barrel life and reasonably short action length and adequate power to kill most NZ big game animals reliably with a well placed shot. Almost every other calibre is superior in SOME way but of course compromises in others. Something with a bit more velocity and a bit better ballistic coefficient would be closer to an all rounder for our hunting and target shooting.

I'd get a Tikka (im a fan boy though).

A Tikka CTR isn't to heavy to hunt with if you wanted a multi purpose rifle, especially the 20" model.

That being said a standard "lite" model will usually shoot well enough for a lot of target shooting, especially as a beginner.

I'd try buy something second hand so wouldn't be too picky with calibre, 308, 7mm08 or 6.5 CM would be good choices. I'd go 6.5CM as there is more target ammo options, at least from previous time ls I've looked.

Suppressed .308W with a 20-22" barrel, 1-10" twist at the slowest. Scope - something good quality in the range of 2-10x40 or 46, doesn't need to be any bigger in the objective. I would go with a 3-12 as well... Mounts based on a well fitted one piece rail, easier to correctly mount and all base screws support each other which is a more tougher and reliable option. Provided it's not a total dog the actual brand and model of rifle doesn't really matter, get one that doesn't clonk and click or bolt rattle all the damn time (pet Tikka hate). Synthetic stocks can be overated, get a rigid fibreglass one that isnt hollw over a plastic p.o.s. like the rem700 shitty plastic stock models, they are another garbage box item. Also triggers, get a good one - singling out Rem again for their Xmark poo offering here with the slimy shiny slippery bs blade (is a few bits of grip too much to ask rem?).

What @No.3 said... Gun City (I happened to be in the neighbourhood this morning) have Howa packages (.243 and 6.5 Creedmoor) of that description for less than the price of a naked Ruger Precision.

Wellington branch also have Howa heavy barrel riffles, Bergara HMR (literally, Hunting Match Rifle...) as well as a very tidy used .308 Win Remington 700 5R for a bit less than the RPR, in a decent stock. All of these could do hunting and range duties, if you are willing to lug the extra weight around.

Afte reading what everyone posted... I am strongly looking at getting this gun, perhaps both types.

https://youtu.be/9kEs8Jd2xwo?list=PL...RVmz-lmeOH7n33

Originally Posted by Eamonn

Afte reading what everyone posted... I am strongly looking at getting this gun, perhaps both types.

https://youtu.be/9kEs8Jd2xwo?list=PL...RVmz-lmeOH7n33

Just going to go out on a limb here and suggest just buying a generic middle of the road rifle but good enough that you would be happy to keep it. A Tikka or Howa and just use it to get out and get some experience. No disrespect to the forum (there is heaps of good info here) but time on the hill will inform you decision in a much better way than wise and experienced people who haven't met you in person.

It is very easy from a stage of inexperience to overthink things and end up buying something totally unsuitable that puts you off hunting and shooting altogether.

Extra functions turn a horse into a camel.

As long shot suggests, get a Howa or Tikka or whatever and go get some trigger time. Either option provides a rifle capable of doing what you want and/or are possibly capable of as a new shooter? The Ruger is heavy ( ultra-light are also a pain in the arse at times) as a bare rifle and stocks like that catch on anything in tight cover. Regarding caliber, I have used 308 since the ‘70’s and have shot everything game-wise from stoats to Wapiti and wild cattle no trouble.1000 meters range is within it’s capabilities. Wherever you travel either here or overseas you’ll readily find ammo, same can’t be said for some other cals. If you’re starting out don’t go overboard on gear. Buy what’s functional for general needs and spend money on ammo/trigger time.

There's a lot of life long hunters out there that don't know shit about shooting, it doesn't take much knowledge of firearms to shoot a dear at 60m in the bush.
If target shooting is being considered this forum has a lot of good information, far better than most hunters out there.

But I agree, a Howa or Tikka in a common cartridge (308,7mm08, 6.5CM, 243, etc) and a half decent scope is all you need to get going.

Buy used if you can as most rifles out there barely get 200 rounds fired through them, and if you change your mind or want to try something else you would think loose much money.
Used Tikkas especially don't loose much in value at all.

True that @Beetroot. I believe there’s a lot of shooting experience on this forum be it hunting, shooting plates at range, NRA target shooting and more than a few on here who have/had to qualify yearly professionally. We’ve all got snippets of knowledge to share. Everyone has an opinion and that’s what makes this forum interesting.

Nearly a 10lb bare rifle for hunting,na way to heavy.Light weight 308 tika easier to carry around the hills.

Originally Posted by Eamonn

Thanks folks.

I think I'll stay away from the "all-rounder" and just choose an out and out hunting rifle and buy a long range riles for targets later. I never even though about the rifle getting snagged on this, etc...

Any suggestions on a 308 hunting rifle in the same price range as the RUGER PRECISION® RIFLE, CALIBER: 308 WIN... and with a tactical grip, are welcome.

To me, I like accuracy and light weight rifles with magazine. I would recommend Tikka Superlite Bushhunter 308 or any T3X superlite/lite. Sako Finnlight if price isn't the main factor. Browning is pretty sweet as well

I sure a beautiful all round rifle today,a mint Ruger #1 in 7mm with a 416 second barrel. Kept my hands in my pockets.

Save a couple hundred more and buy the Tikka T3X TAC A1 u will never regret it!