Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

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Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The Ruger Precision Rimfire with Leupold LRP scope, SilencerCo Sparrow, and Harris Bipod.

I own quite a few .22 LR firearms and think that they are fantastic for practicing, teaching, varmint hunting, and just having fun. I own a number of conversion kits so that I can practice without using expensive ammo. With a rimfire or a rimfire conversion, I can use a gun that is either the same or very similar to what I would use for hunting or competition but not spend hours reloading or hundreds of dollars on ammo.

Pre Obama, I used to shoot piles of rimfire. I tried to get out at least once a week and burn 500 rounds. As all of you likely remember, after Obama was elected, finding .22 ammo that didn’t cost $100 a brick became almost impossible. I almost entirely stopped shooting rimfire during that period of time and I really lost interest in rimfires almost altogether.Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

My only and most recent rimfire purchase in years was when I went to a local D&B Supply and found a  Ruger Precision Rimfire in .22LR for 10% off. I became the proud owner.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

By removing a small ring on the bolt you can make the RPR mimic a centerfire short action rifle bolt throw.

The Ruger Precision Rimfire (RPR) Model 8400 is a bolt action .22 LR made to mimic a full-size precision chassis long range centerfire rifle.

The cold hammer forged barrel is 18 inches long and is made in-house at Ruger. It features a ½-28 threaded muzzle and a 1:16 twist rate. The barrel can be easily removed or replaced using standard AR-15 armorer’s tools.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

Mounting and leveling the Leupold LRP on the Ruger Precision Rimfire.

The fact that the muzzle comes threaded was a big deal to me because I’ve had to pay to have other muzzles threaded for suppressors. It’s an added value that I want in guns that I purchase.Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The handguard is a free float AR style handguard with M-Lok slots all the way around so that should you desire to deck it out to the max, there will be no shortage of real estate to attach to. I added one rail on the bottom of the handguard to attach a bipod too.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The handguard is free floating and features M-Lok attachment points all the way up and down the handguard

The action/bolt is where things start to get really interesting. You have the option of keeping the bolt throw really short as is standard on a .22 rimfire bolt action or you can, by pulling the bolt out and removing the bolt stop ring that is attached to the bolt, achieve a bolt throw that is substantially similar to working the bolt on a short action centerfire rifle.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The RPR features an oversize bolt handle.

The store I bought my rifle from had two Ruger Precision Rimfires in stock and I played with both of them. I chose the rifle that had the better trigger pull. The trigger is adjustable from 2.5 to 5lbs so they both could have likely been adjusted the same but I wanted the one that felt better out of the box.Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The trigger is Ruger’s Marksman trigger and it features the safety blade in the center that must be depressed to make the gun fire. I think the trigger is fantastic as it breaks very crisp in my rifle.

My trigger came out of the box set at 2 lbs 2.2 ounces as averaged over 5 trigger pulls on a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge.

The safety is similar to working the safety on an AR15 and according to Ruger is interchangeable with most AR-15 safety selectors on the market.

The grip is also interchangeable with AR-15 grips so if there’s one that you love (my personal preference is ERGO Grip) it will bolt right on.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The SIlencerCo Sparrow 22 is shown attached to Ruger Precision Rimfire.

My initial impressions of the stock were that it was kind of cheesy. However, my initial impressions were off. I actually really like the stock as it’s completely adjustable with one lever. I set it to have a perfect length of pull and a cheek weld. I can switch the stock in 15 seconds to fit a four-year-old and switch it right back for myself without any tools. I actually did this when I took some kids ages 4-13 on a shooting expedition. Because of their different sizes, they all need a different length of pull and a different cheekpiece height. The gun was adjusted between every shooter.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The stock on the RPR is one of the Author’s favorite features. The length of pull and the cheekpiece can be adjusted quickly for any size shooter with just one toolless lever clamp.

The Chassis itself is made from polymer and aluminum and feels solid. While I didn’t pull it off and weigh it I know it couldn’t be very heavy as the entire rifle only weighs 6.8 lbs.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The fully adjustable stock even features a flush cup on the stock for a QD sling attachment.

The rifle I bought shipped with an excellent single stack 15 round magazine made by Ruger and I own a few 10/22 magazines and they fit and function perfectly as well.Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

Accuracy has been excellent with most .22LR ammunition with the CCI Mini Mags and Federal AutoMatch turning in the best groups. The bulk pack ammo also shot good but not quite as good.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

Groups that could be easily covered with a dime were pretty easy to shoot at 50 yards.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: ReviewShortly after purchasing the RPR .22 I took it on a ground squirrel depredation hunt in Nevada on my dad’s ranch. He had an infestation of ground squirrels eating his hay crop. The gun made several thousand ground squirrel kills over the course of a couple of days. Hits with the rifle ranged from six feet to a little over 200 yards. The infestation was so bad that even after shooting nearly 3,000 rounds and with a very high hit ratio you couldn’t tell I’d been there. The rifle also took out about 150 jackrabbits in the dark with a spotlight. I have pictures of the rabbits but I’m afraid too many people might find the photos offensive and so you’ll have to take my word for it that the rifle is an effective management tool.Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

Overall this Ruger Precision Rimfire is a high quality, accurate, adjustable, ergonomic, and fun to shoot rifle. I own a few guns that If I were to lose in a fire that I wouldn’t replace. I’d try something out I haven’t owned yet. This RPR isn’t one of those, I’d immediately replace it. I own other bolt action .22 LR rifles and they now sit untouched in the safe. My two favorite features of the RPR .22LR are the quickly and infinitely adjustable stock and the bolt throw that is similar to a real centerfire rifle.Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

SPECS

  • Stock Quick-Fit Precision Rimfire Adjustable
  • Capacity 15
  • Barrel Length 18″
  • Overall Length 35.13″ – 38.63″
  • Grip AR-Pattern
  • Handguard Free-Float Magpul® M-LOK® Aluminum
  • Handguard Finish Hard Black Anodized
  • Thread Pattern 1/2″-28
  • Length of Pull 12″ – 15.50″
  • Sights None-Rail Installed
  • Barrel Threaded Cold Hammer-Forged 1137 Alloy Steel
  • Weight 6.8 lb.
  • Twist 1:16″ RH
  • Grooves 6
  • Suggested Retail $529.00

Visit Ruger to learn more about the Ruger Precision Rimfire by clicking HERE.

***Shop GunsAmerica for your next Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle***

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review
Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The magazine well is easy to get mags in and out of the gun. The gun will accept any 10/22 magazine.

Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR: Review

The single stack magazine that came with the gun holds 15 rounds and worked flawlessly.

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  • Stanley F Rozmiarek March 21, 2023, 10:31 pm

    my 22lr , magazine is really loose , my 10/20 is real solid , this is the 15 round magazine that came with the rifle

  • JIM (RECON SNIPER) February 5, 2019, 3:53 am

    I PURCHASED ONE OF THESE RUGER PRECSION IN 22LR AND OUT OF THE BOX POUND FOR POUND THIS THING IS AMAZING PREFORMANCE WISE COULDNT BE HAPPIER. SITED IN WITH ELEY TARGET AND RAN THE WHOLE BOX OF 50 AND 15 OF THE SECOND BOX. IT PREFORMED PERFECT. I HAVE A BUSHNELL SCOPE ON IT NOT THE MOST EXSPENSIVE SCOPE BUT IT WORKS,I CAN SAFLEY SAY THE GROUPS I HAD WAS VERY NICE. 15 SHOT GROUP AND COVER IT WITH A DIME AT 50 YARDS NOT A REAL LONG DISTANCE BUT HAY HAD TO START SOME WHERE. MOVED TO 100 WITH SOME DOPE ON THE SCOPE AND RINGING 2 INCH PLATE. THE FOR FUN MY BUDDY SAID HEY SHOOT IT AT 200 THE DOPE WAS TREMENDUS AND RINGING THE GONG AT 200 6 INCH PLATE I WAS AMAZED. YES IT LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING FROM THE STAR TREK MOVIE AND A DIFFERENT FEEL SOME MAY LIKE IT SOME MAY NOT. THIS THING WILL BE IN MY HANDS WHEN I HIT THE COMPETITION SHOOTS FOR SURE,AND I WONT FEEL SORRY FOR THE LOOSER I BEAT. WAY TO GO RUGER YOU HAVE MADE A NICE WEAPON HERE I HAD TO RITIRE MY MK2 BY SAVAGE.

  • Smokepole December 25, 2018, 11:59 am

    I own a Mossberg target model 144 LSB and it was 1/3 the MSRP and is over 40 years old and will out do this one 10 times over and I will put $ on it any time……

  • Roy December 24, 2018, 4:26 pm

    Hmmm, not to be political, but Obama isn’t the reason .22 ammo cost so much for a few months during his presidency. Out of the only 3 plants producing .22 ammo in the States at least, 1 was shut down for a routine, but major overhaul, and by sheer bad luck, at almost that exact time, the second one was shutdown due to major fire damage, leaving only one .22 plant remaining to try to meet the average demand that was normally filled by all 3 factories. Had nothing to do with who was president at the time.

    • Roy December 25, 2018, 6:58 pm

      -that said, nice shooting, and Merry Christmas!

    • Whatever December 26, 2018, 3:12 am

      2 or 3 years since the end of 2012 there was times I could not find many different types of ammo. I remember thinking I was lucky to shoot a 50 round box of 9mm under $17. Yes what you are saying definitely had to prolong the shortage of .22s

  • NavyVet1959 December 24, 2018, 12:15 pm

    Too much plastic… I’ll stick with my Winchester Model 90 with the octagon barrel. It’s probably around 120 years old now — it was bought new and been handed down over the generations. I’ve killed a lot of squirrels with it over the years, albeit with iron sights… These days though, with my old eyes, I wish it had an aperture rear sight.

  • John Severson December 24, 2018, 12:03 pm

    I’ve got a Ruger American bolt action .22 with the modular stock. Good trigger and decent accuracy. I’ve used it for plinking, with and without suppressor. Shot one Appleseed with it before I got some 10-22’s put together. (238)
    Based on that, I tend to think the Precision rimfire would be a great little rifle.
    If it’s not your cup of tea, don’t buy one.

  • Dusty December 24, 2018, 10:05 am

    I have yet to shoot one of these and I probably won’t buy one, as I have collected 22 rifles for over 50 years. Ruger will be hard pressed to ever match the accuracy of an old Winchester 52 or 75. However, I see Ruger has this new rifle in 22 WMR. Has anyone tried that caliber? I currently have 3 rifles in 22 WMR that will shoot minute of coyote at 100 yards, but I wouldn’t call any of them accurate. They are woefully inaccurate on paper and I’ve been told this is sort of common to the 22 WMR. If the RPR 22 WMR would group quarter size at 50 yards, I would finally be impressed. If not, i guess I’ll have to try one of the butt-ugly Savages. So far, the pretty ones can’t dance.

    • Kyle Tysver December 24, 2018, 9:18 pm

      Darn, my interest in this rifle was lukewarm at best, but yeah if there’s a WMR they’d have my attention too.

      • Walter Allensworth April 29, 2019, 4:02 pm

        There is a 22 WMR, and the cost is basically the same.

  • BILL MARTIN December 24, 2018, 8:47 am

    don’t get the chance to shoot a lot, not a professional, but love to shoot, new to the ar-15, what is a suppressor, ballpark price, what would a gun like that cost? the scope looks awesome, a good place to purchase. boy, a day at the range is liking catching a 7 lb large mouth bass, fantastic

    • Charles Valenzuela March 1, 2020, 5:35 pm

      That Leopold scope lists for $1200 bucks and is no longer made. There are still a bunch available, new, for around $999. You’ll need mounts to go with the scope. It doesn’t come with mounts. The RPR street price today was $375.

  • Bill December 24, 2018, 6:33 am

    I will pass. Love ❤️ my a.17, very accurate and a lot of 🤜🏻!

  • MJ October 23, 2018, 7:33 pm

    I’ve had both handguns and rifles that were outstanding right out of the box, but I must say that isn’t the norm.
    I also have guns that I couldn’t hit a thing without alot of effort.
    Only accurate guns are fun to shoot.
    I read about the Ruger Precision and I am actually waiting for my 10 day remorseful purchase waiting period before I pick it up. I’ll decide if it’s accurate.
    Guns are an extension of one’s personality. Only you can make it your own, who cares what other people what they think? Someone wrote an article which made me go see one.

  • Mike October 6, 2018, 9:13 pm

    Before you purchase one of these, visit rimfire central forum and see what those of us that actually shoot them (without being paid to do articles) have to say about them. There are many issues to deal with, these are not straight out of the box dime size groups at 50yd guns. Many of us with other guns can easily do that so it isn’t the shooter it is the equipment, these require some work to get tight groups.

    • KCsmith December 24, 2018, 9:29 am

      I’ve not touched mine other than to clean it, and I shoot 1-1.5″ groups at 100yds all day long using CCIs with mine. Also loves Aguila ammo.

    • Richard J Kendall February 22, 2019, 11:32 am

      Well, mine, with no changes, shot all holes touching at 50 yards, right off the bat.

  • Gerald Osborn August 28, 2018, 5:35 pm

    Dear Sir:
    Your remarks and claims are interesting,whether or not they are true, however a .22 rifle with an 18 inch barrel is woefully inadequate. I will be more than ready to challenge you to a shooting match with my worn out Marlin Glenfield which has a 20 inch barrel.
    Yours truly,
    Gerald T. Osborn

    • KCsmith December 24, 2018, 9:24 am

      So you actually believe the 2″ difference in barrel length makes your “worn out” rifle a more accurate rifle than this precision rimfire that you have never shot before?
      You sound special.

  • PeterC August 27, 2018, 4:01 pm

    I have more than a dozen .22 rifles of all descriptions; this new Ruger has become my favorite. I bought it initially as an accessory to a suppressor that I had bought for a .22-converted 1911. None of my .22 rifles were easily adaptable to accommodate a suppressor, so I ordered the Ruger. It is a tack driver, easily the equal of a number of .22 target rifles! And with standard velocity or suppressor-specific ammo, it is ideal for backyard practice or packrat removal.

  • Frank August 27, 2018, 1:06 pm

    .22, nah, a 17wsm might be more interesting for a plinker

  • Manuel Alen August 27, 2018, 10:16 am

    Lefties are left out as usual.

  • Tim Heaney August 27, 2018, 9:31 am

    I own one of these as well and I love everything about it… especially the ability to size it to my kids and myself with one lever and it holds up well to those adjustments and locks down solid at the extremes of the stock. Mine prefers CCI Standard velocity ammo and its very accurate and gives the ability to stretch it out to stupid long ranges for 22lr (So far its been to 382 then I run out of range where I shoot) I think that gives an added dimension to shooters in the eastern half of the US or anywhere else finding a safe place to shoot at longer ranges is very difficult… it scales down the needed area to practice the mechanics and joy of hitting things in far away places.

  • Cyrus August 27, 2018, 9:26 am

    I need this over my 10/22 tactical? For me . . . it falls under Needless!

  • Ian G. Dial August 26, 2018, 4:05 pm

    All these roborifles that have been popping up like mushrooms in recent years keep getting sillier and sillier. I, for one, can’t wait until the zombie, tactical, and long-range sniper shooting crazes finally die out.

    • Brent August 27, 2018, 10:10 am

      You are, as always, welcome to not buy them. I for one hope they don’t go away; and I don’t see any indication they will. This is user serviceable, customizable, adjustable, “full sized”, rimfire rifle. Other than for a sleek rifle to pack around while hiking/hunting, this is better for most users in every way.

    • Andrew Elkins August 30, 2018, 12:43 pm

      Found the fudd.

      • MG December 24, 2018, 9:41 am

        Lol, exactly. Step aside Elmer, the “tactical craze” isn’t going anywhere… it’s a logical progression based on innovation, technology and developmental trends forged from LE/military experience in the modern age. You don’t have to embrace it, just please get out of the way.

    • KCsmith December 24, 2018, 1:02 pm

      Yeah, improvements and advances in firearm technologies, who wants that?

  • Wild Bill August 26, 2018, 1:01 pm

    I love shooting rimfire guns. This has not been on my list but the more I see it the more i want one. But my ca-shish has been spent on centerfire rifles specifically a Bergara HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor and a Savage 110 Stealth in 338 Lapua Magnum. Now that I have those and a load developed maybe this or a custom 10-22 to keep my Savage Mk2 company in my safe.

    • Frank August 27, 2018, 1:08 pm

      Question for Wild Bill. I,m looking between Bergara and Tikka in 6.5. Did you consider Tikka? If so what swayed you? You Tube has excellent reviews on both. Hard decision. Thanks

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