Shooting the Proof Research Carbon Barrel for the Ruger Precision Rifle

The Ruger Precision Rifle is a very accurate, affordable and capable rifle right out of the box. Advertising sub minute of angle accuracy from the factory cold hammer-forged 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel. Having shot almost 1000 rounds through the trusty steel barrel, I can concur with Rugers accuracy claims. Attending several long-range shooting classes at Marksmanship Training Center in Lake City, Michigan, I’ve been able to reliably hit steel silhouettes out to 1000 yards. In some unusually challenging conditions I might add. Recently, I published an article on replacing the RPR barrel with a Proof Research Carbon Fiber Barrel chambered in 6.5 Creedmor.

Proof Research RPR Barrel

Measuring the same 24″ in length as the factory steel barrel, the Proof Research barrel was almost a pound and a half lighter. Which is a good thing for me as I’ve since added a 14 oz Silencerco Omega suppressor. So adding the suppressor won’t increase the overall weight of the original rifle now. Although I’ve tinkered around and upgraded parts of this rifle, this is the first performance upgrade. The main reason for the Proof Research barrel was increased accuracy. And once I had the new barrel zeroed in and a little seasoned, I was able to produce 1/4 MOA 3 round groups at 100 yards.

Not having the patience to wait for winter to end, I ran out to MTC to see what I could do. Using a PhoneSkope adapter, I was able to record good bullet trace through my Vortex 20-60x80mm spotting scope. The ability to actually see the path of the bullet on its way to the target is not only fun but provides the shooter with valuable information. After collecting some data on the new barrel, I started calculating and shooting further out. Getting a little cocky, I attempted a head shot at 856 yards. And just missed by a whisker to the right. Maybe it was me, maybe a gust of wind downrange. Either way, it was a miss. But watching the bullet pass the targets left ear through the Sig Optics 5-35x56mm scope, I knew I had the correct elevation. And was able to make a quick adjustment on the follow up head shot.

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