New to PRS – RPR vs. Tikka T3X – Looking for Experienced Insight

[Koakinetics]

Hey everyone,


I'm starting to dip my toes into the PRS world and would really appreciate some feedback from those of you with more experience. Right now, I’m weighing two options for my first setup:

• Tikka T3X CTR dropped into an MDT chassis (XRS)
• Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR), most likely in 6.5 Creedmoor

My goal is to stay under $1,500 for the rifle and base upgrades (excluding glass), and I'm hoping to land something that will serve me well for local matches while leaving room to grow as I improve.


A few things I'm considering:

• Accuracy and out-of-the-box performance
• Long-term reliability and upgrade paths
• Overall ergonomics and ease of getting match-ready
• Resale value down the line if I upgrade

I know both platforms have their followings, but I’d love to hear from those who’ve run both (or seen them at matches) and can speak to how they stack up in real-world PRS use.


Any input—good, bad, or lessons learned—is very welcome. Appreciate the help!

 

[quadking2003]

I honestly found it hard to be competitive with an off the shelf RPR. The ones shooters like Doug and Laurel in the PRS are definitely not what we get off the shelf. You could go with like the custom shop which is like 2800 but I spent 1 year with an RPR not custom shop and upgraded quickly. I personally would have rather spent the extra and went with little higher end upfront. Kelblys is taking pre-orders on a rifle that once they sell 50 meets PRS production rules and I am sure will be reliable and a hammer. They also have 10 percent of code guncon25 until at least the 28th of June.

https://kelbly.com/precision-element-rifle/

 

[drifter308]

I advise you save up a little longer and get the Kelbys or get the GA Precision PPR. For $2,999 you get a hell of a deal on premium components. It’s in a stock with a mini chassis. If you spend the extra $150 they guarantee 3/8 MOA and if not bedded it still good at .50 MOA.

 

[drifter308]

Bed recoil lug.

 

[OREGUN]

Do you reload?

Are you a PRS member?

Consider one of the 6mm offerings over 6.5. I know there are 6.5 fanbois around here but you’ll get farther faster with 6 dasher or GT or BRA or even Creedmoor. You’ll still get 2400 rounds or more of barrel life.

If you are a member, reach out to MPA to see about any PRS member discounts. Likewise with GAP. I suspect you can find a ready to run rifle for not too much over $1500 that will be better for all of your criteria than either of the two options you mentioned. An action, chassis, barrel and trigger for $1500 is a tall order. Three of those parts are more than $500 each.

Don’t get involved with a tikka based on their stupid magazines alone.

 

[quadking2003]

I honestly found it hard to be competitive with an off the shelf RPR. The ones shooters like Doug and Laurel in the PRS are definitely not what we get off the shelf. You could go with like the custom shop which is like 2800 but I spent 1 year with an RPR not custom shop and upgraded quickly. I personally would have rather spent the extra and went with little higher end upfront. Kelblys is taking pre-orders on a rifle that once they sell 50 meets PRS production rules and I am sure will be reliable and a hammer. They also have 10 percent of code guncon25 until at least the 28th of June.

https://kelbly.com/precision-element-rifle/

Little additional if you intend to stick with a rifle for say production in PRS Kelblys will sell you a prefit rebarrel. Where GA, Ruger, Tikka, Savage, etc require you to send it back.