This is a classic dilemma: you just dropped $1,500 on a factory-fresh Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) that is technically “sub-MOA” out of the box. So, why are the shelves at Anarchy Outdoors overflowing with upgrade parts?
I sat down with Aaron at Anarchy Outdoors in Utah to answer the ultimate question: Why should you spend more money on a gun that already works?
Here is the breakdown of why the factory configuration is just the starting line, not the finish.
The $1,500 Question: Why Upgrade the RPR?
As Aaron puts it, the RPR is a solid barreled action, but you are often the weak link in the accuracy chain. The gun will shoot better than you in a vice; the goal of upgrading is to remove the “detractors” that prevent you from being repeatable and consistent.
1. The Grip: Stop Using AR Grips for Precision
This is perhaps the biggest “ergonomic fail” on the factory RPR. Ruger ships these with a standard AR-style grip.
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The Problem: AR grips are designed for “run and gun” maneuvering. They force an angle that encourages a “death grip,” which introduces torque and heartbeat into your shots.
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The Solution: A vertical grip like the Penguin or the new ALPHA grip.
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The Benefit: A vertical grip allows your hand to rest naturally with a 90-degree trigger finger angle. It keeps your thumb on the side (reducing torque) and provides a shelf for your hand to rest on, reducing fatigue and making your trigger pull subconscious and repeatable.
2. The Bolt Handle: Leverage is Everything
The factory bolt handle is small and offers very little leverage.
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The Upgrade: Anarchy Outdoors designed a swept-back, longer handle with a larger knob.
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The Result: It’s an unforeseen blessing. By changing the geometry, the handle stays closer to the rifle body. You don’t have to move your hand as far, and the extra leverage makes cycling the bolt nearly effortless. It takes the RPR from a “clunky” feel to a custom-action feel.
3. The “Flat Bottom” Revolution (Arca Rails)
If you are shooting off barricades, cars, or tripods, the rounded factory handguard is your enemy.
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The Move: Adding an Arca-Swiss rail or a flat-bottom handguard (like the Seekins).
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Why it Matters: A flat bottom gives you full surface connection on barricades. It also allows your bipod to slide forward and back, and lets you clip directly into a tripod—a trend that is quickly becoming a standard for both hunters and PRS shooters.
4. The Trigger: The New “Unicorns”
For years, RPR owners were stuck with the factory bladed trigger or a few select aftermarket options.
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The Big News: TriggerTech (who did the OEM triggers for the Ruger Custom Shop) is finally releasing their Diamond and Special triggers for the general public.
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The Difference: Getting rid of that “blade” and moving to a crisp, flat-face TriggerTech Diamond is the single best way to improve your “feel” for the break.
5. The “Vitals”: Shrouds and Firing Pins
If you have an older Gen 1 or Gen 2 RPR, the bolt shroud was often plastic or “wiggly.”
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Titanium Shrouds: Adding a solid titanium shroud adds mass behind the bolt and cleans up the “wiggle” for a more consistent strike.
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Firing Pins: Factory Ruger parts are often MIM (Metal Injection Molding), which can be brittle over thousands of rounds. Upgrading to a fluted, high-quality firing pin ensures you don’t have a failure in the middle of a match or a hunt.
The Technical Specs of a “Full Anarchy” Build
When you take a stock RPR and “Anarchy” it, here is what the spec sheet looks like:
SlavGuns Take: Is it Worth It?
Aaron says it best: the gun in its factory configuration will shoot 1,000 yards. But if you want to do it with repeatability, comfort, and speed, these upgrades are essential.
The Tuxedo Grip and a TriggerTech Diamond trigger are the “Low Hanging Fruit.” They change the way you interact with the rifle so fundamentally that you’ll wonder how you ever shot the stock version. As we always say, the barreled action is the heart, but the ergonomics are the soul of the rifle.
Which of these upgrades are you tackling first? Let us know in the comments!
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