Proof Research Elevation MTR 6.5 PRC 20-inch Bolt Action Rifle

About this product

What is the Proof Research Elevation MTR 6.5 PRC 20-inch Bolt Action Rifle? It's a short, lightweight precision rifle built around a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel for shooters who need sub-MOA accuracy from a compact, backpack-ready platform. This configuration fires the modern 6.5 PRC cartridge and weighs under 7 pounds, making it one of the lightest rifles in its class capable of consistent long-range performance.

What is the Proof Research Elevation MTR used for?

The Proof Research Elevation MTR is used for precision hunting in steep terrain and as a compact long-range training rifle. Its 20-inch barrel and total weight of approximately 6.5 lbs make it easy to carry over miles of backcountry, while the carbon-wrapped barrel resists point-of-impact shift from heat or sling pressure. This is a rifle for a hunter or shooter who prioritizes weight savings over the absolute maximum velocity a 24- or 26-inch barrel would provide with the 6.5 PRC cartridge.

How does the Proof Research Elevation MTR compare to the Stevens 334?

The Proof Research Elevation MTR is significantly more specialized and expensive than the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. Where the Stevens 334 is a reliable, sub-$500 utilitarian hunting tool, the Elevation MTR is a purpose-built precision instrument costing over $3,600. The proof is in the barrel: the Elevation uses a carbon-fiber-wrapped match-grade barrel that is stiffer and lighter than the Stevens' conventional steel barrel, directly contributing to its superior weight-to-accuracy ratio and higher price tag.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs between 6 and 6.99 lbs according to factory specs, with most examples I've handled landing around 6.5 lbs unscoped. The overall length, with its 20-inch barrel and fixed stock, is approximately 40.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle thread. Its Picatinny rail accepts standard 0-MOA or 20-MOA scope bases, and the 1:7.5 twist rate in the barrel is optimized for stabilizing long, high-BC 6.5mm bullets like the 147gr ELD-M, even from the shorter tube.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for the first-time shooter or someone on a strict budget. At $3,699, the investment is substantial, and the 6.5 PRC cartridge, while excellent, has higher ammunition costs than mainstream rounds like .308 Winchester, which you can find in our more affordable Stevens 334 in .243 Win. It's also not the ideal choice for a volume shooter engaged in high-round-count competitions; the carbon barrel excels at maintaining accuracy over a string of 3-5 shots, but sustained rapid fire is not its intended use case.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the rifle with its fixed Midnight Camo carbon stock, a thread protector for the 5/8"-24 muzzle threads, and the factory owner's manual. Proof Research does not include a hard case at this price point—you'll need to supply your own—nor does it include a magazine, though it utilizes a proprietary AICS-pattern detachable box magazine system; most will use a 3-round magazine for hunting compliance, giving it a 3+1 capacity.

Is the Proof Research Elevation MTR worth it at $3,699?

The Proof Research Elevation MTR is worth $3,699 if your primary requirement is uncompromising accuracy from the lightest possible rifle for its capability. You are paying a premium of roughly $1,500 over a comparable all-steel custom rifle specifically for the carbon-wrapped barrel technology, which saves about 1.5 to 2 pounds at the muzzle. If shaving every ounce for a mountain hunt is critical, this investment is justifiable. If you hunt from a stand or shoot primarily from a bench, that money is better spent on optics and ammunition for a heavier, less expensive rifle.