Ruger Precision Rifle .338 Lapua 26″ Bronze Cerakote
Pros & cons
What works
- 26-inch heavy-contour barrel maintains sub-MOA accuracy through 20-round strings
- Adjustable trigger breaks cleanly at 2.25 pounds with minimal overtravel
- Folding stock reduces storage length by 12.75 inches for transport
- Hybrid muzzle brake reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to bare muzzle
Trade-offs
- 13-pound weight demands shooting supports—not practical for off-hand shooting
- .338 Lapua ammunition costs $5-7 per round versus $1.50 for .308 Win
- No iron sights included—requires optic investment starting at $400+
- Cerakote finish shows wear on rail interface after 500+ rounds
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Ruger Precision Rifle .338 Lapua 26″ Bronze Cerakote? It's a bolt-action long-range precision rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum with a 26-inch heavy-contour threaded barrel and Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish. This configuration includes a folding adjustable synthetic stock, Magpul MOE-K2-XL grip, and hybrid muzzle brake designed for disciplined shooters who require consistent performance at extended ranges. The rifle weighs 13 pounds with an overall length of 49.25 inches, making it a substantial but manageable platform for precision shooting and hunting applications.
What is the Ruger Precision Rifle used for?
This rifle is engineered for long-range precision shooting and extended-range hunting where shot placement matters at distances exceeding 1000 yards. The .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge delivers exceptional ballistic performance with approximately 4700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, while the 26-inch barrel provides optimal velocity for heavy bullets. The adjustable stock and trigger allow shooters to customize fit and break weight between 2.25-5 pounds for consistent engagement.
How does the Ruger Precision Rifle compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Ruger Precision Rifle outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in long-range ballistics but requires more shooter skill and higher ammunition costs. Where the Stevens 334 delivers manageable recoil and $1.50/round ammunition, the .338 Lapua generates significant recoil even with the muzzle brake and costs $5-7 per round. The Ruger platform provides superior accuracy potential beyond 1200 yards, while the Stevens 334 is better suited for medium-range hunting under 600 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 13 pounds (208 ounces) with an overall length of 49.25 inches and barrel length of 26 inches. The weight distribution favors the barrel with approximately 60% of mass forward of the action, creating a stable shooting platform that reduces perceived recoil by about 30% compared to lighter rifles. When folded, the stock reduces overall length to 36.5 inches for transport or storage in standard 40-inch rifle cases.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for beginners or budget-conscious shooters due to its specialized ammunition requirements and physical demands. The .338 Lapua Magnum generates over 35 ft-lbs of recoil energy even with the muzzle brake, requiring proper shooting technique and physical strength to manage effectively. At $5-7 per round for quality ammunition, the operating costs quickly exceed the rifle's $2193.99 price tag, making it impractical for high-volume training or casual range use.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round Magpul PMAG, owner's manual, and trigger adjustment tool—no optic, rings, or cleaning kit included. The hybrid muzzle brake is pre-installed with 5/8x24 threads, compatible with most .338-caliber suppressors though you'll need to purchase a $200 NFA stamp separately. The packaging includes three internal spacers for length-of-pull adjustment and two cheek riser inserts for proper eye alignment with optics.
Is the Ruger Precision Rifle worth it at $2193.99?
At $2193.99, this rifle delivers exceptional value for serious long-range shooters who understand the platform's capabilities and limitations. Compared to custom-built .338 Lapua rifles starting at $4000+, the Ruger Precision Rifle provides 90% of the performance at half the cost with factory support and proven reliability. For hunters considering shotgun options, this rifle serves an entirely different purpose with precision exceeding any scattergun at distance.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676180967 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 18096 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .338 Lapua Magnum |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| length | 43.3500 |
| model | Precision Rifle |
| number of magazines | 2 10 rd. Magpul PMAG |
| package height | 4.7 |
| package width | 9.7 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 18.65 |
| sights | No |
| thread pattern | 5/8"x24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, it feeds reliably with any SAAMI-spec .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition from brands like Hornady, Lapua, or Barnes. The chamber is cut to CIP specifications with a 3.681-inch maximum cartridge length. Avoid reloads exceeding 95 grains of powder charge as pressure signs appear around 65,000 PSI.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- With the stock folded, it fits in most 40-inch hard cases with room for accessories. The folded length is 36.5 inches, while unfolded requires a 50-inch case. Pelican 1750 cases work perfectly with foam cut for the 26-inch barrel profile.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3 business days and transit via UPS Ground in 5-7 days depending on location. All firearms ship with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of order confirmation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final except for manufacturer defects verified within 30 days. We recommend measuring your intended storage space against the 49.25-inch overall length before purchase. Returns require FFL coordination and restocking fee may apply.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accepts most .338-caliber suppressors like the SilencerCo Harvester 338 or Dead Air Nomad-L. You'll need to file ATF Form 4 and pay $200 tax stamp before taking possession of any suppressor.