Proof Research Ascension 7 PRC 22″ Black Jungle — Superb Titanium Rifle

Description

7 PRC is arguably the best-balanced long-range hunting cartridge introduced in the last decade, and the Proof Research Ascension is one of the few rifles light enough to carry it where its reach actually matters. A Zermatt Arms titanium action sits in a carbon fiber Monte Carlo stock, the barrel is Proof’s patented carbon-fiber-wrapped PXT in a Sendero contour, and every rifle is test fired against a sub half-MOA accuracy guarantee. This configuration runs a 22 inch barrel in black jungle camo.

7 PRC and the 1:8 Twist

7 PRC was designed by Hornady around long, high-BC 7mm bullets in the 175 to 180 grain range, driven fast enough to stay supersonic well past a thousand yards while producing recoil a hunter can actually shoot well. The 1:8 twist in this barrel is the correct rate to stabilise those bullets, and 22 inches is enough tube to get most of the velocity the cartridge is capable of.

What it gives up against a 300 magnum is terminal energy at extreme range; what it gains is a rifle that most shooters can hold steady and call their own hits with. For deer, elk and open-country hunting generally, that trade goes in favour of the 7mm.

Specifications

• Model: Ascension, part number 141311
• Caliber: 7 PRC
• Barrel: 22 in PROOF PXT carbon-fiber-wrapped, Sendero contour
• Twist: 1:8
• Muzzle: threaded 5/8-24 with thread protector
• Action: Zermatt Arms titanium, right hand, black Cerakote
• Base: split rail
• Bolt knob: modified ball
• Trigger: TriggerTech
• Magazine: BDL style
• Stock: PROOF carbon fiber Ascension, black jungle camo
• Length of pull: 13 5/8 in standard
• Weight: 5 lbs 5 oz to 6 lbs 4 oz depending on configuration
• Accuracy: test fired, sub half-MOA guarantee

Muzzle brakes are available from the factory at additional cost, and custom barrel lengths and lengths of pull can be ordered through Proof Research directly. This rifle is the catalog configuration: 22 inch barrel, 1:8 twist, black jungle camo. The same platform is offered in green jungle camo and in the granite finishes, and in calibers from 6.5 Creedmoor through 300 Winchester Magnum.

Why it is worth considering

• 7 PRC with a 1:8 twist, matched to the heavy high-BC bullets the cartridge was built around
• Patented carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel that cuts weight and sheds heat faster than steel
• Zermatt Arms titanium action, among the most rigid available at this weight
• Sub half-MOA accuracy guarantee, with every rifle test fired before it ships
• Monte Carlo carbon stock with raised comb and grip, built for modern optic heights
• TriggerTech trigger and BDL magazine as standard, not upgrades

Who it suits

The Proof Research Ascension in 7 PRC is the configuration most buyers should look at first. It is the cartridge that does the most jobs well, in the rifle that makes the fewest excuses about weight, and the combination is easier to shoot than the 300 PRC version without losing much that a hunter will notice. If you are buying one Ascension, this is a strong argument for which one.

Ammunition and Optics for the Proof Research Ascension

7 PRC factory ammunition is widely available now and the good news is that most of it is loaded with exactly the bullets the cartridge was designed for. Match loads in the 180 grain range and hunting loads from 160 to 175 grains both suit the 1:8 twist. A rifle this light benefits from ammunition it likes, so it is worth shooting two or three loads before settling. Full specifications are published by the manufacturer at Proof Research.

For optics, a compact 4-16 or 3-18 in the 44mm objective class keeps the balance intact; a large long-range scope will undo much of what the titanium action and carbon barrel bought you. Compare this rifle with the 300 PRC version and the short-barrelled 7mm Backcountry, browse our Proof Research rifles, or look at the wider firearms selection.

All firearm orders ship to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer, and MAG5 Firearms will coordinate the paperwork with the dealer of your choice.