Building a custom precision rifle allows you to optimize every component for your specific needs. Here's our guide to selecting the key components.
Action
The action is the heart of your precision rifle. Key considerations:
- Type — Remington 700 footprint remains the most supported platform
- Material — Stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance
- Bolt — smooth operation, consistent lockup, quality extractor
- Recoil lug — integral or pinned (avoid friction-fit)
Barrel
The barrel has the greatest impact on accuracy:
- Material — 416R stainless steel is the standard for precision barrels
- Profile — heavier profiles resist heat-induced accuracy loss
- Twist rate — must match your intended bullet weight and caliber
- Length — 24-26 inches for most precision calibers to maximize velocity
- Manufacturer — quality barrels from reputable makers are worth the investment
Stock/Chassis
Your stock or chassis provides the interface between you and the rifle:
- Adjustability — length of pull, cheek height, and butt pad are critical for consistent positioning
- Rigidity — minimal flex under stress
- Weight — heavy enough for stability, light enough for field use
- Bedding — proper action bedding eliminates accuracy-robbing stress
Trigger
A clean, consistent trigger is essential for precision:
- Pull weight — 1.5 to 3 pounds for precision work
- Characteristics — crisp break with minimal creep and overtravel
- Adjustability — ability to fine-tune pull weight and trigger shoe position
- Reliability — must function consistently in all conditions
Putting It Together
Once you've selected your components, have a qualified gunsmith assemble and headspace your rifle. Then comes the fun part — breaking it in and developing loads at the range.