How To Build a Custom Rifle: A Step-by-Step Guide for Precision Shooters

Posted by MHSA TEAM on Jul 2nd 2025

How To Build a Custom Rifle: A Step-by-Step Guide for Precision Shooters

When building a custom rifle, you want absolute control over performance and precision. Building a custom rifle is the ultimate pursuit. Whether you're chasing tighter groups at 1,000 yards or tailoring a setup for competition or hunting, a custom build lets you choose every component to match your exact shooting style and mission.

At Mile High Shooting, we help you navigate every step of the process. Quality parts and a passion for long-range shooting make us qualified to help you with your precision rifle build. Here's a breakdown of how to build a custom rifle from the ground up.

1. Start With the Right Action

The action is the heart of any bolt-action rifle. Choosing the right action can affect not only reliability and cycling smoothness but also accuracy. Popular custom actions for your build include:

  • Defiance Machine
  • Impact Precision
  • Accuracy International (for chassis-integrated options)

Select an action that aligns with your cartridge family and suits your intended use case (e.g., tactical, ELR, or hunting).

2. Select a Match-Grade Barrel

The proper barrel is crucial for precision. Look for barrels from trusted manufacturers like:

You'll need to choose the barrel length, contour, twist rate, and threading for your suppressor or muzzle brake. At Mile High, we offer custom barrel fitting and chambering to your exact specifications.

3. Choose a Precision Chassis or Stock

Ergonomics, adjustability, and recoil management all start with the chassis. Whether you prefer a modular aluminum chassis or a traditional stock, top options include:

The proper chassis makes the rifle fit like a glove, helping you manage recoil and maintain consistent shooting positions.

4. Install a Top-Tier Trigger

Trigger control separates good shooters from great ones. A high-end trigger, such as the TriggerTech Diamond or Bix'n Andy TacSport, can make a significant difference in performance, especially at long range. Single-stage or two-stage comes down to personal preference.

5. Optics & Mounts: Don't Skimp

Investing in a custom rifle and putting subpar glass on top is like putting cheap tires on a race car. Stick with battle-proven brands like:

Use premium mounts from Spuhr or Badger Ordinance to ensure everything stays zeroed and locked down.

6. Accessories to Finish the Build

Top it all off, add:

  • Suppressors (like the Thunder Beast or Abel Theorem series)
  • Bipods (e.g., Atlas or MDT)
  • Data tools (Kestrel, Garmin Foretrex, etc.)
  • Custom Cerakote finishes for a personalized touch

7. Get Professional Gunsmithing Support

Even if you've picked all the right parts, it takes expert advice and attention to detail to bring them all together. Our team at Mile High Shooting can help advise and walk you through the process, ensuring your components are assembled and paired for optimal accuracy.

Conclusion

Building a custom rifle is more than just assembling parts—it's crafting a precision tool tailored to your exact shooting demands. With the right components and expert support, you can create a rifle that not only looks great but performs flawlessly in the field or at the range.

If you're ready to start your custom build, contact Mile High Shooting Accessories or visit our shop in Frederick, Colorado or Cheyenne, Wyoming. Let's go "A Mile Above the Rest" together and build something exceptional.