So, you squeezed the trigger and bought yourself a Pristine rifle action.You want to get it set up, so you can take it to the range and show off, right? Except, maybe this is the first rifle you have assembled and you’re not sure what the next steps are. Don't worry, we’ve got you covered. By the time you’re done reading this post, you will be able to put your rifle together safely and effectively. This also gives you a chance to confirm you have all the parts needed for your rifle's assembly. (Keep in mind if you are unsure or have questions, we advise that you contact a local gunsmith or another qualified individual, as firing a rifle can be extremely dangerous if put together incorrectly.)
First, let’s put together a list of all the parts and tools that you will need at a minimum to effectively and correctly assemble your bolt action rifle:
- Pristine Bolt Action Receiver.
- Rifle Barrel. (Barrel nut or Shoulder Barrel)
- Barrel Nut. (For Savage style prefits)
- Action Wrench or Barrel Nut Wrench. (Dependent on barrel type chosen)
- Trigger. (Rem 700 style trigger)
- Rifle Stock/Chassis (Rem 700 compatible).
- Action screws and bottom metal of choice. (Depends on your rifle or chassis selection)
- Headspace gauges that match the barrel chamber.
- Torque Wrench.
- Torque Screwdriver.
- Action Vice or Barrel Vice.
- Anti-seize/Barrel grease.
Now depending on the route you chose, you could have purchased either just a bolt action receiver or a barreled action. Barreled actions are already partially assembled, so skip steps 4 to 12.
Step 1 – Clear off a table or bench. This is to ensure you have ample space for all the parts, pieces and tools required to assemble your rifle.
Step 2 – Do a rough assembly by laying all the parts out on the cleared off table or bench, placing them in the rough location where they will end up. (See the photo below)
(Pic: Layout of all the parts needed to complete this rifle build. Credit: B&R Photography)
Step 3 – Confirm you have everything you need to complete your rifle assembly.
The next section of steps is split into two paths depending on the barrel style you choose. A shouldered prefit, or a variable shoulder prefit (Barrel Nut).
Shouldered Prefit Barrels
Step 4a – Clamp barrel in barrel vice.
Step 5a – Apply anti-seize/barrel grease to tenon threads or barrel threads depending on your preference.
Step 6a – Place recoil lug on the action with the pin located in its predetermined location.
Step 7a – Place the recoil lug on the action or on the barrel against the barrel nut depending on your preference.
Step 8a – Thread the action onto the barrel by hand. (Be very careful not to mar or damage threads on the barrel or the action)
Step 9a – Once the action is hand tight on the barrel, insert the action wrench and torque to the required Ft-Lb. (Please see the action and/or the barrel manufacturer for this spec.)
Step 10a – Check headspace with the appropriate headspace gauges. (Confirming that the bolt does not close on the No-Go Gauge but successfully closes on the Go Gauge.)
You can now skip ahead to step 13.
Step 11a – Wait for the variable shoulder barrel people to catch up.
Step 12a – Almost ready, just a few more seconds.
Variable Shoulder Prefit (Barrel Nut)
Step 4b – Clamp action in action vice.
Step 5b – Install barrel nut onto the barrel.
Step 6b – Apply anti-seize/barrel grease to the action threads or barrel threads depending on your preference.
Step 7b – Place the recoil lug on the action or on the barrel against the barrel nut depending on your preference.
Step 8b – Thread barrel onto the action.
Step 9b – Check headspace with headspace gauges. (Adjusting the barrel until appropriate headspace is achieved)
Step 10b – Once headspace is reached, thread the barrel nut towards the action until it makes contact and becomes hand tight.
Step 11b – Torque the barrel nut to the specified torque setting as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Step 12b – Recheck your headspace to confirm nothing changed while torque was applied. (Confirming that the bolt does not close on the No-Go Gauge but successfully closes on the Go Gauge.)
Now you have a barreled action, and are about halfway through the process of assembling your rifle. Let's go through the process of installing the last few components.
(Pic: Barreled action ready for stock install. Credit:B&R Photography)
Step 13 – Pop the trigger pins out and install your trigger in the appropriate orientation. Then reinstall the trigger pins to the correct depths. (As per manufacturer’s instructions.)
Step 14 – Confirm that the trigger and firing mechanism works as it should by dry firing. (This is completely okay and will not damage your Pristine Action.)
(Pic: Trigger installed in the action. Credit:B&R Photography)
Step 15 – Place the barreled action into the stock or chassis of your choosing.
(Something worth noting is every stock and chassis can be different and require different components. Typically, for a chassis you need action screws as they come with built-in trigger guards and magazine interfaces. Rifle stocks on the other hand require action screws and bottom metal. The bottom metal can be set up for different magazines or an internal box magazine depending on the shooting discipline you are assembling this rifle for.)
Step 16 – Install appropriate hardware as required by your stock or chassis manufacturer. Then install the action screws snug but not tight.
Step 17 – Ensure there is proper contact between the recoil lug and the chassis/stock.
(Pic: Installation of action screws. Credit:B&R Photography)
Step 18 – Tighten the action screws until you reach the specified torque specifications for your rifle stock/chassis.
Step 19 – Check over all the attachment points, confirming that everything is torqued properly and will not come loose during operation of the rifle. (I always double check my headspace at this point as it is one of the most important parts of assembling a rifle. Improper headspace can result in damage to the firearm and potentially injury/death to the operator.)
Building a bolt action rifle by Pristine Actions
(Pic: Completed Pristine rifle minus accessories. Credit:B&R Photography)
Step 20 – Install your optics of choice.
Step 21 – Pack it all up, take it to the range, and enjoy.
This is a very basic understanding of how to put your Pristine rifle together for those who feel confident enough in their abilities to do so. If you are unsure or have questions about this process, we advise that you contact a local gunsmith or another qualified individual, as firing a rifle can be extremely dangerous if put together incorrectly.
If you happen to be a visual learner we would like to direct you towards our video Building a bolt action rifle. It’s an excellent visual aid for assembling your bolt action rifle.
Please remember to always practice safe muzzle control, and Shoot Pristine.
-B
So, you squeezed the trigger and bought yourself a Pristine rifle action.You want to get it set up, so you can take it to the range and show off, right? Except, maybe this is the first rifle you have assembled and you’re not sure what the next steps are. Don't worry, we’ve got you covered. By the time you’re done reading this post, you will be able to put your rifle together safely and effectively. This also gives you a chance to confirm you have all the parts needed for your rifle's assembly. (Keep in mind if you are unsure or have questions, we advise that you contact a local gunsmith or another qualified individual, as firing a rifle can be extremely dangerous if put together incorrectly.)
First, let’s put together a list of all the parts and tools that you will need at a minimum to effectively and correctly assemble your bolt action rifle:
- Pristine Bolt Action Receiver.
- Rifle Barrel. (Barrel nut or Shoulder Barrel)
- Barrel Nut. (For Savage style prefits)
- Action Wrench or Barrel Nut Wrench. (Dependent on barrel type chosen)
- Trigger. (Rem 700 style trigger)
- Rifle Stock/Chassis (Rem 700 compatible).
- Action screws and bottom metal of choice. (Depends on your rifle or chassis selection)
- Headspace gauges that match the barrel chamber.
- Torque Wrench.
- Torque Screwdriver.
- Action Vice or Barrel Vice.
- Anti-seize/Barrel grease.
Now depending on the route you chose, you could have purchased either just a bolt action receiver or a barreled action. Barreled actions are already partially assembled, so skip steps 4 to 12.
Step 1 – Clear off a table or bench. This is to ensure you have ample space for all the parts, pieces and tools required to assemble your rifle.
Step 2 – Do a rough assembly by laying all the parts out on the cleared off table or bench, placing them in the rough location where they will end up. (See the photo below)
(Pic: Layout of all the parts needed to complete this rifle build. Credit: B&R Photography)
Step 3 – Confirm you have everything you need to complete your rifle assembly.
The next section of steps is split into two paths depending on the barrel style you choose. A shouldered prefit, or a variable shoulder prefit (Barrel Nut).
Shouldered Prefit Barrels
Step 4a – Clamp barrel in barrel vice.
Step 5a – Apply anti-seize/barrel grease to tenon threads or barrel threads depending on your preference.
Step 6a – Place recoil lug on the action with the pin located in its predetermined location.
Step 7a – Place the recoil lug on the action or on the barrel against the barrel nut depending on your preference.
Step 8a – Thread the action onto the barrel by hand. (Be very careful not to mar or damage threads on the barrel or the action)
Step 9a – Once the action is hand tight on the barrel, insert the action wrench and torque to the required Ft-Lb. (Please see the action and/or the barrel manufacturer for this spec.)
Step 10a – Check headspace with the appropriate headspace gauges. (Confirming that the bolt does not close on the No-Go Gauge but successfully closes on the Go Gauge.)
You can now skip ahead to step 13.
Step 11a – Wait for the variable shoulder barrel people to catch up.
Step 12a – Almost ready, just a few more seconds.
Variable Shoulder Prefit (Barrel Nut)
Step 4b – Clamp action in action vice.
Step 5b – Install barrel nut onto the barrel.
Step 6b – Apply anti-seize/barrel grease to the action threads or barrel threads depending on your preference.
Step 7b – Place the recoil lug on the action or on the barrel against the barrel nut depending on your preference.
Step 8b – Thread barrel onto the action.
Step 9b – Check headspace with headspace gauges. (Adjusting the barrel until appropriate headspace is achieved)
Step 10b – Once headspace is reached, thread the barrel nut towards the action until it makes contact and becomes hand tight.
Step 11b – Torque the barrel nut to the specified torque setting as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Step 12b – Recheck your headspace to confirm nothing changed while torque was applied. (Confirming that the bolt does not close on the No-Go Gauge but successfully closes on the Go Gauge.)
Now you have a barreled action, and are about halfway through the process of assembling your rifle. Let's go through the process of installing the last few components.
(Pic: Barreled action ready for stock install. Credit:B&R Photography)
Step 13 – Pop the trigger pins out and install your trigger in the appropriate orientation. Then reinstall the trigger pins to the correct depths. (As per manufacturer’s instructions.)
Step 14 – Confirm that the trigger and firing mechanism works as it should by dry firing. (This is completely okay and will not damage your Pristine Action.)
(Pic: Trigger installed in the action. Credit:B&R Photography)
Step 15 – Place the barreled action into the stock or chassis of your choosing.
(Something worth noting is every stock and chassis can be different and require different components. Typically, for a chassis you need action screws as they come with built-in trigger guards and magazine interfaces. Rifle stocks on the other hand require action screws and bottom metal. The bottom metal can be set up for different magazines or an internal box magazine depending on the shooting discipline you are assembling this rifle for.)
Step 16 – Install appropriate hardware as required by your stock or chassis manufacturer. Then install the action screws snug but not tight.
Step 17 – Ensure there is proper contact between the recoil lug and the chassis/stock.
(Pic: Installation of action screws. Credit:B&R Photography)
Step 18 – Tighten the action screws until you reach the specified torque specifications for your rifle stock/chassis.
Step 19 – Check over all the attachment points, confirming that everything is torqued properly and will not come loose during operation of the rifle. (I always double check my headspace at this point as it is one of the most important parts of assembling a rifle. Improper headspace can result in damage to the firearm and potentially injury/death to the operator.)
Building a bolt action rifle by Pristine Actions
(Pic: Completed Pristine rifle minus accessories. Credit:B&R Photography)
Step 20 – Install your optics of choice.
Step 21 – Pack it all up, take it to the range, and enjoy.
This is a very basic understanding of how to put your Pristine rifle together for those who feel confident enough in their abilities to do so. If you are unsure or have questions about this process, we advise that you contact a local gunsmith or another qualified individual, as firing a rifle can be extremely dangerous if put together incorrectly.
If you happen to be a visual learner we would like to direct you towards our video Building a bolt action rifle. It’s an excellent visual aid for assembling your bolt action rifle.
Please remember to always practice safe muzzle control, and Shoot Pristine.
-B
