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Precision Shooting With Bolt-Action Rifles

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Bolt-action rifles have long been some of the most accurate rifles ever designed. Originally developed 200 years ago, they’ve remained as one of the go-to long-range rifles for many, consistently delivering repeatable results along with pinpoint accuracy and precision.  

Although the simplicity of the platform has remained, the quality of their components has only improved as new technologies and manufacturing processes continue to get better. Today, it’s common to find a myriad of different bolt-action models available, each coming with their own unique design features and upgrades.  

However, not all rifles are built the same. When the situation calls for extreme precision and fine accuracy, a high-performance rifle is needed for the job. But what exactly sets a standard bolt-action apart from a high-performance model? Below, we’re looking at the distinctive features found on premium rifles, as well as a few models that exemplify top tier.  

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What is a Bolt-Action Rifle 

Bolt-action rifles are a type of long gun where the user manually loads and ejects cartridges by lifting the bolt handle, pulling it back, and pushing it forward and down again to lock it in place. This simplicity is part of what makes them so accurate. Contrary to semi-auto rifles, they have very few moving parts, so they’re exceptionally reliable. Plus, since they don’t have a gas system to cycle the action, there aren’t any key parts attached to the barrel, giving them superior harmonics. 

At their core, all bolt-action rifles have the same main parts, though their designs vary: the action, barrel, trigger, and stock. The action is essentially the heart of the rifle, serving as the mounting hub for all the other parts, as well as being responsible for housing the bolt. The barrel, like on all other firearms, guides the projectile forward towards your intended target. The trigger is used to start the firing sequence, while the stock provides a solid surface to grip, and mount accessories too.  

Advantages of Using a Bolt-action Rifle 

Bolt-action rifles offer many advantages over other rifle variants. For starters, their simplicity makes them incredibly accurate. The solid lock up of the bolt, in addition to their lack of moving parts make them particularly well suited for long range shooting applications where precision marksmanship is needed.  

They’re incredibly reliable too. As we mentioned, there aren’t many moving parts on these rifles, and less movement means fewer potential points of failure. In terms of bolt-actions versus semi-auto rifles like the AR-10, which have a more complex design, there’s much less risk of failure. This isn’t to say that bolt-actions are completely free of having errant malfunctions, but the likelihood of them occurring is significantly less.  

Lastly, bolt-actions are an excellent host for a wide array of ammunition, with the breadth of options being quite wide. Bolt-actions can be chambered in just about any rifle cartridge, ranging from small rimfire rounds like .22LR, to anti-material cartridges like .50 BMG and everything in-between. So, regardless of whether you’re looking for a smaller rifle for simple recreational shooting, or something larger for hunting or competitions, a bolt-action can be a solid pick to go with. If you’re on the fence about what caliber to go with, caliber guides like our 6.5 Creedmoor vs. .308 Winchester article can help you narrow down your options 

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Types of Bolt-action Rifles 

Because of their immense popularity, there is a vast number of bolt-action rifles available—so much so, it’s often a challenge to figure out which is the best choice to go with. Just like with AR-15s, different manufacturers often have their own distinct design choices that cater to different preferences. 

Characteristics of High-Performance Bolt-Action Rifles 

Your standard bolt-action rifles are perfectly functional for standard applications, but when you get into more technical shooting at long range, they often leave something to be desired. Many of the ‘standard’ bolt-action rifles typically feature a rather standard design consisting of either a basic wooden or composite stock, basic triggers, and mid-grade barrels that usually don’t have threads or specialized profiles. In contrast, rifles built for high-performance often come with advanced features that make them more adaptable, or specialized, for their intended purpose.  

High-performance rifles are kitted out with all sorts of features, ranging from upgraded stocks and chassis to specialized barrels. Some models may feature an aluminum chassis complete with an adjustable/collapsible stock, M-LOK support, and even a built-in upper picatinny rail for mounting optics. At the same time, they can have optimized barrel designs, such as bull barrels for better harmonics and accuracy, or fluted ones for better heat dissipation and weight reduction. Plus, they can come threaded, allowing you to use muzzle devices like muzzle brakes and suppressors.  

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High Performance Bolt-Action Rifle Brands 

Barrett MRAD: Well-known for their legendary .50 Caliber rifles like the Model 82A1 and M107A1, Barrett is one of the most renowned producers of high-performance rifles. Their lineup consists of multiple rifles, but their bolt-action models like the MRAD® are among the most popular. Recently, it was even selected by SOCOM as the winner for their Advanced Sniper Rifle contract, and by the U.S. Army to be their Precision Sniper Rifle, becoming their new MK22 ASR and MK22 PSR rifles, respectively. 

The Barrett MRAD is a highly adaptable bolt-action rifle. It’s available in a wide assortment of calibers ranging from common rifle rounds like .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor to magnum sized powerhouses like .338 Norma and .338 Lapua Magnum. Regardless of which one you choose, these rifles come standard with an aluminum chassis that has M-LOK support, an upper picatinny rail for optics, and a folding stock that also has an adjustable length of pull and cheek comb. They also have fluted barrels that come pre-equipped with a removable muzzle device. If you opt for a Magnum model, the barrels are easily swapped, giving you the ability to use multiple cartridges.  

Accuracy International: Accuracy International is a well-known bolt-action rifle and parts manufacturer that’s renowned for their precise rifle systems. They offer multiple rifles that are standout examples of what precision rifles are capable of, with their AT rifle being a solid pick. 

The AT is similar in many ways to the Barrett MRAD. It comes standard with an aluminum chassis that features their KeySlot mounting system, a fully adjustable folding stock, and a full-length upper picatinny rail for mounting optics. These rifles come with a 20-inch match grade stainless steel barrel that can come threaded to fit a variety of different muzzle devices. Additionally, each rifle comes outfitted with an Accuracy International adjustable two-stage trigger and utilizes detachable 10-round AICS pattern magazines. Although this rifle was initially designed to chamber .308, the AX rifle comes with their Quickloc quick release system, allowing you to freely swap between different caliber barrels.  

LaRue Tactical Siete: One of the most prominent names in the firearms industry, LaRue Tactical is well-known for their high-quality rifle systems. Despite being a popular manufacturer of AR style rifles, they made an impact amongst precision shooting enthusiasts with the introduction of their Siete bolt-action rifle line.  

The LaRue Tactical Siete rifle is another incredible precision bolt-action rifle that’s designed for high-performance. Using a Remington-style receiver, they come standard with an aluminum free floating chassis that has full-length M-LOK compatibility, and they also come pre-equipped with a 2.5-pound Timney trigger. Additionally, they come with a folding stock extension that’s complete with an enhanced LaRue RAT stock. Each Siete barrel is threaded to accept different muzzle devices and they’re available in multiple chamberings and barrel lengths; plus, the Siete also has a quick barrel change feature, making caliber swaps an easy task.  

Seekins Precision HAVAK HIT: Seekins Precision is one of the leading manufacturers of precision rifles. They have a plethora of high-quality options ranging from AR platform SPRs to exceptionally crafted bolt-actions built for long-range marksmanship. One such bolt-action is their HAVAK HIT.  

The HAVAK HIT is part of their renowned HAVAK line of rifles. The HIT is packed with features that make it a solid contender for any enthusiast looking for a new precision rifle. Featuring an aluminum chassis, it has multiple M-LOK attachment points, a fully adjustable folding stock, an upper picatinny rail for optics, and it comes standard with a 2.5-pound Timney trigger. The HIT also has a threaded, M24 contour stainless steel barrel. Aside from its primary features, the HIT is packed with smaller accoutrements such as a dust door, AR style grips, an adjustable magazine catch, and it’s compatible with AICS pattern magazines. 

Tikka TACT A1: Hailing from Finland, Tikka has a knack for crafting superbly engineered rifle systems. Out of their lineup, by far the most popular rifle they offer is their T3x, an updated take on their original T3 design.  

These rifles are available in multiple configurations and can come chambered in a wide array of calibers. As far as performance rifles go, the T3x TACT A1 is one of the more specialized rifles they make. These rifles come with an aluminum chassis, which has both full length M-LOK support, as well as an upper picatinny rail for optics and other accessories. Like the Barrett MRAD, the stock on the TACT A1 is fully adjustable and can fold to the side when not in use. Although the barrel appears fairly standard, it’s machined for exceptional accuracy, and it features a corrosion resistant blued finish as well as muzzle threads for any muzzle device you plan to use.  

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SIG Sauer CROSS Rifle: Bolt-actions are new to SIG’s roster, but they’ve quickly become one of their most sought-after rifle options. The SIG Sauer CROSS rifle is a lightweight bolt-action that’s highly adaptable for multiple applications.  

The Cross is available in a few different configurations, with the standard CROSS and CROSS Magnum being the most popular. Functionally, they are remarkably similar, as both rifles feature a lightweight aluminum chassis that has M-LOK support, a fully adjustable and folding stock, a threaded barrel, and ergonomic grips. Standard CROSS rifles are chambered in either .308, 6.5 CM, or .277 SIG Fury and use SR-25 pattern magazines, while CROSS Magnum rifles can come chambered in either 300 PRC, 300 Win-Mag, or 7 PRC.  

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Springfield Armory Waypoint: Like SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory is fairly new to the bolt-action game. However, this hasn’t stopped them from placing a considerable amount of care into their rifles.  

Springfield’s Waypoint rifles are packed with features that make them ideal for any for long-range shooting discipline. Unlike other rifles in this list, the Waypoint isn’t available with an aluminum chassis system, but it still comes with an incredibly adaptable and lightweight stock. Its stock is made from carbon fiber, and although it doesn’t fold, the cheek comb is adjustable for easier aiming. These rifles can come chambered in multiple different calibers, and they come standard with upper picatinny rails, as well as multiple threaded barrel options too.  

Browning X-Bolt Target Max: Few brands are as recognizable as Browning. For over 100 years, they’ve been producing some of the most popular shotguns, rifles, and pistols in the industry, and their bolt-action rifles are no exception, as they’re still the go-to option for many enthusiasts.  

Although there are several Browning bolt-action rifles to choose from, one of the most popular options in their roster is the X-Bolt, with the X-Bolt Target Max being a particularly high-performance rifle. This rifle was designed specifically for extreme precision. Like the Springfield Waypoint, it doesn’t have an aluminum chassis, but it does come with a composite stock that has a lower picatinny rail for mounting bipods as well as an adjustable cheekpiece for better comfort when aiming. The action is constructed from stainless steel, and the barrel is both threaded for muzzle devices and fluted for better heat dissipation.  

Accessories 

Regardless of what rifle you end up going with, having the right accessories can either make or break your experience. Before you set off kitting out your rifle, it’s important to understand all that’s available to you, as well as the functionality and utility of each product. It can get overwhelming at times, since there are so many parts and accessories to choose from, but we’ll touch on some of the most important ones below: 

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Optics 

Without good optics, achieving sub-MOA accuracy at extended distances is nearly impossible. A quality rifle scope is one of the most important accessories a rifle can have. And a well-made scope will maximize the capabilities of your rifle. 

Rifle scopes provide a finer point of aim while also magnifying the target, making it easy to properly identify your target before firing. Likewise, they’re capable of housing complex reticle systems, allowing you to adequately compensate for factors like wind, target movement, and bullet drop.  

Scope Mounts 

Scope mounts are a necessary addition to your rifle if you plan to use a scope. Scope mounts are available in multiple sizes, heights, and designs, but for the most part, they all work to achieve the same goal. They’re responsible for locking the scope in place on top of the rifle, ensuring it stays aligned with zero movement to maintain zero.  

The two most common scope mounts are one-piece mounts and scope rings. One-piece mounts are exactly as their name suggests, a mount that’s made up of one piece. They’re primarily used on rifles that have continuous upper picatinny rails, like AR-15s and AR-10s, but bolt-actions like the ones mentioned above, they’re perfectly compatible. Although they’re compatible, we recommend going with a set of matched scope rings instead. Functionally, they’re identical but are a two-piece construction. Scope rings that are matched for your rifle will get your optic as close to the rifle as possible without contacting it. This provides you with the perfect height for your objective lens, allowing you to more easily make accurate shots over long distances. 

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Bipods 

Depending on how you use your rifle, it’s more than likely that at some point you’re going to find yourself in some uneven terrain where stability becomes an issue. This is where bipods come in. Bipods provide a base that supports the front end of your rifle, giving you more control of the rifle when in adverse settings. Modern bipods are often collapsible and adjustable, allowing for easy storage and adaptability to various shooting environments. 

Depending on your rifle and bipod combo, you may need to use an adapter for proper fitment. Each of the rifles mentioned above, as well as most of the options on the market, come with a dedicated mount. If not, there are several bipod mounts available to make your rifle compatible with different bipods.  

Conclusion 

Bolt-action rifles are a classic design that exemplifies precision and accuracy. Despite the original design being 200 years old, modern renditions of the classic action have cemented their legacy as some of the highest performing rifles around. Still, it’s important to note that not all rifles are built the same, for applications that demand pinpoint accuracy and extreme precision, having the right rifle is paramount.  

As you search for your next bolt-action rifle, remember that our suggestions above are only a brief glimpse into the world of bolt-action rifles. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different models available, with each one offering its own distinct features to set it apart from the rest. We highly recommend taking ample time to go over the features of each possibility to make sure it best aligns with your needs and preferences. 

With the vast assortment of options available, there’s something for everyone, and there’s sure to be a rifle that’s fit for you. If you’re thinking about opting for more of an entry level rifle, our guide on the best bolt-action rifles for hunting goes over some excellent options for all budgets.