Rifle build spec

My first bolt-action rifle: the full .223 build spec

After three AR-15s, I built my first bolt gun: a custom .223 action, a 26-inch prefit barrel with a 1:7 twist, a two-stage match trigger and a modular chassis.

The spec is everything I had to look up while building it, in one place: every part, the torque and tool for every fastener, and the order I put it together in.

The .223 bolt-action rifle: blue-gray chassis, long stainless barrel with a muzzle brake, scope and bipod — The actual rifle. The photo was enhanced with AI for the backdrop and lighting, which also brightened the chassis (it's a muted gray-blue in person) and reshaped the bipod. Brand markings are hidden: the makes and models are what the spec is for.

$25

.223 Bolt-Action Build Spec · PDF, 4 pages · Rev 1.0

Get the spec — $25

Secure checkout by Stripe. The PDF downloads right after you pay, and your download link always gets the latest revision.

All sales are final. The PDF downloads right after you pay, so spec sheets aren't refundable.

What's in it

Every part on this rifle is there for a reason. Here's what each one does. The sheet names the exact make and model.

The action

A custom short action on the most common footprint there is, so stocks, chassis and triggers fit without hunting. A side bolt release and a built-in sloped rail.

The barrel

A 26-inch prefit, threaded and chambered for this action, so it goes on without a gunsmith cutting anything. The 1:7 twist stabilizes the heavy .223 bullets that hold up at distance.

The trigger

A two-stage match trigger. Each stage adjusts on its own, so you can set a firm takeup and a light, clean break.

The muzzle

A brake on a timing adapter: no shims and no crush washer, and the ports come out level every time.

The chassis

A modular chassis that adjusts for length of pull and cheek height, with a long forend for a bipod or a rear bag.

The torque table

Every fastener on the rifle with its torque, the tool and size, and the lube or thread-locker. Including the two that are easy to get wrong.

Cover of the True Zero Precision Bolt-Action Rifle Build Specification

The sheet gives you:

The exact make and model of every part, and what each one does.
The torque and tool for every fastener, with where each number comes from.
The install order I used, step by step, including checking headspace.
What's still open: the scope and mount are on order, and groups aren't measured yet. When they are, they go in the sheet and your link gets the update.

Before you buy

This is the build as I did it, not a gunsmithing course. If you aren't sure you can install a barrel and check headspace correctly, have a gunsmith do it.
Laws on rifles and their features differ from state to state. Check yours before you build.
I'm not a professional gunsmith. I'm a shooter who built three AR-15s and then this, and wrote down what I did.
Not sponsored by any of these companies.

$25

Get the spec — $25

All sales are final. The PDF downloads right after you pay, so spec sheets aren't refundable.

Questions before you buy? Email [email protected].