Rifle Builds

Double H Gunsmithing builds custom bolt-action rifles at our shop in Blanch, North Carolina. Ken Barfield handles the metalwork and assembly: chambering and threading barrels, headspacing actions, installing triggers and bottom metal, bedding chassis and stocks, applying metal finish, and completing function check and test fire.

Whether you are starting from a donor rifle, a barreled action, or a full parts list, we can put together a hunting or precision rifle that fits how you shoot. Call or text to talk through the build before you buy parts.

Barrel work is also covered on our Rebarreling page. This page is for full builds, donors, chassis and stocks, and how we put the package together.

Platforms we build on

Most of our builds are Remington 700-pattern short or long actions, either as new aftermarket receivers or as donor rifles. Common short-action cartridges include .243, .260, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and .22-250. Long-action work includes .30-06, .270, and similar.

We also build on Mauser donors, and we can work with Winchester Model 70, Ruger M77, and other bolt actions. The 700 pattern simply has the deepest aftermarket support for chassis, stocks, and triggers.

How you can bring the project in

Bring all the parts, have us order the full list for you, or mix and match. Many builds start with a donor rifle plus the barrel, chassis or stock, and trigger you want next.

A Remington 700 is an excellent donor. We also do a lot of Mauser work. If you already have a Model 70, M77, or similar, bring it in and we will tell you what the aftermarket will support.

When we are ordering parts for the build, we typically ask for a fifty-percent deposit toward those parts before we place the orders. The balance is due when the rifle is ready.

What we do in Blanch

We also rebarrel and rechamber existing rifles, correct headspace, bed and free-float, change length of pull, drill and tap for optics, alter bolts for scope use, and install triggers including low-mount safeties. See Rebarreling, Triggers, Wood Refinishing, and Rebluing.

Chassis, stocks, actions, and barrels

Most builds today use an aluminum chassis. We recommend MPA (MasterPiece Arms) and MDT.

Fiberglass and laminate stocks remain classic choices. Preferred fiberglass makers are Manners and McMillan. More affordable fiberglass options include HS Precision and Bell & Carlson. For laminate stocks, Boyds is our go-to.

When a wood stock needs to be made from a blank, we recommend Gunville / Silver Hill Gun Stocks. Final fit and finish can be completed here once the semi-inlet is ready.

Popular aftermarket stainless 700-pattern actions include Defiance and Kauger Arms. Blueable steel 700 actions are available when you want a traditional blue on both barrel and action. For a matching Cerakote on action and barrel, unfinished stainless is a clean path and we can coat both here.

For premium cut-rifled barrels we prefer to work with Bartlein. Krieger and Brux are also in that class. Shaw pre-fits are a solid, more affordable installed option. Off-the-shelf and pre-fit barrels from Bugholes, Red Hawk Rifles, and Bullet Central are another way to move a build along; we can match a listing to your action and install it here.

We will help you pick contour, twist, and length for hunting, varmint, or bench use. A standard sporter keeps weight down for deer country. Heavier contours hold zero longer through longer strings. Starting points we often use include about 26 inches on .22-250 and about 24 inches on .243, .260 / 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308, with twist rates matched to the cartridge.

Triggers and other finish work

Popular hunting triggers include Timney 510-V2 and TriggerTech Special. For bench work, Timney HIT and TriggerTech Diamond are strong options. On BDL-style stocks, an HS Precision detachable magazine conversion is a popular path; hinged floorplates are available too.

Muzzle threading for suppressors is $150 and includes a thread protector. Common pitches include 1/2-28 and 5/8-24. See our Suppressor Threading page for details.

Shop labor planning figures

These are pre-tax planning ranges for shop labor and shop-applied finishes, and already reflect the four-percent cash discount in our usual practice. Maker prices for actions, barrels, chassis, stocks, and similar parts come from the maker; we will quote those at current cost when the list is fixed.

Priority service is available at time-and-a-half on labor. Lead times once parts are in the shop are on our home page lead times table. Prices on this site assume payment by cash or check unless we note otherwise. See also our Terms & Conditions.

Getting started

Call or text 336-694-5739, or email [email protected]. Tell us the cartridge, how you plan to use the rifle, and whether you are bringing a donor, some parts, or starting from scratch. We will help you put a clean parts list together and get the build moving.