Welcome to The Precision Report
Dive into real-world custom rifle builds, expert gunsmithing techniques, precision reloading tips, and deep-dive guides from a working shop in Chandler, MN. Whether you're a hunter, competitive shooter, or builder, this blog is built for you.

Picture This You’re at the range. Heart rate steady. Dope dialed. Wind checked. First shot perfect. Second shot still good. Then the group opens up like a shotgun pattern. Frustration hits. “Barrel’s shot out,” you mutter already pricing replacements, scopes, maybe a new stock. Stop. Most rifles don’t die overnight. Something changed and 9 times out of 10, it’s not the barrel. At Redleg, we’ve seen shooters waste thousands of dollars  chasing the wrong problem. That’s why we

The True Measure of a Rifle Isn’t How It Shoots Dirty It’s How It Shoots Clean. Every precision shooter eventually learns the same painful truth: Barrels don’t lose accuracy overnight. They lose it one careless cleaning at a time. At Redleg Precision Guns  in Chandler, Minnesota , we build and maintain rifles that live at the intersection of craftsmanship and science. We chamber, bed, and tune rifles for PRS, F-Class, ELR, and precision hunting and we’ve scoped, measured, and

Command the Dark Picture this: It's 2 AM on a sub-zero night in southwest Minnesota. The wind bites through your gloves, and the only sound is the crunch of frost under your boots. Suddenly, a coyote's heat signature blooms on your scope like a ghost rising from the snow. That's the power of thermal optics turning the hunter into the unseen predator. At Redleg, we've seen how these tools revolutionize night hunting, but only when matched with precision craftsmanship. The Ther

Comparing Precision in Factory and Custom Rifle Actions: Pros, Cons, and Redleg Refinements Borden Accuracy: The Pursuit of Perfect Symmetry Overview: Jim Borden’s actions are synonymous with true precision. Benchrest shooters rely on them because every line, lug, and bore is cut to near-molecular consistency. The Ridgeline and Alpine are among the most concentric custom actions ever made. Pros: EDM-cut raceways and lug seats ensure perfect bolt travel. Ultra-tight tolera

I. The Rifle Action as a Dynamic Structure Every rifle action is a pressure vessel, a torque tube, and a resonance system all in one. The moment the firing pin strikes, the rifle transitions from static geometry to a dynamic elastic system  steel flexes, vibrations travel, and forces balance across microscopic imperfections. Let’s break down what actually happens inside that split second: The firing pin accelerates  at 10 – 15 feet per second, striking the primer with roughly

Some jobs start with a story. Others start with numbers that just don’t add up. A client brought in a new lever-action rifle that looked flawless but wasn’t shooting like one. The primers on his fired brass were backing out, and he wanted the rifle tightened, the chamber shortened, a trigger job, and a full Cerakote refinish . On the surface, it sounded simple. But when you measure everything, the truth shows up in thousandths of an inch. ⚠️ A Word of Caution For Lever Action

If you’ve been in the shooting game for a while, you already know this truth: barrels wear out . But if you're newer to precision shooting, you might be surprised how early those effects start and how significantly they can impact your rifle’s performance. What is “barrel life”? Simply put, a rifle barrel’s life  is the number of rounds it can fire before accuracy or velocity degrades beyond your acceptable level for hunting, competition, or tight group shooting. 🧰 Why Barr

Every precision shooter reaches a point where something feels off: your once-dialed-in rifle starts throwing random flyers, velocity strings stretch out, and your bolt feels a little... tight. Is it the brass? Bad batch of powder? Did your scope shift? Odds are it’s none of those. You may have a carbon ring. This issue plagues custom rifles, especially high-pressure cartridges like the 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6mm Dasher the same rifles we build and shoot here at Red

Diagnosing Gas System and Extraction Issues in AR-15 and AR-10 Platforms You’ve invested in a quality rifle whether it’s a custom 5.56 AR or a precision AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor. But now, it’s short-stroking, not ejecting, and won’t lock back. It’s frustrating, right? At Redleg Guns, we encounter these issues frequently. And no, it’s not always the ammo. Cycling issues are among the most common problems our customers face with AR platforms. They are also one of the most misunde

Whether you're building precision bolt guns at Redleg or tuning AR platforms for coyote hunting, understanding trigger mechanics is essential. This section is for those who know their way around a mill, have worked a stoning jig, or obsess over sear angles like a toolmaker. 🧩 Fundamentals: How a Rifle Trigger Works Mechanically A rifle trigger system is essentially a levered mechanical release that manages the engagement between: Sear: The component that holds back the firin

🎯 Introduction: Precision Demands Consistency You're dialed in at the range. Everything prints sub-MOA. Then, on the first crisp November morning of deer season, your shot lands three inches off zero . You didn’t change your ammo. You didn’t bump your scope. So what happened? Welcome to the world of thermal drift a subtle but critical factor in long-range and hunting accuracy. This article unpacks what thermal drift is, how it impacts your gear, and how to mitigate it like

Whether you’re a hunter looking to protect your hearing, a competitive shooter managing recoil, or simply a firearms enthusiast interested in suppressors, threading your barrel is a smart and increasingly popular upgrade. But it’s not just a matter of cutting threads and screwing something on. At Redleg Guns , we offer precision barrel threading services for shooters who demand performance, safety, and legal compliance. Here’s what you need to know before modifying your rifle

Whether you’re out in the field chasing whitetail or spending time at the bench dialing in your load, dings and dents in your rifle stock can happen. The good news? If the damage is just a compression of the wood fibers (not a gouge or chip), there’s a time-tested fix: steam. At Redleg Guns, we’re all about helping you preserve the precision and beauty of your firearms. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to steam a dent out of a wood stock using tools you likely already have

Every rifle tells a story but not every ding or dent needs to be part of it. Whether it’s from a hunt, a bump in the safe, or just years of use, minor stock damage is something most gun owners will face. Luckily, there's a clean, effective fix that doesn’t require a full refinish: clear epoxy . At Redleg Guns, we use a simple but reliable method that blends durability and appearance and yes, it includes a trick with painter’s tape that makes blending a breeze. Here’s how we d

Let’s break down what it takes to build a true custom rifle. If you're considering a custom rifle, you already know that a factory firearm might not meet your exact needs. Whether you're a long-range shooter, a hunter, or a competitive marksman, a custom-built rifle offers precision, reliability, and a tailored shooting experience. But how do you go about getting one built? What questions should you ask? And what steps are involved? At Redleg Guns, we guide our customers thro

Understanding and Fixing Gas Blowback in Suppressed ARs If you’ve ever fired your suppressed AR and felt like you just got a face full of pepper spray, you’re not alone. That burning, eye-watering sensation is caused by gas blowback a common issue when running AR-style rifles with suppressors. The good news? You can fix it with the right tweaks to your build. Let’s break down why it happens and how to make your rifle run cleaner and smoother, without feeling like you’re takin

Disclaimer The information provided in this blog post is intended for experienced gunsmiths with advanced knowledge of firearm maintenance and modification. Bedding a barrel extension into an AR-15 or AR-10 upper receiver involves the use of specialized tools, materials, and chemicals, as well as adherence to proper safety protocols. Redleg Guns is not responsible for any damage, injury, or legal issues resulting from the application of the techniques described herein. Firear

Disclaimer The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The techniques and methods described are intended for use by experienced gunsmiths, firearm professionals, and knowledgeable enthusiasts. Working with firearms involves inherent risks, including but not limited to the use of tools, heat sources, and chemicals. Redleg Guns assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries, damages, or mishandling that may oc

Disclaimer The information provided in this blog post is intended for experienced gunsmiths, precision rifle builders, and advanced firearm enthusiasts who are familiar with gunsmithing tools, techniques, and safety procedures. Hand lapping a barrel is a highly technical process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Improper execution of this process can result in damage to the barrel, reduced accuracy, or personal injury. Always ensure your firearm is unloaded a

Disclaimer The information provided in this blog post is intended for experienced gunsmiths, firearm enthusiasts, and advanced shooters who are familiar with proper firearm handling and safety procedures. The process of slugging a rifle’s bore involves the use of specialized tools and techniques, and improper execution can result in damage to your firearm or personal injury. Always ensure your firearm is unloaded and cleared before starting any gunsmithing work. Use appropria