It was time for a change, so I decided to purchase and build another rifle. As I began the process, I consulted my colleagues in the office for feedback on rifles they had experienced “above average” results with. To my surprise, a common recommendation quickly emerged. After conducting my own research, my decision was made. I’ll dive into the specifics of who, what, when, where, and why throughout this article. Simultaneously, I want to discuss the process of purchasing/ building a custom rifle and how I believe it should be approached. I’ll outline a range of factors to consider which will help you make a more informed decision when selecting a custom rifle that fits your needs and preferences. I’m also going to suggest a specific company that, from personal experience, is a huge stand-out.
Starting a custom rifle build, or purchasing a custom rifle, is an exciting project that requires careful planning and consideration. Some people want to understand and learn about every detail before making a decision, while others simply want to be given an end product that produces upper-echelon results that meet their expectations, wants, and needs. It can be daunting, but when working with the right company and people, I recently learned that it can be a very enjoyable and easy process, producing results that also exceed your expectations.
To start this process, the first thing that you need to do is identify your intended use or purpose. This will influence the specifications and features you need. Is it going to be for hunting, target shooting, competition, or tactical use? Then seek out the reputation of the company/builder and their track record. Research the reputation and look for reviews, testimonials, and examples of previous work. Ensure the builder has specific experience with the type of rifle and customization you want, and check if they offer a warranty or any post-purchase support for issues that may arise. Finally, verify the customization capabilities and understand what parts and features can be customized (e.g., barrel, stock, action, trigger). Consider whether the rifle allows for future upgrades or modifications, and make sure the customizations align with your specific preferences, whether it’s for aesthetics, ergonomics, or performance.
Once you cover those bases, you can then segue into all of the other variables and selections to end up with exactly what you want and can afford. These variables and selections can include budget, caliber, action, barrel selection, stock, bedding, trigger, muzzle brake/suppressor, bases/ rings, scope, magazine, bullets, test and tuning, durability and maintenance, etc.
As I stated earlier, I made my decision fairly quickly, and after thorough research and careful consideration, I landed on a company out of the great state of Idaho called AllTerra Arms. From my first conversation with them to the final delivery, including post-purchase support, the entire experience surpassed all of my expectations.
However, before I get into the finer details, I want to address an important point regarding this article. As I read through it, I felt it necessary to discuss its validity. In today’s world, some articles can seem biased, favoring a product regardless of the actual facts. This often happens when the product in question was provided for free or at a significant discount to the reviewer. That is not the case here. I personally purchased my rifle from AllTerra Arms, just as any customer would, and I’m excited to share my honest experience with both the company and the rifle I selected.
WHO IS ALLTERRA ARMS?
Founded by Andrew Foster in 2015 and based in Boise, Idaho, AllTerra Arms boasts a team with over two decades of experience and expertise in the custom rifle industry. They are dedicated to crafting the most accurate and reliable rifles with a commitment to providing an unparalleled shooting experience. Their skilled team designs, constructs, and customizes rifles to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client. Unlike mass-produced firearms, their rifles are tailored to exact specifications, focusing on precision, aesthetics, ergonomics, and functionality. AllTerra Arms has developed their own patented components, including the “Dual Tenon Barrel Connection,” “No-Fail Cycling,” and “Bolt-To-Bore Alignment.”
ALLTERRA-X RIFLE
I ended up choosing the AllTerra-X platform, and here’s why. AllTerra Arms builds their custom rifles on several platforms, and this is their latest and most advanced rifle. The AllTerra-X is the result of nearly two years of research and development, featuring a new adjustable negative comb, vertical textured grip, flush forend pic rail, and optional forend ARCA accessories. This rifle is versatile, and it’s equally suited for the mountains and the range. Weight can be added to the rifle for those who like a little heavier rifle, and it’s definitely light enough to tow around in the mountains as well as on extreme sheep/ goat type hunts. This rifle incorporates their patented Bolt-to-Bore Alignment and Dual-Tenon Barrel Connection for perfect concentricity, along with No-Fail Cycling for reliable field operation. Each rifle is range-tested to meet their performance guarantee, with long-range options that include optics, ammunition, and ballistics.
In their own words, “Our team has not only improved upon the standard bolt action rifle, we’ve revolutionized it and continue to do so by constantly pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks. By literally reinventing bolt- to-barrel-to-receiver axial alignment, we’ve engineered a truly unique solution that guarantees precision accuracy and unwavering reliability. Every component undergoes rigorous quality control before being hand-finished, allowing us to craft the epitome of precision engineering in bolt action rifles.”
STOCK AND ERGONOMICS
First off, I want to highlight the stock and the outstanding ergonomics of this masterpiece. It’s important to choose a stock material (wood, synthetic, carbon fiber) that suits your preferences for weight, durability, and aesthetics. Make sure the rifle’s stock is either adjustable or custom-fitted to your body for maximum comfort and control. Consider features like cheek risers, adjustable butt pads, and grip design for better handling. The ergonomics were a top priority for me, with accuracy being paramount. The AllTerra-X stock features a solid and repeatable cheek weld anchor point, which ensures consistent rifle mounting every time. This alignment naturally positions my eye with the scope, allowing for rapid sight acquisition without needing to adjust my head. I pull it up, and everything is perfectly aligned every time. When I shoot this rifle, my body and the rifle move as one, more seamlessly than with any other rifle I’ve used. It’s also incredibly comfortable, especially during longer sessions. This comfort allows me to maintain better form, leading to more productive and accurate shooting experiences. The stock’s ergonomics have also greatly improved recoil management. It fits me so well that I can feel how it evenly distributes recoil energy, reducing its impact on me and enabling quicker follow-up shots. Whether in the field or at the range, this rifle is always ready to perform, and it performs exceptionally well. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and packable, and I can already tell it will be a streamlined hunting rifle through and through. Overall, the ergonomics of this AllTerra-X rifle are amazing!
CALIBER AND AMMUNITION
Caliber suitability is a big decision. Ensure the caliber is suitable for your intended purpose and matches your shooting style. When building or selecting a rifle, it is important to verify that ammunition for your chosen caliber is readily available and reasonably priced. Consider the recoil of the chosen caliber and whether it’s manageable for you. The team at AllTerra was extremely helpful in selecting the right caliber by offering a combination of expert guidance, personalized recommendations, and practical resources. We discussed my intended use, and then they provided insights on ballistics, recoil, and caliber versatility, as well as side-by-side comparisons.
BARREL SELECTION
When selecting a barrel, you need to consider the material and finish, length, and twist rate. Look for high-quality barrel materials like stainless steel or chrome- moly. Check the finish for durability and corrosion resistance. Ensure the barrel length is appropriate for your needs, balancing accuracy and portability. Confirm that the twist rate of the barrel is suitable for the bullet weight and type you plan to use. While conversing with AllTerra on barrels, I was able to get right down to business. I asked for suggestions along with the “why?” and I received exactly that. I was tossed between steel and carbon, and I was leaning to steel, mainly due to my aspiration of accuracy being the most important. Todd’s response was, “Steel barrels are more accurate. Don’t let anyone try to tell you different. If weight isn’t a concern, it’s near impossible to beat a non-fluted #3B or #4 steel barrel as far as accuracy goes. A spiral-fluted steel 3B gets you within two ounces of carbon and is also more accurate.” As a final decision, I chose to go with a steel barrel on this rifle.
ACTION AND TRIGGER
For this step, you need to decide between bolt action, semi-automatic, or another type based on your preferences and intended use. Ensure the trigger is adjustable and offers a clean, consistent break. Consider aftermarket options if the stock trigger isn’t satisfactory. AllTerra Arms model C2 action was designed as a high-quality but affordable alternative to their convergence series action by removing their proprietary dual lock barrel seat, while maintaining all the other features and benefits. Regarding the trigger, I chose the TriggerTech Special, and it was a quick conversation. It’s one of the best and most failsafe triggers out there. It’s adjustable, crisp, and reliable.
MUZZLE DEVICES
When selecting a rifle, consider whether it includes or is compatible with a muzzle brake or suppressor, and ensure the barrel is properly threaded for any muzzle devices you plan to use. Suppressors offer significant noise reduction, making shooting more comfortable and less disruptive, particularly in hunting or tactical situations. They also reduce recoil, improving control and protecting hearing. However, suppressors add weight and length, making the rifle less maneuverable. They can cause the barrel to heat up faster, potentially affecting accuracy, and are heavily regulated or illegal in some regions. Additionally, suppressors are expensive and increase the overall cost of the setup.
Muzzle brakes are highly effective at reducing recoil and muzzle rise, improving control and accuracy, especially with larger calibers and during rapid fire. However, they increase noise, direct blast to the sides or rear, and can kick up dust, particularly in prone shooting. Muzzle brakes are less regulated than suppressors but can still be restricted in some areas.
In summary, suppressors excel at reducing noise and recoil but add weight and face legal restrictions. Muzzle brakes improve recoil control and accuracy but increase noise and muzzle blast. Regardless of shooting a suppressor or muzzle brake, AllTerra’s rifles shoot lights out across the board using both applications.
ACCURACY AND PERFORMANCE
Not all custom builders offer accuracy guarantees, so it’s essential to ensure the rifle meets your expectations. AllTerra Arms, however, provides a robust guarantee. Every AllTerra rifle is backed by a commitment to consistently shoot sub half-inch (0.5") three-shot groups with premium ammunition. Their range technicians – comprising former military snipers, professional shooters, and firearms instructors – personally certify each rifle before it leaves the facility. Additionally, AllTerra guarantees that accuracy remains consistent across various bullet weights and that the rifle will cycle smoothly in all conditions.
OPTICS, MOUNTING, AND BREAK-IN
If the rifle comes with optics, ensure they are of high quality and suitable for your intended use, with a secure and reliable mounting system. If possible, test the rifle’s performance before finalizing the purchase, paying attention to groupings, consistency, and handling. Keep in mind that some custom rifles may require a break-in period to reach peak performance.
However, if you’re purchasing an AllTerra rifle, these concerns are already taken care of. AllTerra’s team thoroughly tests each rifle, certifying its grouping, consistency, and performance. They even handle the initial barrel break-in as part of their rigorous testing process. Once you receive your rifle, all you need to do is foul the barrel, confirm or adjust your zero, and treat it like any other rifle from that point forward.
DELIVERY TIME
Custom rifles can take months to complete, so consider the delivery timeline and how it fits with your needs. Ensure there’s clear communication with the builder regarding the progress and expected delivery date. AllTerra’s orders to be built typically take five to eight weeks to finish, depending on caliber, model, and upgrade options/ packages. Ready-to-ship rifle orders take 1-10 days to ship, depending on optic/ballistics packages, etc. that are added to the order.
PAYMENT TERMS
Custom rifles are an investment, especially when it comes to the quality AllTerra delivers. However, they are competitively priced compared to many other options. For built-to-order rifles, a 50% deposit is required, with the remaining balance due upon completion. If your budget and/ or timing is a bit tight, AllTerra offers financing options to make the process more manageable.
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Ensure the builder offers ongoing support for adjustments, repairs, or maintenance, and confirm that spare parts or compatible components are readily available for future needs.
AllTerra Arms has been exceptional in their after-sale service. They have been incredibly attentive and eager to answer any and all questions. Throughout the entire process, including after delivery, they have consistently under-promised and over- delivered. I can’t say enough about the quality of their support.
MY ALLTERRA ARMS SUMMARY
I am deeply impressed by AllTerra Arms as a vertically-integrated company. By producing almost all of their components in-house, they maintain unparalleled quality and control over every aspect of their rifles. At the heart of their performance lies a receiver design with three patented innovations, embodying the core of their rifles’ exceptional accuracy and reliability. Their proprietary chambering process and hardened chromoly bolts, combined with what may be the best receiver on the market for benchrest accuracy and field reliability, set them apart from the competition.
AllTerra Arms crafts their stocks in-house as well, delivering an unparalleled shooting experience. They manufacture their own muzzle brakes, precisely timed for a seamless fit, rather than opting for the more common self-timed versions. This meticulous attention to detail reflects their commitment to quality over quantity.
Every AllTerra rifle features a full-length benchrest-style bedding system, ensuring a precise fit and finish that performs flawlessly every time. Even their action screws are sourced from a high-quality component maker and further hardened to exceed standard durability. The bolts are coated with Nickel Boron, enhancing their hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance while also increasing lubricity. This environmentally-friendly coating makes the bolts tougher than the machines that cut them.
AllTerra Arms rifle components are resistant to water and equipped with dual ejectors for consistent ejection, allowing fine-tuned adjustments to the direction of ejection. Their rifles are guaranteed to eject shells with precision and consistency, avoiding the common issues found in other rifles. Each rifle is rigorously tested to ensure peak accuracy and performance, and they offer premium ammunition and ballistics packages as well.
For those who need a complete, ready-to- shoot solution, AllTerra Arms goes above and beyond. They take the guesswork out of the process, testing each rifle at 500 and 1,000 yards, truing the ballistics, and setting up the rifle with turrets or ballistic rangefinding options based on the customer’s preferences. By the time the rifle is delivered, it’s ready for the field.
By considering all of these factors, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision when purchasing a custom rifle that suits your needs and preferences. AllTerra Arms is at the top of the list! They control every step of the manufacturing process, from start to finish, resulting in a product that is nothing short of superior.
MY ALLTERRA-X SPECS & DETAILS:
· Rifle: AllTerra-X Steel Base Rifle Left Hand, Caliber: 300 PRC
· Stock: AllTerra-X Carbon Fiber
· Action: AllTerra Convergence
· Length of Pull: 13.75"
· Metal Color: Smoked Bronze
· Stock Color: Damascus Forest *Smoked Bronze
· Barrel: 22" #4 Cut Steel 1:9
· Bottom Metal: Hunter DBM
· Muzzle Brake: AllTerra V4 Ti
· Suppressor: Gunwerks 6IX+ Titanium
· Trigger: TriggerTech Special (1-3.5 lbs)
· Optics: Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50MM
· Rail: AllTerra 20 MOA Picatinny Rail
· Rings: Nightforce 30MM
· Rear Mounts: QD Flush Upper Right
· Forend Mounts: Pic Rail with QD Flush Cup TriggerTech Special Upgrade
To contact AllTerra Arms, you can reach them at (208) 608-5179 or you’ll find them online at www.allterraarms.com.
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