Rust Bolt Action Rifle
T3 sniper. Highest single-shot damage of any standard rifle. 4-round internal mag.
Fast facts
| Tier | T3 workbench |
|---|---|
| Ammo | 5.56 Rifle / HV / Explosive / Incendiary |
| Magazine | 4 rounds (internal mag, manual cycling) |
| RPM | ~50 (manual bolt action) |
| Damage | ~80 body / ~160 headshot (community-consensus) |
| Range | Very long (200m+ effective) |
| Recoil | Per-shot snap, returns to zero |
| Acquisition | T3 workbench: 1 metal spring + 3 metal pipe + 1 rifle body + 20 HQM |
The Bolt Action Rifle is Rust's standard sniper — high single-shot damage (one-tap on naked, two-tap on most armoured), accurate at very long range, but slow to cycle and only 4 rounds before reload. Best paired with an 8x or 16x scope. The headshot specialist's weapon.
Pro tips
- Pair with 8x or 16x scope — long-range is where the Bolt earns its slot.
- Make every shot count — slow cycle, low capacity, no spamming.
- Crouch and steady aim — sway is significant when standing or moving.
- Distinct cracking sound — every other player on the server knows when a Bolt fires.
Frequently asked questions
How much damage does a Bolt Action do in Rust?
~80 body damage, ~160 headshot with standard 5.56 (community-consensus). Highest single-shot damage of any standard rifle. One-tap on naked targets at any range; two-tap on most armoured targets.
How do I craft a Bolt Action Rifle?
T3 workbench. 1 metal spring + 3 metal pipe + 1 rifle body + 20 HQM (verified against corrosionhour). 45-second craft time. Blueprint default-known after T3 unlock.
Bolt Action vs L96?
L96 is the elite sniper (drop-only from elite crates / Bradley / Heli) with significantly more damage and range. Bolt Action is the craftable counterpart. L96 is rare; Bolt is the standard sniper for most players.