A rifle construction includes an action and barrel that seat within a stock. Vibration-damping material, such as a foam or gel, is interposed between at least portions of the stock and action that would normally be in contact with each other. The material may be secured to the stock or metal parts as adhesively backed strips or may be sprayed or extruded. The action is fastened to the stock with flexible fasteners that allow the action to seat properly and maintain alignment in the presence of recoil forces or other forces acting on the fasteners.