Confused about Tikka barrel difference

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Zoran1

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Hi everyone,
I am a bit confused about the differences between all the T3X models. I see that the Varmint does not have barrel threaded while the CTR is threaded for a muzzle brake. At the same time the Tikka catalog describes the CTR barrel as semi-heavy barrel.
I guess what I am trying to confirm is the following:
- if these two rifles have the same barrel
- any impact to accuracy if muzzle break is added to Varmint (interested in Stainless version). Is the barrel strong enough, any impact to accuracy
- out of these two, my understanding as per the posts on this forum is that Varmint might be a better option for chassis?
Thanks...
 
Varmint barrel is heavier than the CTR, 0.89" at the muzzle vs 0.79", according to the internet. Both are heavy enough to handle multi-shot strings.
As long as the muzzle threads are cut to be concentric to the bore, threading a varmint shouldn't be detrimental.

The varmint would benefit more with a chassis because it comes with mediocre mags. The CTR comes with Sako TRG mags.
What cartridge were you thinking of going with? Some cartridges in the varmint, like the 223, have factory mags that are too short to load heavy bullets close to the lands and still feed from the mag. The only options we have are to buy DBM or a chassis so that we can use longer AICS mags. The 308/creedmoor varmint guys aren't stuck in the same boat, as (I believe) they can buy long action tikka magazines and a longer factory bolt release to run longer COALs.

I own a varmint (223) but think that the CTR is better value due to the threaded barrel and better mags. The slightly thinner barrel doesn't seem to keep the CTR owners off the lists in the accuracy threads.
 
Thanks a lot - this is very helpful!
I already have T3X TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmore and considering the 308 caliber similarity, I was hoping to get something a bit different. As CTR caliber options are relatively limited, the Varmint in 300 Win was my preferred option. Further to that, this rifle comes in Stainless option and that is what I preferred. The threading and barrel thickness were the main concerns I had - to have this done properly, any idea of the cost gunsmith might charge?


Thanks again!
 
if you want a good out of the box rifle for the money go with the ctr. If you want to switch to a chassis and use aics mags and want to customize the rifle go with the varmint. I prefer the varmint over the CTR.
 
Thanks - I guess Tikka’s catalog could be a bit less cryptic and simply provide a table with differences between all the models. I am noticing CTR description states the “match grade barrel”. I guess that’s just their marketing and the Varmint barrel is even better then that?
 
Thanks Ivo! I am trying to avoid having to replace the barrel as it almost feels over-building the rifle. I might be just too economical :) but trying to reuse as much as possible from the initial factory T3x. My dilemma was TAC or Varmint but as I already have a rifle in 6.5 Creedmore, 308 seemed too similar caliber and I preferred stainless, so Varmint Stainless in 300Win assuming the barrel is strong enough for muzzle break seem to be sweet spot.
I see you are in Stoney Creek, so wanted to also ask if you have any recommendations for a gunsmith local to you or around MILTON?

Thanks
Zoran
 
Zoran1 said:
Thanks a lot - this is very helpful!
I already have T3X TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmore and considering the 308 caliber similarity, I was hoping to get something a bit different. As CTR caliber options are relatively limited, the Varmint in 300 Win was my preferred option. Further to that, this rifle comes in Stainless option and that is what I preferred. The threading and barrel thickness were the main concerns I had - to have this done properly, any idea of the cost gunsmith might charge?


Thanks again!
Click to expand...

The Tikka TAC A1 uses a TRG22 barrel. Mine is a 20" tackdriver in 6.5 CREEDMOOR
 
One of the nicest things about the Tikka T3's is that they are built to such exacting tolerances that shouldered prefits are being made by barrel manufacturers and gunsmiths for Tikka T3's, without having to see the specific action.

What this means is that you can buy a shouldered prefit barrel, get it shipped to your front door and install yourself at home.

Companies like Proof, Hardy, Carbon6, Keystone Accuracy, Bugholes, OM Rifles, PVA, etc. are all offering shouldered prefits for Tikka T3's, and the list of people supporting the Tikka platform grows every month.
 
Unholysavage said:
Varmint barrel is heavier than the CTR, 0.89" at the muzzle vs 0.79", according to the internet. Both are heavy enough to handle multi-shot strings.
As long as the muzzle threads are cut to be concentric to the bore, threading a varmint shouldn't be detrimental.

The varmint would benefit more with a chassis because it comes with mediocre mags. The CTR comes with Sako TRG mags.
What cartridge were you thinking of going with? Some cartridges in the varmint, like the 223, have factory mags that are too short to load heavy bullets close to the lands and still feed from the mag. The only options we have are to buy DBM or a chassis so that we can use longer AICS mags. The 308/creedmoor varmint guys aren't stuck in the same boat, as (I believe) they can buy long action tikka magazines and a longer factory bolt release to run longer COALs.

I own a varmint (223) but think that the CTR is better value due to the threaded barrel and better mags. The slightly thinner barrel doesn't seem to keep the CTR owners off the lists in the accuracy threads.
Click to expand...

The good thing about tikka is the long action and short action mags are the same except for a spacer in it. So you can use 30-06/.270 mags for the longer bullets and they work great. You might have to put a long action bolt stop in as well. Then you can use whatever bullets you want in your 6.5 or .308
 
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