17M2 drop-in barrel for a Tikka T1x-where to start?

[.22LRGUY]

Hey guys-I'd ask this in the Rimfire Forum, but I think I'd prefer to tap into the experience of those fixing/building...as this may seem like an unusual request.

If Tikka offered their T1x in the diminutive 17M2, I'd simply buy one, but since they don't, I'm contemplating something I've never considered-putting one (or having one PUT) together. Provided the costs are not nutty. And we know how that can go.

I Googled "drop-in 17M2 barrel Tikka T1x" and was directed to the Lothar Walther site. They offer a stainless barrel for the Tikka, in that caliber. I'm a handy guy, but don't have much in the way of gunsmithing tools...and have never taken on anything like this. Since 17M2's parent case is a 22LR, the 22LR receiver/mags should work just fine. My questions are;

1.are these barrels/chambering jobs in them considered good quality?
2.where would one buy a LW barrel in Canada?
3.any better alternatives?
4.DIYable (my own word), or req. a smith?

If any of you guys were taking this on (or HAVE taken something like this on) are you able to talk me into/out-of this idea for any reason? Time line is not critical, but I do want to end-up with a rifle that will wring-out whatever accuracy potential this little 17 offers.

Really looking forward to your replies, and thanks for taking a moment to post them. I'm in S. Ontario if that matters, an hour north of Toronto.

Thanks!!

 

[Sun_and_Steel_77]

Talk to Marco at IBI in Chilliwack.
I own a couple of IBI centerfire barrels one carbon fiber one SS fluted and they ooze quality. The shop treats you very well and you're supporting a canadian business.
Cost may be higher than the pre-fit price due to custom chambering and they offer the gunsmithing service of installing their barrel to your action if you aren't comfortable DIY'ing.

If you do a search over on rimfire central you'll find the info that you need regarding either the IBI barrels or Lothar.
The grub screws that retain the barrel on the T1X's are tightened by mountain gorillas that do not want you swapping barrels!
I used a combination of heat and an impact driver with the correct bit and there were still cusswords involved!

 

[guntech]

You could have an existing 22 barrel sleeved and chambered for 17MII. I did that on a 77/22 years ago... shot like a hot damn...

 

[.22LRGUY]

You could have an existing 22 barrel sleeved and chambered for 17MII. I did that on a 77/22 years ago... shot like a hot damn...

Thanks guntech-don't have a donor gun at the moment, but that could change. How solid/permanent/durable/long-lasting is a gun with a sleeved barrel? Any evidence (From the outside) it's been done? If something goes wrong with them, what's the issue likely to be?

 

[guntech]

Careful examination will disclose a sleeved barrel. I usually do a recessed crown that ends right on the 'joint' and that hides it really well. I think the liner will last as long as an original barrel.