Tikka smithing

[dirtyw]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone know of any Tikka experts? I just got a new T3, mostly for the action. I haven't shot it yet but I'm looking for quotes to possibly do some work.

Blueprint the action.
Install a barrel.

My last rifle had a Shilen #3 SS match barrel on it and I was really impressed with its performance. However, the stock barrel may be just as good.

One thing I will be doing in the near future is getting a Bell and Carlson stock for it or another if there are any others with an aluminum bedding block.

Thanks for your input.

 

[*MALICE*]

My opinion: shoot it first, see how you like it.

 

[flashman]

+1 for shooting it first; you don't state your accuracy requirement, but a factory Tikka can be expected to hit .5 MOA or less with good hand loads, and say .75 MOA with good factory ammo.

IMHO, you don't need a Tikka expert, you just need an expert. In out neck of the woods that's the Chou Brothers. Rebarrelling a Tikka is no different than any other rifle. I personally have never heard of anyone blueprinting a Tikka action. I'm sure there are, but I'd spend the money on more ammo long long before I'd blueprint a Tikka.

 

[dirtyw]

Fair enough guys. I am hand loading and I'd be thrilled with .5 out of the box. Has anyone had much experience with them? It's the light version and the stock feels a little cheap. Not sure if $350+ is worth it for a better stock. Although I'm sure a Boyds and bedding would be much cheaper. Thanks guys.

 

[lejarretnoir]

No expert needed as told. Boyd stocks are very popular upgrades. Is this a hunting rifle? If so blueprinting wouldn't be needed unless it was really out of spec.

 

[*MALICE*]

Everyone thinks the stocks feel cheap. *shrugs* they can probably survive being dipped in acid though lol

 

[scott_r]

stocks feel cheap but they shoot 1/2" groups...whats cheap about that. You buy good stocks in hopes of achieving 1/2 moa, if you have that dont mess with it.

 

[remington jim]

stocks feel cheap but they shoot 1/2" groups...whats cheap about that. You buy good stocks in hopes of achieving 1/2 moa, if you have that dont mess with it.

Stock is CHEAP but VERY functional ! My T3 SS SYN is a VERY good Foul weather rifle ! jmo RJ

 

[dirtyw]

Thanks for the feedback. I haven't had a chance to get it out yet. I'm slowly working up my first lot of loads for the first trip out.

 

[m102404]

I bought a T3 Lite in .223 w/ synthetic stock for varmits and was blown away at it out of the box. For the cost...super nice barrel, smooth positive action, very nice trigger. I bought two boxes of every .223 varmit load my local shops had and what a waste of money that was. First shots/load...0.5MOA...next brand...0.5MOA...next brand 0.5MOA...this is getting "boring"... Worst groups were about 0.8MOA, solidly sub 1MOA...best grouping factory was just around 0.3MOA +/- a half bullet. If you consider part of the fun of a new gun to be figuring out what shoots best and trying different loads...this gun is not fun.

Impressed enough to buy another T3 Lite in 30-06. Same "mistake" with ammo...all shot sub 1MOA or honestly close enough not to nit-pick. Best shot solidly 0.5MOA. I put my 30-06 dies and supplies to the back of the reloading cabinet. Same overall re the rfile...for the price, it's a sleeper steal. Only regret is that the light 30-06 is easy to carry around all day, but it kicks my shoulder horribly. There's just no weight to the stock and the sporter barrel taper isn't carrying extra weight either.

If I wanted another out of the box good to go hunting after sight in and load selection another Tikka would be right at the front of the pick list. Cabinet looks boring though...they all look the same.

 

[dirtyw]

I won't complain about that one bit. I'm hoping mine does the same.