Tikka t3x ace target vs the world of custom rifles
- Thread starter C10
- Start date
- Location
- northern BC
The cheapest good action is about $1400, stocks or chassis about $400-$2600, triggers $200-400, barrel blank $600-1100, chambering $550, bottom metal if required $350. The Ace is a very good value. I am building a 28 Nosler now on a Solus Light action, Cadex chassis, Jewell trigger that I already had, IBI carbon blank. It will cost more than the Ace for sure.
It…I’d likely buy it.
I think you’d have to be really specific needs to justify starting with another platform because I don’t see a way to get a completed rifle anywhere near the price point on the Target unless you start cutting the build down or have a bunch of cheap used parts available.
If however you don’t like two stage triggers, or don’t want to buy proprietary magazines or want a specific chambering then add these up and it might tilt the decision maker to a custom.
Considering the target demographic of it I’m actually surprised Tikka hasn’t offered it in a 6mm or 25 caliber cartridge…
And the T3 could become a custom rifle later if need be; they are arguably more popular and more adaptable at this point in time than the Remington 700 platform (search used and my last showed more available for the T3 than the 700).
You can get close ish if you are willing to go with some used parts, or if you are willing to build off of a factory action.
Im doing a tikka build right now with a new jc prefit and it will land just under that, but most everything on it will be used.
Im doing a tikka build right now with a new jc prefit and it will land just under that, but most everything on it will be used.
Where’d you buy it from if you don’t mind me asking? That is also my plan. I picked up a Dillon 550c last year and am looking forward to learning how to use it.
My text exchange with the original owner, when I took it out to the range for the first time, was basically a chain of disbelief at how accurate it was.
I had a Stainless 223...7 twist Tikka T3 Varmint that was the same way...ragged one hole groups @ 100 yds with 69 gr Lapua Scenars, and the heavier Hornady A-Max 75 grainers....less than 1/2 in @ 200 yds with the 75 and 80 gr Amax's on the first testing..never bothered to persue it any farther as that was all our range had for distance.
I have to take some egg on the face. Went to the range today to practice in the wind and wouldn’t you know it - 24” barrel. lol. I’m such a newb. Talk about not knowing your tools. 
Sorry to have mislead you.
Still - such a joy to shoot. But boy does it get expensive fast.
I recently serviced the bolt (disassembled it and cleaned the firing pin). Impressive how straightforward these things are to maintain.
Sorry to have mislead you.
Still - such a joy to shoot. But boy does it get expensive fast.
I recently serviced the bolt (disassembled it and cleaned the firing pin). Impressive how straightforward these things are to maintain.
Hahaha no worries! What did ya pay for it if you don’t mind me asking. I’m thinking it might end up being worth it to just get the shorter version and buying a longer one if I ever shoot the barrel out of it.I have to take some egg on the face. Went to the range today to practice in the wind and wouldn’t you know it - 24” barrel. lol. I’m such a newb. Talk about not knowing your tools.
Sorry to have mislead you.
Still - such a joy to shoot. But boy does it get expensive fast.
I recently serviced the bolt (disassembled it and cleaned the firing pin). Impressive how straightforward these things are to maintain.
Because I bought it used, I ended up buying the seller's entire kit - though I do have the original sales receipt from Dante and the rifle cost $2325 before tax when new.
I ended up getting it with a Vortex PST Gen II 5x25 EBR7c MRAD scope, MDT GRND Bipod, Pelican Vault V800 Case and a bunch of miscellaneous stuff including a (homemade) rear bag rest - basically a "ready to roll" setup. He had had the scope professionally zero'ed as well. Nothing for me to do but show up at the range and get shooting. I ended getting it all for $4000 which struck me as quite the bargain considering he'd only shot 70 rounds and so few Ace Targets (none that I could find?) were available at the time I bought it (July) as opposed to the Ace Games, which were hard to find in 6.5CM, but still around.
I'm going to try it on my first handloads on Tuesday.
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If enough people bug the stores and Stoeger, they'll bring in the long barrels, stocking is all according to what they think is customer demand, same with stuff like RWS components. Were I buying the Ace Target, I'd want the longer bbl if Tikka builds it. Ace Game would likely benefit by offering it too, it's a little heavy for a spot and stalk gun, 13 lbs with scope and accessories on it.
If I buy new I’ll be trying to find a 26” but if I can find a good enough deal on a used one I’ll settle for the 23.7” and make it a goal to shoot out the barrel
