Tikka build? Whos gonna talk me into a custom?

Coyote Kev · Oct 3, 2024

I've read many things on this subject but still got questions. I think I want to build a Tikka 22-250 or 22 creed. It's actually for my son. He's left handed which really decreases options. I was gonna just buy a T3 in 22-250 and throw it in a MDT XRS chassis. It appears that the 22-250 only comes in the light version and has a thin non threaded barrel. That's a no go. I will not shoot unsuppresed. And I'd really like a thicker barrel for longer shot strings. I'm sure many will tell me to start with a custom action but the things that appeal to me about Tikka are:
1. Most think they are a great action
2. 70 degree bolt throw
3. The bolt locks with the safety

This will mostly be a prairie dog and coyote rifle.

Questions: 1. Are there Tikka clone actions?
2. Other left handed actions I should consider?
3. Should I mess with a Oregon mountain barrel action?

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Oct 3, 2024

What’s your budget for the rifle build vs the calculated cost for a FrankenTikka?

Coyote Kev · Oct 3, 2024

I first thought I could do this for about $1500. That's when I thought I should be able to get a Tikka action for about half the cost of a rifle. Wrong. The actions I've found (which are few) are more than a full rifle. I'd rather not spend more than 2k all told.

FWoo45 · Oct 3, 2024

I'm still learning that this is true.

LeftyJason · Oct 3, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
I've read many things on this subject but still got questions. I think I want to build a Tikka 22-250 or 22 creed. It's actually for my son. He's left handed which really decreases options. I was gonna just buy a T3 in 22-250 and throw it in a MDT XRS chassis. It appears that the 22-250 only comes in the light version and has a thin non threaded barrel. That's a no go. I will not shoot unsuppresed. And I'd really like a thicker barrel for longer shot strings. I'm sure many will tell me to start with a custom action but the things that appeal to me about Tikka are:
1. Most think they are a great action
2. 70 degree bolt throw
3. The bolt locks with the safety

This will mostly be a prairie dog and coyote rifle.

Questions: 1. Are there Tikka clone actions?
2. Other left handed actions I should consider?
3. Should I mess with a Oregon mountain barrel action?

For a 22cal the muzzle is big enough for a 1/2-28 to be cut. For mine in 6.5 creed I sent it to Thunderbeast for them to put a 9/16 thread with their face mount cb brake. Long Rifles Inc cuts threads pretty good as well. I've used them before on a different gun.

LeftyJason · Oct 3, 2024

FWoo45 said:
View attachment 8516220

I'm still learning that this is true.

Except that AI is close to Hk for us lefties. Ask @Nik H for his woes with AI. And I heard that Hk is expanding HK USA.

D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷ · Oct 3, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
I first thought I could do this for about $1500. That's when I thought I should be able to get a Tikka action for about half the cost of a rifle. Wrong. The actions I've found (which are few) are more than a full rifle. I'd rather not spend more than 2k all told.

Is this a good kid or some asshole kid?

You can lie to his mom and yourself but don’t lie to Doc.

If he’s really good kid and I mean you know it deep down, go full retard and buy him something from the used isle of the hide. Do your homework and please just buy from a local member and don’t get scammed.

A lot of people have a lot of opinions at the end of the day it’s your money and your kid.

either way he’s gonna waste your ammo fucking around, being a kid.

I vote you buy him a TacOps like a good dad.

Coyote Kev · Oct 3, 2024

He's a good kid. But spoiled. Has better gear than most adults. Thing is I can't buy him better stuff than I got. This has already morphed into about twice as expensive than I was thinking.

oldrifleman · Oct 3, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
He's a good kid. But spoiled. Has better gear than most adults. Thing is I can't buy him better stuff than I got. This has already morphed into about twice as expensive than I was thinking.

Yeah, started this way for my son's rifle. I had (have) a nearly new Rem 700 barreled action (barrel is a piece of Cr**). figured I would rebarrel it,add one of my "spare" scopes, a trigger out of my box of spares and an extra Manners T-4a. It is now an Impact action, New trigger, ZCO scope/mount and Manners T2a. Then when it's done you sit back and can't believe it came to this and then say, well whats done is done. Hey son, hope you like rice and beans for dinner....

HMRamateur · Oct 3, 2024

I'm a lefty. I bought a tikka to drop in an expensive chassis (cadex) and it is definitely a very good shooting rifle. It's every bit as capable as a full custom setup (with the right ammo of course).
If the cost of a tikka is not far from some of the more budget friendly custom options (zermatt origin as an example), maybe the PX is your best bet. Might be able to find a left handed action or rifle if you're patient enough. And a custom action with an R700 footprint could end up staying with him for a lot longer as he gets older because there are more options for upgrades (triggers, stocks). My tikka is nice and a good shooter, but I have no need for it anymore once I went custom. I wanted my competition rifle to match my trainer rifle, and the tikka feels different, so I decided to just buy a new bolt and barrel for my comp rifle to keep operation the exact same. I have no need for two .223's, so the tikka will be moving on. In these cases, a custom with an R700 footprint is cheaper.

260284 · Oct 3, 2024

Find a used Tikka with a 308 boltface, get a prefit from any of the reputable guys that make them.

Coyote Kev · Oct 3, 2024

HMRamateur said:
I'm a lefty. I bought a tikka to drop in an expensive chassis (cadex) and it is definitely a very good shooting rifle. It's every bit as capable as a full custom setup (with the right ammo of course).
If the cost of a tikka is not far from some of the more budget friendly custom options (zermatt origin as an example), maybe the PX is your best bet. Might be able to find a left handed action or rifle if you're patient enough. And a custom action with an R700 footprint could end up staying with him for a lot longer as he gets older because there are more options for upgrades (triggers, stocks). My tikka is nice and a good shooter, but I have no need for it anymore once I went custom. I wanted my competition rifle to match my trainer rifle, and the tikka feels different, so I decided to just buy a new bolt and barrel for my comp rifle to keep operation the exact same. I have no need for two .223's, so the tikka will be moving on. In these cases, a custom with an R700 footprint is cheaper.

My turn off with the Rem 700 and it's clones is that the safety does not lock the bolt closed. Unless there are some that do? It's my number 1 and probably only complaint with my Desert tech SRS.

Coyote Kev · Oct 3, 2024

260284 said:
Find a used Tikka with a 308 boltface, get a prefit from any of the reputable guys that make them.

Can I get names of "reputable" Tikka pre fits?

HMRamateur · Oct 3, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
My turn off with the Rem 700 and it's clones is that the safety does not lock the bolt closed. Unless there are some that do? It's my number 1 and probably only complaint with my Desert tech SRS.

I'm curious for your opinion on this. I believe being able to open the bolt with the safety on is a good thing. If you have a round chambered in the tikka and want to remove it without firing, the safety has to be off. With good trigger discipline, this round can be extracted safely, although not as safely as when the safety is still on.

Coyote Kev · Oct 3, 2024

My problem is bumping the bolt handle up in a hunting situation and then it goes click. This is somewhat specific to coyote hunting when you have the rifle on a bipod or tripod and have to quickly move it over to shoot in a different direction than anticipated. It happens easier than you think. Ideally you have a 3 position safety like a savage or ruger american. Bolt is locked on safe and you can cycle rounds out without being on fire.

SupressYourself · Oct 3, 2024

Ruger American would be a good option (for the money), except the Gen1 safety doesn't lock the bolt, and the Gen2 doesn't come in left hand. -- Maybe reach out and see if they plan to offer Gen2 in left hand at some point.

Otherwise, Tikka makes a number of left-handed compact tactical models. None of them in the chamberings you noted, but 243 wouldn't be a bad option either. For example: https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/code/TF1T1524B180960B
Let him burn that up, then swap out for a 22 cal barrel later if you want.

ETA: They show four 243 Win models. Looks like the only difference is black vs stainless barrel and adjustable vs fixed cheek piece: https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/group/tikka/t3x-compact-tactical-rifle?handedness=LH&caliber=243 WIN

Nik H · Oct 3, 2024

LeftyJason said:
Except that AI is close to Hk for us lefties. Ask @Nik H for his woes with AI. And I heard that Hk is expanding HK USA.

As difficult as it has been to obtain bolt bodies and spare parts for my left-handed AIs, it is still the finest rifle I have ever owned from a variety of perspectives. A little patience goes a long way. I have perfected it.

LeftyJason · Oct 3, 2024

SupressYourself said:
Ruger American would be a good option (for the money), except the Gen1 safety doesn't lock the bolt, and the Gen2 doesn't come in left hand. -- Maybe reach out and see if they plan to offer Gen2 in left hand at some point.

Otherwise, Tikka makes a number of left-handed compact tactical models. None of them in the chamberings you noted, but 243 wouldn't be a bad option either. For example: https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/code/TF1T1524B180960B
Let him burn that up, then swap out for a 22 cal barrel later if you want.

ETA: They show four 243 Win models. Looks like the only difference is black vs stainless barrel and adjustable vs fixed cheek piece: https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/group/tikka/t3x-compact-tactical-rifle?handedness=LH&caliber=243 WIN

Except they don't import any of those. Only really import the ones in that view that start JRT

Coyote Kev · Oct 3, 2024

Nik H said:
As difficult as it has been to obtain bolt bodies and spare parts for my left-handed AIs, it is still the finest rifle I have ever owned from a variety of perspectives. A little patience goes a long way. I have perfected it.

View attachment 8516433

No way am I building my son an AI. I make a good living and spend lots of money on shooting and can justify a lot of things, but I don't see myself owning one much less my 15 year old kid.

hafejd30 · Oct 3, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
No way am I building my son an AI. I make a good living and spend lots of money on shooting and can justify a lot of things, but I don't see myself owning one much less my 15 year old kid.

You don’t need an AI

The Tikka are fantastic rifles. I have a T3X CTR. And a few others. The CTR has awesome double stack mags.

I’ll second the aftermarket options from the px as well

Nik H · Oct 3, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
No way am I building my son an AI. I make a good living and spend lots of money on shooting and can justify a lot of things, but I don't see myself owning one much less my 15 year old kid.

I must have missed that. I would not advocate an AI for a teenager. Tikkas are fantastic rifles and will take him a long way forward.

sierracharlie338 · Oct 3, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
Can I get names of "reputable" Tikka pre fits?

Patriot valley arms comes to mind.

Proof makes tikka prefits with limited cartridge selection and barrel lengths.

Some gunsmiths offer a prefit option as well.

carbonbased · Oct 3, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
I first thought I could do this for about $1500.

Tikka super varmint 22-250 1:14
$1575 after rebate, and you can get a better price by “Grab a Quote”. I got a $1429.99 quote just now.

Tikka T3x Super Varmint Green Roughtech .22-250 Rem 20" Barrel 5-Rounds

The Tikka T3x Super Varmint is a high-precision bolt-action rifle chambered in .22-250 Remington, designed for varmint hunting and long-range shooting. With its durable Roughtech synthetic stock and a tungsten Cerakote finish on the barrel and receiver, this rifle offers exceptional durability...

grabagun.com

Edit: ah shit, that’s a righty.

LeftyJason · Oct 3, 2024

Check out lockedloaded.com. They're pretty good on costs.
Lefty lite stainless 1:8 22-250

Tikka T3 JRTXB414R8 T3x Lite 22-250 Rem 3+1 22.40' Black Stainless Steel Left Hand

<p>Tikka's T3x Lite combines high performance with lightweight ease. The T3x receiver introduces a widened angular ejection port making it easier to feed one cartridge at a time, and extra screw placements on top of the receiver to robustly attach a Picatinny rail. The Lite models are equipped...

www.lockedloaded.com

Email for price. Add $25 for shipping.

Bought my T1x and Walther pdp pro SD through them.

Eurooptic has a lefty 6.5 creed blued ctr in stock for less than 1k.

Tikka T3x CTR 6.5 Creedmoor 20" 1:8" Bbl Left Hand Rifle JRTXC482

Tikka T3x CTR 6.5 Creedmoor 20" 1:8" Bbl Left Hand Rifle JRTXC482 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

tacoman69 · Oct 4, 2024

theres some OMR horror stories if you do some digging but tikka is a great platform for him to get started on.

Coyote Kev · Oct 4, 2024

Yes I came across some OMR horror stories. Mostly older ones. More recent feedback is more favorable.

I think I'm gonna get a T3 lite in 22-250 with 8 twist and put it in a XRS chassis. My local gunsmith can get me one for $870 and thread the barrel for $100. We will burn up that barrel on P dogs and then find a good pre fit.

JerkyFreak · Oct 5, 2024

If you can afford a custom, go for it. If not, buying a Tikka, burning out the barrel and putting a new barrel is probably the most cost effective way to go. The plus is that the Tikka plastic stock, unlike the Howa, is actually not that bad, so you do not have to put it in an aftermarket stock.

sierracharlie338 · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
Yes I came across some OMR horror stories. Mostly older ones. More recent feedback is more favorable.

I think I'm gonna get a T3 lite in 22-250 with 8 twist and put it in a XRS chassis. My local gunsmith can get me one for $870 and thread the barrel for $100. We will burn up that barrel on P dogs and then find a good pre fit.

Sounds like a good plan. Let us know how it shoots once you get it up and running.

HMRamateur · Oct 5, 2024

JerkyFreak said:
If you can afford a custom, go for it. If not, buying a Tikka, burning out the barrel and putting a new barrel is probably the most cost effective way to go. The plus is that the Tikka plastic stock, unlike the Howa, is actually not that bad, so you do not have to put it in an aftermarket stock.

I was pretty surprised by their stock. Put a vertical grip on it and it's a very capable stock. Not much flex either.

diggler1833 · Oct 5, 2024

I vote that the kid gets something that correlates to his skill level. Unless he's out there banging half-minute groups at 100, and MOA out to 1K...no need to divest yourself of the money required to purchase a rifle capable of that.

Definitely want a stock/chassis that you can adjust (since we don't know age/growth potential still).

Really, the Tikka and chassis that the OP started the idea with is pretty solid. However, I'd go with a heavier barrel contour if it were me...but it isn't.

padom · Oct 5, 2024

I went down this whole road for my son. Rem700 custom, custom stock he picked out, bartlein custom barrel, etc. He liked shooting my chassis Zermatts better.

So I sold his gun off and got him an Origin and XLR. I then sold that off and got him a TL3 in the XLR.. he can now screw on any of my 60+ TL3 barrels and shoot anything he wants.. he currently shoots a match 223 shooting 75 ELD to 700 with boring accuracy and loves it

Long story short.. I should have got him a TL3 to match my 7 TL3's from the start and would have saved a ton of money.

kthomas · Oct 5, 2024

diggler1833 said:
I vote that the kid gets something that correlates to his skill level. Unless he's out there banging half-minute groups at 100, and MOA out to 1K...no need to divest yourself of the money required to purchase a rifle capable of that.

Definitely want a stock/chassis that you can adjust (since we don't know age/growth potential still).

Really, the Tikka and chassis that the OP started the idea with is pretty solid. However, I'd go with a heavier barrel contour if it were me...but it isn't.

Easy to get carried away when you are asking this question in a community of people that have rooms full of rigs that are reach worth $8+K.

We kind of lose sight at times of the fact that this hobby may not mean as much to others (especially those dipping their toes in the water), or that the solution shouldn't always be a full blown custom rig.

Honestly, any rifle that gets your son out p-dog shooting is a win. You don't need a full blown custom rifle to achieve this, just like how you're son doesn't need a Corvette or a tricked out F350 as a first car to get to and from school. Enjoy the Tikka, it will be a great rifle for your son!

Coyote Kev · Oct 5, 2024

diggler1833 said:
Really, the Tikka and chassis that the OP started the idea with is pretty solid. However, I'd go with a heavier barrel contour if it were me...but it isn't.

I want a heavier contour but I can't seem to get a tikka action without buying the whole rifle or I can and it just costs the same. So as long as I can get a rifle in the cartridge I'm interested in, I might as well burn that sucker up. Considering how my son shoots, it shouldn't take long. I doubt an unfired factory tikka barrel is worth much.

HMRamateur · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
I want a heavier contour but I can't seem to get a tikka action without buying the whole rifle or I can and it just costs the same. So as long as I can get a rifle in the cartridge I'm interested in, I might as well burn that sucker up. Considering how my son shoots, it shouldn't take long. I doubt an unfired factory tikka barrel is worth much.

Is the varmint version available with the same twist and caliber?

cooper_257 · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
Can I get names of "reputable" Tikka pre fits?

Patriot Valley Arms

MarshallDodge · Oct 5, 2024

I would do a 223 and have the chamber reamed to 223AI. You can get pretty close to 22-250 velocities.

Cheap brass, because you always lose some when oit hunting. Fireforming is a thing but accuracy is still great when forming so you can use them for practice loads. Barrel life is longer than 22-250.

ma smith · Oct 5, 2024

The only real downside with Tikkas is for comp guns they aren't that great. For training rifles, cross-over, etc, they are almost ideal.

+1 I'd look at .223 no matter what brand or style of action you run.

Coyote Kev · Oct 5, 2024

HMRamateur said:
Is the varmint version available with the same twist and caliber?

I dont think so. At least not in the US and left handed.

Coyote Kev · Oct 5, 2024

ma smith said:
The only real downside with Tikkas is for comp guns they aren't that great. For training rifles, cross-over, etc, they are almost ideal.

+1 I'd look at .223 no matter what brand or style of action you run.

Ummm. No. 223 is lame. For p dogs and coyotes it's ok. I don't do "ok". Fast twist 250 or 22 creed is where its at. I really don't see this as a comp gun. I realize many if not most guys on the Hide are comp shooters, but in SD we tend to prefer warm targets.

spife7980 · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
Ummm. No. 223 is lame. For p dogs and coyotes it's ok. I don't do "ok". Fast twist 250 or 22 creed is where its at. I really don't see this as a comp gun. I realize many if not most guys on the Hide are comp shooters, but in SD we tend to prefer warm targets.

1) pump your brakes. 223 is awesome.
2) if you want a fast twist high speed then quit pussy footing around with a tikka and just get an origin and a 22 creed barrel

ma smith · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
Ummm. No. 223 is lame. For p dogs and coyotes it's ok. I don't do "ok". Fast twist 250 or 22 creed is where its at. I really don't see this as a comp gun. I realize many if not most guys on the Hide are comp shooters, but in SD we tend to prefer warm targets.

Father knows best...but .473 boltface vs .22 cal bore is 1K barrel life...

oldrifleman · Oct 5, 2024

Yeah, I you only shoot AR grade 223, sure it might be considered to be a lower tier. Load a 77 up longer or move to even heavier bullets and you can definitely reach out and touch things. Have smith put a long match chamber in it and you can load to higher velocities with better accuracy. Or as been suggested get a a 223 AI chamber or even 22 creed and really go to town.

Coyote Kev · Oct 5, 2024

ma smith said:
Father knows best...but .473 boltface vs .22 cal bore is 1K barrel life...

And if I was on here worried about barrel life I'd be told that barrels are made to be replaced like tires and to go be poor somewhere else. Anyway... glad yall love 223. But I don't.

Coyote Kev · Oct 5, 2024

Is there an action I should look at that locks the bolt when on safe? And please don't say Savage.

kthomas · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
Is there an action I should look at that locks the bolt when on safe? And please don't say Savage.

Any particular reason you want that feature?

Coyote Kev · Oct 5, 2024

Yes. It was discussed further up the thread. Not important to most but it is to me.

kthomas · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
Yes. It was discussed further up the thread. Not important to most but it is to me.

AI.

LeftyJason · Oct 5, 2024

HMRamateur said:
Is the varmint version available with the same twist and caliber?

Not left handed.

carbonbased · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
Is there an action I should look at that locks the bolt when on safe? And please don't say Savage.

Your can buy third party bolt shrouds for R700 actions with a 3-position safety. I remember they need to be carefully installed and may be finicky.

Or besides a Tikka, get a Model 70, xbolt, or a used CZ 527, but I somehow doubt those options appeal.

As far as perfect pdog calibers, I’m in the 204 camp. Way better barrel life, equivalent ballistic/wind performance. Energy on target is down a tad, but I get plenty of backflips and explosions. Less recoil so I can better see the show in the scope.

I know you said you don’t give a crap about barrel life, but (mentioning this for others; I’m sure you know) some folks burn out a 22-250 barrel in one overzealous day in the towns.

Factory box speeds on the 22-250’s:

The downside I’m finding out is the ES/SD Hornady 204 ammo is…less than great. Maybe it’s the batch I have. That might be the same problem with factory 22-250 too.

Also you can’t usually buy a Tikka factory 204 barrel as they discontinued making them years ago.

If I reloaded, one of the 20 cals look even better. I didn't catch if you reload or not.

If I also used this gun for shorter-range coyotes then I’d go 22-250.

Lots of backflips here.

Coyote Kev said:
Can I get names of "reputable" Tikka pre fits?

Bugholes aka Southern Precision Rifles.

ma smith · Oct 5, 2024

Coyote Kev said:
And if I was on here worried about barrel life I'd be told ... to go be poor somewhere else.

You're mis-reading the comment section.

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Tikka build? Whos gonna talk me into a custom?

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