Differences between Tikka T3X CTR & TAC A1?

[j741]

Besides the obvious difference of being in a chassis, are there other key differences in the TAC A1?

I have a 20" CTR in 6.5 and really like it. I want to keep it usable for hunting and not too heavy for carrying around. I've decided I want to have a dedicated precision long range paper puncher. I'm very tempted by both the Tikka TAC A1 and the Bergara BPR-17 Premier as they're within $100 of each other in price. Haven't seen either in person though as no shops near me have them. Heard good things about Bergara but know that my CTR feels great to me so leaning towards staying with Tikka.

I'm also considering getting a basic 24" CTR and putting it in the KRG Bravo. It seems that may save me a bit since I have a line on a NIB 24" CTR for ~$790. Just wondering if I give up anything besides the stock.

Are there any differences in receiver, trigger, or barrel on the TAC A1 vs the CTR?

 

[houndog]

I'm not sure of the answer to your original question - does the TAC come stock with a muzzle brake? If so, that would be one difference. However, I do have the same rifle you currently have, which I dropped into an XLR chassis. Spent another $10 to swap out the original trigger spring with a yodave (sp?). I use this rifle primarily for semi-long range shooting, but it really is light enough that it could be used as a hunting rifle. Or you could swap them back and forth between the KRG and the Tikka stock - it's basically just two screws.

If your determined to get a second rifle you might want to shop around for a TAC A1. I saw a thread a couple of days ago that Cabellas had them on sale at a very attractive price (but now out of stock). Or wait for black Friday to see if you can find one cheap.

Probably also worthwhile trying to get your hands on the TAC to see if you like how it is set up. The advantage of buying another CTR, you can put it in whatever aftermarket stock works for you.

 

[TMR137]

The TAC A1 comes with a very nice two stage trigger compared to the single in the CTR. So keep that in mind if you prefer one versus the other. The Tac also comes with two mags a certificate for a third. If you choose to use the CTR mags. I picked my Tac from Cabelas on sale and with Veteran discount was really reasonable in cost.

 

[Lunchbox27]

As others have stated, the receiver and barrels are the same. The CTR is a single stage while the TAC a1 is a two stage trigger. I have the CTR, my buddy has the TAC. Both are solid sub moa/half moa shooters. You cannot go wrong with either.

 

[j741]

The TAC A1 comes with a very nice two stage trigger compared to the single in the CTR. So keep that in mind if you prefer one versus the other. The Tac also comes with two mags a certificate for a third. If you choose to use the CTR mags. I picked my Tac from Cabelas on sale and with Veteran discount was really reasonable in cost.

Mind if I ask what the sale price was (exclusive of veterans discount, I know not to ask to disclose that)? Someone else told me they were on sale recently at Cabelas but I can't find any posts or more details. If they pop up on sale with any frequency I'm fine waiting a bit. Only price I see now is the $1799.

Is the Veteran discount a one time thing? Just on certain rifles? Only at Cabelas? I ask because my ex-marine father in law has been very curious about my recent rifle interests and commenting on how much I'm enjoying my Tikka. He's asked a lot of questions about it and 6.5. I think he's interested in getting one. Having a discount on them may get him off the fence. I've told him about this forum but he's not much for online presence or forums.

 

[j741]

I overheard a conversation this morning at Cabelas. Salesman was talking about his Bergara HMR and how much he loved it. Then he said that the 2nd time he took it out it won't fire. He replaced trigger but that didn't help. So now his trigger assembly is all apart waiting on Bergara to respond for next steps. This is the 2nd negative first impression story I've heard about Bergara in the past week. Looks like I'll be waiting for the Tikka TAC to come on sale again at Cabelas.

 

[TMR137]

The veteran discount is Cabelas thing (at least at my local store; check with yours to verify). They offer it on just about everything in the store everyday. You just have to ask for it and show proof. My DL shows my veteran status. With all the discounts my purchase price was $1519 plus sales tax of course. It was not an advertised sale on the rifle. In fact the internet showed it at $1799 at the time of purchase and the store had the 308 and 6.5 red tagged on sale. So I would not rely on the internet, swing past the store and look at them.

 

[j741]

The veteran discount is Cabelas thing (at least at my local store; check with yours to verify). They offer it on just about everything in the store everyday. You just have to ask for it and show proof. My DL shows my veteran status. With all the discounts my purchase price was $1519 plus sales tax of course. It was not an advertised sale on the rifle. In fact the internet showed it at $1799 at the time of purchase and the store had the 308 and 6.5 red tagged on sale. So I would not rely on the internet, swing past the store and look at them.

Thanks! I asked about the TAC when I was in a Cabelas store today and the guy I talked to said they rarely have thee TAC in stock for either caliber and they're order only. I missed out on the Employee Friends & Family sale a few weeks back (before I was interested in the TAC) as it would have dropped price to $1619 before taxes. I'll keep looking...