New Rifle Tikka Tac A1 vs Bergera LRP vs Custom

[Jethatsme]

I have gotten myself into a bit of analysis paralysis in terms of choosing a new rifle. I have the Ruger Precision Gen l in .308 I am looking to add to the collection. I have been eyeing the Tikka Tac A1 which has been getting rave reviews. Smooth action, great accuracy and I like the aesthetics. I was recently at a match and saw the Bergara LRP Series rifle. Shot lights out with 4 ragged holes at 100. I assume the Tikka is capable of the same, I just haven’t seen one in the wind except behind the counter at a store. My last consideration was going partial custom where I would buy perhaps a Tikka or Remington 700 action, go with an AI or Cadex Chassis and Barlein barrel. I bit more work and gunsmithjng and cost needed but feel I would be a good setup. My issue with custom work is that there is much more margin of error depending upon your components and Gunsmith putting it together.

So my question is, which route would be best suited for the following criteria:

Priority: Accuracy
Uses:
Outdoor Range Toy out to 1300 yard steel
Occasional 3-day weekend mountain precision course
Cost: Under $3,000 excluding optics

Is any particular barrel better than the other bergara vs Tikka.

Second question would be cartridge. Would a 6.5 Creed get me out to a mile? There’s a range about 2 hrs away where I can attempt it. Not necessary but it would be fun to attempt a few times with a capable cartridge.

Anyway appreciate the input.

 

[b6graham]

well you have the budget to do a lot, and a lot more than what you've considered. I'll give you my thoughts on the Tikka Tac A1 as i looked at it too. But when you can get a CTR for basically half and throw it in the chassis you want, i think the CTR route is a no brainer there.

Another option. Hancock or Nucleus Barreled Action from PVA. yeah there's gonna be a wait, but you are way under budget with the Hancock, and can get the B/A and most chassis for under your budget. would give you time to get behind some and see what you prefer.

I wouldnt put much thought into an R700 donor. for the price of the action and getting it trued and blueprinted you could already have an Origin or Nucleus which has considerabbly more features with less work (similar wait though)

the PX has lots of stuff that fits your criteria too if you aren't super picky

 

[Primus]

The John Hancock is a no brainier. Steal or a deal and will shoot circles around anyhing in the same price range.

 

[cumminsdsl]

I recently purchased a 6.5 LRP with the xlr element chassis. I am not a fan of the chassis, but I guess that is a matter of person preference. Action is really smooth like the tikka, probably nicer. It was test fired at the factory at just over .3 moa. I decided to go another route instead of changing the buttstock or entire chassis. If you like that chassis, I think you would be very happy with it. All of the other bergaras I have experience with have performed great.

 

[j741]

If you can wait, get the John Hancock (or a nucleus barreled action with trigger & chassis of your choice). I have one on order but also got impatient and bought a TAC A1.

Now, keep in mind I've been out of the rifle shooting game for 10+ years. Just started again and still learning. I'm sure the rifle is more capable than I am.

4 single shots done during break-in, first one was the high one then next 3 made one elongated hole


3 shot group at 200 yards (POA was higher and out of the picture as I did not dial for range)

 

[steve123]

Now's your chance to get into a custom rifle with a nice aftermarket action, take it!

Bighorn Origin, or ARC Nucleus action, a used stock with DBM or chassis, trigger of choice- I'd try a Trigger Tech, Prefit barrel and go gauge. That can all be done well under $3000.

IMO the foundation (the custom action) is the place to spend the money from the onset, because from there that aspect can't be improved upon. I especially like the actions with a swap-able bolt head, that way you can try other cartridges with different case heads.

If you don't reload, 6.5Creed all the way.

 

[DuneShoot]

Can someone educate me on the benefits of a custom action like the Nucleus over and OEM action like Tikka or Rem 700?

Also why can you get a Nucleus barreled action in .260 but not a complete John Hancock rifle in .260?

 

[j741]

Also why can you get a Nucleus barreled action in .260 but not a complete John Hancock rifle in .260?

Limiting the various options keep the costs down. Even if its just a matter of switching out some tooling, every little bit affects costs to manufacture.

 

[steve123]

Can someone educate me on the benefits of a custom action like the Nucleus over and OEM action like Tikka or Rem 700?

Also why can you get a Nucleus barreled action in .260 but not a complete John Hancock rifle in .260?

The custom actions "should" be truer - straighter and have superior tolerances in every way. Plus small firing pin to match small firing pin hole which works better for the x47's and BR derivative cartridges, and some other features stock actions usually don't have.

From what I've read Tikka's are pretty good but might stand some trueing but Rems usually need more going over, which of course costs money, therefor making the customs even more appealing since those extra costs bring the total price almost the same as the cost that of a custom action.

Custom actions also bring higher resale value and let's face it, they're cool to have.

 

[Jethatsme]

I'll give you my thoughts on the Tikka Tac A1 as i looked at it too. But when you can get a CTR for basically half and throw it in the chassis you want, i think the CTR route is a no brainer there.

I'll admit I havent called Tikka yet but would it be safe to say that the Tikka CTR barrel and bolt are the same as the Tac A1.

As far as the Hancock and Nucleus, it looks like a real interesting proposition. Watched a YouTube video on the Nucleus, which highlighted some great features and design thought process. ARC advertises it priced at $1,000.

 

[j741]

It was discussed on another thread and between the CTR & the TAC A1 the differences are:
- Chassis
- 2 stage trigger on TAC A1
- 2 extra mags with TAC A1 (has 2 in box + 1 free via rebate until Feb 2019)

Otherwise, they're the same.

With another chassis you will not be able to use the CTR mags. That may not be an issue for you, or may not be worth it.

I had a CTR I bought for ~950 after taxes & transfer fees. I put it in a Whiskey 3 but couldn't get comfortable behind it so I sold the Whiskey 3. Thought about it a bit and sold the CTR and got the TAC A1 instead. I considered getting an MPA chassis for it but really liked the Tikka TAC A1 factory option that still used CTR mags.