The thread title says it all. What say you?
My Tikka T3X TAC A1 barrel in 6.5CM has at least several hundred rounds of life left in it, but I'm at a decision point as to whether to rebarrel or replace the rifle with a Masterpiece Arms BA in the same caliber. Obviously the rebarreling option would cost several hundred dollars less than dealer-trading for the MPA, but it appears from reading through a great many posts here on the Hide that the components in the MPA rifle are an upgrade from the good but proprietary Tikka.
I also like the idea of the MPA being chambered for specific factory rounds, notably the Hornady 140 ELD-M, as I really detest reloading. I've done pistol and shotgun for 50+ years, and did enough "non-precision" bottleneck rifle in the '80s to know I don't want to get sucked into buying more equipment to chase the perfect 6.5CM handload. My Tikka will put Prime 130s into consistent half-inch 5-round groups at 100 and the MPA has their 3-round-group 3/8" guarantee, and I've seen numerous 5-round groups at that or better size. I think Frank has said that 3/8" groups are his threshold for competition; if I can get that without handloading, it's a no-brainer for me personally.
The only potential downside I see in the MPA is the button-rifled barrel as opposed to a cut-rifled barrel - but I've also read reports here that the Spencer barrels have an excellent reputation.
I've also considered a full custom but don't see how to come near the $2500-2800 street price of the MPA with the same or similar components.
Setting the cost aside, what other pros/cons would you consider in making this decision? Thanks.
My Tikka T3X TAC A1 barrel in 6.5CM has at least several hundred rounds of life left in it, but I'm at a decision point as to whether to rebarrel or replace the rifle with a Masterpiece Arms BA in the same caliber. Obviously the rebarreling option would cost several hundred dollars less than dealer-trading for the MPA, but it appears from reading through a great many posts here on the Hide that the components in the MPA rifle are an upgrade from the good but proprietary Tikka.
I also like the idea of the MPA being chambered for specific factory rounds, notably the Hornady 140 ELD-M, as I really detest reloading. I've done pistol and shotgun for 50+ years, and did enough "non-precision" bottleneck rifle in the '80s to know I don't want to get sucked into buying more equipment to chase the perfect 6.5CM handload. My Tikka will put Prime 130s into consistent half-inch 5-round groups at 100 and the MPA has their 3-round-group 3/8" guarantee, and I've seen numerous 5-round groups at that or better size. I think Frank has said that 3/8" groups are his threshold for competition; if I can get that without handloading, it's a no-brainer for me personally.
The only potential downside I see in the MPA is the button-rifled barrel as opposed to a cut-rifled barrel - but I've also read reports here that the Spencer barrels have an excellent reputation.
I've also considered a full custom but don't see how to come near the $2500-2800 street price of the MPA with the same or similar components.
Setting the cost aside, what other pros/cons would you consider in making this decision? Thanks.
