Tikka TAC A1 or Ruger Precision

[Hogg0494]

Hi everyone.looking for a lrp chassis style rifle for my son.want to budget around $2500-3000 for gun and glass.he likes the ruger precision but i see alot more positive reviews online and youtube about the tikka being alot more accurate.the tikka is about $500 more but would like everyones input if its worth it.a xtra $500 towards glass or ammo is a nice chunk of change but if the tikka is worth it then so be it.pros and cons along with accuracy specs much appreciated

 

[Hogg0494]

Forgot to mention.i am set on a 6.5 creedmoor 24”.alot of 100-300 paper punching with occasional steel out to 1000yds

 

[Sieg]

Tikka with and Athlon Ares ETR and I doubt you'll have a regret.

 

[Tim_WNC]

I'm no expert, but I bought a Tikka TAC A1 a couple months ago and absolutely love it. I'm getting consistent 0.3" 100 yard groups with cheap Hornady Am Gunner 140gr ammo.

I'm still working n load development for longer range, but think I've settled on RL-17 pushing a 140gr ELD-M seated ~2.2" base to ogive. So far so good out to 500 on steel. I haven't had opportunity to shoot for groups at distance yet.

The fit, finish and action are worlds better than the savage I had previously (though that savage could SHOOT).

My ONLY complaint is the butt stock. I wish it was adjustable like a PRS instead of fixed spacers.

I'm running a Burris XTRII 5-25x in a Spuhr mount.

 

[oneshotmike]

Tikka all day long over the RPR in my humble opinion and I have shot them both. The TacA1 in 6.5 Creedmoor is a laser. I would top it off with a decent scope, Vortex Viper PST is a nice scope and you can likely finish within budget. This gun also loves the Hornady #81500 140 or 147 grain and would accomplish your objectives quite nicely in fact.

You can also find decent glass here in the PX section depending on what suits your wishes, just have to be quick because all the deals go rather quickly around here.

 

[oneshotmike]

Also, the Tikka trigger is much better than the RPR....... again, in my opinion.

 

[Steel head]

Tikka

 

[Sinned]

Ruger RPR, everything about it is VERY serviceable, I'd prefer NO trigger blade but whatever. Both do shoot really well and i don't see any difference performance wise between them. Tikka is a chassis system but the ruger is not, i repeat not a chassis as in there is NO chassis in the RPR. Both rifles have there plus and minuses but in the end I'd call it a "push" when talking stock but if you intend to start modifying and investing $, Ruger....

 

[SlimySquirrel]

I would get a Tikka CTR and drop it in an ESS or similar.... even a T3X lite will work until you want to upgrade the barrel.
I have done the same myself. T3X - 6.5 creedmoor Superlight in a ESS chassis. It’s a laser

 

[Yoteski]

Tikka is in all practicality a custom rifle, i.e. it has custom rifle like performance. Everything about the Tac A1 exudes quality. The Ruger is a good rifle, but the Tikka is in a different league. I have owned both and will say that accuracy is a wash between them. You wouldn't be lacking with either rifle, but if you want refinement and craftsmanship on top of accuracy, get the Tikka.

 

[Winchester59]

Tikka for sure, working the bolt will put a smile on your face!

 

[cruze5]

another vote for Tikka i enjoy both of mine

 

[awpk03s]

I can also praise the Tikka. I have a Tac A1, and it is an excellent rifle in every way. To me, the juice is worth the squeeze.
I will say though, unless you’re set on a chassis rifle or folding stock, you could save coin getting a Tikka CTR and dropping it into a KRG Bravo or a Grayboe stock. Otherwise by all means, the Tac A1 chassis is very nice.

 

[b6graham]

Of those options tikka. But I'd vote CTR in a Bravo or similar chassis

Also consider
Bighorn origin $850
Prefit barrel $500
Krg bravo $350
Trigger $200
Ares etr $1000
Seekins rings $100

 

[ilmonster]

Or save another $100 and get the Tikka Varmint ($100 less than the CTR) and drop it into a KRG Bravo stock for $1,300 all in, and now you have an extra $500 over the Tikka T3A1 to spend on glass. Also, you may wish to look around for some of the closeout Vortex PST 6-24 scopes that are now selling for less than $1K (prior generation, not the PST Gen. II). Let us know what you decide!

p.s. one Ruger that might be worth it are the Gen 2 closeout 6mm Creedmoor's that I've seen selling for $800 brand new. Not as smooth as a Tikka, but heck of a price (if you would consider that caliber...just a thought)

 

[Hogg0494]

Great input guys/gals. Looks like a tac a1 it is.gonna start a seperate post about glass. Thanks

 

[Friar]

I have no range time with the ruger. However, I did pick up a tikka tac in 223 and am currently working up a load with the 77gr smk's and am getting groups at 100 yards that rival my trg. I really like the trigger on it.

 

[heytonyman]

Fit and finish on the Tikka is certainly better out of the box. However, you're stuck with so-so mags and, while very accurate, the barrels can be slow comparatively.

Personally, I'd pick the cheapest RPR 6 Creed for sub 800 dollars, drop in a Proof Stainless prefit 6.5 Creed for 435, Seekins Rail for 150, then work the trigger and polish the bolt yourself. From there, you have a highly customizable rifle that accepts high-quality magazines, most AR furniture, and matches or beats the accuracy of the Tikka for less money. And it's a fun project for you and the boy to undertake. He'll understand the inner workings and appreciate the rifle that much more.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Both will work. The Tikka is easily worth the $500 extra. Especially when you consider resale. Tikkas are in demand for many reasons. The action alone is probably the best OEM available.

And the trigger.?


10 @ 100 w/ my Tac A1

 

[IDbound]

Tikka. My Tac A1 will shoot anything .5 MOA.

 

[Chase214]

Tac A1 , even better get a used t3x put it in a chassis add trigger spring and shoot that's the route I took I have about 400 more in mine that a tac a1 because I had a diff barrel put on and I bought the tikka new because hard to find used left hand .

 

[Heyitsclint]

Rpr with 140gr ELDM. For the money, it is a winner.

 

[sissupr]

I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago. I went with an RPR in 6.5CM used for $900 w/Timney trigger PRS stock, upgraded bolt knob and hogue grip. Got a great deal I know. Since then I’ve upgraded it a bit and have just over $3500. Your budget is $3000, some of the items are just cosmetic and don’t need to be there and you still be well within your budget.

I’m a horrible shot, best is 0.6 MOA at 100yds. 1st time shooting a bolt/bench ever. This rifle is definitely sub .50 MOA all day with a halfway decent shooter. Working up a load as we speak which is something I think just happens when you get the long range bug IMO.

I do think the Tikka A1 is worth the value, and I find that it holds it value very well as someone else stated. Which is great if you decide you don’t like it. I don’t like buying new, so looking for a Tikka deal was difficult. They will be around $1500 used and with a my PST Gen 2 scope and rings/mount it was already at ~$2500. I like upgrading and such and never happy with ‘stock’. So this was another reason I thought an RPR would be a better buy, parts, upgrades, parts for sale used,... all seemed to be more available on the used marketplace. The one thing you won’t find for an RPR is a chassis system, so if you are stuck with the look/feel/etc (as far as I know).

I will pickup a Tikka A1 at some point. Actually thinking about it again after seeing your post, which sux! Lol. Wife will use it on me if I do...

Good luck nonetheless, they are both great options! Cheers!

Upgrade list.

- 24” LRI Polished Barrel 1:8 twist 6.5 CM - setup for Hornady 147 ELD-X
- LRI Cathedral muzzle brake w/LRI timing collar
- Seekins Handguard
- LRI machined bolt shroud
- Target Tool stock and extended mag release
- upgraded Pineapple bolt handle
- Timney 2 stage Flat Face Trigger
- Hogue Overmold Grip
- Harris Bipod w/gg&g quick release mount
- Vortex PST Gen 2 5-25x50 MRAD
- ZROdelta mount

Some pics.

 

[thexman]

They are not on the same level. Tikka is way better.

But if your son doesn't need to have a tacticool rifle, maybe Tikka CTR would do the job and you have more budget on the scope?

 

[pineoak]

Having owned an RPR in 6.5 and currently shoot a .223 Tikka Varmint as my main rifle, my buddy has an A1 TAC.

I'd go either route without issues. The longer I've shot, the less I care as long as the gun is reliable and it groups.

The Tikka is a better smoother action, but the RPR is just "easy". For the $500 difference I'd get the A1.

If you can find a 6.5 RPR for $999, I'd go that route. The advice on getting a used Tikka action or T3x and dropping it into a Bravo aren't a bad idea.