Custom action over tikka

[Kramerica]

What do you gain going with a custom action over a tikka CTR/T3x?

 

[drop_point]

What is the purpose?

 

[LHSmith]

Choices- cartridge, barrel length/contour, action configuration, specific chamber design-freebore, throat angle, neck dimension, trigger type/style, stock style/ dimensions/ finish/ material, overall weight control, optic mounting, magazine style, etc.

 

[K22]

For me, the Tikka T3X is the epitome of perfection and needs no fixing. I did add their aftermarket vertical pistol grip which enhanced my performance.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Do tikkas still have that recoil lug that is unattached?

 

[nakneker]

If I had an unlimited budget I’d use Bat, Anti X, Pierce titanium on all my rifles but I don’t. I end up using Tikkas on half my builds. Imo they are hard to beat at the price point, bottom metal works, lots of mag options, smooth as silk and they typically shoot. All of the ones Ive ever had built shoot small anyways. So imo the biggest thing you gain is value. If your after the best action you can buy then Tikka isn’t the answer and there are so many good choices that it can be hard to find the perfect one for you. It becomes a purpose driven question, is it for competition, light hunting rifle, what cartridge, long range big cartridge or a short fat BR etc.

 

[K22]

Do tikkas still have that recoil lug that is unattached?

Mine do but why care about it when its shoots sub 1/2 moa?

 

[joshb]

It’s about money. Tikkas are great actions. I have quite a few with custom barrels that shoot close to my customs but high end customs can’t be beaten.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

With the price of:

Mac Bros
Origin
Atlas Tac
Arc has a new one

Unless you’re sitting on a spare tikka and want to use it why would anyone not just use one of the custom actions. 20 years ago this wasn’t really the case but now a factory action is about a hundo less. Tikkas are pretty slick, probably the best production rifle.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

What do you gain going with a custom action over a tikka CTR/T3x?

700 footprint for chassis. 700 triggers. 700 everything so it opens a ton of doors. 700 reasons.

 

[762willdo]

Leaving aside manufacturing screw ups, it’s been my experience a good smith can make most actions as good as a custom action……

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Leaving aside manufacturing screw ups, it’s been my experience a good smith can take most actions as good as a custom action……

Right, but if you’re starting from scratch it’s cheaper to buy a custom.

 

[FeMan]

I have used T3 actions in two custom hunting rifles and really like them. They are smooth, have nice triggers, and the action length can be adjusted with a new bolt stop. I do not care for their recoil lug system but just have the receiver faced and a Rem-style recoil lug installed for a belt + suspenders setup.

A minor draw back is the availability/choices/cost of stocks, scope mounts, and magazines. There are choices but not the amount and variety of what is offered in Rem 700 footprints.

 

[Dave M.]

What do you gain going with a custom action over a tikka CTR/T3x?

That’s like saying, “hey guys, do you think I should buy a corvette or a Ram 3500 HD diesel?
Nobody can possibly answer your question without knowing how you intend to use this new rifle.
Dave

 

[Dave M.]

The question of how you intend to use this rifle still exists?? Hunting? F class shooting? Benchrest??

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Apples and tomatoes comparison. Lots of work needs done to a tikka to get it ready then you have the whole trigger deal again

 

[DLT]

I

Apples and tomatoes comparison. Lots of work needs done to a tikka to get it ready then you have the whole trigger deal again

I know I don’t have near the experience, toys, or played with as many different options as many on here but I have not yet felt a trigger as good as my 2 factory t3 rifles. I don’t shoot br or competition either though.

 

[6.5 forever]

Start with inspecting the bolt shroud on the Tikka...

 

[Liven The Dream]

I have had Barnard's a few, Hall M Great for Palma and Long Range Target work.
I now shot F/Class on Four Tuned SA 700 Rem. ( Gag). Would not give them up...

I Hunted a lot in years past, every Hunting Rifle Built in a Large Ring 98 Mauser.
Never a Rifle problem, had one .270 that shot clover levees at 300yards. ( Guy on this Site that was there).

Build what you what for your needs, better Barrel Trigger and Gun Smith are important.

 

[nmkid]

At the age of 77, I finally entered the custom action scene. Over the years I have held many a rifle in my hands, (including a Tikka). Even though I came in at the lower end(?) of the custom actions, (Defiance Tenacity) I am absolutely all giggles with the smoothness of the action.