So I wanted to try something a bit different for myself. I’m an hobby machinist and my passion is building accurate, precise, efficient and different varmint rifles. I’ve put together five or six over the past year and a half and I enjoy building as much as shooting! So I thought it would be fun to blog in the forum about my next build.
After some long thought and great feedback from the group here I decided on trying a 25x45 Ackley Improved. Why, because it’s different, it’s fun and inexpensive to shoot, and should be very accurate, precise, efficient , and soft shooting enough for my daughters to enjoy! I also have most of the tooling available to me to get started, so that’s a huge plus. So if you’re interested in the process, feel free to join along! Your opinions and expertise are always appreciated, let’s just keep it constructive and fun. I have a lot to learn and enjoy the process.
As for machine tools, I have a Bridgeport style 9x49” knee mill, a 14x40” lathe, and the new ability to apply ceramic coatings...this one should be fun! My initial thought is to black out the entire rifle in Cerekote’s Graphite Black!
Step 1: Find a donor rifle receiver (Budget $500)
I’ve tried several different actions over the years, Remingtons, Rugers (MKII, RAR, RPR), BATs, Tikkas, Savages, and for me the Tikka T3x is a clear winner in the factory donor category. The engineering and Machining quality that goes into the Tikka T3 is really solid right out of the box, this is something I really appreciate as an engineer myself! As I go along I’ll indicate the receiver to show how well built these little gems really are. Go try and find a used Tikka for a decent price...it’s not easy!
. I did manage to find a like new T3x .223 for a “decent” price and it should be here shortly. Sure wish Tikka would sell bare receivers...hint, hint...they’d make a fortune.
Next step finding the right barrel. If your interested give a thumbs up and I’ll keep going...heck it may give you something to look forward to while we all wait for the ‘Rona to go away! Stay safe!
After some long thought and great feedback from the group here I decided on trying a 25x45 Ackley Improved. Why, because it’s different, it’s fun and inexpensive to shoot, and should be very accurate, precise, efficient , and soft shooting enough for my daughters to enjoy! I also have most of the tooling available to me to get started, so that’s a huge plus. So if you’re interested in the process, feel free to join along! Your opinions and expertise are always appreciated, let’s just keep it constructive and fun. I have a lot to learn and enjoy the process.
As for machine tools, I have a Bridgeport style 9x49” knee mill, a 14x40” lathe, and the new ability to apply ceramic coatings...this one should be fun! My initial thought is to black out the entire rifle in Cerekote’s Graphite Black!
Step 1: Find a donor rifle receiver (Budget $500)
I’ve tried several different actions over the years, Remingtons, Rugers (MKII, RAR, RPR), BATs, Tikkas, Savages, and for me the Tikka T3x is a clear winner in the factory donor category. The engineering and Machining quality that goes into the Tikka T3 is really solid right out of the box, this is something I really appreciate as an engineer myself! As I go along I’ll indicate the receiver to show how well built these little gems really are. Go try and find a used Tikka for a decent price...it’s not easy!
. I did manage to find a like new T3x .223 for a “decent” price and it should be here shortly. Sure wish Tikka would sell bare receivers...hint, hint...they’d make a fortune.Next step finding the right barrel. If your interested give a thumbs up and I’ll keep going...heck it may give you something to look forward to while we all wait for the ‘Rona to go away! Stay safe!
