Idle question to the custom rifle builders here - Tikka T3

[Fedaykin]

Hi guys just some idle questions around custom rifles to those here who market such services.

I have been looking at the various Remington 700 based custom based rifles and it hasn't been entirely rocking my boat. I have had the chance to shoot the Tikka T3 on several occasions as a friend of mine has one to shoot fox. I very much like the smoothness of the action and the general quality (I have shot the Remington 700 as well on many an occasion before anybody asks).

What would the practicality and general ball park costs for one of you guys to put together a tactical custom in.308 based upon the T3. Just some ball park figures would help, I was thinking a second hand Tikka T3 would have to be sourced to provide an action. For barrel I am very keen on the Armalon fluted hammer forged 26", it is advertised on the Armalon site on their Remington 700 price list but I presume it is not an insurmountable issue fitting to the Tikka. The Armalon website lists the barrel as starting from £477, with the fluting costing £183. I would wanted threaded for a muzzle break which Armalon again does from the factory for an extra cost (or is it worth getting that done by the custom builder?)

After that a match trigger and mounted in a suitable tactical stock, something like the Roedale precision which would allow the use of Accuracy international magazines.

I realise this a big ask and all I want is some guestimates, it is just when I start looking at the various factory tactical rifles out there I wonder if the custom route might be better but the T3 with the Armalon barrel appeals as a starting point.

Thanks

[DW58]

Bear in mind there are several good chassis options for the Tikka T3 such as KRG's X-Ray and Whiskey-3; Modular Driven Technology's Tac21 and LSS; XLR Industries; EVO, and a few others. There is of course the Roedale if you're prepared to wait for ever, but it's not something I'd consider after way too much bad publicity.

There are plenty sources of fluted barrels.

Triggers can be had from Jard, Timney and Bix'n Andy among others.

[Fedaykin]

Oh don't get me wrong, I gave the Roedale as an example of the kind of thing I want. I almost put MDT TAC21 in the post as well but decided it rather diluted the point. Basically a military/police style chassis that can be magazine fed, my decision would not be set in stone.

The barrel on the other hand as I stated in the post it pretty much has to be the Armalon hammer forged barrel, I am not interested in cut or button rifling. As Armalon appear to be the only people who supply one it kind of has to be them (I realise that does mean having to deal with Peter).

Triggers I would take what ever is recommended or even a custom job on the standard example or just use the standard of that is good enough.

[breacher]

That Whiskey 3 is lovely !!!!

[ovenpaa]

I would second the KRG Whiskey 3chassis systems. I have first hand knowledge of them and can confirm they are well put together, good attention to detail, the folder does not need superhuman strength to operate the latches.

You are going to have to look long and hard to find an better alternative to the Whiskey 3 chassis and folding chassis.

[WelshShooter]

I would second the KRG Whiskey 3chassis systems. I have first hand knowledge of them and can confirm they are well put together, good attention to detail, the folder does not need superhuman strength to operate the latches.

You are going to have to look long and hard to find an better alternative to the Whiskey 3 chassis and folding chassis.

Sorry to hijack thread, ovenpaa I'm thinking about getting the krg x ray stock for my Tikka T3. Am I right in thinking they take the long action AI mags (it's a 308 varmint). The whiskey 3 is sadly out of my price range. Have you any experience with x ray?

[ovenpaa]

WelshShooter, it is only the Whiskey 3 I have worked with however if the X Ray is of the same build quality (I am confident it will be) then you will have nothing to worry about.

Regarding the magazine, I assume they take the long action AICS magazines however I am not 100% sure. I will ask the question as I intend to get a couple in from the importers when they arrive.

[WelshShooter]

Excellent, thank you. Now to get the stock on order! Might come in time for my birthday next month!

[ovenpaa]

I have just been advised the X Ray is for short action T3, the Whiskey 3 is for both short and long actions. We will be stocking both the X Ray and the W3 chassis.

[DW58]

The barrel on the other hand as I stated in the post it pretty much has to be the Armalon hammer forged barrel, I am not interested in cut or button rifling. As Armalon appear to be the only people who supply one it kind of has to be them (I realise that does mean having to deal with Peter).

Why does it have to be Armalon? There are other sources of hammer-forged barrels and these can be fluted by various outfits here in the UK.