Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

[TexasClassIII]

ZG Customs Tikka T3 223 w/ Kampfeld spiral barrel + bolt

Just got the XLR Evolution in, which means the gun is finally done!

Tony @ ZG Customs did all the work on the Tikka/barrel, other than the spiral fluting, which Karl @ Kampfeld Customs did. I told him to take the flutes all the way to the end of the barrel, so that they 'disappeared' into the suppressor.

I couldn't recommend either of these guys more highly. Both produced great work, were reasonable in cost, and were very good about following through with the timelines they set.

Gun started as a basic Tikka T3 223.

Added:
Rock 1-8 twist 20" barrel - spiral flutes @ 720 degrees by Karl @ Kampfeld Customs
Bolt - spiral fluted by Karl to match the barrel
HSS bolt handle and shroud
XLR Evolution Stock w/ xtreme butt stock
Atlas Bipod w/ ARMS mount
Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56
DTA 40 MOA tapered one piece mount (left over from another build...)
Shark 308 Suppressor

Love it! Best group so far is a 4-shot (stock mags are only 4 shot..) that was .222" at 100 with 77 gr SW Ammo.

Thanks to Tony & Karl for all their work. Couldn't be happier with the finished project. Looks and shoots great.

 

[Pew...Ding]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

I need to stop looking at things I can't afford. Nice Rifle!

 

[Hntelk]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

wow...really nice rifle...never knew a tikka could look so good!

 

[shabazz]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Unfortunately i'm too jealous to admit how nice your rifle is..

 

[SJshooter]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Oh come on!!! I just changed my pants! Now I have to get another pair.

Seriously though, that is really nice! My tikka is jealous of your tikka.

 

[Scotch_egg]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

What modifications were required to allow the use of AI .223 mags?


It sure is a stunner.

 

[chrisj]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Nicely done! Best of Luck with it...

 

[trigger time]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

To use AI 223 mags, you need to either instal the CDI bottom metal in your tikka, manners, ext.. or run the XLR, or KRG stocks. Then with the 223 mags you have to either trim the lips a hair or open up the mag port on the bottom of the action just a bit.

 

[Scotch_egg]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

I have heard of issues relating trimming themags. It weakens the feed lips and enduces poor feeding.

I have searched a that and found a 35 degree cut on the action allows reliable feeding.

 

[trigger time]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

I cut the action on mine and haven't had any issues.

 

[TexasClassIII]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Mags were modified by XLR. I've never heard of the issue that you speak of, but if it becomes one, I'll just have Tony modify the action.

Updated first post to include a couple more pics of good (but not as good as the first) groups.

The most fun thing was starting with a pretty inexpensive base rifle and adding to it over time. First was the gun, then barrel, then chambering, then spiral fluting, then XLR, etc. Doesn't 'feel' as expensive that way

Parker

 

[RugerSlinger]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Looks sick, I love the look of the xlr chassis. I want my next build to have a spiral fluted barrel.

 

[ProImaging]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

that's pure sex!!!

 

[Judd]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Now that is a head turner...congrats! A guy I know has a Kampfield Rem700 220 swift and the barrel is brown and the flutes are black with bolt to match. I am jealous everytime I see that gun. Yours ranks right there with his.

 

[TexasClassIII]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

I'm still debating whether to polish the barrel, cerakote it, or leave as is. (Right now it's in the same condition as when Karl finished the spiral fluting).

Due to the really aggressive spiral twist I'm a little afraid a contrasting color on the flutes would make it look like a candy cane. Thoughts?

Parker

 

[Jeeprider]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scotch egg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have heard of issues relating trimming themags. It weakens the feed lips and enduces poor feeding.

I have searched a that and found a 35 degree cut on the action allows reliable feeding. </div></div>

I have a Tikka T3 with the KRG Whiskey 3 chassis with modified feed lips on my AI mags .I can tell you from first hand experience the rifle feeds and ejects flawlessly.

 

[Judd]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Here are a couple pictures he posted a while back:

I love the look of that gun and wonder what the green and black would look like???

 

[The_FNG]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Thats some crazy fluting, nice.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Judd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I love the look of that gun and wonder what the green and black would look like??? </div></div>

This doesn't have fluting, but the stock is green/black in that pattern:

 

[Quackaddict]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

I just popped wood when I saw that...

 

[sixshooter13]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Pretty impressive accuracy

 

[TexasClassIII]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Judd:

Any idea what the 'real name' of those colors are?

Is that FDE with matte black flutes?

I'm still a little concerned about contrasting flutes looking too busy on my gun due to the really hard twist of the flutes..

Parker

 

[littlerascal56]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Regarding the AI .223 mags,you can take a little at a time off the edges with a file until it seats into the bottom of the action. Does not seem to affect the strength or feeding of the mags in my T3 Varmint at all.

 

[Judd]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

Parker...Naw, he posted then I drooled and told him how much I liked it very similar to yours.

Not sure if you post on the THF but he is BMD over there...you can search back and it was about a year or so ago he posted the pictures or shoot him a PM he is a nice guy.

Tyler...I meant the coloring on the barrel, where he has brown and black in the spirals I would like to see what green and black would do. Add that stock to it and you would have a great looking gun.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

very well done.....

 

[gathumper]

Re: Tikka 223 build done - spiral fluted with XLR Evo

The barrel spiraling really sets your rifle off!!! I really can't think of one thing I would change on that rifle, Very nice.