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.223 trainer

If you're interested in a chassis platform, this post may be helpful. If you like a Manners-type stock, the Tikka T3X Varmint in .223 should still be considered.

I just put a .223 Tikka T3X Varmint (which is available in left-hand) in an MDT LSS-XL Gen-2 chassis with MDT skeleton rifle stock. I wanted an all-aluminum chassis similar to the one on my T3X TAC-A1; the MDT gave me what I was looking for at the best price.

Accuracy is typical Tikka, yielding average (so far, 106 rounds downrange to date) 100-yard groups at 1/'2" +/- a tenth or two with decent factory match ammo. From the factory, the trigger would only adjust to 2.5 pounds minimum. Crisp but too heavy for me. I replaced the stock trigger spring with an Elay Precision spring and dropped the weight to a crisp 1.5 pounds - which is my where I want it.

The LSS-XL chassis is not available in left-hand, but the MDT LSS and ESS models are. Masterpiece Arms also markets a very nice all-aluminum chassis. There are others but these are the ones I had put my hands on before purchase.

Not sure what your idea of "reasonable price" is, but (for chassis rifles), unless/until Tikka releases the TAC-A1 in .223 or one of Tikka's competitors releases something similar, my rig provides as good a sub-$2000 platform as I could find. If you don't want a chassis rifle, I'm sure there are multiple choices for the ;eft-handed .223 Tikka T3X Varmint.

Good luck.
 
You can find a rpr 556 for around 800-900 right now. Get the bolt bushed and firing pin turned and bam you are in business
You are correct! All the RPRs punch above their weight. For me personally, the .223/5.56 RPR is so much shorter and lighter with an overall different feel than my TAC A1 that I couldn't see it as a "trainer" for the TAC - but you are right about the RPR as an option.
 
You will be best off going custom action Bighorn origin would be my choice. Tikka does not sell in the us a left hand 223 varmint to my knowledge. They do sell a sporter which is $1550 and not a trainer. If I am wrong someone give me a link to one in stock. The rpr is a great option if your Right handed. Which he is not.