Looking for Component Reccomendations for T3 Build

[Kobyy]

Hey guys! I'm a long time lurker, and love the forum.

I'm in the process of trying to build my first custom precision rifle. It's actually for my Dad, who was looking for something to use at the bench, and also something he might be able to hunt with. (.308 is his preference.) He fell in love with the smoothness of the Tikka T3 action, but we couldn't exactly find a chassis that he loved equally. He's an old school guy, and loves the classic wood look, and isn't much a fan of the hyper tactical look of MDT stuff, etc.

I found Boyd's online, and immediately knew that it was the one. I just ordered an At-One (https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/product-configurator/) in Nutmeg for him as a surprise. The only thing is.. it's all that I've ordered.

Just looking for recommendations on every other component that I'll need. (Honestly I'm not even positive about exactly what I need in total yet, still reading!) I've gathered that I'll likely need to buy a T3 rifle and deconstruct it for the action, but if anyone knows where I can get one without doing that, that would be great too! I'm thinking 24" for the barrel, but I don't know where to start there either, or if I should recycle whatever comes off the factory T3.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Kobyy]

Also, does anyone know if the T3 stock from Boyd's will fit a T3x rifle? We ordered the stock first; thinking now that we maybe should have bought the donor first. Live and learn!

 

[spife7980]

The t3 and te t3x share the same footprint, a stock labeled for one should fit the other just fine. They only changed some plastic and aluminum stuff over to steel, they didnt change any actual dimensions.

Sounds like youre wanting to buy the rifle and put a new barrel on it immediately, have you thought about going with a ctr model and keeping the barrel it comes with? In 308 it is a 20" but if hunting the weight savings would be nice. If you are open to 6.5 creed they offer a 24" ctr. You would have to check about mag fitment though, not sur eof the differences between then normal small mag and the large ctr mag and how they would play with the at one, I do notice that they offer it as a different option on boyds website so its possible a change in inletting would be required. Thats less than having it rebarreled though.

 

[Kobyy]

The t3 and te t3x share the same footprint, a stock labeled for one should fit the other just fine. They only changed some plastic and aluminum stuff over to steel, they didnt change any actual dimensions.

Sounds like youre wanting to buy the rifle and put a new barrel on it immediately, have you thought about going with a ctr model and keeping the barrel it comes with? In 308 it is a 20" but if hunting the weight savings would be nice. If you are open to 6.5 creed they offer a 24" ctr. You would have to check about mag fitment though, not sur eof the differences between then normal small mag and the large ctr mag and how they would play with the at one, I do notice that they offer it as a different option on boyds website so its possible a change in inletting would be required. Thats less than having it rebarreled though.

AWESOME, thanks for the reply. I'm not 100% for rebarreling immediately, just figured "when in Rome." I shoot a full custom Savage Stealth in 6.5, and love the round, but my Dad really wants the .308. I've beaten this horse to death with him, but it is what it is, and for his purposes, the differences are minimal.

I think you're right about the inlet change. I might just get a T3X Hunter and use the 22.4" stock barrel and everything else; just drop them in. Then we'll get right to the fun stuff like rings, optic, and brake, etc. It will be fine for what he needs it to do.

Thanks again!

 

[spife7980]

The hunter doesnt have a threaded muzzle so if you are wanting a brake youll need to spring an extra 75-125 to have that hunter barrel threaded for it provided its thick enough to begin with. For hunting I wouldnt want a brake because it takes time to put on hearing protection and thats generally a hassle in a hunting scenario when speed could be critical. For lots of shooting from a table it would be nice to have it braked for minimal recoil over a long shooting session. The ctr will also handle the heat of repeated strings of fire better. Just things down the road to ponder before you invest the money.

 

[Kobyy]

The hunter doesnt have a threaded muzzle so if you are wanting a brake youll need to spring an extra 75-125 to have that hunter barrel threaded for it provided its thick enough to begin with. For hunting I wouldnt want a brake because it takes time to put on hearing protection and thats generally a hassle in a hunting scenario when speed could be critical. For lots of shooting from a table it would be nice to have it braked for minimal recoil over a long shooting session. The ctr will also handle the heat of repeated strings of fire better. Just things down the road to ponder before you invest the money.

Excellent point. Yeah, I definitely want a brake. I think the stainless looks nice, so just looking for the cheapest T3X possible in .308 with a stainless barrel to use for the donor. Preferably one that's threaded. Any suggestions?

 

[spife7980]

The CTR is the only one I know of with a threaded barrel from the factory.

 

[kabarNC]

I'd recommend buying a CTR, then sending your At One off to get reinletted to the factory CTR bottom metal/ magazine system if possible. Besides the normal Tikka accuracy and nice trigger, the CTR mag system is my favorite part of Tikkas..

 

[leeb10]

I agree, the CTR/TRG mags are actually really good. Superior to AICS mags imo. Double stack, single feed; light but still sturdy construction; long internal dimensions for longer pills

The stock DBM is also great too. Well constructed from AL, and a flush but intuitive mag release.

 

[Kobyy]

Looks like I should've asked before I ordered the stock. I don't want to pay their 12% cancellation fee, and then just reorder a new one.

I called them and asked if they'd allow me to make a swap, and they basically told me to get lost, and that production was likely started this morning. So it looks like I'm stuck without the CTR for now, but that's not a biggie. I'll check out the CTR; where would I send it off to get reinletted? Right back to Boyd's? So far, I'm less than impressed with their customer service. When I asked about the T3 vs T3X, they told to measure twice before trying it.

 

[Kobyy]

Looks like I should've asked before I ordered the stock. I don't want to pay their 12% cancellation fee, and then just reorder a new one.

I called them and asked if they'd allow me to make a swap, and they basically told me to get lost, and that production was likely started this morning. So it looks like I'm stuck without the CTR for now, but that's not a biggie. I'll still check out the CTR; but where would I send it off to get reinletted? Right back to Boyd's? So far, I'm less than impressed with their customer service. When I asked about the T3 vs T3X, they told to measure twice before trying it.

 

[kabarNC]

Looks like I should've asked before I ordered the stock. I don't want to pay their 12% cancellation fee, and then just reorder a new one.

I called them and asked if they'd allow me to make a swap, and they basically told me to get lost, and that production was likely started this morning. So it looks like I'm stuck without the CTR for now, but that's not a biggie. I'll check out the CTR; where would I send it off to get reinletted? Right back to Boyd's? So far, I'm less than impressed with their customer service. When I asked about the T3 vs T3X, they told to measure twice before trying it.

On this, ill defer to someone that knows more than i do, on a good place. I've done business with reinletting at McMillan, but it was from their store, and their stock. I've also got an inletting job done at CDI Precision, very good work, but again i was going to CDI bottom metal (for AICS mags, not factory CTR). I do know that the CTR bottom metal inlet is wider than the other regular Tikka bottom metal, so it will easily be possible to go from regular to CTR. Hopefully someone here will point you to the right place.

 

[Kobyy]

On this, ill defer to someone that knows more than i do, on a good place. I've done business with reinletting at McMillan, but it was from their store, and their stock. I've also got an inletting job done at CDI Precision, very good work, but again i was going to CDI bottom metal (for AICS mags, not factory CTR). I do know that the CTR bottom metal inlet is wider than the other regular Tikka bottom metal, so it will easily be possible to go from regular to CTR. Hopefully someone here will point you to the right place.

Okay, I think we're out of the CTR game for now. I'm pretty narrowed to a T3x Varmint Stainless, but I can't find one anywhere!

Anyone have any beads on one?

 

[LeftyJason]

Okay, I think we're out of the CTR game for now. I'm pretty narrowed to a T3x Varmint Stainless, but I can't find one anywhere!

Anyone have any beads on one?

First off are you located in the USA? If yes are you looking at the tikka usa site?
http://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles
That is what gets imported into the us. It doesn't show t3x varmint stainless. If you are in Australia or a few other countries you can get them there. Just be glad that you aren't left handed and left eye.

 

[LA260]

A Tikka Sporter T3/T3x would've been another option if you hadn't ordered the stock already, I've shot a 260 T3 Sporter that a friend has and its pretty much perfect if you're looking for a wood/laminate stock tikka.

 

[Kobyy]

First off are you located in the USA? If yes are you looking at the tikka usa site?
http://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles
That is what gets imported into the us. It doesn't show t3x varmint stainless. If you are in Australia or a few other countries you can get them there. Just be glad that you aren't left handed and left eye.

Yeah, I'm USA. I saw the Varmint Stainless was Canada/Au, was hoping to be able find one around here. Didn't realize that they're not even imported.

A Tikka Sporter T3/T3x would've been another option if you hadn't ordered the stock already, I've shot a 260 T3 Sporter that a friend has and its pretty much perfect if you're looking for a wood/laminate stock tikka.

I missed that one, will check again.

At this point, I'm thinking that I just want the gun for the action and trigger assembly, that a barrel replacement might be the ticket.

Just need the cheapest T3x with a stainless action, I guess.

 

[Kobyy]

So it looks like I'm looking for a T3x laminated stainless, and then get the barrel threaded for a brake at a gunsmith. If I go that route, would this guy work, even though it's for the T3, and not T3x? (https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/3... Bases, Mounting & Accessories-_-EGW-_-305833)