T1X vs. RAR Target

[Potsy]

So I'm thinking if D.J.T. can pull it off in a few days I'm going to celebrate with a new .22LR rifle.

I've looked and read a bunch and was pretty sold on the T1X (16")but then started looking at the Ruger American Rifle Target models. I've held an example of one each, and here's what I'm thinking:

Rifle will get a trigger tune, a 25MOA DIP rail, and most likely a SWFA 10X SS (at least for the time being). I'll also likely celebrate President Trump's re-election by starting the paperwork on a Tbac takedown. Rifle will be used mostly as a fun gun, maybe some light competition, some small game and varmint control.

Factory barrels only for the time being.

One advantage to the T1X is the availability of the KRG Bravo, which would go right along with my Origin .22BR build, but it won't get one right away.

The Ruger is a bit heavier, but not so much I'd mind (possibly an advantage) The Ruger is available in Stainless, and it also runs 10-22 mags that fit flush with the stock. I'd think the Ruger laminated stock would likely be stiffer than the Tikka Tupperware, but that's just my impression.

I guess I'm asking; "has anyone ran them side by side and what are your thoughts on accuracy, feeding, trigger, design and overall quality?"

I suspect this will go overwhelmingly to the Tikka, but I want some opinions.

Thanks!!!

 

[littlepod]

The real advantage of the Tikka is it'll probably shoot 50% tighter groups than the RAR.

 

[Random One]

I had the RAR and traded it off because of the above statement.

 

[b6graham]

first two replies sum this up pretty easily

 

[Potsy]

Yeah. I'm really liking the feature set on the Ruger. But in digging deeper, I'm not reading anyone really bragging up the out of the box accuracy vs. the T1x. Some Rugers seem to shoot well enough after tweeking, but it still seems hit and miss.
Sooo, as I'm not gonna spring for a Vudoo, it's looking more and more like a Tikka.
Planning on going suppressed (eventually), so is there any disadvantage to running the 16" model Tikka?

 

[AZ Dan]

Tikka all the way. 10/22 magazine ability isn't enough of a benefit (IMO) versus the accuracy you give up.

16" will be fine suppressed or otherwise.

 

[Random One]

Now that we've kinda bashed the 10/22, I do have a 10/22 that I put a Green Mountain heavy contour barrel on, Kidd trigger, MagPul stock and it shoots great. It's fun shooter/plinker and I won't get rid of it, but I won't take to a match again, either.

If I was looking ( i'm always looking), I'd look at the Bergara B 14 in 22lr. Through that one in the mix too.

 

[Potsy]

Bergera is kinda in the mix. I need to read more on it.
Little heavy, little more than I really wanna spring for, but it is my “upper end maybe”option at this point.

 

[AZ Dan]

Bergera is kinda in the mix. I need to read more on it.
Little heavy, little more than I really wanna spring for, but it is my “upper end maybe”option at this point.

I'm a big fan of my B14R. Not quite a Vudoo, but about as close as you can get without spending an extra $1,200. I dropped mine into a KRG Bravo to match my B14 in 6.5 Creedmoor. Same glass, trigger, stocks, etc. If you are looking for a trainer setup, this is the way to go.

 

[b6graham]

Bergera is kinda in the mix. I need to read more on it.
Little heavy, little more than I really wanna spring for, but it is my “upper end maybe”option at this point.

heavy lol

my 22 is like 18 pounds unloaded without bipod

and my GF probs outshoots you with it

 

[Frankr]

OP -

I have shot in the same range session back to back

T1x
RPRr
RAR varmint (8334 model I think)
CZ457
and a few others

Short story - Buy the Tikka or a CZ (I know you didn't ask about the CZ but they are close on price)

Accuracy - Tikka shoots better than the RPRr and RAR target across a wide variety of ammo.

Triggers - RPRr and RAR have better triggers than my Tikka (seems my tikka trigger being shitty is an anomaly)

Magazines - Actually I like the CZ the best in a bolt gun but I have had small issues with my 10/22 mags in the RPRr but not the RAR varmint - The Tikka magazine every now and then won't feed the last round correctly and the round goes straight upward

Stocks - This is all personal preference but I think the Ruger varmint plastic stock is better than the Tikka stock

Action - My RAR varmint is smoother than the tikka but the tikka and the RPRr are pretty close. The smoothest 22lr action I have felt on a sub 800.00 gun was a RAR target stainless at the gun store in a thumbhole stock. It was so smooth I almost bought it just because of the action.

Overall the Tikka is a better gun IMHO - There was a smith that was putting Kidd LW barrels on a RAR target action and they shot very well but at that price point (~250-350 for the gun , 250 for the barrel, and ~150) you start getting really close to a Bergara B14r

 

[Potsy]

10 lbs would be plenty for what I’ll use it for. All up.

My .22BR weighs 16, it might gain a pound or two before long, but that’s as heavy as I care about for anything.

I’d not argue about your girlfriend outshooting me. That ain’t that hard.
I just feel bad for her having to lug that heavy SOB around.......

 

[AZ Dan]

Are you planning on hiking with it? My hike consists of from my car to the shooting bench. Weight is not an issue for stationary shooting. I have no idea what my B14R weighs, other than "a lot".

 

[pnwkiwi]

I know D.J.T has great admiration for the Finns, what with their tidy forests and all, but you should probably celebrate with an American rifle. Having said that, I would go the Tikka.