Gunsmithing Tikka CTR Barrel Advice

[YotaEer]

I am nearing the completion of my first bolt gun build based on a 20" Tikka CTR in 6.5 CM. The rifle is used for 50% range and 50% hunting so I have tried to keep the weight down, with the understanding that I will have to make some sacrifices to get the stability and features I want. Some of the sacrifices have been added weight with the KRG Bravo (barely) and a big optic (Athlon Ares ETR). Rifle currently sits at around 12.5 pounds loaded, which will be 13.5 pounds when the SICO Omega is free.

I would like to compensate for some of the added weight by putting on a new carbon fiber barrel or a shorter fluted steel barrel. I'm thinking 18" regardless although could keep it at 20" if the CF options are light enough.

Any advice on prefits people have used for their CTR's to cut some weight? I've looked at proof, carbon six, criterion, mcgowan, etc. Just a newb with this and would like any guidance possible.

 

[knuckleballz]

build a dedicated range rifle, and shoot that ctr barrel. build a dedicated hunting rifle. Find an ultra-light tikka. The stock only weighs 26 oz. Run the factory 3 or 5 round plastic magazines. I got a 1/4 moa shooting ultra light contour carbon barrel chambered in 7 rem mag from carbon 6. you should be able to get down to a 7 to 8 pound rifle with scope mounted. what caliber? You can save weight with a sfp scope and not using a rail + scope rings. there are titanium action screws, bolt handles, recoil lug, etc to shave some weight also.

 

[YotaEer]

build a dedicated range rifle, and shoot that ctr barrel. build a dedicated hunting rifle. Find an ultra-light tikka. The stock only weighs 26 oz. Run the factory 3 or 5 round plastic magazines. I got a 1/4 moa shooting ultra light contour carbon barrel chambered in 7 rem mag from carbon 6. you should be able to get down to a 7 to 8 pound rifle with scope mounted. what caliber? You can save weight with a sfp scope and not using a rail + scope rings. there are titanium action screws, bolt handles, recoil lug, etc to shave some weight also.

I’ve been looking at carbon 6. Glad to hear yours shoots well. How long was the wait?

Caliber is 6.5 CM

 

[knuckleballz]

They quoted me 6-8 weeks i think and they delivered in that time frame. They answer the phone and are good with communication. They only charge half when you order and half when they ship your barrel.

 

[YotaEer]

I like that you can get custom lengths for their prefits and will likely order from them.

This maybe a dumb question, but do you simply screw off your old barrel and screw on the prefit?

 

[knuckleballz]

I did have to open up the barrel channel with some sanding on the Tikka stock to accommodate the carbon barrel. It did not effect accuracy at all

 

[CarbonSix]

YotaEar that's the basically all it takes but we still recommend having a competent gunsmith to verify torque and headspace, feel free to give us call and we can get you the set up you're looking for.

knuckleballz glad to hear you're happy with the barrel, we always like to see pics of the rifles and groups

 

[knuckleballz]

This was the first range trip doing initial load testing. It appears to be very accurate with any load so far. I need to try some seating depth variations to tighten groups. Shot at 100 yards.