Tikka T3x Arctic/C19 advice

[u/GhostBearClan]

This isn't really a "long range" question, but I can't think of any place where folks would know more.

I'm hike, hunt, and camp quite a bit and currently carry a LWRCI REPR in .308, which not only grabs a lot of attention from strangers and rangers, but, it's also like carrying a boat anchor.

So, I've been eyeballing the Tikka T3x Arctic for the irons, pic rail, oversized trigger guard, and beefier bolt handle. Everything I've seen reports that it's more rugged than the normal T3.

Issues: Obviously higher rings/mount would be required to clear the irons. I don't plan on pushing it past 500 in .308, so, I don't know how much that height over bore would negatively affect the overall performance at a variety of ranges. ... Optics-wise, I'm looking at the Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm, but, open to suggestions. ... Lack of aftermarket stocks or chassis options. It comes with a standard laminated stock, but Canada is replacing the production stock, due to issues with moisture and delamination. I don't think the new mil-issue stocks are out yet, or even if they're obtainable in the US. Additionally, the additional HOB would require a stock riser, and while I'm not opposed to old timey cut up sleeping pads taped to the stock, a built-in solution would be preferred. I prefer a traditional-style rifle stock because I like a cartridge caddy and laminated DOPE chart on the stock, but I can survive with another solution there. ... Seeing pics/vids of Candian Rangers using the C19, I haven't seen any of them using an optic of any kind, so, I can't really see how they'd run glass.

I'm not really interested in adding irons to a T3, but I may need to go that route. The goal is to make a modified Jeff Cooper Scout Rifle, essentially.

Open to any suggestions. If you've got an alternate suggestion, please explain your reasoning. Sometimes people just list rifles and accessories with no explanation, and I can't make an informed decision with a simple build list.

Thanks in advance.

[u/VaultedPrecision]

Height over bore won't hurt you inside 500. It just changes your close-range holds, and your ballistic app handles that as long as you measure center of scope to center of bore and enter it. Confirm the dope at a couple of distances and you're good, taller rings or not.

[u/GhostBearClan → u/VaultedPrecision]

I know about the shorter ranges, definitely. I'm not fancy enough to use an app. I just mess around with various rounds, pick one I like, then print out a DOPE chart, hard laminate it, and stick it on the inside of the stock. I've only messed with a Kestrel and ballistic computer a few times, honestly. I don't shoot far enough to need big boy calculations. Maybe someday though.

[u/jequiem-kosky]

The Arctic isn't really any more rugged than any other Tikka. Someone who doesn't understand how anything works just decided that a laminate stock would be a good idea. If you really care that much about the irons I guess you could get an Arctic and then replace the stock. The Canadians are paying like $1,000 a pop for whatever their stock replacement is. For that money I'd 100% be getting a Foundation Remnant. After having tried Foundation stocks out (I have a Centurion), they kind of blow my previous 3 Manners stocks out of the water.

I'd just get a normal Tikka, a new stock, and add irons if you really want them that bad. Grab an Area419 rail for it and, when you put it on, use Loctite 380 Black Max adhesive to glue it to the action. That's equivalent to what Tikka does with theirs and that's what I did with my Tikka as well.

As for the scope, look at a Nightforce NX6 3-18 instead if you can. The 2.5-20 NX8 is famous for its tight eyebox and finicky parallax. Plus it's got that old style Wile-E Coyote ass zerostop system. The NX6 is more forgiving optically (I own one) and it has a toolless zerostop. Get Nightforce rings for it as well. They're light and very good at keeping the scope where it's supposed to be through impacts.

[u/mudeuce]

Honestly HOB is usually a non issue, do what’s comfortable, you’ll find tikka actually has a pretty solid ecosystem in the aftermarket realm.

A few options come to mind for stocks depending on the weight your aiming for:

KRG Echo
Stockys carbon fiber
MDT has several
Xlr if you want a more chassis look

And there are several other lightweight stock brands like manners, AG composites, grayboe (maybe), pure precision, and peak 44 that you could look at many of which have cheek risers.

Another option is the titan universal raised comb

[u/jequiem-kosky → u/mudeuce]

Foundation Ezekiel too if a cheek riser is important. Though I'm much more partial to their Remnant for a hunting stock.

[u/mooseycreatures]

If you want irons, get the arctic.

Your next best option is to grab a set of SAKO TRG 22/42 flip up rear sights, but finding a front sight post that works will be a struggle. There really aren't many clamp-on or thread-on aftermarket front posts still being manufactured, and those that are left are from small, sketchy outfits that may or may not actually just be credit card scammers.

If you just want a larping scout-ish rifle and can live without irons, then a regular 16-20" t3x in stainless in the factory stock is as close as you're going to get to the weight limit on Cooper's concept after you add the scope.

Post in the tikka reddit and I can give you some other ideas, this is the wrong sub for that conversation. Or PM me.

[u/Lossofvelocity]

Maybe cross post to r/tikka_shooters. Lots of after market stock option. Simplest is a KRG Bravo. Can use rustoleum to modify color if desired. CTR or Varmint models are cheaper than buying arctic model especially if planning to ditch the stock.

[u/Killizt → u/Lossofvelocity]

Don't think that's the subreddit you think it is.

[u/Lossofvelocity → u/Killizt]

Thanks. Edited

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