Tikka T3 for F class

[Renton83]

I've been target shooting for most of my life but recently have wanted to enter some of the 300 yard F-class open competitions. I'm wondering if my current rifle is acceptable or if I need to upgrade it to compete at all. It's a heavy barrel Tikka T3 in 243win with a Meopta 4-12X50 scope. My groups at 100 yards I can usually cover with a dime. Would just adding a better stock be all I need or would I need a higher power scope for 300 yards and possibly bit farther.

 

[Jim Watson]

A radical idea. Shoot what you have to see if you like F class.
I started with a 30-06 and a 3.5-10X.
I don't know about stocks.
A 20-25X scope is plenty for me but the top shooters use high powers.

 

[Laphroaig]

Go for it. That sounds like a respectable rig to get started. Your biggest decision now is what kind of front rest to use.

I shot a 500 yd. match with a M700 with a 4-12x40 and didn't embarrass myself (too badly, at least).

 

[Renton83]

Go for it. That sounds like a respectable rig to get started. Your biggest decision now is what kind of front rest to use.

I shot a 500 yd. match with a M700 with a 4-12x40 and didn't embarrass myself (too badly, at least).

Which is more common bipods or a tripod ?

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't know the DCRA rules but here a .243 would put you in F Open class which allows the same sort of elaborate tripods seen at benchrest.

 

[Browning]

Just curious, what Tikka is it? The varmint or super varmint?

(I'm with the folks saying to try it out to see if you like it)

 

[Renton83]

regular varmint with the heavy barrel. Only thing I dislike about Tikka is lack of aftermarket. Finding another stock is very hard and expensive as the recoil lug is in the stock. I may get a savage or rem700 next time for the better parts availability.

 

[Jim Watson]

McMillan makes an A5 for the T3. Problem is, it costs $927.
The Manners T4 is similar and only $774.
I don't see anything from HS or Choate to keep the cost down.

 

[Browning]

Im pretty sure the Manners stock is $515 plus shipping.

https://mannersstocks.com/tikka-t3-sako-q22/

 

[Renton83]

How can they charge so much for rifle stock, the gun only cost me $800 lol.

 

[Browning]

Because they have the molds is my guess.

The prices are frigging ridiculous though.

 

[rbernie]

Only thing I dislike about Tikka is lack of aftermarket. Finding another stock is very hard and expensive as the recoil lug is in the stock.

Last I checked, Boyds was making stocks for the T3. I just poked thru their web site, and yup - they still are. The Pro Varmint probably isn't a bad place to start for a plywood (laminate) stock:

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Produ...-mag-bull-barrel-channel-black-texture-finish

If you want a more sporting stock (which may require barrel channel work):

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/FindAStock?Make=7G&Model=A74&Action=4R

But I gotta ask - what does the varmint stock NOT do for you? I think very well of it.

 

[Renton83]

Last I checked, Boyds was making stocks for the T3. I just poked thru their web site, and yup - they still are. The Pro Varmint probably isn't a bad place to start for a plywood (laminate) stock:

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Produ...-mag-bull-barrel-channel-black-texture-finish

If you want a more sporting stock (which may require barrel channel work):

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/FindAStock?Make=7G&Model=A74&Action=4R

But I gotta ask - what does the varmint stock NOT do for you? I think very well of it.

Wow that is a good price for stocks, have you tried any from them before? I find the stock good for hunting but for target shooting it just doesn't feel quite right. I prefer the style like Boyd's sells there with a bigger drop for the pistol grip.

 

[rbernie]

I've used a bunch of Boyds, without a complaint.