Folding stocks Tikka

[a_seth]

I’m looking to buy a tikka t3x soon (first rifle I will have ever owned). I do like the idea of a folding stock however, mainly for making overall length a bit less unwieldy when out in woodland and potentially to help with climbing into high seats. I don’t know what the reality is however, and whether it’s practically helpful. Clearly it would slow you down if you did happen upon a deer whilst walking. Any advice or experience would be appreciated (together with recommendations on stocks to consider/avoid if you have experience)!
Thanks,

 

[CNN]

Maybe look at a SIG Cross as well since it is designed with a folding stock for exactly that reason? Just a thought. Good luck on the research.

 

[patjack]

How much do you want to spend? because you won't get much change from 2K in rip off England.

MDT HNT 26 folding option. very expensive but super light and great quality.

HNT26 Chassis System

The first purpose-built hunting chassis from MDT. Weighing in starting at 26oz (for chassis stock, buttstock, forend and pistol grip combined), this is the most ultra-light hunting rifle chassis on the market.

mdttac.com

 

[jthyttin]

Folding stock has no practical use in situations you describe, especially in something like Tikka that is not designed from ground up as folder.

Practical uses would include some forms of transport (mainly making it less obvious you're transporting a rifle) and in UK I think also operating from vehicle since it's allowed.

If you after all go for folder, pay mind to at least:

- to which side does the stock fold
- how thick the rifle is folded
- how does the stock lock/unlock, either folded or open
- how does the folding affect stuff you've attached to rifle, like sling
- how does the folding affect the stuff you're carrying, like sticks

 

[long_range_rob]

Tikka T3 TAC A1 lovely accurate folding rifle but weighs a ton.

 

[a_seth]

Folding stock has no practical use in situations you describe, especially in something like Tikka that is not designed from ground up as folder.

Practical uses would include some forms of transport (mainly making it less obvious you're transporting a rifle) and in UK I think also operating from vehicle since it's allowed.

If you after all go for folder, pay mind to at least:

- to which side does the stock fold
- how thick the rifle is folded
- how does the stock lock/unlock, either folded or open
- how does the folding affect stuff you've attached to rifle, like sling
- how does the folding affect the stuff you're carrying, like sticks

thanks for this, it sounds like you have thought this through better than me
I do have a lot of footpaths round me so not a bad thing for it to be less obvious, I’m curious though what folders you do think are worth considering please? Tikka just seems to be the go to starting point for ease, but I’m happy to look at something else?

 

[a_seth]

How much do you want to spend? because you won't get much change from 2K in rip off England.

MDT HNT 26 folding option. very expensive but super light and great quality.

HNT26 Chassis System

The first purpose-built hunting chassis from MDT. Weighing in starting at 26oz (for chassis stock, buttstock, forend and pistol grip combined), this is the most ultra-light hunting rifle chassis on the market.

mdttac.com

This looks awesome, wonder if jthyttin would approve?

 

[a_seth]

Tikka T3 TAC A1 lovely accurate folding rifle but weighs a ton.

I do like the look, but I’d be put off by the weight as you say!

 

[old 30-06]

Never mind the weight, what about the price ! If you desire something that should really belong to the SAS, there are plenty of composite stocks available at a tenth of the price of a collapsible.

 

[a_seth]

Perhaps you are right old 30-06 - I thought collapsible might have actual advantages in use but if it’s just a looks thing or something that only belongs in the military then I would definitely be put off!

 

[Claret_Dabbler]

You are overthinking this.

The ability to bring a conventional rifle to bare quickly and effectively is substantially more useful than any perceived benefit that a folding stock might bring.

 

[DVS1]

I have an MDT ESS chassis and the lock up is solid. You can get a carbon fibre fore end if weight is an issue also.

Best causes for a folder is ease of cleaning and carrying. A smaller bag may assist you in keeping a low profile as you are thinking. Practical use is a different issue.

Try a look at MDT chassis as they have differing options...a good place to start

 

[a_seth]

You are overthinking this.

The ability to bring a conventional rifle to bare quickly and effectively is substantially more useful than any perceived benefit that a folding stock might bring.

I have a feeling you are right, I think for the time being I’m just going to stick with a conventional stock. Tried and tested, probably less likely to break something too!
Thanks everyone for you input though - always good to run it past sensible heads.

 

[Hagen]

I bought a T3X lite a few months ago and put it into a HNT26 and am super happy with it. I actually wanted the non-folding version but that would have had to go on backorder and so I just went with the folder instead which was immediately available.

I agree with comments made by others that the folding stock adds absolutely nothing when actually using the gun. I keep the rifle unfolded whenever I am out with it.

Nevertheless, I am still really happy I went with the folder in the end because it allowed me to get a 36 inch gun case that is so much easier to travel with than my traditional full length hard case. With my car, the full length case will not fit in the boot at all and always has to go on the back seats or I have to fold seats down. The short case is awesome and for that reason alone, I am really glad I ended up with the folder.

 

[CNN]

Sounds like it has worked out well all round and that’s what counts!

 

[JohnnyD04]

After having done back country elk and mule deer hunts with my rifle (tikka t3x 300wsm krg bravo chassis) and a rifle borrowed from a friend (custom 6.5 prc in a folding HNT26 chassis) I can say that I will absolutely be putting my tikka in a folder. I liked it so much I bought a sig cross in 308 for my whitetail/sika hunts and that rifle has been outstanding.

I understand backpacking through the Rocky Mountains is different than European stalking, but here is what I’ve noticed.

- As mentioned above, storage and transportation become easier.

- Hiking is better. This was the game changer for me. It is so nice to be able to remove the suppressor/moderator, fold the rifle, and stick it in your pack when you are
-packing out an animal
-hiking before sunrise or after dark
-hiking through thick brush/rugged environment
-hiking through no hunting areas

Packing out an elk hindquarter while my rifle was catching on branches and falling off my shoulder drove me crazy, then doing it with a folded rifle strapped tight to the pack was so much better. If the above reasons don’t matter to you then a folder might be unnecessary.

I love my tikka, and plan to get it in a folder before my next trip where a magnum is needed. I have a few other rifles I really like, but if I’m stalking sika deer in the marsh or hiking far through public land, I grab my cross every time.