Tikka T3X TAC A1

[K.H - Tikka]

Okay so, I have had my Tikka for a while now and quite frankly I love it; it's a T3X TAC A1 chambered in .260 Rem still with the factory barrel.

I am starting to change some things around with the rifle and playing with new loads - something had to keep me busy during lockdown anyway! I have ordered a number of aftermarket parts for the rifle which are due to arrive later in the year and I have also been looking into getting a new barrel fitted in the not too distant future (hopefully). It seems the question at the moment is steel or carbon fibre... well that alongside an IBI 5R barrel or a Bartlein... things are never simple! For the immediate future though I am happy with the barrel and can consistently punch .25 MOA with a number of loads I have developed.

In addition, I was wondering if anyone has altered the cheekpiece on a TAC A1? It is the only part of the chassis I am not entirely struck on and wondered whether or not it would be possible to alter without reducing the rigidity of the stock? Thing is I haven't found another stock that I prefer as of yet and so it seems silly to change the entire thing just for the sake of the cheekpiece. I'll throw in a few pictures below with the hope someone might jump on the t thread with some suggestions!

 

[DVS1]

Depending what kind of cheekpiece your after would a karsten cheek piece be preferred? Similar in looks yet totally ambidextrous. Not sure if it would fit as I'm not familiar with tac a1 butt.

Or are you after something more different than what you already have?

 

[K.H - Tikka]

Depending what kind of cheekpiece your after would a karsten cheek piece be preferred? Similar in looks yet totally ambidextrous. Not sure if it would fit as I'm not familiar with tac a1 butt.

Or are you after something more different than what you already have?

Just had a quick look and I think it would likely fit... but I was wondering whether or not I might be able to do something more similar to the Bergara BMP/Sako TRG M10. Rather that something that goes over the top - create something that sits on the top and is more streamlined.
That is however the reason I suggested it might have negative impacts on the rigidity of the stock as it would likely mean drilling if some sort

 

[DVS1]

I see where your going now.

You could take a look at the Victor Arms grippy cheek piece. Like you say the butt piece may need drilling and tapping but any gunsmith should be able to do that for you.

Victor Arms Cheek Piece

 

[K.H - Tikka]

That is exactly the type of thing I am looking for!

 

[bobthenailer]

I have 2 x TRG 22 cheek pieces from the TRG Folding stocks, Both brand new never fitted. I would do you a smoking deal for both, One could be used for R&D cutting, adjusting etc and one for the finished article.
Kind regards,
Bob.

 

[K.H - Tikka]

I have 2 x TRG 22 cheek pieces from the TRG Folding stocks, Both brand new never fitted. I would do you a smoking deal for both, One could be used for R&D cutting, adjusting etc and one for the finished article.
Kind regards,
Bob.

Hi Bob, could you pm me some pictures and what kind of money you’re looking for? Cheers

 

[bobthenailer]

Pics

 

[K.H - Tikka]

Pics

Certainly look like they could work... what price are you looking for?

 

[bobthenailer]

Pm Sent

 

[K.H - Tikka]

Okay so having given it some more thought and worked out some measurements... it seems I will need a cheekpiece with pillar centres 55mm apart - or to make one from scratch

 

[DVS1]

If a different butt stock is your desire then maybe worth giving mdt a look as they have some stocks that will fit the tubular stock from AR series of rifles.

 

[K.H - Tikka]

That is another avenue I may explore - it’s whether or not the TAC A1 chassis is compatible but there’s only one way to find out

 

[DVS1]

If the butt stock on the tac a1 is a castle nut / buffer tube style then it'll be compatible, i used to have a mdt buffer tubed style butt stock the main issue would be a positively lock up on the folder mechanism if you go the folder route. I picked one up from parabellum consulting, there is another that has an adjustable tensioner but for the life of me I can't remember where from lol

 

[palo]

It might be worth contacting www.shootingshed.co.uk
They may be able to make you a cheekpiece.

 

[K.H - Tikka]

DVS1 - I had a good ol’ look last night at all the buttstocks I could possibly find in the UK; MDT look like a possibility but I’d have to try and find someone who might let me try and fit it to see if it would be functional or not. It appears to need an M4 wrench to release the current buttstock which is connected to the folding mechanism. Worry being if I kept that and changed the buttstock the LOP might be ridiculously long?

Palo - thanks for the link; I am somewhat tempted to get in contact with a rifle smith and see if they could fabricate me something... I’m toying with the idea of doing it myself but I’m not known for doing anything straight

 

[petesv]

Hello mate that is the worst cheekpiece i have ever seen but a nice piece of wood and a bit of imagination it could look good and fit you better its a pity your far away.

 

[K.H - Tikka]

Hello mate that is the worst cheekpiece i have ever seen but a nice piece of wood and a bit of imagination it could look good and fit you better its a pity your far away.

Hi Petesv!

That is unfortunately how Tikka send it out of the factory...one of the main reasons they get a bit of criticism for the chassis! But I am finally going to try and change it for the better as otherwise I can’t fault the rifle.
Luckily if it means sending it anywhere, I have both a wooden and synthetic stock I can house the rifle in and still shoot so that’s no harm at all

 

[DVS1]

Try a look at XLR industries butt stocks...may be ideal for you

 

[ShooterB]

As an owner of a Tac A1 in .223 that equally loves the rifle and loathes the cheek piece, I wonder how you got on?