I Like Shiny - Help me scratch the itch

[rduchateau2954]

There, I've finally admitted it. Call me a magpie but it's true. Stainless and shiny wood.

My first real bolt gun was a tikka t3 stainless lite. Liked it, except for the synthetic stock. After years of hardly using it I sold it. Now I've got some more opportunities and from lessons learned I'm not going to buy and setup a rifle for one specific purpose.

So I've been looking for something that can do all, last, and satisfy my magpie side. That said I'm absolutely in love with the Tikka T3 Laminated Stainless. Everything but the price. It's not a total deal breaker at $1100+ but there has to be a deal to be had somewhere.



These guns are proving impossible to find used. There are however plenty of stainless/synthetic tikkas as well as other stainless rifles with either synthetic or cheap looking wood.

Enter Boyds

Right off the bat a classic in pepper is only $100.



I could step that up a bit with custom wood, custom lop, etc etc.





What do you guys think? New stainless laminate? Used tikka with Boyd's stock? Used (your recommendation here) stainless with Boyd's stock?

 

[Gtscotty]

It sounds like you like the stainless Tikka action pretty well (a sentiment I happen to share). If you like the Boyds laminate stock, I'd say try and pick up a used stainless Tikka (or even new if you prefer) and drop it in the Boyds stock of your choice. I've seen some deals on used stainless Tikkas on GB for mid ~$500's, and new for just over $600. Either way, if you do the bedding yourself in a $100 stock you should wind up under $800.

 

[rduchateau2954]

Should I be buying bedding and using it on all my .22 to get some practice or is it pretty straightforward? What do you think the difference in quality will be between the tikka laminate and the Boyd's?

 

[rduchateau2954]

A Boyds stock will keep the barrel free floated just like the tikka stock. How much of a difference with bedding it make?

 

[Fremmer]

That seems expensive, but I guess stainless costs, and you like that brand. If you really like it, get it and the stock.

I think I'd be inclined to watch for a sale on a stainless Remington, howa, savage, or tikka. Then match with a new stock after I saved more cash. But I also understand wanting to get something specific that's really cool. Let us know what you decide.

 

[rduchateau2954]

That's what I'm saying. A new tikka t3 lite stainless goes for around $700. Used in seeing them $550-$600. Throw away the plastic stock and go Boyds. Basic stock for $100 brings that used tikka up to $650-$750.

At the same time a Boyds stock could give me the option for custom lop or checkering.

I could go with a different stainless rifle, a new stock opens up other options. When I was originally rifle shopping I ruled out a few rifles like the weatherby vanguard because of the lop.

 

[hoghunting]

Centerfire Guns has new T3 SS Lam for around $800 with free shipping.

http://www.centerfireguns.com/tikka-t3-lam-ss-30-06-jrtg320.html