Building an “optimal” vs a cool rifle

[B_Reynolds_AK]

What stock would you put on the tikka?

Without question, a Rokstok Lite. Make the factory stock work for you for a while until you get one.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

I’m in need of an ultralight mountain gun. I’ve settled on a shorty 6.5 creedmoor but there’s two distinct routes I can take.

Option one: The Rokslide Classic
You already know this one, Tikka t3x 6.5cm, chopped barrel to 17”, Rokstok, Trijicon 3-18, suppressor

Option two: The Super Cool Hawkeye
Ruger Hawkeye Ultralight 6.5 cm, barrel chopped to 17”, Ruger compact walnut stock bedded, action and trigger job, Trijicon 3-18, suppressor

My body is telling me option two but my brain is telling me option one. In the end the ruger will probably be lighter but will probably group worse. My dad had Hawkeyes growing up so I have a sentimental attachment to them. And before you say “get both” I am a one gun per purpose type of guy. My plan is to have one ultralight and one thumper rifle, that’s it.

Obvious pros of the Tikka are easy barrel swaps if I ever wanted to get a carbon fiber barrel, a more inherently accurate action, a better stock barrel (I think?), ergonomics with the Rokstok, and no gunsmithing work required to achieve sub MOA.

Any thoughts?

Obviously the Tikka is the easy button, BUT... it doesn't sound like you really want the Tikka. Sounds like you really want the Ruger. I have no experience with the Ruger you're looking at, but I have had this misfortune of buying several items that were the "right" option that I got rid of because they were not what I wanted. Stuffs expensive and life is short. I say get the Ruger if you will like it more and be happy with it, especially if you are a "one gun" guy. If you just want a tool that is practical, get the Tikka.

 

[TN2shot07]

You’re close, one of the Hawkeye Alaskans in 338 win mag. What stock would you put on the tikka?

Gotcha, I don’t want that kind of punishment!

They feel like cheap Tupperware but also shoot just fine in the factory.

Probably one of the peak 44’s if weight was my primary concern, I like the black tooth but if you like a vertical grip nothing wrong with the bastion either. The pure precision looks nice but I don’t have any experience with them.