Modifying a Tikka T3x Superlite – Suppressor & Setup Advice

[FloridaStyle]

I’m looking for advice on modifying my Tikka T3x Superlite (currently stock) to run suppressed. Primary goal is to add a suppressor without making rifle unwieldy, but maintain accuracy through longer distaces. Right now, I’m leaning toward a 9-inch suppressor for better noise reduction, though 7-inch probably makes more sense

Current Setup & Use Case:​

• Caliber: .308
• Barrel: 22.4” factory barrel
• Bullet: best results thus far 168 grain
• Primary Use: Hunting all-around – pigs (forgive me, I am in Florida, and it's what we got), whitetail, and (aspirationally) elk/mule deer at longer ranges
• Concerns: Balance/handling, absolute noise reduction

Questions:​

1. Barrel Work:
   1. Cut and thread? Suboptimal – can only shorten an inch, and rethreading options are limited due to narrow diameter
   2. Replace with prefit? What length? 18 inches? If going this route, do I futz with barrel twist? Is fluting cosmetic or does it reduce weight by an appreciable amount (greater than 4oz)
2. Carbon: worth the $? Or more gimmicky
3. Suppressor Length: Is the extra suppression from a 9” noticeable enough over a 7” to justify the added length?
4. Something else? Before I go to all the trouble, do I consider just selling the gun, consider a different caliber (creedmore or more exotic?), w already threaded barrel?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TreeDog]

A competent gunsmith can cut and thread it to any length you want. Thread pitch is an issue due to the flutes. I had mine cut to 18” and threaded 1/2-28 then used an adapter to go to 5/8-24. No issues.

 

[199p]

Questions:​

1. Barrel Work:
   1. Cut and thread? Suboptimal – can only shorten an inch, and rethreading options are limited due to narrow diameter

this is wrong bro can cut them down to any length you want

Go with about 4" off and an overbarrel design suppressor really helps bring the balance backwards plus no point having 7" forward of the muzzle

 

[Schmo]

So, if I were you, here is what I would do: cut the barrel to 18-20”. A competent smith can cut and thread on flutes with no issue. The biggest you may be allowed is 9/16X24, but I’d far do that over the 1/2x28 on a 30 cal gun. Then get a 9/16x24 to 5/8x24 adapter.

If your current barrel shoots good, there is no reason to upgrade. CF is not going to do anything for you, except needlessly drain your wallet.

For your suppressor, I would hold for the Unknown Suppressors Whisper Pickle. It’s an 8” OTB can, so 4” goes behind the muzzle, and 4” in front of the muzzle. It will dampen it enough to be hearing safe. They should be on the market in 2-3 months for $999.

 

[Marbles]

1. Barrel Work:
   1. Cut and thread? Suboptimal – can only shorten an inch, and rethreading options are limited due to narrow diameter

See above, it can be cut shorter and you can find examples posted on this thread.

1. 1. Replace with prefit? What length? 18 inches? If going this route, do I futz with barrel twist? Is fluting cosmetic or does it reduce weight by an appreciable amount (greater than 4oz)

Only reason to replace is for a new cartridge. 16 to 18 inches is great if not trying to stretch the range past 400-600 yards or so.

• Carbon: worth the $? Or more gimmicky

Gimmicky

• Suppressor Length: Is the extra suppression from a 9” noticeable enough over a 7” to justify the added length?

My AB Raptor 8 is great, the Raptor 10 would be better for not too much more length.

• Something else? Before I go to all the trouble, do I consider just selling the gun, consider a different caliber (creedmore or more exotic?), w already threaded barrel?

Tikka is a great action, unless you pick up something like a 20 inch threaded 6.5 CM Tikka, I would build off of what you have.

Make sure to call it a "build" as this will make @Billy Goat happy.

 

[FloridaStyle]

A competent gunsmith can cut and thread it to any length you want. Thread pitch is an issue due to the flutes. I had mine cut to 18” and threaded 1/2-28 then used an adapter to go to 5/8-24. No issues.

so cut thru the flutes, thread,

So, if I were you, here is what I would do: cut the barrel to 18-20”. A competent smith can cut and thread on flutes with no issue. The biggest you may be allowed is 9/16X24, but I’d far do that over the 1/2x28 on a 30 cal gun. Then get a 9/16x24 to 5/8x24 adapter.

If your current barrel shoots good, there is no reason to upgrade. CF is not going to do anything for you, except needlessly drain your wallet.

For your suppressor, I would hold for the Unknown Suppressors Whisper Pickle. It’s an 8” OTB can, so 4” goes behind the muzzle, and 4” in front of the muzzle. It will dampen it enough to be hearing safe. They should be on the market in 2-3 months for $999.

Whisper Pickle sounds fire. Thanks for the heads up

 

[PredatorSlayer]

These are my favorite threads…guys turning an $800 tikka that everybody raves about into a $3000 semi custom

 

[AKarchery]

These are my favorite threads…guys turning an $800 tikka that everybody raves about into a $3000 semi custom

You can’t get into a better semi custom for less than that. And especially not one you can shoot along the way as funds open up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[swavescatter]

For your suppressor, I would hold for the Unknown Suppressors Whisper Pickle. It’s an 8” OTB can, so 4” goes behind the muzzle, and 4” in front of the muzzle. It will dampen it enough to be hearing safe. They should be on the market in 2-3 months for $999.

This doesn't even exist yet, its quality and performance is totally unknown (pun?), and the Stans from this site are going to buy the first 2 years of inventory.

There are tons of solid options out there for suppressors of all lengths and weights - PTR Vent 1 and CAT JL are probably among the best performing but are long. Anything from Otter Creek is awesome. Some interesting AB Raptor combos out there.

No way I'd wait over a year for a suppressor that may or may not be worth it.

 

[TreeDog]

so cut thru the flutes, thread,

Exactly