Tikka CTR Optics Mounting

[Beorn]

I recently picked up a CTR 6.5 CM, intended to be solely a bench gun. I'm debating how I want to go about mounting the scope rings.

The obvious solution would be to mount some good quality rings to the factory pic rail. However, removing the pic rail and mounting directly to the integrated dovetail with UM rings would eliminate a potential point of failure. Also, I own other T3x rifles which use UM rings, so standardizing everything would allow me to easily move optics around should I ever have the need.

Is it worth the trouble of removing the pic rail? Curious as to what folks think.

 

[Moose Drool]

I have the same rifle. Best shooting gun I own with factory Hornady eld-X or M. I have gone through multiple scope changes and never had an issue with the factory rail.

 

[sdupontjr]

The rail is epoxied on. If you take your time, you can remove it. There are several threads on how to do it. Is has to be removed straight up due to pin. That threaded hole in the front can be used as a jack screw to break the epoxy bond. Then the work starts.

 

[waspocrew]

I prefer the rail, but if you don’t, it’s not difficult to remove. As stated above, it’s epoxied on. I used a hair dryer to heat it up a bit and it popped right off.

 

[PathFinder]

The factory rail is no potential failure point. Five screws, recoil lug, and epoxy are stronger than anything that goes on the dovetail.
UM rings are very good, but not more reliable than the factory rail and rings.

Sent from my Pixel 10 using Tapatalk

 

[LongWayAround]

UM Premier Scope Rings - Unknown Munitions

Installation instructions found below. Built by hunters, for hunters, because we know what we want in a scope ring! Low profile and wider than average rings at 1″ for big magnum security and only 4.5 ounces! Machined from 7075 Aluminum with Nitrided hardware that won’t rust. Machined grade 5...

www.unknownmunitions.com

Done.

I couldn't find a reason that was worth the effort to pry the factory rail off.

 

[DangerRanger]

That rail is epoxied on. Just buy good pic rings.

Don’t make it complicated

 

[RockAndSage]

@Formidilosus , what would you do for the best long-term durability on this - pull the pic rail and use UM dovetail rings, or use the factory rail and pic rings?

Asking, because I'm looking at the same dilemma here.

 

[Raghorn54]

For what it’s worth, the Mountain Tactical tikka rail has worked great for me. Have it on two T3X and a CTR in 308. Took the factory rail off to mount a 20 MOA on the CTR and it’s been rock solid. Recoil lug built into the rail, fits right into the optilock recess on the receiver, which the stock rail does not do. If going the pic rail route, this is a solid option.

 

[Macintosh]

That tikka pic rail is way better quality than almost any aftermarket rail, AND its already epoxied on in addition to 5 screws and 2 recoil lugs. Short of welding on a rail or rings you will not get more secure than that. Get a set of good rings, bolt it together, and go shoot.

Also, it only takes like 9 or 10 mils of travel to shoot 1000 yards with a 6.5cm. You do not need an elevated rail in that gun with the scopes that most people put on a CTR.

 

[Beorn]

Thanks for the replies, very helpful information.

UM Premier Scope Rings - Unknown Munitions

Installation instructions found below. Built by hunters, for hunters, because we know what we want in a scope ring! Low profile and wider than average rings at 1″ for big magnum security and only 4.5 ounces! Machined from 7075 Aluminum with Nitrided hardware that won’t rust. Machined grade 5...

www.unknownmunitions.com

Done.

I couldn't find a reason that was worth the effort to pry the factory rail off.

Honestly didn't know these existed, thanks!

The factory rail is no potential failure point. Five screws, recoil lug, and epoxy are stronger than anything that goes on the dovetail.
UM rings are very good, but not more reliable than the factory rail and rings.

Sent from my Pixel 10 using Tapatalk

This makes sense to me, I've just read a number of well informed opinions touting the strength of mounting directly to the dovetail.

 

[TNHighlands]

I have the same rifle. Best shooting gun I own with factory Hornady eld-X or M. I have gone through multiple scope changes and never had an issue with the factory rail.

Agreed.

I've done both and factory rail on CTR is fine.

 

[Dos XX]

Hair dryer will loosen it up.