Tikka Factory Stock vs Aftermarket

[TheViking]

I know majority of people swap out their stocks on Tikka’s, is that mainly for aesthetics and ergonomics?

I don’t feel like the factory stock is that bad, personally. I have a Roughtech. The gun shoots 1/2 MOA with two factory loads. Part of me doesn’t want to touch it, then other part knows that an aftermarket stock with definitely look and feel better. I’m sure it’ll shoot the same.

With an aftermarket stock I could get it skim bedded. Can you do that with a factory? Not super familiar with the details of it, minus some Google searching.

Thoughts?

 

[83cj-7]

To answer the first question, for me it’s both aesthetics and ergonomics.

I’ve built a half dozen Tikka custom rifles and used and used several different stocks. I’ve had several B&C, two Manners and two AG Privateer.

The Manners and AG were not worth the money. The AG fit wasn’t even close! I spent so much time and used so much Acraglass on that stock in order for it to fit.

The B&C stock is a great option and everything just drops right in. The downside is that it weighs more than the factory stock. It’s super rigid and I’m not sure you could ever break it. Accuracy improved with the B&C every time.

The other option that I have not tried is the Stockys Carbon. Seems like a nice lightweight option but I’ve never handled one.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Some folks change the stock because there is an issue with the rifle. This could be accuracy, fit, etc.

Some folks change the stock because they want to even though there is zero material change to shoot-ability, accuracy, etc.

But for the bulk of folks, myself included, there is no need to nor a desire. Take the savings and apply them to a better scope, hand-loads, training, etc.

 

[Newtosavage]

I know majority of people swap out their stocks on Tikka’s, is that mainly for aesthetics and ergonomics?

I don’t feel like the factory stock is that bad, personally. I have a Roughtech. The gun shoots 1/2 MOA with two factory loads. Part of me doesn’t want to touch it, then other part knows that an aftermarket stock with definitely look and feel better. I’m sure it’ll shoot the same.

With an aftermarket stock I could get it skim bedded. Can you do that with a factory? Not super familiar with the details of it, minus some Google searching.

Thoughts?

As accurate as every Tikka I owned was, I couldn't take the ergos of those rifles. The closed-top receiver and the blocky, awkward stocks just never did a thing for me. I never grew an attachment to any of the four Tikkas I owned despite all of them being stupid accurate. I can't hate on Tikkas. They are far too good. But I just don't miss them.

 

[MAP1]

Tikka factory stocks are rigid. Swap to a limbsaver recoil pad and add the Triad Tactical stock pack for a soft cheek weld. Put the stock replacement money towards an upgraded scope or ammo.

 

[hiker270]

As good as my Tikka's shoot I have no problem with the OEM stock's ( I have 4 Tikka's). I put a Limbsaver recoil pad on the 300 mag and the 30-06 and they are ready to hunt!

 

[Macintosh]

Apart from being somewhat flexible with different pressure on various rests, bipod, etc sometimes hitting barrel and affecting accuracy, being the brunt of every tupperware joke known to man, being loud against brush, cold in chilly weather compared to wood, not to mention being more soulless than a crooked used car salesman, I just dont get what people dont like about them?

Serially, I highly doubt “most” people do anything at all to their tikkas other than shoot them. Functionally I have never had a problem with either of mine that wear the factory plastic stock. Id like to replace mine simply because I dont like that its plastic.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I added a Limbsaver pad, the CTR type grip, and a stock pack to mine. If I carried my rifle on my pack most of the time, I would have no reason to upgrade further. However, I like to still hunt in timber so I have the rifle in my hand most of the time. I really don’t like the squarish feel of the OEM Tikka stock just ahead of magazine where I usually hold it. Any suggestions for a stock with a more rounded profile in that area?

 

[Tahoe1305]

I actually like the factory stock as well. I put a limbsaver pad and the larger grip.

That said I’m a weight weenie and have one of each of the stockys. They are both 21oz. Saved about half a pound.

I find with some paint they are a good option (paint adds a bit of texture). I also snagged them on great deals (sub $500) and they shipped the next day. That made it an easier decision. The inlet fit isn’t perfect but it’s well enough for my liking (BM sticks out 1/8” or so).

 

[TheViking]

Weight doesn’t bother me, I took the stock off and weighed it. I believe it was like 27 oz or something? Not many aftermarket stocks lighter than that.

The fit on me is decent. I’m at a point where it’s ‘good enough’. What more can I ask for? It’s a 1/2 moa gun I bought for $800. I do like the ‘rough’ texture seeing it’s the Roughtech model.

I don’t think I’m going to upgrade for now. I’m sure I will in the future. I have a hard time not tinkering and modifying things.

I like the limb saver pad idea, just looked and that’s an inexpensive upgrade. Probably toss on the vertical grip too.

I spend 80-90% of my hunts with a bow anyways. Do love to shoot my rifles tho!!

If I ever replace the barrel and maybe get into a CF, then I’ll definitely replace the stock. That’s going full semi custom though.

 

[Rob5589]

The vertical grip is a nice upgrade as is a Limbsaver. You could skim bed it but why mess with a good thing. I do remove the nubs and make sure the barrel is fully free from contact. I've had other plastic stocks but none were as rigid or solid as the Tikka.

 

[Tullis94]

I will take the factory tikka over the "carbon fiber" Christensen Arms Ridgeline stock anyday. As long as I am shooting only my Tikka with the factory stock I am really happy with it. When I bring out an AG alpine hunter or Visigoth at the same time I really get the itch to upgrade. The factory stocks are pretty dang good though! I really like to tinker so I will probably upgrade at some point.

 

[SamsonMan22]

For a sporter style stock I see no reason to change the factory one out. All I did was add the vertical grip to mine. That being said I have 2 in krg bravos and 2 in mdt hnt26s. I do not prefer a sporter style stock for any style of shooting, for prone shooting at distance the bravo is my pick every time. For carrying the rifle all day and shooting from any varying field position, standing free hand to prone over a pack I prefer the hnt 26.

My only complaint with the hnt 26 is the noise in thick brush, which is no different than the factory stock. I do not find it to snag or catch any more than a sporter style stock, if my rifle hangs up it’s the trigger guard or between the scope and barrel which happens on any rifle. We have some nasty tag alder thickets here and beech slash so thick the only way to get through is on your hands and knees, the hnt26 has never caused me any added issue.

 

[kickemall]

If your gun is shooting 1/2 moa with factory loads I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[prm]

I like the factory stock with the vertical grip.

 

[Moose83]

I added a Limbsaver pad, the CTR type grip, and a stock pack to mine. If I carried my rifle on my pack most of the time, I would have no reason to upgrade further. However, I like to still hunt in timber so I have the rifle in my hand most of the time. I really don’t like the squarish feel of the OEM Tikka stock just ahead of magazine where I usually hold it. Any suggestions for a stock with a more rounded profile in that area?

I'm a carpenter and I've packed enough 2x4's to not want to pack a rifle that feels like one... so I did another carpenter thing and got out the old palm sander. Now my tikka no longer has that square feel. There's a lot of meat on the factory stock that can be shaved off.

 

[crich]

I'm a carpenter and I've packed enough 2x4's to not want to pack a rifle that feels like one... so I did another carpenter thing and got out the old palm sander. Now my tikka no longer has that square feel. There's a lot of meat on the factory stock that can be shaved off.

Have any pics? Interested to see how that turned out.

 

[Moose83]

This is the best pic I have, my camera on my phone is a pos. I also added 1/2" of length to the vertical grip and sanded it down somewhat.

 

[Ucsdryder]

My favorite upgrade to my tikka was the AG composites stock.

 

[Pharmseller]

My brother gifted me a B&C stock for one of my T3s. Accuracy didn’t improve but the red and black spiderweb is cool.

I wouldn’t have bought it. None of my other Tikkas wear replacement stocks.