Tikka Factory Stock vs Aftermarket

[Formidilosus]

Just installed a KRG Bravo on my CTR. To be honest, yeah it looks cool but I don’t see any advantage over the factory CTR stock. I have low scope mounts so I don’t even need the adjustable comb feature of the Bravo.

I agree with this. I bought a KRG bravo for my Tikka and I enjoy it, but think I'll be going back to the stock option with the grip insert. I really liked the ability to use AICS mags so I can also participate in PRS shoots, but there are options that allow you to do the same with the Tikka stock.

I also don't utilize the adjustable cheek piece on my KRG, FWIW.

So while for most they probably would be well served to use the factory stock with the vertical grip, etc., and not an aftermarket stock. The Bravo shows itself in stability, the ability to track and spot your own shots through recoil- especially from sitting/kneeling, prone on top of packs, etc. It’s noticeable when you have two identical rifles sides by side- one in a factory stock, and one in a Bravo, both chambered in something that moves a bit (6.5cm does it), and shoot them back to back from various positions.

In 6.5Cm for instance, most seem to spot about 15-20% more shots with the Bravo and raised recoil pad, than with the factory stock.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The main thing I like in aftermarket stocks is the grip and higher comb and possibly heel. The vertical grip insert isn’t enough for me so I just started experimenting with moldable plastic. Fugly, I know but don’t care.

The other thing I think about is bedding to better resist zero shifts.
View attachment 503629

What moldable plastic is that? Looks a lot better than the duck tape and cardboard I'm using to get the trigger reach right for my kids.

 

[carsonkeys]

The Bravo shows itself in stability, the ability to track and spot your own shots through recoil- especially from sitting/kneeling, prone on top of packs, etc. It’s noticeable when you have two identical rifles sides by side- one in a factory stock, and one in a Bravo, both chambered in something that moves a bit (6.5cm does it), and shoot them back to back from various positions.

In 6.5Cm for instance, most seem to spot about 15-20% more shots with the Bravo and raised recoil pad, than with the factory stock.

I agree that I can spot more impacts, in large part, due to the additional weight I assume?

Playing devils advocate here, couldn't a KRG be a crutch people (could) use to make up for poor shooting mechanics? And that spotting your own impacts with a standard Tikka stock would actually be a better predictor of proper shooting form?

 

[Formidilosus]

I agree that I can spot more impacts, in large part, due to the additional weight I assume?

Even when weight the same, the Bravo is better. I’m the design is just better for straight line recoil.

Playing devils advocate here, couldn't a KRG be a crutch people (could) use to make up for poor shooting mechanics? And that spotting your own impacts with a standard Tikka stock would actually be a better predictor of proper shooting form?

Sure. But you could say a 6.5cm is a crutch used to make up for poor mechanics when shooting a 300WM as well. If someone wants to have a practice gun that is harder to shoot well- ok. However, when the best shooters are barely able to spot their own shots with a combination, someone that isn’t as good, will have more issues.

For hunting I want the most shootable combination I can get. That’s always a compromise with weight. A 223 doesn’t need a Bravo for a baseline practiced person to spot their own shots, a 6.5 does.

 

[carsonkeys]

However, when the best shooters are barely able to spot their own shots with a combination

Cool, that about sums it up pretty well. As always, thank you.

 

[Formidilosus]

Cool, that about sums it up pretty well. As always, thank you.

 

[SouthPaw]

I rock the factory CTR stock on the .223, and Bravo on the 6.5cm. Ive found that the Bravo makes a big difference on the 6.5 in stability and spotting impacts, especially in the field. Not so much on the little/heavy .223 which is just stupid easy to shoot well in light/consistent wind. The only issue I've had with the Bravo was losing a mag in the field. Thick brush with a gunbearer and it must have caught brush and released. I now strap it back of the pack in thick stuff.

 

[wind gypsy]

What moldable plastic is that? Looks a lot better than the duck tape and cardboard I'm using to get the trigger reach right for my kids.

I’m pretty sure it’s this one but if you search moldable plastic on Amazon there’s a bunch. It’s just little white beads.

Moldable Plastic Polymorph Plastic 22OZ https://a.co/d/eQcoSi8

 

[Trial153]

Stocky's NextGen Ultra Carbon™ Hunter VG (Vertical Grip) Composite Accublock® Stocks - Tikka T3/T3x

Vertical Grip Carbon Fiber Stock for Tikka T3/T3X

www.stockysstocks.com

$488 and 23oz!

Is this a drop in stock or does it have to be bedded ?

 

[sndmn11]

Is this a drop in stock or does it have to be bedded ?

For the Tikka, I don't know first hand. I assume that it is drop in.

For my vanguards it was drop in and bedding didn't do anything magical other than give me a fun project.

 

[wind gypsy]

The grip and distance to trigger on the bravo is way better for me than on a ctr stock. I’m surprised guys don’t notice a difference.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Is this a drop in stock or does it have to be bedded ?

Drop in. Have two.

 

[sndmn11]

Drop in. Have two.

Is the lug loose or a part of some sort of V block something?

 

[Ens Entium]

Even when weight the same, the Bravo is better. I’m the design is just better for straight line recoil.





Sure. But you could say a 6.5cm is a crutch used to make up for poor mechanics when shooting a 300WM as well. If someone wants to have a practice gun that is harder to shoot well- ok. However, when the best shooters are barely able to spot their own shots with a combination, someone that isn’t as good, will have more issues.

For hunting I want the most shootable combination I can get. That’s always a compromise with weight. A 223 doesn’t need a Bravo for a baseline practiced person to spot their own shots, a 6.5 does.

So if you had a 6.5 Creedmoor in a Bravo would you still suggest to keep a 223 in the factory stock for training purposes?

I was thinking it would be nice to have the same ergonomics.

 

[Formidilosus]

So if you had a 6.5 Creedmoor in a Bravo would you still suggest to keep a 223 in the factory stock for training purposes?

I was thinking it would be nice to have the same ergonomics.

That’s what I prefer. The difference between them is not enough to mean anything practice wise. If the bravo was lighter, I would prefer it.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I have 3 tikkas, all of them have the vertical grip and my 30-06 has a limbsaver. I used the factory recoil pad from the 30-06 to replace that plastic junk on the t1x stock. It made the LOP longer so the gun fits better.

I’ve pretty much given up on deciding what stocks I want. The factory ones work well for me, if anything, I’d get a krg bravo or whiskey for my 6.5.

 

[Tahoe1305]

So if you had a 6.5 Creedmoor in a Bravo would you still suggest to keep a 223 in the factory stock for training purposes?

I was thinking it would be nice to have the same ergonomics.

I wouldn’t call loose by any means. I tapped one in and now I can’t remove it.