Tikka Factory Stock vs Aftermarket

I have a Manners EH-T on my LH 7 Mag. Well worth the 6 or 8 months I waited and the dough I coughed up. It has a nice palm swell and vertical-ish grip that's really nice for shooting prone.
 
So who’s tried one of the vert grip stockys? I havent heard many/any reports. Not clear what the arrangement is for recoil lug, pillars, etc, what comes installed vs what needs to be done, as well as fitment? Have seen a few pretty mixed reviews on the sporter version. at 500 its a bargain IF you dont need to invest the difference to a manners in making it right.
 
I really like the factory T3x stock, and don’t think most aftermarket provide much benefit for the cost. I’ve had the B&C, McMillan Sako classic, Sako hunter, and allterra stocks on different tikkas. For me, the allterra stock is the only one I ended up keeping. The other just Donny provide enough benefit for the cost. So now 2 of my tikkas have allterra stocks, the other 3 have just the factory stock.
 
I've had Tikkas in several B&C stocks and in several chassis. I really don't see anything the factory stock gives up to those. Right now I've got a McMillan Hunters Edge on my 223. It is a little more svelte; but, I don't really know that it's worth it. I'm actually thinking of selling that as I, for one, really do like the ergonomics of the Tikka factory stocks.
 
I've had Tikkas in several B&C stocks and in several chassis. I really don't see anything the factory stock gives up to those. Right now I've got a McMillan Hunters Edge on my 223. It is a little more svelte; but, I don't really know that it's worth it. I'm actually thinking of selling that as I, for one, really do like the ergonomics of the Tikka factory stocks.

I’ll give you fifty bucks for it, and a tray of WLRM primers.




P
 
if you don't want a comb or other mods or designs, their base stock is just fine. depending on what caliber, adding a limbsaver pad may be a great idea. and certainly if you want to throw on a carbon prefit barrel, you'll want another stock with a bigger barrel channel. i wouldn't rush out to change the stock, give it a try and it might or probably will work for you.
 
every time i think i want a new stock but looking into it it seems like they all have some sort of catch (dont suite my eye, not as light as advertised, questionable quality etc) and I end up just modding the oem stock and saving $ for other stuff. last one i drilled an adjustable kydex cheek riser, changed the trigger spring and recoil pad and went with the vertical grip and called it a day. I'm happy
 
My Tikka T3x .270 shoots 1/2"MOA with factory Barnes TTX ammo. Why would I ever wanna screw around with that? I actually like the Veil camo stock along with the rifle's buttery smooth action.
 
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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.
Do you have any pictures of your Tikka + B&C builds? Interested in doing something different with a Tikka T3 Lite that I have...
 
An OEM stock is 29 oz and plenty stiff for my purposes. The ergos work fine for me.

I see zero reason to pay $800+ for a McMillan or Manners to save a couple ounces (just weighed a McMillan hunter in edge fill - 27.6oz). Plus you'll wait forever and the chance of something coming back incorrect on the inlet is fair. These stock mfg's have gotten out of hand with price vs value.

Would love to see some feedback on the stockys carbon sporter. At that weight and price it might be worth it.
 
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.
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I have had 2 allterra carbon stocks and while they felt a little better in hand and looked “cool” I just couldn’t justify keeping them. I am now back to the factory stocks with vertical grips and cheek risers, they shoot the same and I was able to put most of that money into more reloading components. With that said I do want to try a krg bravo but not sure when or if that’ll happen.
 
I've had a couple t3x's, and I like the factory stocks. Fit me well. I did get a Richards micro fit second in exhibition grade claro, and shaved it down to look like a Tikka forest stock with a Schnabel forend. Absolutely gorgeous, completely aesthetic. I sold it to have $ for a different project, and unfortunately lost all my pictures when my phone was broken.
 
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.
 

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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.
 
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