Tikka t3x lite compact .243 and Trijicon credo 3-9x40 scope

[eric1115]

Don’t disagree with the .223, I have a RSS, they aren’t legal to hunt big game with in my home state of Co, so .243 minimum for my kiddos when the time comes

There are definitely some good 6mm options if you don't live in a free state, we will definitely kill an elk with a 6mmARC in the next year or two depending on who draws what. Seeing what that 108 ELDM does to deer over the last couple years has been really impressive.

Living in Idaho though, we kill them with .223's too.

 

[Hnthrdr]

There are definitely some good 6mm options if you don't live in a free state, we will definitely kill an elk with a 6mmARC in the next year or two depending on who draws what. Seeing what that 108 ELDM does to deer over the last couple years has been really impressive.

Living in Idaho though, we kill them with .223's too.

Yep I’ll have to take a look at the arc would like a few other rifle makers to make them currently have a 6cm off a tikka and will probably do another when my girls get older

 

[Icfree]

NM resident here too. My boys love shooting my Tikka 223's, but I also have a 243, 6.5 Creed, 22 Creed, and more magnums. I've had them swapped around in Tikka compact stocks, regular stocks, XLR Element chassis with adjustable buttstock, RokStok, Stockys VG. Scoped with everything from cheap Vortex, Leupold VX6HD, Nightforces, Mavens...

I've hemmorrhaged way more money figuring out what works than I'll ever admit to my wife. Here's what I would do:

Scope: Maven RS 1.2 in MILs. It's a little more money, but a "buy-it-for-life" purchase. You won't regret it. Not too heavy. Just leave it on half mag if you want your kids to focus more on the shot.

Rings: Sportsmatch or UM mediums

Stock: Tikka factory compact stock with Limbsaver recoil pad. Get the vertical grip and if needed install a kydex cheek riser. You can set up the factory stock the same way if an adult is shooting or use the spacers on the compact stock.

Probably most importantly - get a silencer on it. If budget is a concern I really like the Otter Creek Polonium 556 for my 223's and 243. Great bang for the buck if you can't swing titanium.

My boys have outgrown the compact stock so I'd be open to selling it if you're ever up in ABQ.

FYI - your next build should be a 223. My boys have taken mule deer, elk and oryx with it and the barrel life is nearly infinite...

Interesting about the 223. I’ll look into it! I have a .223 AR …I’ll be honest never even considered it for a hunting round for more than antelope/coyotes.


As far as the suppressor. FOR SURE. I have a LPM anthem-s2 on my .300 BLK PDW. it’s absolutely insane. Supers are hearing safe, and with subs…the cycling of the bolt is louder than the gunshot.

Was planning on getting a LPM Mach-S, the titanium version of the anthem-S2. 9 oz and less than 7 in long.

As far as the maven…that’s a little over my budget currently. Maybe down the road haha. I’d rather get a nice 0-300 lightweight reliable scope that isn’t super expensive, but get a nice Ti Can.

I’ve also been looking at the Trijicon accupoint 3-9x40…three ounces less but I’ve heard the eye relief isn’t as forgiving.


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[Icfree]

NM resident here too. My boys love shooting my Tikka 223's, but I also have a 243, 6.5 Creed, 22 Creed, and more magnums. I've had them swapped around in Tikka compact stocks, regular stocks, XLR Element chassis with adjustable buttstock, RokStok, Stockys VG. Scoped with everything from cheap Vortex, Leupold VX6HD, Nightforces, Mavens...

I've hemmorrhaged way more money figuring out what works than I'll ever admit to my wife. Here's what I would do:

Scope: Maven RS 1.2 in MILs. It's a little more money, but a "buy-it-for-life" purchase. You won't regret it. Not too heavy. Just leave it on half mag if you want your kids to focus more on the shot.

Rings: Sportsmatch or UM mediums

Stock: Tikka factory compact stock with Limbsaver recoil pad. Get the vertical grip and if needed install a kydex cheek riser. You can set up the factory stock the same way if an adult is shooting or use the spacers on the compact stock.

Probably most importantly - get a silencer on it. If budget is a concern I really like the Otter Creek Polonium 556 for my 223's and 243. Great bang for the buck if you can't swing titanium.

My boys have outgrown the compact stock so I'd be open to selling it if you're ever up in ABQ.

FYI - your next build should be a 223. My boys have taken mule deer, elk and oryx with it and the barrel life is nearly infinite...

Also - the tikka t3x compact .243 COMES with the compact stock, correct? I’m hoping this is a stupid question because I figured it did when I purchased it (haven’t picked it up yet).


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[swavescatter]

Also - the tikka t3x compact .243 COMES with the compact stock, correct? I’m hoping this is a stupid question because I figured it did when I purchased it (haven’t picked it up yet).


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The compacts come with the short stocks and spacers. Only downside is those are only blued not stainless. Nothing wrong with blued though in NM.

If you buy a compact I have a takeoff regular stock I’ll give you.

Look hard at the 223’s. My boy killed a mule deer buck at near 600yds. Two hits and it went 5 yds and piled up. Lungs were jello. Similar damage to his friend that killed one the next day with a 6.5 creed at 550 yds.

 

[Icfree]

You'll like that Credo a lot, it's perfect for what you're setting up. Accupoint would also work well and is 4 oz lighter with automatic illumination.

Have you tried both broth? That 4 oz less is enticing to me. Just worried about easy eye box/eye relief between the two.


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[Ajsomp]

Not shameless plug for SWFA 3-9 as a once and done. Or a Swfa 6x since they really are great for getting people behind - no mag to mess with, set the parallax at 300 and make mil adjustments as needed for the distance. There are plenty of great scopes out there. But FFP mil is THE way to go and you realistically never have to change it out. The maven is great (owned two now) but I’ve also owned a bunch of Swfa. Functional, not very aesthetically pleasing, but you/your kids won’t “need” another scope for hunting (plenty of wants around here, I’m guilty of it too). Get good rings - UM or sportsmatch. Check the classifieds.

The 95 gr NBT is a great option for 400 and in. If you want to shoot further, getting some 108 eldm loaded up by UM or copper creek is the ticket - especially considering you have the 1:8 twist.

 

[Macintosh]

Credo 3-9 is a great setup, and a 243 is pretty flat shooting so setting it up with a mpbr zero for shooting to 300 doesnt introduce too much error. 2 thumbs up on that.

Regarding the throw lever—itll clear a tikka bolt, but doesnt leave a lot of room. If youre disciplined its not too bad, but if you do connect its SHARP. Whoever designed that clearly didnt try it on a bolt gun. Personally Id consider at least significantly rounding the edges with a dremel. Try it and see, no danger there—you can always smooth it or even cut it off if its too tight. I cut the lever off my wifes 3-9 credo , its easy to do. (hers is on a kimber w 90-degree throw).

 

[Felix40]

My son has a t3x compact 243 with an swfa 3-9 in sportsmatch rings. I think it’s hard to beat for the reliability, cost, and weight. It’s a great little setup and the 243 kills elk without issue.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Have you tried both broth? That 4 oz less is enticing to me. Just worried about easy eye box/eye relief between the two.


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I've not tried the Accupoint, no. I'm still stuck in MOA and I like reticle trees and the Accupoint only comes with a Mil reticle but still has MOA turrets which is weird (speaking of 3-9's here). For a 300 yard MPBR rifle I think an Accupoint with a green duplex would be perfect. I also really like a small 1" tube scope on compact rifles. Once you go to 30mm it raises the height a young shooter has to reach and looks bulky (this is JMO) on a compact rifle and obviously adds weight.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Have you tried both broth? That 4 oz less is enticing to me. Just worried about easy eye box/eye relief between the two.


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I have both my accupoint has the red triangle, I use it on a BLR as a timber type scope, I favor my credo’s for general purpose, I think there are other accupoint reticles that might work well for your stated purpose

 

[lawdogx]

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the “refurbished” Vortex Precision Matched rings from AA Optics. I’m told they’re made by Seekins (they are identical to the Seekins rings I own). They’re sold as refurbs but the three pair I received appear new, are in new packaging, and have matching serial numbers. Best $80 rings I’ve purchased.

 

[Icfree]

[mention]Hnthrdr [/mention] have you compared the eye box/eye relief between the two? I’m going to mount it as low as possible, but the eye relief looks a lot less forgiving on the accupoint. That 4 oz is super enticing, and it’s around the same price point. Especially with an illuminated simple duplex, but if it’s a pain / more picky about getting a good sight picture that might detract from it.

I’ll probably end up getting a SWFA down the road, but I don’t really want exposed turrets that can be messed with accidentally or if it rubs against something.


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[Ajsomp]

[mention]Hnthrdr [/mention] have you compared the eye box/eye relief between the two? I’m going to mount it as low as possible, but the eye relief looks a lot less forgiving on the accupoint. That 4 oz is super enticing, and it’s around the same price point. Especially with an illuminated simple duplex, but if it’s a pain / more picky about getting a good sight picture that might detract from it.

I’ll probably end up getting a SWFA down the road, but I don’t really want exposed turrets that can be messed with accidentally or if it rubs against something.


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I can speak for myself only, but I have never had Swfa turrets turn unexpectedly on me when carrying. While the turrets are big, you need to move them purposely. Just trying to save you some money in the long run

 

[SloppyJ]

Man that's tough. I was in the same boat but for whitetail. My son just turned 7 last deer season and I went with a tikka 223, 77tmks, and the credo 3x9. I feel like that was the correct rifle for him and recommend it without hesitation. Shooting off a tripod suppressed is nothing. I feel like the 243 could have been too much.