Tikka vs seekins vs custom

[TxYoteHunter]

Hey yall, searched but couldn’t find this exact thread so figured I’d start one. Looking to build and/or buy a 7PRC as my do-all western gun. Settled on the 7PRC for caliber as I’ll be shooting factory ammo for now but plan to reload in the future. Having a hard debate with myself between the Seekins Element M3 or element Hunter, unknown munitions tikka, or just going all out on a custom build. Money isn’t really a concern. Would like to be sub 9lbs loaded with optic and suppressor but less is always welcome.

Priority list on a custom would be
1. Weight
2. <75 degree bolt throw
3. Easy lift and close as I like running my bolt guns with my finger rather than gripping the knob.

So far it seems that the Kelbly atlas lite and Mack Brothers Element fit the bill on this but haven’t handled either. Of course I could be missing some. Really enjoy the seekins action and have fiddled with a tikka but haven’t messed with a UM one.

Thanks in advance

 

[DosAmigos]

I put together a Preferred Barreled action chambered in 6.5 PRC. The barreled action is their Back Country model in a manners stock, with a trigger tech trigger and its a shooter for sure. Take a look at their barreled actions. Great Customer service as well.

 

[GREATDAYS]

I just went through this same group of questions. I was wanting a new rifle for everything in Oregon. I decided on 7 PRC I have packed a old Ruger .338 for years. The recoil and weight was getting to be a problem.

I started looking was thinking Mack Bros or Lone Peak, I looked at a few different production guns. Then I found a Seekins PH3 really like the feel of it from the first time I picked it up.

Went down the rabbit hole and read everything I could find. I had some questions so I called Seekins, this is what sold me on them I got a call back in less than two hours. They answered all of my questions took time to explain a few things. This was to someone thinking about buying one not a customer already.

The gun is the best feeling rifle I have ever had. The bolt is smooth and very easy to operate. I am waiting for my scope to get here but very happy with it so far.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

If you are just looking to spend money, I would look at the Sako options as well.

I am much more in the camp of starting with an $850 stainless steel Tikka, adding the $2500 RokStok, adding a suppressor and a scope and calling it good.

 

[Judd]

Hello, my name is Judd and I'm a custom whore. So that's exactly the way I'd go.

Kelbly Atlas Lite is a great action...I prefer the mechanical ejector, it has that and it's on the light side without having to go to Ti. Stock is where you will get a lot of your weight...that's the tough decision. Chassis (MDTHNT25 or XLR MG 4.0), Manners PH or LRH or McMillan Mountaineer or Game Warden 2.0...any of those will get you real close to your target weight. I like the M5 inlet and a Hawkins or MDT hunter bottom metal and mags...if you don't want a bdl. I'd run a 20-22" carbon 8-8.5 twist. Then trigger of your choice and you have a very nice 7prc that hammers!

Seekins went to dual ejectors on all their bolt guns...that would eliminate them. They show pressure sooner and it solved a problem that didn't exist. Not crazy about the way they have a sleeve lock into the action and then the bolt lock into the sleeve...it works and their guns shoot, I just don't like the design.

I'm not a Tikka fan...

 

[jkoehle1]

I'd go with a Tikka.

Aftermarket is there if you want to change something. Probably less ideal resale but you'd have a lot less in it.

 

[Castle Rock]

Unlimited budget, the choice is clear, the whole Gunworks package

 

[Samson7x]

It's pretty hard to beat a seekins for off the shelf good to go if you like their stock.

 

[SDHNTR]

I’ve never understood the desire to have a custom rifle, yet shoot factory ammo. If you are not gonna reload you aren’t going to realize a custom gun’s full potential and that’s just wasted money. IMO, just get a tikka and upgrade the stock.

 

[TxYoteHunter]

I’ve never understood the desire to have a custom rifle, yet shoot factory ammo. If you are not gonna reload you aren’t going to realize a custom gun’s full potential and that’s just wasted money. IMO, just get a tikka and upgrade the stock.

Planning to reload and really push the gun in the future, that’s why custom is on the table. Otherwise it wouldn’t be a thought

 

[atmat]

In how much of a hurry are you?

If patient, I’d pick up the new Raven action when it drops, with a standard Rokstock, upcoming UM BM, and a 7prc prefit by whoever you want. But only because you sad money’s not an issue.

You get a “custom,” but it’s a Tikka clone.

 

[TxYoteHunter]

Unlimited budget, the choice is clear, the whole Gunworks package

I should rephrase, money isn’t a concern within reason lol. Don’t mind spending around 5k on a custom build if it’s gonna be the rifle I have forever

 

[TxYoteHunter]

In how much of a hurry are you?

If patient, I’d pick up the new Raven action when it drops, with a standard Rokstock, upcoming UM BM, and a 7prc prefit by whoever you want. But only because you sad money’s not an issue.

You get a “custom,” but it’s a Tikka clone.

Will have to look into those for sure

 

[TxYoteHunter]

I put together a Preferred Barreled action chambered in 6.5 PRC. The barreled action is their Back Country model in a manners stock, with a trigger tech trigger and its a shooter for sure. Take a look at their barreled actions. Great Customer service as well.

Didn’t know they offered those. Definitely on my radar now

 

[DosAmigos]

Didn’t know they offered those. Definitely on my radar now

Give them a call or look on website but they have multiple options or will build to your specs.

 

[Lawnboi]

I should rephrase, money isn’t a concern within reason lol. Don’t mind spending around 5k on a custom build if it’s gonna be the rifle I have forever

If that’s the case make sure whatever you get will have support for years to come and supports prefit barrels as an option.

75 degree bolt lifts don’t really mean easy lift. Lots of guys like their 90 degree options for PRS to keep reticles level during cycling. The more work you do in the shorter throw will always take more effort.

I’m in the boat that a custom is really not necessary. The only downside to a tikka is the lack of picatinny rail as part of the action. That can be remedied with some epoxy.

Barrels and bullets is what makes a gun a winner. I’d invest more time into researching that more so than the action. Of course none of this matters if you spend too much and can’t afford to feed it consistently.

 

[nm.otter]

I should rephrase, money isn’t a concern within reason lol. Don’t mind spending around 5k on a custom build if it’s gonna be the rifle I have forever

I'd buy a Sako 90 Finnlight and a wood Rokstock (Lite).

 

[SDHNTR]

If that’s the case make sure whatever you get will have support for years to come and supports prefit barrels as an option.

75 degree bolt lifts don’t really mean easy lift. Lots of guys like their 90 degree options for PRS to keep reticles level during cycling. The more work you do in the shorter throw will always take more effort.

I’m in the boat that a custom is really not necessary. The only downside to a tikka is the lack of picatinny rail as part of the action. That can be remedied with some epoxy.

Barrels and bullets is what makes a gun a winner. I’d invest more time into researching that more so than the action. Of course none of this matters if you spend too much and can’t afford to feed it consistently.

This is important. Most 75 degree throws suck for staying in the sight picture for follow up shots. The bolt lift is what cocks the firing pin spring (always cracks me up to see guys running the bolt all the way back on dry fire). Simple physics. Less bolt throw means less leverage and more force required.