After many months of waiting I finally got my first Tikka and after the few shots I'm pissed I hadn't added one to the collection years ago. This particular one is the T3x TAC A1 chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor as I wanted something different to the usual .308. I did a little scope juggling and took the S&B PMII off the "Flinchmaster" and fitted it to the Tik-tac cause 70mm of eye relief is more then enough to avoid "Weatherby Eyebrow" on such a soft round. The Flinchmaster inherited the spare NXS 8-32x56 which has much better eye relief and is plenty of scope for the 1000yd competitions.
I had to add a couple of spacers to the buttstock to get the desired length of pull that I like, the cheek now falls naturally to the centre of the rest. I installed the brake just to complete the look along with the small section of rail to fore end so the adapter for the bipod can be fitted.
Pros
Scores a solid 8+ for Tacticool Wankfactor and range cred. Seriously accurate with factory ammo and hopefully the same or better with some match prepared reloads (I've got 100 Lapua cases ready to go). Trigger is surprisingly crisp with no hint to creep but I will lighten it a fraction in the future. Comes in a nice hard case with a comprehensive accessories pack, including a tools, bipod and a second magazine.
Cons
Very tight fit in the case once the brake and a scope is fitted plus the case can't be securely locked.
The biggest problem I've had is that the cheek rest isn't easily removed and since this isn't the folding stock version it's a pain in the A$$ to get a cleaning rod through it. Fortunately I have a collection of rods and used 1 long enough to go under the cheek rest and still clear the muzzle. Anyone using a shorter rod will have issues and using a bore guide will only compound the problem.
Inside the case
Box of bits - Extra Mag, Brake, Tools, Bolt disassembly tool, Butt Spacers, M-Lok rail (for Bipod)
Out of the bag
Side View
A few groups after 3 shots on a different target to get zero. (Hornady 147gr ELD Match factory ammo)
Best of the groups 3 @ 50m (Indoors at St Marys).