New rifle, barrel, or cut and thread existing

[peterk1234]

I'm debating suppressing my hunting rifle, which is a tikka t3x lite chambered in 308.

I'm not sure what to do. Cut and thread existing barrel, replace the barrel, or get another rifle?

I hate the idea of modifying something that functions flawlessly. But it might be the most cost affective avenue.

I do not own multiple big game hunting rifles. The only other hunting rigs I have is an ar for yotes and a 22 for gophers.

So if I were to opt for another rifle should I consider a different caliber? I hesitate here as well because I reload for 308. I have some good loads worked up for it. Bascally the 308 just works.

Thoughts? Thanks Pete

 

[backstraps]

I’m like you and hate to monkey with something that’s working.

Same time I wouldn’t hesitate to cut, thread and crown the existing barrel. If you had a desire to try a different caliber, then I’d search for a new threaded gun.

 

[3855WIN]

Peter, why do you want to suppress the .308? The recoil shouldn’t be bad.

 

[Forkyfinder]

Id cut and thread, add some lighter weight stock and call it.

That or send to @p_ham

 

[peterk1234]

Peter, why do you want to suppress the .308? The recoil shouldn’t be bad.

I agree, almost non existent. Especially since I have a limbsaver recoil pad on it. Purely for sound protection for me and others around me. I'm torn. I keep going back and forth with this suppressor thing. So many people say that once they do it, they regret not doing it earlier. I use one on my my 22lr tikka. I understand that it is a totally different story with that gun, especially since I'm using subsonic on gophers.

 

[Sheltowee]

Cut it, thread it, crown it and, if you’re feeling frisky, throw it in a Pure Precision stock.

 

[Alpine01]

I'm debating suppressing my hunting rifle, which is a tikka t3x lite chambered in 308.

I'm not sure what to do. Cut and thread existing barrel, replace the barrel, or get another rifle?

I hate the idea of modifying something that functions flawlessly. But it might be the most cost affective avenue.

I do not own multiple big game hunting rifles. The only other hunting rigs I have is an ar for yotes and a 22 for gophers.

So if I were to opt for another rifle should I consider a different caliber? I hesitate here as well because I reload for 308. I have some good loads worked up for it. Bascally the 308 just works.

Thoughts? Thanks Pete

Why not just thread it? Is two to four inches of length a deal breaker?

 

[brymoore]

I had my existing barrel threaded for the Suppresor. I did not cut length.

I’m a one rifle guy but should I replace my existing rifle, it will be suppressed.

 

[rogerthat]

Cut it to your ideal length suppressed based off the suppressor your planning to purchase and thread it. I don’t own a gun that’s not threaded anymore. It made most of my guns shoot better although I suppose that could just be the lower recoil

 

[kodiakisland]

No problem at all threading the existing barrel. It’s done every day with no issues. Once you start shooting rifles suppressed, your non threaded rifles will rarely get out of the safe. Do it and never look back.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Get a threaded carbon fiber 18.5” barrel in any short action cartridge you wish, and keep your .308 barrel. You can switch back if you wish.

 

[brockel]

I’d cut and thread it. If you decide you don’t like it you can pick up another tikka .308 barrel for cheap pretty easy.

 

[mtmuley]

Keep it as it is. mtmuley

 

[Wild Bill]

I cut my T3X Lite in .308 to 18.5" and threaded it.
Currently have a Banish 30 on it. Really like that set up.
POI moved slightly after the chop and adding the suppressor, but a couple clicks got it back to zero.
I wouldn't hesitate to cut yours, but also, wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up a different rifle and cut that one if you really want to keep it as is. Some pretty good deals/rebates on Tikka's if you keep your eyes open.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

I’d cut and thread it. If you decide you don’t like it you can pick up another tikka .308 barrel for cheap pretty easy.

This. Lots of tikka take off barrels floating around in forum classifieds for $100-150.

With that in mind, if you wanted to try another cartridge you could buy one of those takeoffs and have it threaded and installed. Then you'd still have your 308 tube if you wanted to go back to it.

If your barrel shoots what you want it to shoot well enough there's no way i'd consider a full new aftermarket barrel for 3x the money over just getting yours threaded.

Also, I'd look for someone that will thread 5/8" with a shoulder rather than using adapters.

 

[kodiakisland]

Also, I'd look for someone that will thread 5/8" with a shoulder rather than using adapters.

All depends on the can and mount system you want to use, but my Nomad Ti and Scythe both use direct thread 1/2” mount with no adapter.

 

[p_ham]

I've got stainless or blued Tikka .308 barrels available for $100. They're off of standard models so no flutes to deal with. I can set them up with whatever threads you want. $125 standard threading, $150 for 5/8-24 with a shoulder collar. Max barrel length for collar is 20". Can also set up with a permanent adapter.


Another option is to cut and thread your lite barrel. The end of the flutes can be finished out and blended. I'll have to look and see what I charged on the last one.

EDIT: I thought I had read that you had a superlight. disregard that fluted stuff.


Collar 5/8-24


Finished flutes/ adapter


Permanent adapter

 

[Maverick1]

A while back I called around to a few gunsmiths. I seem to recall the going rate for cut/thread was in the $150-$200 range. Seems to be more cost effective than buying an entirely new rifle, scope, rings, and ammo to sight it in.....if cost is your main focus. Otherwise, some enjoy that process and the cost is irrelevant to others. Good luck!