Tikka T1X Upgrades

With the Tikka T3X and T1X being so popular amongst centrefire and rimfire shooters alike, it is no surprise that Tikka offers many accessories to customise your beloved rifle. As a lifelong custom rifle/try anything sort of chap, this opens up a whole world of possibilities to create the perfect rifle, or just “pimp it up” a little.

Dress the bolt up

First up is an enlarged plastic bolt knob for £20, which secures to the original bolt knob recess with an expanding union. Alternatively, for £15, you can buy a rubber bolt knob with a Tikka logo that fits over the entire bolt knob. Both offer a better grip and firm hold, with aftermarket replacements of tactical, lengthened, or different-coloured handles also being available.

Stock mods

The stock is where the biggest changes can be made, with additional add-ons such as pistol grips for £16.50 (soft touch £29), or forends at £26.50 (soft touch £36.50).

A normal Tikka T3X or T1X stock shows a small Allen key bolt in the pistol grip so that alternative grips can be fitted. This is where the add-on Tikka accessories really come into their own. The slanted gait of the standard pistol grip is ideal for most sporting uses, but I do like a more upright stance and Tikka makes a replaceable pistol grip in just such a style. It is available in various colours including Coyote Brown, Olive Green, and Pure Orange. I opted for the Stone Grey one at £16.50. They are also available in a soft touch, but these cost £12.50 more.

Much like the varmint models of the T3X rifle, you can add an additional moulded polymer section to give a fuller girth for stability off a bipod or bench. Again, I chose the Stone Grey version to match the pistol grip and fitted it by removing the sling swivel stud and one Allen screw from the original stock. I then slipped on the ‘varmint’ profile addition, securing it with the longer Allen key supplied.

Verdict

So, for not much money you can mix and match your Tikka to handle, perform, and operate at its very best in a style and configuration of your choosing. My Tikka T1X in .17 HMR is now personalised to my liking and handles better out in the field, with the ability to change back or upgrade later if I want to.