Help me build a rifle

[jpc01101]

I’d like to build a long range tack driver that isn’t super duper heavy. Maybe like a 22 creed or 22 ARC? 7 backcountry with a short barrel intrigues me as well. Would like a chassis type stock that folds with a built in ARCA for tripod connection and maybe a small pic rail out front for a spartan mount for bipod. Thinking carbon barrel and will run suppressed. I hear people talk about buying Tikkas and putting on different barrels and stocks. Is that something I could do myself? I am fairly handy but not a gunsmith. I currently have a 6.5 prc browning xbolt speed and a Christensen ridgeline fft in 300 PRC.

 

[BadBny]

Id lose the suppressor and just use ear plugs but thats just me

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Playing bolt gun legos isn’t hard. Barrel vice and action wrench are the only specialty tools needed. Maybe outside action wrench if you need to break loose a factory barrel.

Edit: gauges for head spacing are a good idea too if a gunsmith isn’t fitting/installing the barrel.

 

[jpc01101]

Id lose the suppressor and just use ear plugs but thats just me

Man I hate shooting without a can. Just so good for so many reasons. The weight and length aren’t great but are far outweighed (for me) by the pros.

 

[BadBny]

Man I hate shooting without a can. Just so good for so many reasons. The weight and length aren’t great but are far outweighed (for me) by the pros.

I like em too but if I wanted long range and minimum weight I would rather have every inch of length be in the barrel for velocity and should have time to throw in some ear plugs

 

[The_Coloradoboy]

22 creeds are a lot of fun. I’d highly recommend a 25 creedmoor. I’m not really sold on the 7 BC as someone who’s a reloader… if you want a solid performing short action/short barreled 7mm I’d go with a 7mm saum

 

[Potsie]

I like em too but if I wanted long range and minimum weight I would rather have every inch of length be in the barrel for velocity and should have time to throw in some ear plugs

Ya, because that 25 fps/inch gain is really a game changer.

 

[jpc01101]

22 creeds are a lot of fun. I’d highly recommend a 25 creedmoor. I’m not really sold on the 7 BC as someone who’s a reloader… if you want a solid performing short action/short barreled 7mm I’d go with a 7mm saum

Why a 25 creed? I had. 6.5 creedmor and wasn’t crazy about it.

 

[BadBny]

Ya, because that 25 fps/inch gain is really a game changer

Yeah 150-200 fps is pretty significant. Good point.

 

[jpc01101]

Not gonna lie wasn’t impressed with your halftime performance bro.

 

[Sga231]

Building a lightweight long range tack driver suppressed is spot on for your setup your 6.5 PRC X Bolt and 300 PRC Ridgeline FFT are already heavy hitters, so a sub 8 lb suppressed rig in something flatter like .22 Creedmoor, .22 ARC, or short barreled 7mm Backcountry makes sense for extended shots without backpacking a tank.

.22 Creedmoor Flies flat hot high velocity with 80–90 gr bullets, great for precision steel varmints to medium game, but barrel life sucks 1,000–1,500 rounds hot before erosion. Better for lower volume shooting.

.22 ARC Newer, more efficient similar ballistics to Creed but milder on barrels 2,500–3,000 rounds, AR15 mag compatible if you ever want semi auto vibes, but needs a standard bolt face. Edges out for longevity suppressed fun.

7mm Backcountry short 18–20" barrel Killer for big game knockdown with magnum punch in a short, light package suppressed it's quiet and balanced, but recoil and barrel life hit harder than .22s.

Chassis stock Go MDT HNT26 carbon folding chassis $1,200–$1,600 with ARCA forend super light starts 26 oz, integral ARCA rail for tripod, folding for packability, and M-LOK slots for a Spartan bipod adapter up front. XLR Element is a close second integrated ARCA, carbon options.

Carbon barrel Proof Research or similar prefit for Tikka light, rigid, stays cool suppressed.

Tikka barrel swap DIY? Yes, fairly handy folks do it Tikka T3x prefit barrels e.g., Preferred, Proof, OMR carbon are shouldered drop ins no nut, headspace set. Tools needed barrel vise bushings, action wrench Wheeler external for removal, internal for install, torque wrench. Factory barrels are tight heat breaker bar often required, but prefits spin on easy at 80 ft lbs. Headspace gauges for safety. Not full gunsmith level, but watch YouTube guides e.g., DIY Tikka Barrel Swap many do it in garage with common tools. If unsure, send to a shop for $150–$300 install.

Build path Grab a used left hand Tikka T3x action $400–$600, prefit carbon barrel 18–22" threaded, MDT HNT26 folding ARCA chassis, suppressor ready brake mount. Total $2,000–$3,000 built light suppressed way cheaper than custom from scratch.

My lean .22 ARC in short barrel on Tikka MDT HNT26 flat, long barrel life, suppressed bliss, sub-7 lb suppressed. Test one if possible it'll complement your big bores perfectly. What distance game are you targeting most?