Pre fit Tikka barrels

In the US pre fit barrels seem to be very common, either with a barrel nut system or wrench flats to just use a torque wrench.
Curious to know what ones any guys here might have used (if any) the only ones I've seen here are the Criterion one.

Has anyone bought a criterion pre-fit since Steves Wholesale has taken over the distribution?
The prices were pretty sharp when NZRAC were doing them and they seemed to have a good reputation.

I like the idea of a pre fit barrel to try out some different calibers in my T3, they should be cheaper than one fitted by a gun smith.
Also means I can play around with different barrels and swap them out easily if any crazy ideas don't work out.

Cheers

I've got a Criterion Pre-Fit for a Tikka in 6Creed that I've never fitted. Bought it second hand and came with an wrench for the nut. Looks to be a good system in theory, but you'd need to be confident in achieving correct head-spacing etc. So you'd need go / no-go gauges for each caliber if you wanted to swap about.

Definitely makes sense if you're wanting to just replace barrels of the same caliber though.

Would be best if it is used in a chassis system also, with a large barrel channel, as the nut diameter would prevent it being used in a standard Sporter stock I'd say.

I'd use the criterion as a barrel swap and headspace it without the nut myself.

I heard Steve's wholesale wants too much for them now


I've a 6.5-284 new and cheap

When I enquired last year the RRP was over $1000 so did not go any further as too close to getting a gunsmith to rebarrel. Steve's wholesale could special order whatever caliber /contour etc you wanted but were just stocking the No8 criterion sporter contour.

Thats a bugger $1000 means you can just go for a Hardy or True flight for the same price.

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Originally Posted by Beetroot

Thats a bugger $1000 means you can just go for a Hardy or True flight for the same price.

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Or a second hand tikka in a different calibre.... all be it a gamble on barrel wear

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Originally Posted by 223nut

Or a second hand tikka in a different calibre.... all be it a gamble on barrel wear

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I do keep a look out for used barrels but am thinking of 300blk or 6x45, which I doubt will come up used anywhere.

Can set back and rechamber a 30cal or 6mm and still come out cheaper if the barrel is cheap.

I been thinking about low recoil shortish range deer capable cartridge. Have ended up with a couple of 250savages to play with on the way

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Originally Posted by Pushover

Can set back and rechamber a 30cal or 6mm and still come out cheaper if the barrel is cheap.

I been thinking about low recoil shortish range deer capable cartridge. Have ended up with a couple of 250savages to play with on the way

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Can you recommend anyone that will do that for a Tikka barrel?
Problem with most 30cal barrels is they aren't fast enough twist for 300blk, but if I'm being cheap I'm sure I can make it work.

Na, not sure about tikka friendly reamers. Arthur Cleland down your way be able to advise.

Not familiar with 300blk. What twist do they run?

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Originally Posted by Beetroot

Can you recommend anyone that will do that for a Tikka barrel?
Problem with most 30cal barrels is they aren't fast enough twist for 300blk, but if I'm being cheap I'm sure I can make it work.

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300blk would require the barrel to be set an entire case lenght back if it was previously 308
not sure there would be enough meat on the knox and would require a new thread rather than just a little tickle up
308 tikkas are 1-11 and stabilise roberts 151gr cast hollow points which make great subs on 8.5gr of trail - boss and sub x is now availble in 308
308s make great sub guns and feed better than 300blk

I knew someone good would fill in the gaps:)

I have a Pre-fit for my 6XC. Great value at $750 and no gunsmithing required.

I'd suggest being somewhat circumspect if you plan swapping out the barrel yourself. The factory barrel is -really- tight and it can be a bitch to break the joint.

At $750 they would be great value. You get that recently?