I'm shopping around for a .243 for a pronghorn rifle for my kids as they reach hunting age. I'd like to have a shortened stock on whatever rifle I get and then be able to switch back to the original full length stock when they finish growing or don't use the rifle anymore. As I look around and fondle a few new rifles, I'm liking the Tikka T3.

Any recommendations for how to find a trimmed back stock to fit this rifle? Get a generic wood stock and look for help from the local gunsmith trimming it back? Should I consider a different make more suitable for switching out the stock?

I'm not sure you have a good option with the T3 if you are looking for a shorter stock. I don't know of anyone who is making an aftermarket stock for the Tikka and cutting one down sounds like a real pain. I am a big fan of the T3 but might consider the Vanguard youth model in the 243 with a 20" barrel that weighs 6 3/4lbs. Comes with two stocks, one full size synthetic and one shorter wood version painted black. The trigger will need to be tweaked to suit me but for the price it is hard to beat. That is what I will probably end up with for my little one.

BoP,
I love my Tikkas but a replacement stock is $379 from the factory...

I called Mcmillan the other day to see if a Tikka was every going to be in the works and they kind of laughed.

give up on the tikka. stocks are silly money and no one wants to make an aftermarket one... miles ahead doing the vanguard two stock thingy with a youth and an adult.. or just get a remmy youth and buy an adult take off in a few years for $35. by the time you have an adult stock cut and a new pad installed your in more than the price of an adult takeoff stock to replace it anyway. may as well start with the youth...... JMO

woofer

Great advice - thanks! I'm gonna look further at the Vanguard.