Tikka has done it again with an outstanding new series of rifles designed from a highly ergonomic and adaptable aluminium chassis system. Dubbed the Ace series, they are equally good for PR Comps with the Ace Target version, or for fox/deer stalking with the Ace Game incarnation. And for those who like a bit of rimfire fun then .22 LR and .17 HMR versions based on the T1x rifle is also available. There is also a wide variety of accessories to customise these rifles to your liking.
Tikka’s whole ethos is to bring you “a complete shooting solution” and who can argue with that. I like my walnut stocks but times have moved on and more shooters are finding the benefits of a chassis-based rifle solution. Its modular design, durable build and advanced features make it a top choice for competitive shooters and hunters alike.
ACTION AND TRIGGER
Let’s look at the more familiar aspects first, as they are readily recognisable as the T3x action. Its target credentials start with the barrel profile, which is 1.25in diameter at the action end and tapers to 0.8755in at the muzzle. The Ace Game has a slimmer fluted barrel. The overall finish is a superb, reasonably non-reflecting Cerakote Tungsten colour that unifies the whole chassis-system look of this rifle as well forming a protective surface. No sights are fitted but up front is a very well machined 11° target crown for perfect bullet exits as well as a 5/8 UNEF thread with thread protector.
As one would expect, the barrels are all six-groove hammer-forged, proved to give exceptionally accurate results as well as longevity. They always seem to clean easily from copper and fouling in the grooves and lands. This model has a 24in or 26in barrel, available in .223 (1 in 8 twist), 6.5CM or .308 Win.
The T3x action really needs no introduction, given its reputation as a smooth, reliable, no-nonsense turn-bolt system that has stood the test of time. The solid one-piece machined action has the added nicety of six spiral flutes to the bolt surface. This looks really good and I guess lightens the bolt somewhat and may help eliminate any binding if some debris falls between the bolt and action raceways when out stalking. I particularly like the semi-coned forward head section of the bolt, which facilitates smoother cycling and entrance of the bolt to the action abutments and then final lock up.
There is still a single extractor claw and a plunger-type ejector system. It is reliable, but quite a few rifles now have a twin plunger ejector system. I wonder if Tikka might go this route?
The bolt handle is lightly angled with a good oversized plastic knob ensuring a fast, positive grip and sure bolt operation even with wet or gloved hands. To finish off there is a cocking indicator that shows a red protrusion when the rifle is cocked.
Above the action there is a one-piece Picatinny rail that is sensibly offered with a 20 MOA bias. Its 6.25in length with 15 slots gives plenty of room for a universal fitment, making this model ideal for gaining correct eye relief even with large, long-range scopes. Beneath this is the large ejection port, which has plenty of room for cartridge manipulation.
The two-stage trigger is the same as on a T3x action and is adjustable from 1-2kg (2-4lb) for optimum comfort and precision. I tested it with the Lyman trigger gauge, which gave a very consistent reading of 2lb 13oz, which if you are a stalker out in all weather conditions is ideal. For bench shooting/long range you can drop that down a tad lighter if you so wish. There was quite a long first initial take up and then a very solid stop for the second stage pull, which would be very handy and tactile to use for PR work. In the 400yd target Hun’s head groupings that highly predictable trigger pull certainly helped with the sub-MOA groups.
There is a standard lever-operated safety mounted to the right side, under the bolt. The forward position shows a red dot for fire and single click rearward covers it for safe.
On to the magazine, which is where it gets a little more interesting, as depending on the model you have the magazine well is adapted to its use. The whole polymer magazine well removes as a unified piece, so you can fit a T1x rimfire-compatible one, a T3x for use with the sporter-type polymer magazines, or as here on the Ace target you have the mag-well option that uses CTR or Tikka Tac magazines.
These are steel 10-shot mags, which minimizes reloads in competitions. The robust design helps to protect the loaded cartridges and drops into the hand via a quick-release button integrated into the trigger guard for fast changes. .
CHASSIS
Now that all important and high impact visually stimulating chassis-system stock. It is very light, being aluminium, and makes the Ace’s stock highly durable for all weather, rough handling and cleaning products that can strip oil finishes in a trice. The action sits very securely within the cradle of this chassis, which is part of its benefit as it will not warp or misform due to changing moisture conditions, always to the detriment of accuracy.
“TIKKA’S WHOLE ETHOS IS TO BRING YOU A COMPLETE SHOOTING SOLUTION AND
WHO CAN ARGUE WITH THAT.”
“THE WHOLE DESIGN CENTRES THE ACE’S ABILITY TO ADAPT TO WHATEVER SHOOTING SCENARIO YOU MAY ENCOUNTER.”
The whole design centres on the Ace’s ability to adapt to whatever shooting scenario you may encounter. The Target’s forend has a seven hole M-Lok system on all three sides for a total of 15in length. Other colours and lengths can be fitted, with seven slots and 5.5 slots. Underneath is the now highly regarded Arca-Swiss RRS rail system, which runs full length and terminates in a barricade stop just in front of the magazine well. There is plenty of room around even the large diameter varmintprofiled Tikka barrel, which free floats all the way to the action section.
Up top you have a choice of adding additional M-Lok attachments via the optional upper rail cover, which includes a Picatinny rail. A maximum of two upper rails, available in black and Cerakote Midnight Bronze, can be fitted to the handguard.
That’s not all. Remove a screw grub screw in the front of the rail to remove the end cap and additional weights can be secured within the rail and locked via the M-Lok on the outside.
There is also a set of four rubber M-Lok rail covers. Their textured rubber surface provides enhanced grip and control. They quickly snap into place with each unit covering four slots and can easily be divided by cutting.
The mid-section of the stock sports an AR-style grip, allowing angle and position adjustments. They are plastic with shallow stippling and I found them a bit slippery. I would have preferred grips more akin to the softer rubber ones found on the Tikka Tac. However, I really liked their very upright and almost negative angle, which was very comfortable when shooting off the bench.
What I really liked is that above the grip is a triangular housing where a three-position thumb rest sits. You can loosen one screw and rotate the protruding thumb rest to suit your preferred angle. Its fixing housing is also mimicked on the left side to accommodate lefties. This thumb rest definitely improves things when shots need to be taken quickly as you can hold the rifle securely and don’t have to waste time moving your thumb from the pistol grip to cycle the bolt. There is also an accessory thumb rest that has a more shelf-like profile rather than the nipple shaped one.
This rear section of the stock holds a lot of surprises as the skeletonised profile has three trapezoid cutouts that reduce weight but also have another function as additional weights can be added. A maximum of three pairs can be fitted, with each weighing 140g. With these and the forend weights you have a highly adaptable rifle chassis system. A balanced rifle means more stability and control, enabling you to stay on target, observe impacts and make quick follow-up shots if necessary. Adding extra weight also helps to decrease recoil.
Above these are the elevating cheekpiece. It is 5in long and made of hard plastic. It is wobble free and has a very quick and precise adjustment system, but I would certainly cover it with something for a more comfortable feel. To raise or lower the cheekpiece all you need to do is tighten or loosen the large thumb wheel. The maximum adjustment is 1.5in. You can push the cheekpiece down to lock it out of the way when you need to remove the bolt for cleaning. You then just push the release catch and it pops right back to the preset height.
The 13.75in LOP can be altered with 5mm plastic spacers between the rubber recoil pad and the chassis. You can also loosen the central of the three pad-securing screws to allow the recoil pad to rotate and move up or down. The part I liked most was the removable hook section under the rear stock that allows the supporting hand to grip the stock tightly when shooting off a bipod or bench. The standard short hook is ideal but it can be removed and replaced with a longer bag rider, which helps shooters who use a rear bag to fine-tune their point of aim for long-range shooting.
FIELD TEST
I set up steel targets all the way out to 400yd and targets for group testing at 100yd. I fitted an Evolve sound moderator to quieten the procedure and a Kahles K624i scope, which is my favourite for long range.
First up in the factory ammo were the Federal Gold Medal Berger 185gr Juggernauts, which gave a three-shot group of 0.95in at 2,534fps, 2,637ft·lb. Next were the Hornady Superformance Match ELD Match 168gr at a blistering 2,804fps, 2,933ft·lb and 1.0in groups. Better were the other Hornady loading, the Hornady Match BTHP 178gr, which shot consistent 0.71in groups at a more sedate 2,564fps, 2,598ft·lb.
The cheaper S&B FMJ 147gr shot as expected around the inch mark at 2,808fps, 2,575ft·lb, while the Norma Jaktmatch 150gr were not to the T3X’s liking at 2,653fps, 2,346ft·lb and 1.39in groups. The best were the Lapua Scenar OTM 167gr loads, with 0.68in groups at 2,671fps, 2,646ft·lb. So the rifle appears to be a little fussy with factory ammo, but that’s why we test them. Reloads could tighten these groups considerably.
I selected the excellent but expensive Lapuas and swung the BR Pivot rest from the 100yd point to the steel crow at 200yd and steel Hun’s heads at 250 and then 400yd.
With a 2in holdover, the first shot hit the crow dead centre and sent it flying. On to the 250yd Hun’s head. One show to judge the wind told me that I needed a 3in correction, after which I had three-shot groups under 1 MOA and two six-shot groups of 1.5 to 1.75in. Brilliant.
Across the valley the 400yd Hun’s head beckoned. I dialled in 11 more clicks for elevation and after a wind correction I was clanging steel every time with 2.5-3.5in groups.
CONCLUSIONS
This is a really nice rifle to shoot and it works well with the right ammo. You can adjust, twiddle and customise to your heart’s content. I fancy one of these in .223 Game as a fox gun or long-range crow rifle. All in all its a really impressive rifle with prices that start at £1,395 for the rimfire version, £1595 for the black Ace rifles and £1,695 for the Cerakote alternatives here on test.
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