RFI: Christensen Ridgeline Scout .223

[Wyoming Shooter]

I'm in search of a quality magazine-fed .223 bolt rifle. The Tikka T3x is an obvious option but, currently unobtainable. My parameters:

Reliability
Accuracy
Trigger
Weight < 7.0 lbs.
Barrell length < 21"
DBM - AICS preferred

The Christensen Ridgeline Scout looks interesting: https://christensenarms.com/ridgeline-scout/. Other options? Thanks!

[BobM]

I have a Ruger American Predator that uses AR mags. The barrel is 22” and threaded. I’ve not shot it yet but have an American Ranch in 300 BO that shoots well.

[ccmdfd]

The manager of a local gun store I frequent just purchased one of those rifles, however in 300 Blackout. I played with it in the store with him. It looked nice and felt nice.

That being said, I've got a Christensen in 6.5 PRC, different model, that's been giving me a lot of grief. So I would be hesitant to buy another one at this point.

Tikkas just plain work.

[msstate56]

I’m pretty sure problems come standard at no extra charge on Christiansen rifles. I’ve personally seen 2 that didn’t group worth a dang. I think they do mess up and let a decent one slip through every once in a while, but I see a lot of problem guns, and not many good ones.

My advice would be to pick an action that has pre-fit barrels available and build your own. You can get a Zermätt (Bighorn) Origin action with a .223 bolt face and pick your choice of prefit. I like Proof Research barrels personally. Go with whatever type of stock fits your needs.

[Wyoming Shooter]

I've read enough complaints about Christensen QC to be very hesitant to spend $2000 on a potentially defective product.

I have a compact-lite Tikka T3x .308 that shoots very well. I'd like the same rifle in .223. Alas, Euro Optic told me last week that they have no idea when they will receive their next shipment of Tikkas.

Maybe it's best to just wait it out.

Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

[TOTS]

I've read enough complaints about Christensen QC to be very hesitant to spend $2000 on a potentially defective product.

I have a compact-lite Tikka T3x .308 that shoots very well. I'd like the same rifle in .223. Alas, Euro Optic told me last week that they have no idea when they will receive their next shipment of Tikkas.

Maybe it's best to just wait it out.

Thanks for your thoughtful comments.
I have had my T3X in .223 for just over a year now and absolutely love it. Unless I built one, I don’t see me ever leaving Tikka. I got fed up with waiting for EO to get them back in stock and ended up grabbing one from Gunbroker for a pretty good price. Assuming you’ve checked there? What style are you looking for? Lite, CTR, etc?

ETA, Wow! Nothing out there for real!! One used Lite is all I saw. Sad shape, these days.

[fatdog]

Today at least, CDNN is closing out some of the Ruger Ranch rifles that take AR mags (https://www.cdnnsports.com/firearms/hunting-rifles/rugerr-americanr-ranch-5-56-fde-threaded-ar-mags.html). No idea how good or bad those are.

[S Jenks]

How about the Steyr Scout? Grandaddy of the Scouts. I own one in .308 and while I only have about 100 rounds through it, it has an excellent trigger and is light weight. I bought it as a range toy and honestly, should have bought one in .223 due to ammunition costs.

Some of the features seem kind of goofy now but were cutting edge for when it was designed. I had to buy a CMP 1911 to keep it company in the safe.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/926667924

[Wyoming Shooter]

I have had my T3X in .223 for just over a year now and absolutely love it. Unless I built one, I don’t see me ever leaving Tikka. I got fed up with waiting for EO to get them back in stock and ended up grabbing one from Gunbroker for a pretty good price. Assuming you’ve checked there? What style are you looking for? Lite, CTR, etc?

ETA, Wow! Nothing out there for real!! One used Lite is all I saw. Sad shape, these days.

Yes, Tikka rifles are few and far between these days. I have a compact-lite in .308. I'd like to replicate it in .223: https://www.eurooptic.com/JRTXE312C-Tikka-Tikka-T3x-Lite-Compact-223-Rem-SYN-200--barr.aspx. Tikka also makes the CTR in .223: https://www.eurooptic.com/Tikka-T3X-CTR-223-Rem-20-Barrel-1-8-Rifle-JRTXC314R8.aspx. It's significantly heavier and inexplicably comes with a 0 MOA rail. It will be interesting to see if the invasion of Ukraine further complicates the supply of Tikka rifles from Finland.