Orka Akinse Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 I’d been toying with the idea of becoming a member of the semi-custom rifle club for a while. Money, never far from being a major consideration, meant the rifle I envisaged would double as both a stalker and range gun. It would need to be accurate enough to play at 1000 yards when I visit Bisley and yet portable enough to carry while stalking across the UK. Having sought advice from some of the very experienced shooters off this site, my journey led me to Andy (Ronin). Many an hour talking and discussing/changing ideas later, we agreed on a specification and I asked him if he could make me something rather special, which wouldn’t break the bank, but be accurate, light and portable. We discussed stock options and discounted the usual composite ones available from Mcmillan and Manners as I favoured a chassis style stock utilising AICS mags. Andy suggested the XLR system, which I thought would be unobtainable, but there’s a company in Norway who are the European Importers. I contacted them and ordered a XLR Element Tactical Chassis for a Tikka T3 Inlet as that was my chosen action, luckily Andy had one available. I chose a Lothar Walther 8 twist, medium profile barrel, which Andy sourced immediately. Whilst we were waiting for the parts to arrive, Andy stripped the T3 Action down, cleaned and relubed all the parts, he also changed the trigger spring for a lighter version he has had custom made for the T3. The barrel arrived a few weeks later and following the build of about a month or so, Andy called to say the rifle had passed proof and was off to be Ceracoated. I had chosen matt black. Which I hoped was a similar shade to the XLR Chassis. Andy sent me a few pictures of the completed rifle which I thought was stunning, colours matched and the barrel length we agreed would be 20”, screw cut with invisible cap with the thread at M18x1mm. It looked the part, exactly as I wanted. Diaries meant I had a further wait of a couple of weeks before I ventured over the M4 to the dim northern wastelands and spent the best part of a day at Andy’s place, enjoying his hospitality while he fitted the scope rail that had to be re machined using 8/40 machine screws, the standard M3.4x.5 Tikka screws not being available (even from Tikka) and my scope that I had brought with me. Andy spent time adjusting the stock for a perfect cheek weld and then setting the scope up for me. The gun just felt perfect. The whole experience of buying your dream can be a roller coaster of a ride but with Andy’s care, attention to detail, obvious methodical approach to rifle building and expertly honed metal smithy skills, I would be delighted to recommend him to anyone who has an idea of what is required for an accurate rifle and are looking for someone to build it for them. Since returning home, I’ve shot the rifle several times, its stunningly accurate, the trigger is superb, the build is a work of art and it turns heads on the fire point. I’m over the moon with the build. Andy, you’re the man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuck Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Need pictures, never heard anyone have Andy do some work for them and not be happy, I'm not sure if he is a full time smith but I wouldn't hesitate to use him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWShooter Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shuggy Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Sounds fantastic. How about another trip to Bisley so it can stretch its legs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannywayoflife Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 This thread is nothing without pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotch_egg Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Orka the lads want pics.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gandy Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Sounds like a good do all rifle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orka Akinse Posted February 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 I'll get some sorted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tikka 260 Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 Need pictures, never heard anyone have Andy do some work for them and not be happy, I'm not sure if he is a full time smith but I wouldn't hesitate to use him. + 1 from me - Andy is a gifted Amateur, with great attention to detail. This was the 3rd one he has done for me. Orka - Enjoy the Rifle, as I am sure you will. ATB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orka Akinse Posted February 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 2nd three shots out of the Beauty .......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orka Akinse Posted February 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offroad Gary Posted February 20, 2016 Report Share Posted February 20, 2016 2nd three shots out of the Beauty .......... Andy always builds a straight one! Very good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWShooter Posted February 20, 2016 Report Share Posted February 20, 2016 + 1 from me - Andy is a gifted Amateur, with great attention to detail. This was the 3rd one he has done for me. Orka - Enjoy the Rifle, as I am sure you will. ATB That appears to be an exceptional stalking rifle , tell us about it and post some more pics please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orka Akinse Posted February 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhunter Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Very very nice, Andy sure knows what he's doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grum87 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 What's the XLR like for weight? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orka Akinse Posted February 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 What's the XLR like for weight? Very very good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grum87 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Would you be comfy hauling it round for stalking and long range vermin bashing? Looking for something for my .260 build....it'll be going in an AICS in the short term, but ultimately it's too heavy. MDT LSS looks interesting, as does the XLR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orka Akinse Posted February 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 I bought it to do exactly that well, long range target I haven't any vermin right now. It is my "go to" stalking rifle now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted February 23, 2016 Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 Another "adequately accurate rifle" from my stable. I may consider doing this full time when I retire and lose the amateur status. (and there was no offence taken with the stamp either) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted February 23, 2016 Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 That appears to be an exceptional stalking rifle , tell us about it and post some more pics please. That was a Borden Timberline CM action, the rifle chambered in 7x57 Mauser and stocked by Gary Cane. The rifle made to customer spec. Possibly (probably) the most aesthetically pleasing rifle ive had a hand in making to date. If you want to find the write up do a search for Borden Timberline - Tikka 260 posted it in Oct 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swarovski1 Posted February 23, 2016 Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 Just because its not your full time job it doesnt make you an amateur mr ronin sir Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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