We have been having a ton of fun with the Tikka T1x .22LR rifle. My intention is to use it as a NRL22 Base Class rifle. However, I also want to show some upgrade options for shooters who get the bug and wish to move up from Base Class into Open Class. Our first “upgrade” is to replace the plastic stock with a proper chassis system. We will get “wild” in future posts, but I want to keep this step in the “Budget” category.
We have reviewed the Kinetic Research Group Bravo Chassis for the Remington 700 in the past. KRG produces the Bravo in several different inlet patterns to include the Tikka T3. KRG has now configured their T3 version to fit the T1x.
The Bravo chassis is an excellent option for shooters who want the modularity and adjustability of a chassis system, but prefer the feel of a more traditional rifle stock.
The Bravo offers a height adjustable comb and a spacer adjustable length of pull. The pistol grip is vertically oriented to give you a straight pull on the trigger. The palm swells on the grip seem just right for medium hands and the grip area is ambidextrous to make those support side shots comfortable.
The biggest difference between the T3 and the T1x versions are the trigger guard. The T3 Bravo is designed to accept AICS magazines and is an excellent option for T3 owners. The T1x version deletes the magazine release. This piece is not necessary since the magazine well on the T1x is attached to the bottom of the action and contained its own magazine release button. Removing the lever allowed KRG to contour the front of the trigger guard to better guide magazines into the well.
KRG chose to retain the centerfire sized opening in their forend. This choice has several benefits. First is that the opening is large enough to easily reach the forward facing magazine release lever. The second benefit is that KRG’s other forend options will fit. If you want to upgrade to a W3C or Enclosed Forend, that is an available option.
The magazine-well also functions as a barricade stop and keeps the magazine and release lever protected if you drive the rifle hard into a barricade.
The included forend of the KRG Bravo chassis is polymer, attached to an aluminum backbone. The forend and the backbone accept a huge number of accessories from rails to night vision and tripod mounts. The polymer and aluminum construction of the Bravo keeps the weight down to approximately 2.9 lbs. This seems just about right on a .22LR rifle that you would hand to a young competition shooter. If you want a heavier rig, accessories or the W3C aluminum forend will quickly bring that weight up.
The Bravo comes equipped with a front bipod stud and is contoured for Harris style bipods. The rear of the chassis has recesses for QD Flush Cups, but the cups themselves are an additional purchase. The front of the chassis has two Mlok slots on either side. This makes mounting a QD Mlok adapter a simple solution for forward sling attachment. The Mlok is a nice addition for shooters who may want to be able to mount a flashlight for night varmint hunting.
The Bravo is currently priced at $369 and provides an excellent value for the features included. It gives the Tikka T1x a little more size and weight to feel like a more substantial rifle. Shooters who already have a Bravo equipped centerfire rifle will be able to put together a rimfire trainer with ease. If you want to move from Base into Open class for NRL22 competition, the Bravo is a great lower cost option.
I want to thank Kinetic Research Group for sending the T1x Bravo to us for review. If you want to pick one up you can head to KRG’s website or consider using the Brownell’s Link here.