Tikka T1x MTR

The Tikka T1x MTR is the rimfire trainer that most directly maps to a precision centerfire rifle. It shares the Tikka T3x stock interface and bottom-metal footprint, so a shooter who runs a T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor can train cheap on a rifle that mounts the same stocks, bottom metal, and accessories. The cross-over barrel profile gives the stiffness of a heavy barrel without the full weight penalty, and the muzzle ships threaded 1/2x28.

Tikka's reputation for buttery-smooth bolt throw and an excellent trigger carries straight into the rimfire line. The single-stage trigger adjusts from a factory 4 pounds down to roughly 2 pounds with no extra parts. It feeds from a double-stack, single-feed 10-round detachable magazine, available in both 16-inch and 20-inch barrel lengths.

Against the CZ 457, the T1x trades a hair of out-of-box accuracy reputation for a slicker action and the T3x parts ecosystem. Against a Bergara B-14R it costs far less and weighs about two pounds less, at the cost of the B-14R's Remington 700 and AICS commonality. For most shooters building toward a Tikka centerfire, the T1x is the obvious rimfire stablemate.