I do like the Tikka's , my older son has a T3 Lite in SS in .308 and has taken a couple elk, a couple antelope, a muley and a few whitetails with it. When my youngest turns 12-13yrs I plan to get him his own rifle in something similar.
For now, I wanted a smaller gun he can use the next 4+ yrs, and one I might use in a whitetail stand instead of bringing my long range rifle (Rem 700, 300 wsm with 26" barrel etc.) and I could use for other beginners I might take. and shoot a few coyotes.
So- some people like the Ruger American- they make the All Weather compact in SS with an 18" barrel. I really don't like the stock on that rifle. How do they shoot?
What do you think of Boyds Stocks? It seems like an affordable option to change a low end synthetic/plastic stock and to get a custom LOP? Are those stocks worth the $99+?
Also what is the going rate for a gunsmith to cut a barrel and re-crown?