Tikka Rifles
 

I was talking accurate rifles with the RO at the Bald Mountain shooting range this weekend. He indicated to me that of all the factory produced rifles that he has seen in the last three years that Tikka is by far producing the most accurate rifles that he sees out on the range. He says that he sees the same accuracy from the Tikka's as he sees from the Sako's with a lower cost of course.

He showed me some targets that were shot with a Tikka in 30-06 and the groups were very small I would say about 3/4" to 1". He claims that the bullets used were regular hunting ammo.

The RO that I was talking to was definetly an accuracy snob. He showed me some of his targets shot from one of those high accuracy rifles that look really strange and his groups measured just over the diamter of a bullet. Two and three shot groups consistently one ragged hole. He must have shown me over 30 of his targets. There was one where there was a little bit of spread, about a 1/2" group. I said what happen here. He said, I was just playing around. I laughed.

That kind of eye witness account means a lot to me. This is a guy who sees hundreds of rifles per week.

BTW - We got on the topic because there was a guy at the range with a brand new H-S Precision rifle in 300 WinMag with a super nice Swarovsky scope on it. He was barely able to hold a 1.5" group at 100 yards. Needless to say the guy was pissed.

Tom

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

Doesn't surprise me since Tikkas have the same barrel that Sakos do. I don't own a Tikka, but I do have a couple of Sakos and I've been very pleased with them. I handled a Tikka in a store once and the bolt was slicker than any I've ever handled.

I recall a particular day at the range a couple of years ago. There was this guy there shooting a Tikka Deluxe Whitetail Hunter in .300 Win Mag. He was shooting factory ammo and he showed me his targets. All groups were nice little 1/2 to 3/4 inch triangles. I was impressed to say the least.

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I just got my T3, but during the initial load workup I used the ladder method and have a group ten 6 shots in one big hole that is just under 3/4 MOA, with 8 total right at 1 MOA.

I've had it to the range twice, but the last time I took it out to shoot refine the load that was in the "sweet spot" according to the ladder test, I got one really nice 3/4" group and then the accuracy went to hell but I couldn't at first figure out why. It would shoot them all over the paper and the best "group" was almost 3"! It wasn't until about 10 shots later that I realized that my scope rings were just loose enough that the scope had scooted forward under recoil until the turret assembly way touching the front ring. Guess I didn't get all the oil out of the threads before I locktited the screws down, and recoil did the rest! [:@]

At least it's not the rifles fault...I was worried that the stupid thing was going to turn out to be a crappy shooter and I'd have to send it back.

Mike

Here's a pic:

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

FYI:

The median load that shot the 6 shot group is a 180gr. Barnes TSX propelled by 67.7gr of RL-19, Federal 215M Gold Match primers, W-W nickel-brass. Cartridge is .300 WSM.

Mike

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

I have a laminated stainless tikka T3 in 338 WM. Its a very nice rifle, excellent trigger, very accurate and a joy to carry aorund at 7.5lbs with scope. It was fairly brutal to shoot off the bench before I have a muzzle break put on it though.

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If you knew anything about these rifles you wouldn't bring this up since its evidently shooter error. YOu can 't buy accuracy.

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

Same Sako barrel and that is the extent of it.. one size fits all action..plastic magazine,floorplate and bolt shroud. Trigger a combo of aluminum and steel..just great 2 different metals with different expansion characteristics., Ok for the day hunter but no wilderness gun ..I like real steel.

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

OEH, those continentals and old Whitetails sure was nice however.

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Nicer then the current T3 yes. I picked up a few the last few weeks and to say I am totally unimpressed would be an understatement. Spend the extra couple of hundred and buy a real gun Sako 75..at least no plastic except stock and dead reliable gun. Its 20 degreee below zero and your polycarbonate bolt shroud cracks on your Tikka what do you do next ?:D

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I thought the older Tikka were nice, and I hate the T3.

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I think I would rather have a savage or vanguard over a T3. Just an opinion

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bc TOTAL AGREEMENT

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But you can buy inaccuracy.

Call 'Ripleys Believe It or Not' because it's never been 20 below in the recorded history of my state. And any deer out roaming around in 20 below weather are safe from me.

Sako makes Tikka's. Like the plastic on the Tikka or don't like it but one gun is just as reliable as the other. If you plan to run your game down on foot and beat them to death with the buttstock of your rifle, or you plan to use the magazine clip from it to crack walnuts on an anvil then by all means stick to an all metal configuration. For the vast majority of us that plan to simply "SHOOT" our rifles you will have no problems with a Tikka and it's few plastic components. In fact in my 39 years of life through some pretty hard hunting I have never done more than scratch the barrel or wood finish on a gun. I guess some of you guys must be hunting from hang gliders or something.

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Uh oh, OEH, see what you did, you hurt somebodies feelings. Which I have a feeling went out and got a tikka.

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Too Bad and who cares I am telling it like it is ..it is a throwaway gun



There used to be a poster here named Steven Ashe..why don't you look him up and find out if his cheap polycarbonate bolt shroud never broke. I am glad you know ho to shoot a rifle and certainly glad that in your 39 years of life you have done some hard hunting in Alabama. I am really impressed

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Good one.:D

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

Well I must say I for one love the tikka t-3's. I've bought 3 of them in the last two years. It wouldn't hurt my feeling if the plastic wasn't there, but if thats as bad as it gets I can live with it. Smooth action, awesome trigger, good price and many other nice features. Used to have mostly remy's but the tikka has spoiled me. Last week I spent an hour at gander mt. looking at all the rifles thet had to offer and kept coming back to the tikka and sako. The short bolt lift is one reason, why after paying $500-$600 and up should I spend even more for a trigger job like most of the other brands need. I think for the money the tikka's can't be beat. Granted a lot of my reason's are personal tastes, but I would still recommend a tikka to anybody. Try cycling the bolt on the other guns and then a sako or tikka, to me this speaks of quality.

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

I find the Tikka to be of a different design in on how it’s closed around the bolt action where it ejects the shells. The plastic parts would be a concern for me being that it can get pretty cold up here during rifle season for deer. The accuracy is definitely a plus with it having the same type of barrel as a Sako. The plastic clip is definitely a turn off for me but that’s me. If I would consider a Tikka it would have to be with a long cartridge to take full advantage of the long action. Maybe some day but I sure like my Sako.:D

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And they say me and drift are brazen. Welcome to the club:D

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The plastic components mentioned is why I bought my Sako Finnlight instead. SS/Synthetic combo and one smooth action...I know, I know..there was alot of hype a while ago about the re-call, but mine was built well before and it is the sweetest thing I ever held...for a rifle at least :-)

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i own a sako trgs and tikka new generation in 338 cal, the best handload group i could get in the sako was 1.25 inch the tikka was a impressive 3/4 inch consistantly. i have hunted the rockies mnts aprox 14 years with my tikka and always in cold conditions upto minus 25 below, and never had any problems. i would never ever own a gun that would malfunction period. sheep and goat hunts are hard on both body and equipment, my body is breaking down but the tikka still performs like new and will be with me on my last hunt.

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He he!

Mike

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Oh I take back what I said about Tikka rifles and let me be politically correct... How bout they are sweet shooting guns.:D I mean I am overwhelmed by how many gunsmiths out there build custom rifles built on their action

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No you don't see many custom guns built on Tikka actions but then that could be because you don't have to take a new in the box Tikka and give a gunsmith 400 dollars to make it keep 3 shots on a barn door at 100 yards like you do a Remington or Ruger. :D

In other words if it ain't broke why fix it? Why buy a 2000 dollar custom built gun based on a tikka action when one straight from the factory will shoot the way they already do. I also think this is why some people who oooh...I don't know maybe build custom guns based on Remingtons may hate Tikkas. As Tikkas grow more popular who will need their services when you can get this kind of accuracy for 458 bucks?

This statement pretty much wrecks your credibility. (For the tenth time)

Thanks for being impressed and good luck with that 20 below zero Hang-Glider hunting. Any man who sails off a cliff in those temperatures, crash lands on large game and beats them to death with the buttstock of his all metal component rifle definately has my respect. :eek:

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After barrel is well worn turnaround and dump in garbage what is not to understand
about this.?

Oh really so if someone has the money to buy a custom rifle they are stupid for doing that and should buy a Tikka..is that what I am hearing? I bet you really think you have a Sako on your hands now don't you ? Custom gun too rich for your blood?

As far as credibility.. I could give a Rats Axx what you think of it. I forgot more about guns then you'll ever know about guns or anything in general. If you haven't already by now please use the ignore button if you don't like reading my posts. I'll do the same. Have a good day

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

I'm sure you believe that so just stare in the mirror and keep repeating that to yourself and maybe you will feel better.

No, or it would say "Sako" on the side. I pick up on little clues like that. I can however go get the Sako 75 that I own out of the gun case and hold it if it will make you feel better.

Naaa, just not needed unless you plan to compete in benchrest competitions where tightening a group by .275 of and inch is worth shelling out a few thousand dollars. I'll just stick to the rifles I have that shoot 1 inch or better at 100 yards. I have no need of greater accuracy from a rifle than that. (and truth be known neither does 99% of the people who own rifles)

Ahh, seems you can dish it out but you can't take it. Typical of your type.

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I'm not sure you would pick up that clue. You own a Sako not a chance not coming from the guy that blasted them in the Walmart topic. I am really sure you would/could own one:D:D



Boy your knowledge of rifles is intensive

I believe I am dishing it out again looser

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

I like what I see in the mirror evidently you don't

Go borrow your friends 75 and take a picture and PM me with it I bet it really exists:D

)


So you don't really own a custom rifle do you?



As long as I am not your type that is fine with me


Feel free to use the ignore button on my posts whenever possible and have a good day

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

Wow, this topic has regressed to the grade school level...maybe I'll give the two parties concerned the benefit of the doubt and say junior high level, tops. Baseless accusations of dishonesty, chest-pounding, boasting and insulting the others intelligence (the "I've forgotten more about guns..." line was the best. It takes a big ego to make that statement about oneself, especially when your knowledge of the other is limited to a few paragraphs on an internet forum.), all based upon ones opinion of what is and is not a good rifle. M710 topics rarily degenerate to the b***h-slapping cat-fight that this has turned into, and there is no question that the M710 far inferior to any Tikka ever made.

Man, and some people think I'm an a*****e! (I believe Bigcountry used the term "brassy"![8D]) At least my attitude generally stays grounded somewhere within reality, and I'm enough of a man to admit when I have gone too far. Even by my standards you two have gone over the top! What's next? Repeated use of the classic schoolyard comeback line; "I know you are, but what am I?" Grow up and act your age, kids.

Mike

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

Mathematical equation for the day.
Chevy Vega is to Corvette what Tikka is to Sako.

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No I said brazen.

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

I stand corrected. Darn synonyms! ;):D

Mike

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I may have a bit of an ego but so do many others that post here and if he doesn't't like my opinion so be it. That is why the "ignore button" was created. No one here it seems with a few exceptions can take criticism of anything they are so thin skinned its almost pathetic.


But it is so much fun to unload on this guy

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

Hunting and shooting crowds are generally very close minded to advise. I think we are taught that way from children. I mean your father sits there and is very critical of you, and very stern on everything when it deals with a gun. Its all a serious operation. And its passed on to the younger generation. So we are always busy looking down on one another. Also, its hard to stomach when you just forked out 5 bills for a gun and feel good with your purchase and then truth or not, somebody says, "its junk compared to what you could have got". And especially since its coming from a "stranger".

Hey, I sure don't agree with your optics debates. And I think I have enough creditions to toot my horn. But when it comes to rifles and guns in general, sure you run circles around me. But its cool. I mean shoot, you are so old you fart dust. :D I would hoped you would have learned a thing or too with all those trips out west.:D

I used to take alot seriously on here but since have just thrown up my hands and said "ok". Still like to beat down Mossy every once in a while.

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Well I have learned not to argue about optics with you that is for sure:D

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LOL! This is what I mean when I say you have no credibility. Now you are telling people you don't even know and have never met what they do and don't own. Pathetic. Whatever experience you may have in some field (Hog Farming, Goat Herding etc, etc,) is rendered completely untrustworthy by your mouth and it's tendency to shoot off about things you know nothing about and your insistence on stating your decidedly narrow minded and often dead wrong opinions as if they were indisputable facts. Maybe you have spent the past 10 years in a cave chewing peyote and it's made you delusional so let me help you out here. You are not God and your mouth is not a prayer book. You are just as flawed, often wrong and full of s##t as the next guy on here. (more so than most) Hope that helps you find your way back through that delusional fog you have weaved around yourself.

For the record I currently own 11 rifles of which one is a Sako 75 hunter in 243. I also own a Tikka T-3 in 25-06. A Remington model 700 in 30-06. A Steyr Pro Hunter in 7mm-08. A Ruger M77 MKII in 7mm Magnum. A Browning A-Bolt also in 7mm-08. A Smith & Wesson Model 1500 in 243. A Browning BAR in 7mm-mag. A Savage 11f in 308. A 30 caliber M-1 Carbine. A Marlin 336c in 30-30. And a Ruger 10/22 22 caliber rifle.

Now you know and can speak intelligently about the subject. See how that works? Know something then speak. Works better that way.

No I do not own a special order or custom built rifle. I do have friends that have had one built for them. My experiences through them have left me with the impression that I simply have no need for one. I hunt and rarely have to take a shot longer than 250 yards. I do not participate in bench rest or long range shooting competitions that would warrent the extra money. If I did I'd own one. It's kinda like this. Why pay 50,000 dollars to build a monster truck on your standard 4x4's frame when all you are going to do is go hunting in it. It makes no sense to me but I guess for some reason it does to you. Maybe it makes you feel special or superior to others around you. A lot of insecure people need that. Other more practical minded people like myself , do not.

You've unloaded some stuff alright and we can all smell it.

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[:@] ouch... that's gonna leave a mark...

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I started it! lol.

Tom

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I hate to tell you Todd, but he has helped alot of people on here and as I found out very knowledgable source on rifles. I may not be speaking for everyone on here, but he has much greatercreditabilty than you. I can't remember when you have really contributed too much to the Guns forum. Maybe you have, your name doens't stick out other than taking up for current rifles you have.

I understand your arguing back and forth with the guy over something you believe. But the whole creditability issue for you is really a losing battle on this forum.

I am not bashing you, and look forward to your contributions on this forum. Just setting the record straight

RE: Tikka Rifles
 

This is true.

Mike