CarJunkieLS1
Member
If he were talking Weatherby Mark V I'd say that he is right. But comparing the Vangaurd S2 to the Tikka...the Tikka is better in every way. I own and shoot both.
Info needed on Sako Tikka T3 bolt guns
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coloradokevin
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Sky Dog said:
If your local Bass Pro is anything like mine, I'd get a second opinion. I'm not going to trash the Weatherby rifles, and I think they're well built guns, but I've personally not shot one that would outshoot a Tikka. Gunsmith opinions vary for a variety of reasons, and I would be curious why the guy you spoke to wasn't fond of the Tikka… the claim of "much, much better" is a bold one, given the competition's reputation for accuracy!
But, by all means, do your own research and form your own conclusions. I just wouldn't let any one opinion sway you one way or the other (and that includes my opinion, since I just happen to be another guy behind a keyboard as far as anyone here is concerned — best thing you could hope for is some trigger time with both).
He was talking about the better built gun. I have no problem with plastic on an AR. Plastic on a classic bolt gun just doesn't seem right. I am a loyal fan of Beretta. I have 4 pistols and 1 shotgun. Up until 4 or 5 years ago, I'd never heard of Tikka. I've heard of Weatherby all my life. I'll still keep an open mind.
coloradokevin
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I see… In fairness, the Tikka does have a plastic feel compared to some other guns. I'll admit that they are built more about function than form. Weatherby has certainly been around for a long time, and has a good reputation (as does Browning, Remington, et al). So, when someone says that something else is "much better", it really depends on their definition of "better". I don't mean to sound like I'm pushing you in a direction you don't want to go on this, but I still find it strange that more people haven't adopted these rifles at this point.
Where Tikka shines is in the realm of a very accurate rifle for a very reasonable price. I believe they are VERY hard to beat on accuracy, save for guns that start at $3K and go up from there. In terms of styling and sex appeal, some other rifles definitely hold an edge over Tikka. I tend to be a "form follows function" kind of person, and sometimes take that philosophy a bit too far (or so my significant other tells me). The metal parts and metal finishing on Tikka rifles seem quite fine to me, and mine has more of a matte colored bluing (as opposed to a high gloss bluing). That's really a user preference thing, and I've never been a high gloss kind of guy — your milage may vary.
The stocks do seem a wee bit flimsy on the Tikkas, but I'm not planning to drive over mine with a tank, so it's mostly an aesthetic thing as far as I see it (it's totally adequate for hard hunting use… maybe not for hard combat use). But, the stock look/feel is probably the number one complaint people have with Tikka. On the other hand, it allows them to make a very lightweight rifle that does what it needs to do… it's easy to get hung up on things like stock bedding, and overall design, but I've also always figured that if it shoots right, it shoots right. In that area I feel that Tikka has done everything they are supposed to do, and more.
I personally hadn't heard about Tikka until 2008, and bought mine shortly after I first saw one. A guy that I know and respect at a local gun store introduced me to them, and told me that his light-barreled Tikka was routinely printing 3/8" groups @ 100 yards. I took a gamble on getting one, and haven't been disappointed in the least. A few friends have been trying to talk me into selling them the gun, but it isn't for sale.
The reason I comment on threads like these is because I get tired of seeing some of the "old dogs" in the shooting world bemoaning the newcomers to the bolt action rifle scene… Chuckhawks website is an example of this, where he had a scathing article about the Tikka, and has implied elsewhere that they probably don't shoot 1-inch groups. Personally, I think Chuckhawks can't shoot straight if that's his claim, because I've seen at least 10 local examples of Tikkas that shoot around .5" groups at 100 yards. However, their review of the rifle was probably fair in saying that the design isn't as pretty as more classic rifles… it's a totally utilitarian offering! He's also correct in saying that Tikka has shaved costs wherever possible. As an example, all Tikkas are long-action rifles. So, my .308 Win is built in a long action rather than short action. That makes little difference to me, but would probably bother some users. On the other hand, if you are shooting a long-action caliber, it's an irrelevant issue anyway.
I will say that I disagree with Chuckhawks in saying that the accuracy claim doesn't matter. Sure, a 2" gun can anchor an elk shot at a reasonable distance, and he isn't wrong in saying so. But, I also use my Tikka for prairie dog hunting, on a colony that I need to shoot from around 450-700 yards. Accuracy definitely matters in that endeavor!
Here's the Chuckhawks perspective, just so you can see someone's negative review:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/critical_look.htm
Anyway, I really don't want to seem like I'm pushing you in a direction you don't want to go, but I also don't want you to be soured to a rifle just because some traditionalists in the shooting world don't like change. If the design of the Tikka works for you, I think you'll enjoy it. If not, there are plenty of other fine rifles out there
Where Tikka shines is in the realm of a very accurate rifle for a very reasonable price. I believe they are VERY hard to beat on accuracy, save for guns that start at $3K and go up from there. In terms of styling and sex appeal, some other rifles definitely hold an edge over Tikka. I tend to be a "form follows function" kind of person, and sometimes take that philosophy a bit too far (or so my significant other tells me). The metal parts and metal finishing on Tikka rifles seem quite fine to me, and mine has more of a matte colored bluing (as opposed to a high gloss bluing). That's really a user preference thing, and I've never been a high gloss kind of guy — your milage may vary.
The stocks do seem a wee bit flimsy on the Tikkas, but I'm not planning to drive over mine with a tank, so it's mostly an aesthetic thing as far as I see it (it's totally adequate for hard hunting use… maybe not for hard combat use). But, the stock look/feel is probably the number one complaint people have with Tikka. On the other hand, it allows them to make a very lightweight rifle that does what it needs to do… it's easy to get hung up on things like stock bedding, and overall design, but I've also always figured that if it shoots right, it shoots right. In that area I feel that Tikka has done everything they are supposed to do, and more.
I personally hadn't heard about Tikka until 2008, and bought mine shortly after I first saw one. A guy that I know and respect at a local gun store introduced me to them, and told me that his light-barreled Tikka was routinely printing 3/8" groups @ 100 yards. I took a gamble on getting one, and haven't been disappointed in the least. A few friends have been trying to talk me into selling them the gun, but it isn't for sale.
The reason I comment on threads like these is because I get tired of seeing some of the "old dogs" in the shooting world bemoaning the newcomers to the bolt action rifle scene… Chuckhawks website is an example of this, where he had a scathing article about the Tikka, and has implied elsewhere that they probably don't shoot 1-inch groups. Personally, I think Chuckhawks can't shoot straight if that's his claim, because I've seen at least 10 local examples of Tikkas that shoot around .5" groups at 100 yards. However, their review of the rifle was probably fair in saying that the design isn't as pretty as more classic rifles… it's a totally utilitarian offering! He's also correct in saying that Tikka has shaved costs wherever possible. As an example, all Tikkas are long-action rifles. So, my .308 Win is built in a long action rather than short action. That makes little difference to me, but would probably bother some users. On the other hand, if you are shooting a long-action caliber, it's an irrelevant issue anyway.
I will say that I disagree with Chuckhawks in saying that the accuracy claim doesn't matter. Sure, a 2" gun can anchor an elk shot at a reasonable distance, and he isn't wrong in saying so. But, I also use my Tikka for prairie dog hunting, on a colony that I need to shoot from around 450-700 yards. Accuracy definitely matters in that endeavor!
Here's the Chuckhawks perspective, just so you can see someone's negative review:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/critical_look.htm
Anyway, I really don't want to seem like I'm pushing you in a direction you don't want to go, but I also don't want you to be soured to a rifle just because some traditionalists in the shooting world don't like change. If the design of the Tikka works for you, I think you'll enjoy it. If not, there are plenty of other fine rifles out there
Thanks for the insight Kevin. I was raised in the Winchester/Springfield camp when it comes to bolt guns. My dad never liked the looks of Weatherby's....He thought they looked a little over the top. Still a fine rifle no doubt. I always thought Winchester was a bit better than Remington. I always liked the European hunting rifles....mostly J.P. Sauer. That's why the Sako/Tikka/Beretta products spark my interests. I'll Keep looking. Tikka IS on the short list. Thanks again
RainDodger
Member
Who is Chuck Hawks anyway? He's just another guy with an opinion, and he seems to have a lot of them on a lot of subjects.
Regarding stocks... my Tikka T3 is the "Forest" model and has a checkered, oiled wood stock. It is relatively plain wood, sure. Like I've said on this thread, it might not be shiny blue with a glossy stock, but it shoots as well as a number of dedicated and pretty varmint guns from my safe.
The matte blue finish on the Tikka when you look at it closely, is very well done. I have zero complaints about mine. I put a Zeiss Conquest on it, and it's a very nice rifle to shoot.
Regarding stocks... my Tikka T3 is the "Forest" model and has a checkered, oiled wood stock. It is relatively plain wood, sure. Like I've said on this thread, it might not be shiny blue with a glossy stock, but it shoots as well as a number of dedicated and pretty varmint guns from my safe.
The matte blue finish on the Tikka when you look at it closely, is very well done. I have zero complaints about mine. I put a Zeiss Conquest on it, and it's a very nice rifle to shoot.
coloradokevin
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RainDodger said:
I agree about the finish. I really do think it was well done, even if it wasn't high gloss. Chuckhawks really bemoaned the Tikka because of it, but I really do like the finish. It doesn't look cheap or low quality, it just isn't high-gloss.
Sky Dog said:
Indeed, Winchester does make some nice rifles. I haven't had one myself, but I know friends who wouldn't part with some of their Winchesters for anything. The Europeans definitely know how to build bolt guns and optics, and there are a number of fine manufacturers on that continent (my two most accurate guns are from England and Finland, respectively).
Good luck with your continued search, and please let me know if there's any other info you need on the rifle(s) I might know something about!
45crittergitter
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I like the T3 (Lite) rifles more than any other bolt guns I have or have used in any comparable caliber. Light, slick, reasonably priced, accurate.
horsemen61
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Can't wait to get my tikka
rswartsell
Member
T3 Lite in 7mm 08 here. I plan on buying a couple more. What more needs to be said?
Kachok
Member
Having owned nearly every brand of bolt action out there I can tell you there is no more accurate 6lbs gun out then then a Tikka T3 PERIOD! Other perks are the smoothest action in the buisness, a slick composite (not mold injected) stock and the perfect hunting trigger, breaks clean as frozen glass at 2-4lbs even better then the Accutrigger that I love so much. Now mind you I have my Savage and Browning shooting real one hole groups too, but with the Tikka I can choose nearly any bullet I want and get that accuracy and with factory ammo the others cannot even come close, my Tikka shoots the cheapest factory fodder well under MOA. That would be solid performance for a 15lbs match rifle to get it in a 6.25lbs featherweight is unreal. Mine being a 6.5x55 does not hurt it's accuracy either, that is a really easy cartridge to load for.
Forty yrs. ago I owned a really good Sako, so after reading all the hype about Tikka I bought one. Couldn't hit an outhouse with mine at 50 yds.. Posted here but caught alot of flak. It is a nice rifle and the trigger is the best but the rounds go where they will. Finally tho, tried Federal Fusion moly coated. One hole at 50 and one inch at 100. There are many who love them but I wouldn't touch another one with my foot.
Elkins45
Member
The Vanguard doesn't come in left hand, so that's the deciding point for me.
I have one in 308 LH stainless synthetic. I don't love the plastic mag, not the fact they only make a long action. I do love the slickness, the light weight, the handling and the amazing accuracy. When I'm walking my Tikka is generally the rifle I want to be carrying.
I have one in 308 LH stainless synthetic. I don't love the plastic mag, not the fact they only make a long action. I do love the slickness, the light weight, the handling and the amazing accuracy. When I'm walking my Tikka is generally the rifle I want to be carrying.
MIL-DOT
member
Agreed^. I can shoot American Eagle, South African surplus, or Federal Gold Medal Match Grade, and my .308 stainless Lite will practically split hairs !! 
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