Tikka bolt rifles

[valnar]

Given enough money, I would only buy Tikka or Sako's. My lone CZ rifle is the great 452 in .22LR.

 

[Captcurt]

At what range?

Just 100 yards. Didn't have a longer range without driving 26 miles. This was off of a bench with bags.

 

[cdb1]

Yeah, I somewhat agree, but the Tikka is a budget rifle compared to the Sako, and the Vanguard is a budget rifle compared to the Mark V. They are those manufacturer's "budget" model. The Tikka is also ~ $600-700 new which is low-priced, and for that budget range, it is probably the best value to be had. I don't think the Vanguard is low-priced or a particularly good value compared to other rifles in its price range. It's not bad, but for the price there are a lot of options -- including the Tikka which for all practical purposes is just as good at close to half the price. I'd save the money for the optic.

Budget compared to Sako and Mark V but not to a M70 or Model 700 IMO.

You can get a Vanguard Synthetic for $500.00. So if your statement is true about getting a Tikka at close to half the price of a Vanguard then you should be able to get a Tikka for $275.00-$300.00 which isn’t the case.

I believe the Vanguard to be an excellent value compared to others in it’s price range and I don’t believe the Tikka better. I rate them pretty close to dead even.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I have a Tikka T3 Sporter in 223 and find it to be an excellent factory built target rifle. In just playing around with different reloads, I shot five 5-shot groups that averaged .762 MOA

I've shot steel targets out to 900 yards with the 75 Amax which the 1:8 twist barrel really likes. It also shoots the 77 SMK and 75 Gold Dot factory load with groups hovering around .5 MOA

75 Gold Dot factory load, 5 shot group .817-.224= .566 MOA

 

[Captcurt]

I wouldn't call the Vanguard or Tikka budget guns. The Weatherby wholesales for $75-$100 less than the T3x with the Vanguard retailing over $500. That puts the retail on the T3x at over $600. Even the Savage 10 package guns with a scope are cheaper.

 

[SwaneeSR]

My Tikka T3 Composite stock, stainless is 6.5x55 is my favorite rifle. Great for white tail. I hand load my hunting rounds. Smooth action, detachable box magazine is my preference. I carry a small and larger capacity mag into the woods. Trigger is smooth but a little light compared to my Browning Abolt. Very accurate rifle. This is my working rifle and not a piece of furniture.

 

[mshootnit]

I run across this particular brand every now and then when browsing online. Other than they're made in Finland and seem to have a good reputation, I'm not really familiar. Anyone have any pro/con experience with Tikka rifles?

I was in a big store and they had a stainless Tikka in 6.5 Creedmor set up with a one piece Leupold rail, and Leupold 4.5-14 CDS scope. It looked amazing.

 

[Rexster]

Tikka has been at, or near, the top of my to-do list, for a while, to the point that I ordered a couple of magazines and an optic base, when I ordered several other items, and was about to buy a left-hand .223 T3. Well, that particular lefty .223 sold, before I bought it, and the dealer has yet to put another on display, but I may well place an order, sooner or later.

Later, I very nearly bought a left-hand .30-06 T3x, at the same dealer, but it, too, sold, before I could decide whether to buy. I was unsure whether I wanted to add .30-06 to the herd, when .308 Winchester is my long-established .30 cartridge.

At one point, I was about ready to “pull the trigger” on a left-hand TAC version of the T3x, or even the 16” TAC, which is only available as RH, but none were available, from the better sources. I turned my attention to other projects, but may revisit this, in the future. (I prefer lefty turn-bolt rifles, for general utility, but for a long-range, heavy rifle, used mostly from a rest, or on a bipod, LH or RH is not a big deal, either way.)

I just bought a pre-owned CTR stock, and bottom metal, and am awaiting delivery. So, I reckon that it is becoming increasingly inevitable that I will be adding a Tikka T3 or T3x rifle, sooner or later.

 

[Captcurt]

Tikka has been at, or near, the top of my to-do list, for a while, to the point that I ordered a couple of magazines and an optic base, when I ordered several other items, and was about to buy a left-hand .223 T3. Well, that particular lefty .223 sold, before I bought it, and the dealer has yet to put another on display, but I may well place an order, sooner or later.

Later, I very nearly bought a left-hand .30-06 T3x, at the same dealer, but it, too, sold, before I could decide whether to buy. I was unsure whether I wanted to add .30-06 to the herd, when .308 Winchester is my long-established .30 cartridge.

At one point, I was about ready to “pull the trigger” on a left-hand TAC version of the T3x, or even the 16” TAC, which is only available as RH, but none were available, from the better sources. I turned my attention to other projects, but may revisit this, in the future. (I prefer lefty turn-bolt rifles, for general utility, but for a long-range, heavy rifle, used mostly from a rest, or on a bipod, LH or RH is not a big deal, either way.)

I just bought a pre-owned CTR stock, and bottom metal, and am awaiting delivery. So, I reckon that it is becoming increasingly inevitable that I will be adding a Tikka T3 or T3x rifle, sooner or later.

I checked with some of my distributors and Davidson's has some lefty Tikkas in stock. You might get your dealer to order one from them. They usually run a few dollars more than my other distributors but they have a great warranty.

 

[mshootnit]

I think a Tikka stainless hunter in 270 with a Leupold rail and scope would be about a perfect hunting rifle.

 

[Dinosaur1]

I have one Tikka. It shot patterns with everything I fed it. Customer service was bone ignorant. I took a half round file and free floated the barrel thereby voiding any warranty but it will now shoot one bullet and one bullet only into kinda sorta an inch. But not reliably. Stock is slicker than a peeled peach when it's cold. Maybe I just got a lemon. It happens. But I'll never own another.

 

[Rexster]

I checked with some of my distributors and Davidson's has some lefty Tikkas in stock. You might get your dealer to order one from them. They usually run a few dollars more than my other distributors but they have a great warranty.

Thanks. I often deal with a local gun store, which is a Davidson’s dealer. I just need to wait until the end of September, when I will have a substantial amount of money deposited, before I make any significant purchases, unless I want to make some trades. (In the present social environment, I would rather not part with any firearms, even the compact Nines that now vex my aging hands, because it may not be easy to buy firearms when my grandsons, or their future families, are old enough to shoot.)

 

[Rexster]

The take-off Tikka CTR stock, bottom metal, and .223 magazine, mentioned in post #33, have arrived. I do like the ergonomics of this stock. I reckon that it is probable that I will be acquiring, or at least trying to order, a Tikka T3 or T3x, at the end of the month. I may lay-away a locally-available pre-owned rifle sooner than that, though the ones I have seen are not .223, so I would have to see which CTR mags I can find, available on-line, to have even one working mag.

 

[Rexster]

I think a Tikka stainless hunter in 270 with a Leupold rail and scope would be about a perfect hunting rifle.

I have noticed that .270 Winchester ammo has tended to remain decently-available, during our “interesting” times.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I ordered a left handed Tikka T3x Hunter in 6.5x55 yesterday from Eurooptic. My plan is to top it with a Burris 3x9-40 Fullfield that I already have, mounted in Warne rings. I'm really looking forward to receiving it and taking it into the deer woods this Fall.

 

[Poper]

I have multiple Tikka rifles (T3 Hunter in .30-06, T3 Hunter in 6.5x55, T3 Lite in .270 Win, and a T1x .22LR). I also have a Sako M85 in 6.5x55 and a Sako P04 .22LR. The Tikkas shoot as well as the Sakos. The Sakos are great rifles but not inexpensive. The Tikkas are great rifles and affordable. Not just a great rifle for the money, they are great period. Smooth, dependable and accurate. The bolt strips a round from the polymer magazine and chambers it so smoothly, it is difficult to tell it did indeed chamber a round! Drop a spare loaded magazine in your pocket (just in case) and there is no reason to not get your deer. (Unless Bambi decides to not play.) What is not to like?
Yes, the T3 Lite stock can be a little slick, but all it takes is 2 minutes with a 60 grit sandpaper on a sanding block and a very light touch over the pebbled texture stock areas and it will give it some good gripping texture.

I know several people that have Tikka rifles and I have yet to see one that will not shoot very well. Less than 1" at 100 yards from a bench with a capable shooter is typical. I have been able to adjust all of the triggers of my Tikkas to 2 lbs and one to 1.5 lbs.

In regards to the Tikka vs. Vanguard issue: I had both in .30-06 for a while and worked loads up for both. (I bought the Vanguard for $399 on sale at Sportsman's Warehouse about 10 years ago and the Tikka for about the same a couple years later.) Both shot to less than 1" with 180 grain Bergers. I put the Vanguard in a Boyd's Classic walnut stock, glass bedded it and gave it to my son. He loves it.

The biggest drawback to the Vanguard is that it is one heavy unit! My son is young and can (and does) carry it all day. Me? I'm sticking to my Tikka!

 

[rayatphonix]

I’ve collected Tikkas for years. I bought a M695 30-06 probably 20 years ago and the sickness began. I’ve got the original 30-06, a 280 Remington, two 270 Winchesters (barrel is shot out in one - it will become a 280 AI someday), a 25-06, two 308’s, and a 7-08. I’ve killed more deer with the 25-06 than any rifle I own. All except the 30-06 have taken at least one deer. I could take the 30-06 to the zoo and never see a animal. Go figure. All shoot under 1 MOA. All of these are the older 595 & 695 models.

 

[cdb1]

I know several people that have Tikka rifles and I have yet to see one that will not shoot very well.

I know of only one Tikka with accuracy issues. That’s speaks incredibly well of them IMO.

The biggest drawback to the Vanguard is that it is one heavy unit!

I have a couple of Vanguards. Their weight is a reason I have them because I have a really bad shoulder. Even without the bad shoulder I don’t think I’d want a T3x in something like a .300 WM. As I’ve stated many times I don’t care for DBM’s and small ejection ports, the port was enlarged in the T3x over the T3 but it’s still too small for my taste. So for a number of reasons I’ll probably never own a Tikka. If a Tikka was the only rifle available to me I’d own one gladly. So even though I’ll almost certainly never own a Tikka my reason is about features I don’t care for, features that are a plus to most people. I believe they are outstanding rifles period, not just an great rifle for what they cost.

 

[Paul7]

Tikka’s are great rifles and this is coming from a person who doesn’t own one and probably never will unless some features change. Triggers are fantastic. I saw a little documentary a while back where an American writer took a tour of the Sako/Tikka factory. Barrels are the same and they are outstanding barrels. Factor together great triggers with great barrels and you have a recipe for great accuracy. Tikka hunting rifles are also pretty darn light. In fact too light for me the in magnum cartridges such as .300 WM and 7mm Remington Mag.

I have a very bad shoulder that’s endured three operations. As a result I buy rifles that are on the heavy side. I also have a revulsion for muzzle brakes. The T3x addressed it some but Tikka’s still have a smaller ejection port than I care for. I also don’t care for DBM’s.

So I don’t own a Tikka for three reasons. But getting down to brass tacks those reasons have everything to do with features and nothing to do with quality. In addition some or all of the Tikka features that are a minus to me are a positive to most people.

I say buy Tikka if Tikka has features you like or features you don’t care one way or the other about.

Good rifles, but I also don't like the lightweight, and don't see a need for it unless you're hiking 10 miles a day hunting. Yes they shoot great off a bench but I've never seen a shooting bench in the fields. You'll shoot a heavier rifle better in the field. You can find older, heavier Sakos for a reasonable price.

 

[mshootnit]

View attachment 946521 I just shot my Tikka today. Stainless laminate rifle in 270 Win. Handload consisting of Sierra 130 gr. bullets, IMR 4350 powder. 10X scope, 110 yds. First three shots were under 1" apart. Second group of three just over an inch. Third group under one inch and perfectly centered. There were no fliers. This is a "call-your-shot" rifle and load combo. Finished sight-in by crushing an unlucky blue rock at 200 yds. Fun times, great rifle.

 

[cz shooter]

Don't buy a Tikka please. I own a t3x A1 in CM6.5, i load only Hornady 147gr eld-m with 44gr Hunter in large primer starline at 2.810 COAL.2"@440Yard,400M. So 1/2"-er ,muzzle break needed. So don't buy tikka, they get to expensive when us buy them too much.LOL. a lott off sako-shooters switched too tikka, because quality is similar. The t3x tac in 223 is also top. The tikka T3x 223 camber is smaller than the cz527. So not 5,56x45 i think.

 

[Poper]

The biggest drawback to the Vanguard is that it is one heavy unit!

I know of only one Tikka with accuracy issues. That’s speaks incredibly well of them IMO.

I have a couple of Vanguards. Their weight is a reason I have them because I have a really bad shoulder. Even without the bad shoulder I don’t think I’d want a T3x in something like a .300 WM. As I’ve stated many times I don’t care for DBM’s and small ejection ports, the port was enlarged in the T3x over the T3 but it’s still too small for my taste. So for a number of reasons I’ll probably never own a Tikka. If a Tikka was the only rifle available to me I’d own one gladly. So even though I’ll almost certainly never own a Tikka my reason is about features I don’t care for, features that are a plus to most people. I believe they are outstanding rifles period, not just an great rifle for what they cost.

Please don't misunderstand me, I really like the Vanguard / Howa rifles. Very well made. Very good fit and finish for a price-point rifle. The action is smooth, the safety in the right place (similar to all but my Winchester M70), and easy to shoot well. I generally do walk a lot when hunting. I like to walk. I'm 65 years old now and lugging a heavy rifle all day has been something I have been trying to avoid for a few years. The Tikka T3 Lite in .270 is just about perfect for me in the field, though I prefer the 6.5x55 T3 Hunter just for the wood stock! For some odd reason I just have a devil of a time warming up to plastic stocks.

 

[cdb1]

I didn’t believe you were denigrating Vanguards at all.

My favorite rifle is my CZ 6.5x55.

 

[SwampWolf]

Tikka is made by Sako. It is their budget line.

It's interesting to know that Tikka predates Sako by a quarter of a century.

 

[MCMXI]

I only have one Tikka and it's a TAC NS chambered in .300 Win Mag. It's an excellent rifle both in terms of function and how it shoots. Here's a 5-shot group shooting Federal Vital-Shok Trophy Copper 180gr. I might use it for deer and elk in a few weeks.