Tikka Whitetail Hunter and scope mount questions

[agony]

I just ordered a Tikka whitetail hunter LH .308. Their website says that it has an integral rail for scope-mounting (is this the same as the SAKO rail?) and will also accept Weaver rings.

Will Weavers fit their rail or do I need to purchase special bases to use the weaver system? Are there any other 1" rings that will fit the factory rail?

 

[dakotasin]

i'm not sure about your base question, but i have seen rings by leupold for the sako system. i think warne also makes some also; while i like warnes very much for target apps, they are a very heavy ring, maybe best left off a hunting rifle.

 

[rugerfreak]

The Tikka's are also drilled and tapped in addition to the intregral rail system-------maybe that's what they're talking about.

 

[Art Eatman]

I went to the Tikka website, but it's not easy to work it for information. Anyhow, it looks like you either use a proprietary mount, or an after-market built for the Tikka; or a Weaver-style. Not a thing wrong with Weavers...

Art

 

[BTM]

Sako/Tikka Optilock Rings which takes an Optilock base approx.$40 rings and $37 for the bases. Millet makes Tikka scope rings (windage adj.) $27.
Warne makes Quick detach and permanent Tikka rings not sure on price, more than Millet.
I used Weaver bases and rings on my Whitetail Hunter Syn. in .308, works fine, but I would like to try Millet or Warne rings that mount directly to receiver and probably will sometime in the future.

Great rifle at a great price. I wish I would have bought another one. I guess I will have to settle for trying out the new T3.

 

[Newt]

BTM,

Don't want to hijack the thread, but I have just bought a new T3 Lite in stainless/synthetic. I like that rifle better than any other rifle I've ever shot. IMHO, it's another great outta the box rifle for the price.

Newt

 

[kumma]

for most econimical use weaver 61 base and what ever rings, i used burris medium signature zee rings. worked fine. i eventually changed to the tikka optilock base and rings, very nice quality but quite a bit more dough, and hard to find since beretta bought sako it seems.

i just saw burris is making bases for tikka not sure if its the whitetail hunter or the t3 line might want to check those out.

 

[agony]

As usual, members, your invaluable experience is top notch!

I also noticed that Leupold now makes two piece bases that fit their SD rings. I have these rings (the kind you 'swivel' into place with the Leupold tool) on my old Savage, and I recall I hated putting them on so much I never added these type again to any of my future rifles.

Not sure about the quality/dependability of Millett scope rings. I've heard some mediocre things from the locals.

I am leaning towards the Warne rings....any opinions on them? They make a propriety rai attachmentl ring (no bases necessary) in either permanent attachment or quick release.

 

[BTM]

Natchez Shooters Supply has Warne Permanent attach Tikka mounts for $37.95. I'm sure they would be good rings.

I have a friend who shoots varmint shoots/benchrest nationally and he uses and recommends Millet rings.

T3 owners, does long bolt throw on short action rounds bother you or create any feeding problems?

BTM

 

[PJR]

I have a set of Warne rings on a target rifle. Very good products and preferable to the Sako/Tikka rings IMHO.

 

[Sparky]

I've used Sako mounts for several years with no problems,but they're not inexpensive. For the Tikka I would recommend Weaver Grand Slam bases. They're steel and cost $7 to $10 dedending on point of purchase. The part no. for the Tikka is S 61&the bases are the same front & rear. I'm using them on an old Ithaca/Sako in .243and they are working well. Also IIRC the Tikka dovetails are diferent from the Sako so the factory mounts for the respective rifles do not interchange.