Tikka owners...

SImudBogger · 02-02-2009, 10:12 PM

What do you like about your rifle? pros AND cons. I'm looking at getting a new one when i get my money from uncle sam, Tikka is on the short list. I'm looking at the T3 lite in .270 or 7mm-08. The 7mm is very appealing because it still has the 22 inch barrel even though its a short action cartridge and a tad over 6 lbs. That could be a very accurate round out of the longer barrel.

Trick · 02-03-2009, 04:40 AM

I have a Tikka 270WSM.....greatest attribute is the accuracy. Next up for me is the action on the machine.....smooth as butter. Then going down the list is the weight.....easy on the shoulder.

Thing I hate the worst about it.....the recoil. It really isn't that bad, but it kicks harder then what I was led to believe prior to picking it up about 5 or 6 years ago.

Wouldn't trade it for the world and I still believe it's one of the best deals going out there on the market (along with the Savages).

huntingfool · 02-03-2009, 05:30 AM

I just got a T-3 lite in a 300 WSM last year and I have no complaints about it. It is a great gun it does have a little kick because of how lite it is but i wouldn't trade it for anything.

Bait O' Eggs · 02-03-2009, 05:37 AM

My biggest complaint with my T3 lite is you cant load the clip from the top, you have to drop it out to load it.

It took a while to find a load it really liked.

thefishslayer · 02-03-2009, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trick

I have a Tikka 270WSM.....greatest attribute is the accuracy. Next up for me is the action on the machine.....smooth as butter. Then going down the list is the weight.....easy on the shoulder.

Thing I hate the worst about it.....the recoil. It really isn't that bad, but it kicks harder then what I was led to believe prior to picking it up about 5 or 6 years ago.

Wouldn't trade it for the world and I still believe it's one of the best deals going out there on the market (along with the Savages).

Does it kick because it is a light firearm or because of the short mag? I was looking into a tikka but i wasnt sure about the recoil

Mooch · 02-03-2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefishslayer

Does it kick because it is a light firearm or because of the short mag? I was looking into a tikka but i wasnt sure about the recoil

Both are a factor.

Mooch · 02-03-2009, 06:23 AM

The thing I don't like about the Tikka is the length of the action. If you buy a short action round,like the 7mm-08 your looking at,you don't get a short action on the rifle. They make their actions the same length.

One of the selling points of a rifle chambered in 7mm-08 is the weight of the rifle. The short action weighs less.

With a Tikka you lose that advantage. The 7mm-08 is the same length action as a .270,30-06,etc.

You're only talking a few ounces either way,but if you building a rifle that you want to keep the weight down on,a short action is one of the easiest ways to shed some weight.

Other than that,the T3 is one of the best values on the rifle market.

Trick · 02-03-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooch

The thing I don't like about the Tikka is the length of the action. If you buy a short action round,like the 7mm-08 your looking at,you don't get a short action on the rifle. They make their actions the same length.

One of the selling points of a rifle chambered in 7mm-08 is the weight of the rifle. The short action weighs less.

With a Tikka you lose that advantage. The 7mm-08 is the same length action as a .270,30-06,etc.

You're only talking a few ounces either way,but if you building a rifle that you want to keep the weight down on,a short action is one of the easiest ways to shed some weight.

Other than that,the T3 is one of the best values on the rifle market.

That was one of the features of short mags was being able to get the short action. Tikkas do not use short actions. So you do loose that small weight advantage and your throw is going to be a fraction of a second longer. It doesn't bother me, but it might bother some? Since that was one of the features that made the WSM rounds popular, I did scratch my head when I read that before I purchased the unit. But everything else was soooo nice and smooth on the rifle that I could look past that.

ehunter · 02-03-2009, 08:30 AM

I read on some other forums that most guys are changing the recoil pad out to a premium pad like Pacmeyer (sp) and that really settles the recoil down. Also one of the other cons is the cost of a second clip aren't they running like 70 bucks?

Flatfish · 02-03-2009, 08:31 AM

Mine is ugly......like mother in law ugly.

Can't top off the mag without some sort of tactical reload.

That's it.

One of the nicest and easiest to adjust triggers out of the box I have ever played with.

Accuracy was the driving force behind my purchase.

Dan360 · 02-03-2009, 08:33 AM

The fact that it even has a removable magazine turns me off.

goforchrome · 02-03-2009, 08:51 AM

I have the T3 Stainless synthetic in 7mm-08 and 300WSM

Pros
Light weight...long, short or hybrid action, the thing weighs 6lb 3oz!

excellent machining and finish...no rough edges, everything works smooooothly

Very accurate.....very very accurate...maybe the excellent factory trigger has something to do with it.

I like detachable magazines

Cons
recoil from a lightweight rifle is harsher, and the 300WSM has a Limbsaver pad which adds about 3/4" LOP, for a guy with short arms and a thick chest, the fit could be better
The facory rings have not moved..accuracy with the Burris FFII on both rifles is very good, but the rings are suspect.
For the hunt of a lifetime, I'd switch out to a dednutz or talley, warne mount.
last, you have 'experts' knocking the gun for having plastic parts in non-critical areas...annoying but really not an issue

Tikkas rock.

I'm looking for a deal on a 243 T3.

Dan360 · 02-03-2009, 09:05 AM

I don't think it takes an 'expert' to know your preferences. I know for sure that I don't like plastic trigger guards and magazines. I guess that's why I buy the rifles I do. I guess that's why I carry a 1911 instead of a Glock or XD. I have never picked up a Tikka and thought to myself that I was holding a well crafted rifle. It may be technologically sound, but it doesn't have the traditional look that I prefer.

But, they are functional and from what I've seen and experienced, they are very accurate. Surprisingly accurate.

SImudBogger · 02-03-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trick

That was one of the features of short mags was being able to get the short action. Tikkas do not use short actions. So you do loose that small weight advantage and your throw is going to be a fraction of a second longer. It doesn't bother me, but it might bother some? Since that was one of the features that made the WSM rounds popular, I did scratch my head when I read that before I purchased the unit. But everything else was soooo nice and smooth on the rifle that I could look past that.

The short action cartridges have a shorter bolt throw than a long action even though they are on a long action. There is a stopper installed on the bolt that prevents it from going back all the way, only far enough to eject the spent cartridge.

speedgoat · 02-03-2009, 10:16 AM

It carries nicely. Light weight, fairly short barrel. As a huge bonus the tikka's seem to be very accurate. Just a few years ago if you wanted light weight and accurate you had to go to a custom maker like ultra light firearms.

Smokerjet · 02-03-2009, 10:37 AM

i have a stainless syn. 270wsm tikka lite , its a dream to carry all day needs the limbsaver pad that i put on it and is a bit finicky on loads but overall a great gun with the best factory trigger ever

Capt. MoMo's · 02-03-2009, 11:16 AM

I have the T3 lite stainless, and love it. I put a limbsaver on it with a Leopold scope and new rings. I heard the rings might be a weak link so I got after market rings so I wouldn't have to worry about it. But all in all it's a great gun.

kelso · 02-03-2009, 11:44 AM

I also have the Tika 300WSM and love it. I changed to leupold rings and limbsaver pad. It will shoot great groups with alot less kick than my Ruger m77 7 mag. A geat purchase and it has the smoothest action i have personnaly worked.

SImudBogger · 02-03-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelso

I also have the Tika 300WSM and love it. I changed to leupold rings and limbsaver pad. It will shoot great groups with alot less kick than my Ruger m77 7 mag. A geat purchase and it has the smoothest action i have personnaly worked.

I heard the factory rings are junk. It just looks and feels like a simple gun to use. Not a lot of moving parts.

scottishsetter · 02-03-2009, 06:12 PM

What is the BBL. length on the 7MM-08?

SImudBogger · 02-03-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottishsetter

What is the BBL. length on the 7MM-08?

It weird, like 22 7/16th inches. That round is usually chambered in barrels between 16-20 inches.

Mikew · 02-03-2009, 08:14 PM

I bought my son a Howa 7mm/08 which I reload 140g Nosler Part. He killed his first elk this year with one shot. Very accurate rifle, light on the recoil and a very good buy.
Just my

.
Mike

Kelpers7 · 02-03-2009, 10:28 PM

I have a Tikka M695 .270 and it is one of the best guns I have owned. It has a great trigger and a full floating barrel. One of the most accurate guns I have shot. Everyone that shoulders it wants to buy it from me....

Johnandhis4x4 · 02-04-2009, 06:34 AM

I own a Tikka T3 7mm rem mag. I love it. Shoots very well, the trigger is perfect. A little rough on the recoil, but as said previously, add a new pad and your fine.

I used to get knocked by my hunting buddies for having a "plastic" gun. Until we all went to the range last year and it outshot their guns.

Fried Oyster · 02-04-2009, 07:30 AM

270WSM.

Accurate.

Sweet trigger, crisp. It makes my Savage Accutrigger feel like a wet rag by comparison.

Ultra smooth action.

Stiff recoil

Can't glass bed the action due to a wierd free floating recoil lug.

Not so sure I'll every buy another one, but this one shoots good.

I plan on getting another savage with the "Accustock." I think Savage is more accurate out of box, generally than Tikka.

desertjunky · 02-04-2009, 07:47 AM

I purchased the T3 Light in .338 Win. Mag. this past summer for a Moose and Elk hunt. The rifle is more accurate than my A-bolts, Rugers or Weatherbys! It weighs 6lb.6oz.! Very light for a magnum, and it felt like Mike Tyson took a free one to my nose when I got a little close to the scope shooting my 6x6 bull! I did put a SVL recoil pad on and it helped a good amount, my wife used it to take down her bull moose, one shot, she didn't get kicked like I did! I don't like plastic parts either but I like the removeable clip(although pricey) and the combination of utility and value make it a heck of a deal! I bought the cheapest ammo they had at the shop I use, it was the High Energy load by Federal with the 225gr. Bear claw bullet, that has something to do with the recoil, but 10 rounds was all it took to get it sighted in 2" high at 100 yards with a 3/4" group!
It may be an ugly duck but it shoots like a $1,500 rifle!

Blowing Smoke · 02-04-2009, 08:17 AM

Guns are like finding good Women, they are so many good choices out there to choose from. You gotta ask yourself what other gun can you buy for approx $500.00 with a accuracy of sub 1" groups, adjustable trigger with directions in owners manual E-Z to do, options for scope mount factory rail, or standard leupold and or old school weaver style. I do not think recoil is a factor with the calibers your looking at. Sure are there nicer more expensive guns with fine wood better fit to finish. However you I think your a pure hunter chasing blacktail. And not someone who needs there EGO STROKED, The Tikka t-3 or whitetail hunter are both great choices for the Utilitarian Hunter. Worst Case if for some crazy reason you you don't like it sell it here on IFish and it will gone in a day. Happy hunting.........BS

Cliff D. · 02-06-2009, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blowing Smoke

Guns are like finding good Women, they are so many good choices out there to choose from. You gotta ask yourself what other gun can you buy for approx $500.00 with a accuracy of sub 1" groups, adjustable trigger with directions in owners manual E-Z to do, options for scope mount factory rail, or standard leupold and or old school weaver style. I do not think recoil is a factor with the calibers your looking at. Sure are there nicer more expensive guns with fine wood better fit to finish. However you I think your a pure hunter chasing blacktail. And not someone who needs there EGO STROKED, The Tikka t-3 or whitetail hunter are both great choices for the Utilitarian Hunter. Worst Case if for some crazy reason you you don't like it sell it here on IFish and it will gone in a day. Happy hunting.........BS

Good analogy !!

Blowing Smoke · 02-06-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blowing Smoke

Guns are like finding good Women, they are so many good choices out there to choose from. You gotta ask yourself what other gun can you buy for approx $500.00 with a accuracy of sub 1" groups, adjustable trigger with directions in owners manual E-Z to do, options for scope mount factory rail, or standard leupold and or old school weaver style. I do not think recoil is a factor with the calibers your looking at. Sure are there nicer more expensive guns with fine wood better fit to finish. However you I think your a pure hunter chasing blacktail. And not someone who needs there EGO STROKED, The Tikka t-3 or whitetail hunter are both great choices for the Utilitarian Hunter. Worst Case if for some crazy reason you you don't like it sell it here on IFish and it will gone in a day. Happy hunting.........BS

I forgot 1 major thing about tikkas they all utilize a Sako extractors. All be it not as beefy as winchester claw-mauser style, but light years beyond the remington style extractors. Basically its a working class SAKO........BS

Chesapeake · 02-06-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blowing Smoke

I forgot 1 major thing about tikkas they all utilize a Sako extractors. All be it not as beefy as winchester claw-mauser style, but light years beyond the remington style extractors. Basically its a working class SAKO........BS

OK now you've gone too far!!! Tikka is a good rifle, but it aint no SAKO.

tikkahunter · 02-06-2009, 04:30 PM

built by the same compant though and my 2 shoot great if my 7mm or 22-250 aren't touching all the shots together it's cause i need to drink less coffee

mike carlson · 02-06-2009, 05:03 PM

[hello i have a tikka 3 lite in 2506 smooth accurate 1/2 inch at 100 hundred yards off a rest easy to pack very nice gun mike ]

RidgeRunner · 02-06-2009, 06:51 PM

Would not trade it for anything else. Put one up for sale here and if the deal is right it would be bought in a heartbeat. They are great rifles made by a great compnay (SAKO). The only downfall is the cost of a second clip.

Yooper Time · 02-07-2009, 03:57 PM

I have the Tikka T3 Lite Stainless/synthetic in 300WSM. Added a simms recoil pad to it and a vari-x II 3x9x40. It is my favorite rifle so far. I have had rems, savages and winchester. Shoots great and the trigger is very nice.

Dan360 · 02-07-2009, 07:08 PM

You guys are almost convincing ME to buy one. Jeez.

That T3 in 6.5x55 SE......Hmmmmmm Maybe.