What don't you like about Tikkas?

[Press]

Nah not that bad but seeing as I'm a Howa owner it's mandatory to have a dig

Combat is right.

It's actually on page 1 of the manual about knocking Tikkas

[Aster]

Thanks Aster.

Hmm?

[HiFiRobbie]

Quite simply, nothing.

Mine (.223 Hunter Stainless Fluted) is about 2 months old. Never used factory ammo but have worked up a very cost effective load with ADI brass, 25gn 2206H, CCI primers and Sierra SuperRoo Loads, seated .015" off the lands which shoots sub 5/8 MOA any day of the week for around 38 cents a shot.

Only upgrade I've made is a steel lug. Also, I have adjusted the factory trigger down to 2lb. No bedding work at all.

Also, I have made a simple mod to the magazine so it now top-loads without too much hassle. It's a single-stack mag, so it's never going to be as easy to reload as the double-stacks in say, my Remington or Browning, but I've developed the knack and have no trouble at all.

The only downside I've noticed is that the "silky smooth" action that everyone raves about is definitely NOT due to precision engineering. The bolt tolerance in the receiver is HUGE so no matter what, it is ALWAYS going to slide freely, somewhat akin to a prick in a shirtsleeve. Say what you want, but these are certainly NOT made to the same spec as the Sako family. Regardless, after about 100 rounds, it's proving itself to be a great shooter.

Bolt shroud has shown no signs of failing yet, but I have already bought an alloy one from HSS in preparation for when it does, and also because I think
it will look nicer with the stainless action/bolt. that said, it's not a great fit and will require a little bit of turning out before I fit it.

Would I buy another one? Not sure.

Am I happy with this one?

You betcha!

[RDobber]

Only upgrade I've made is a steel lug.

What made you do that out of curiosity?

Just peace of mind over the aluminium?

[HiFiRobbie]

Pretty much, yeah.

I have a bit of an engineering background and when I looked at it, I figured it was the probably the simplest and most cost-effective modification I could do that I really saw some worth in.

I was trained/raised on Remingtons where the lug is part and parcel with the barreled action and it makes good mechanical sense to have that solid return-to-battery. The Tikka lug is by no means an interference fit (it's actually got a fair bit of clearance) so I figured it would eventually show signs of wear. Rather than leave something in there that I could perhaps see deteriorate over time and produce an issue that I could waste time chasing down the track, I thought "Why not do it now and not have to think about it again?".

[Westy]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Good move I bought a swag of them from Hss and installed them in all my rifles!!!

[bigfellascott]

Pretty much, yeah.

I have a bit of an engineering background and when I looked at it, I figured it was the probably the simplest and most cost-effective modification I could do that I really saw some worth in.

I was trained/raised on Remingtons where the lug is part and parcel with the barreled action and it makes good mechanical sense to have that solid return-to-battery. The Tikka lug is by no means an interference fit (it's actually got a fair bit of clearance) so I figured it would eventually show signs of wear. Rather than leave something in there that I could perhaps see deteriorate over time and produce an issue that I could waste time chasing down the track, I thought "Why not do it now and not have to think about it again?".

I think the recoil lug is what was causing poor grouping on a mates T3 30-06 too, we were flat out getting better than 2"+ groups with it with handloads! He wasn't overly concerned as it was only for use on Deer anyway.

[Mule]

The main issue I have found is the factory scope rings are not so good for 30cal. And up. Top feeding the mag. Can be an issue depending on caliber. The bobslead from mountan tactical is handy. It just slides into the mag in place of rounds and creates a nice ramp into the chamber. There are a few 10 rnd options avaliable from the aftermarket. But do ya research first.

Thats my 2 cents worth

[grainweight]

The main issue I have found is the factory scope rings are not so good for 30cal.

Not so good in what way?

Not holding firm under recoil?

[Mule]

Had a 50mm nighteater on the t3 30-06 and was having trouble getting the zero right

100 yards couldnt hit a barn 500 yards 2inch group. The bottom of the scope was hitting on the barrel every couple of shots cos the rings were walking

Ended up bining the rings put a mountain tactical rail on it upgraded to a vortex crossfire 2 and Leopold rings. 1inch at 100 and 2inch at 500. Im also looking at throwing a Muzzel break on it.... light rifle big cartridge

[RDobber]

C'mon, you can't blame using too bigger scope on the rings

2" and 500m with the right ones shows it, dunno how you turned that into a complaint.

[Bidgee]

Action too short to get the most out of magnums.

[Mick280]

Crap Rings (Get rid of them)
Crap Mag (Put up with it)
Otherwise , The best piece of timber I have seen on a rifle for the price.
Will shoot thumb nail groups all day with 70g Ballistic Tips & 90g Accubonds (Well under minute of deer)
Use it more than anything else I own.

[KWhorenet]

Had a 50mm nighteater on the t3 30-06 and was having trouble getting the zero right

100 yards couldnt hit a barn 500 yards 2inch group.

That's some impressive 500 yard group. Is it repeatable or the best so far?

I'd need a 300 yard barrel vice mounted for that

[Chronos]

C'mon, you can't blame using too bigger scope on the rings

2" and 500m with the right ones shows it, dunno how you turned that into a complaint.

Kind of have to agree, a nikko scope for s start and a 50mm scope in low factory rings is asking for trouble.

I've run factory rikka alloy rings on a few rifles, 7-08 shooting up to 175gr pills and currently a .308 and never have I had any issues I could blame in the factory rings. Probably shot 3,000 rounds with the factory rings on the 7-08 with a VX2.

As long as the rings are torqued evenly am happy to use them on a mid weight cartridge, if I was moving up to a magnum Id definitely fit steel warne rings

Chronos

[JOY]

Are Warne Rings any good?

[Mick280]

Warne Rings are good , I have them on my T3.
But as others have said , The factory rings work fine on low - mid cal stuff.
The only reason I changed mine was that I spent decent coin on good glass for it and the factories look a bit cheap and nasty !

[beerd]

Action too short to get the most out of magnums.

How does a longer action give you 'more' out of a magnum cartridge?

[horter]

The only reason I changed mine was that I spent decent coin on good glass for it and the factories look a bit cheap and nasty !

They are a bit of a drop compared to the rest of the rig.

[Bidgee]

Action too short to get the most out of magnums.

How does a longer action give you 'more' out of a magnum cartridge?

The short mag length on the Tikka means you have to stuff the bullet back into the case so you can mag load. Try seating a 200 or 220gn in a 300WM to work through a Tikka mag and you'll take up a lot space meant for powder. If you cant load a magnum to magnum performance I dont see the point.

On the other hand I've used Tikkas in 7mm08 and .223 and they go OK but I'll stick to my Remmys.

[beerd]

Yep I know the issue with Tikka mags being too short for the desired COAL.

[meathunter]

Great thread!

I own two Tikka T3s (Plastic/SS) they are very accurate (but so are my $600 zastava's at half the price)

I will share my opinions but please don't let this hinder anyone's purchase as they are a great hunting rifle, but don't kid yourself thinking you've ''basically purchased a Sako''

They are not top loading. The ugly looking polymer magazine is single stack and tends to loosen up when it's seated in the rifle with time. This has happened to both my T3s after 50-60 rounds.A flush-fitting magazine would be ideal too, and don't loose them in the bush as they're not cheap! The polymer bolt shroud & trigger guard. The long action, regardless of calibre and I also don't like a 2-position safety. 3 position is ideal for the field, as you can lock the trigger but work your bolt.

If you visualise a Tikka T3 with a much larger ejection port, stainless steel hinged floor plate and 3 position safety, that is a perfect hunting rifle to me, CRF or not. Too bad i'm a lefty as these options exist in RH configuration by other brands...

[Yelp]

My problem with Tikka's is the fanboys

Read my mind

[melanie]

Great thread!

Good because people can say what they don't like about things without a stupid argument breaking out like happens on other forums

[Chronos]

Great thread!

I own two Tikka T3s (Plastic/SS) they are very accurate (but so are my $600 zastava's at half the price)

I will share my opinions but please don't let this hinder anyone's purchase as they are a great hunting rifle, but don't kid yourself thinking you've ''basically purchased a Sako''

They are not top loading. The ugly looking polymer magazine is single stack and tends to loosen up when it's seated in the rifle with time. This has happened to both my T3s after 50-60 rounds.A flush-fitting magazine would be ideal too, and don't loose them in the bush as they're not cheap! The polymer bolt shroud & trigger guard. The long action, regardless of calibre and I also don't like a 2-position safety. 3 position is ideal for the field, as you can lock the trigger but work your bolt.

If you visualise a Tikka T3 with a much larger ejection port, stainless steel hinged floor plate and 3 position safety, that is a perfect hunting rifle to me, CRF or not. Too bad i'm a lefty as these options exist in RH configuration by other brands...

I won't comment on the other points you've made because they gave been covered but tell me more about the "The ugly looking polymer magazine is single stack and tends to loosen up when it's seated in the rifle with time. "

As I've said before I've shot thousands of rounds through mine (.223, 7-08, .308) but I've never heard of this.



Chronos

[meathunter]

Hey Chronos,

When I insert the magazine into the rifle (loaded or unloaded) they wobble slightly side to side. It is more a nit pick concern than anything else, it just seems odd as they were firmly seated to begin with once upon a time when they were new rifles. I will inspect further.

[chrispy88]

I'm up to about 250 rounds through my .308 and the mag still fits like a finger in a bum.

[portph]

Only thing I don't like's their plastic stock.

[jake84]

I have to say out of all my guys i love my 22-250 Tikka T3 stainless steel huntsman ive done some upgrades to it but i have to say its Bang for Buck .
i've taken mine hunting plenty of times and the range is amazing cannot fault the gun at all .

[stefo]

absolutely love my T3 .308m cant say a bad thing about it. its actually lighter than my LA101 Crossover .22 !