Considering a Tikka

[Hydra6]

I just picked up a like new used Tikka T3 300 Win Mag - bought it for the action. To me, beauty of the Tikka T3 is 1) one action - you can choose to make short or long, 2) takes prefits, 3) great factory trigger, 4) aftermarket support (not as much as Rem 700 clones).

Easy to mix and match other Tikka parts - I took a factory T3 3006, removed the 3006 barrel, screwed on a 16" threaded 260 CTR barrel (someone else paid for the chop and thread to 5/8x24), then dropped into a takeoff CTR chassis/mag for a nice suppressed setup for Georgia forests. Just rebarreled a Tikka T3X Varmint with a 26 inch 1-7 223 Wylde chamber in a KRB Bravo for a PRS 223 trainer.

 

[OK hunter]

I have both Tikka & CA. I agree with you. I'll give up the CA before my Tikkas.

 

[Luv700s]

I purchased a Tikka T3X in .223 about 2 months ago. Before purchasing, I was already looking at replacement stocks and other small replacement items. I didn't like the black plastic stock at all. It reminded me of the old AR-15 black stocks in the late 60's.

However, after getting my Tikka 223, the only thing I changed was the trigger spring. The black plastic stock is so much better than I anticipated it would be. A lot of shooters will add resin to the forearm, partially filling the hollow area. I was surprised how ridge the stock is. Others will add pillars and bed the stock. I thought I would shoot it first before I considered either one of these options. I don't care for the black at all so the paint is currently drying as I type this up.

After loading up some rounds and a range trip, I'm sold on the Tikka. My second range trip, all my rounds were loaded long and I used my arbor press to set my COAL.

I'm shooting groups between .5 to .625. This is good enough for me.

So, I only changed the trigger spring & painted the stock. Good to go.

I'm looking at a .243 Tikka now.

I would recommend you purchase one.

How did you go about painting your stock? Have a few Tikkas I would like to paint.
Thanks

 

[Unionsparky46]

My buddy has had his t3 in 7 mag for over 20 years still shoots bugholes. He's using Berger VLD 168gr with VIHT N560 around 2950fps. You can't go wrong with a Tikka especially in 7 mag.

 

[CNY Yote Hunter]

I bought a D18 a few years ago to play with in 308. Only complaint I had was they only have one action size. Nice rifle, shot pretty consistent 1" groups with hand loads but that was as tight a group I accomplished with it before parting ways with it. I probably could have contacted customer service and asked for a new one cause with factory loads it shot 1 1/2"- 2" consistently but a buddy wanted it for a build so that's where it went. Action is as others have described, silky smooth. Good luck to you!!

 

[buhawbuh]

Love my T3 270WSM with an ebay spring, mounted in a CTR stock. Just picked up a T3x Stainless 300WSM.... will add to the fleet with a 223 at some point. The spring replacement brings your factory trigger down to a pound. Cannot beat that along with their accuracy and price point, it's a no brainer for me.

 

[ElCazador]

I like them too. Easy to fix the shortcomings like swapping the plastic bottom metal for a high quality option from Mountain Tactical that mills them from billet aluminum and uses stainless steel for the bolt stop and latch. They are the best rifle to choose if you want to build a semi custom rifle for a fraction of the cost. Custom actions are still leaps and bounds better but this is easily the next best thing and even a stock rig will make a happy hunter or casual rec shooter. I personally don't like DBMs for hunting unless they sit completely flush but that's a personal preference and not a downside for Tikka per se.

 

[C416R]

Alright give me the Good, Bad, and Ugly. I'm considering a Tikka. Specifically a laminated stainless in 7mm Remington magnum.
I got a lil experience loading for a friend with the exact same gun. However, I have never owned one. I've shot his about 20 times. His is stupid accurate with 162 Eldx over H1000. He wouldn't sale me his, so I'm thinking of one. Anything to be mindful of or just do it?

Alright give me the Good, Bad, and Ugly. I'm considering a Tikka. Specifically a laminated stainless in 7mm Remington magnum.
I got a lil experience loading for a friend with the exact same gun. However, I have never owned one. I've shot his about 20 times. His is stupid accurate with 162 Eldx over H1000. He wouldn't sale me his, so I'm thinking of one. Anything to be mindful of or just do it?

FGunner,
I just completed a build on a new Tikka T3x action. Alamo Precision Rifles performed the work. Outstanding as usual. Agreeable w/all the reasons are why I chose a Tikka action.
I have had a lot of custom rifles built on all flavors of actions & parts.
I am entering the "golden years" and had the magumn fun run, built a .30-06.
What I started hunting w/45+ years
Here is my build:
New factory Tikka Tx3 action
Brux #4 barrel 1:9 twist cut 23"
Custom deep spiral flutes w/ 4 port fin brake & crowned ( 3lbs )
Trigger spring change
BM Mtn. Tactical Hardware w/factory mag.
McMillan Sako style Stock 13.75" lop
Full length Bedded
Factory action left black
Barrel, brake, action release button, bolt handle in Sniper gray Cerakote
mtn. Tactical zero pic rail
It's weighs just under 9lbs wearing a Zeiss rings & 6-24 Zeiss V4. ( had in the safe ).

The build was spec for factory ammo and it prints Norma 180g. Bondstrike-lights out!
Chrono at deviation +/-2800fps.
She prints bugholes/ peanuts to 200 yards.
Jumped to 500 in a 15mph E cross wind.
Elevation : 10 moa ( Dialed )
Wind reticle hold on 12x .
Targets:
1st photo: 4 shots at 500yards
2nd photo: milt. Shot groups at 200 yards
3rd photo: 2-4 shot groups at 100 yards.

That's my two cents worth, very pleased.
C416R

P.S. shot a mulie in WY w/factory Norma Bondstrike 180g. In .300wsm in a APR all carbon rig @ 720 yards.
Outstanding ammo….the Bondstrike is a good tipped/bonded bullet.

 

[Chris Forrey]

Love my 300 WSM. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[bonie]

I love My Tika, its a 300WSM I'v changed the bolt stop to except heavier rounds loaded longer, but even before that I found a load with IMR 4350 win primers and Berger 168 classics that will 3 shot group under a half at 200 yards

 

[C416R]

Only other rifle tickling my brain is a Christensen Mesa in 7 mm Rem mag as well. But the Tikka sure has my attention.

Stay away from from Christensen. Quality control is not good. It's a real hit & miss.
I have never owned one, because I like custom built sticks.
Have several hunting amigos that have had their Christensen's back several times for service, seems to be chamber issues.
They spend a lot of time finding all the right ingredients that will feed & print.
I was at my place, had a guest & his brother for a hunt.
The brother came in early for the morning sit w/a factory Hornady rd. In 6.5 prc stuck in the chamber!! Took us about an hour to get it out!
Food for thought,
C416r

 

[Jim’s Hunt]

Tikka and Bergara are my two picks for factory rifles

 

[FlGunner]

Yeah I'm awaiting my Tikka to come in. I'll update as soon as it gets here with some groups and what works. Trying to get my hands on 7mm 168 vld to try and work a load up with. I know from experience loading for a friend, 162 eldx stabilize just fine in the 9.5 twist. I have a few of them laying around but Berger 168 are scarce.

 

[Teri Anne]

Alright give me the Good, Bad, and Ugly. I'm considering a Tikka. Specifically a laminated stainless in 7mm Remington magnum.
I got a lil experience loading for a friend with the exact same gun. However, I have never owned one. I've shot his about 20 times. His is stupid accurate with 162 Eldx over H1000. He wouldn't sale me his, so I'm thinking of one. Anything to be mindful of or just do it?

I actually own 3 Tikka's Two T3X, one in .270 Win, the other in 30-06, both shot and still shoot sub MOA out of the box using 165 and 168 gr factory and handloads. The third is a T1x MTR in .22 long rifle. It too shots sub MOA with good .22 ammo. The cheap stuff that isn't accurate in any .22 will still shoot somewhat decently in the T1x. It's favorite Cannon Fodder is Winchester Silvertip .22LR which is listed as pistol ammo, but the segmented HP ammo shoots 0.5 MOA at 100 yards and 1.1 MOA at 200. 200 is the longest range I have available until I head up to the 300 yard range in Gordon, WI later this summer.