Any reason not to use a tikka?

[The Guide]

I’ve always used and shot Remington 700s and clone actions. I’ve owned a couple tikkas and they have hammered. But never given much thought into rebarreling one. I’ve been wanting to build a 25sst. So I’m looking at getting a new custom action but my buddy has a stainless t3x 300wsm he said he would sell me for 500 bucks. Just wondering if the tikka would be worth buying for the action

When Richard Sherman started building his wildcat cartridges, he had just as many guys building on Tikka actions as he had building on 700 footprint actions. I would have ZERO hesitation on using a Tikka action for a 25 SST build. That rifle has the correct boltface and should let you use the factory magazine. If the magazine is too short for your preference in bullets, a 300WM magazine and a long bolt stop should give you length you need.

Jay

 

[JK47]

I only have one Tikka. Early 2000’s model M695 in .270 Winchester. I put a good(at the time) Kahles scope on it. It shoots lights out, fellas. It cycles smooth as butter. Pretty heavy with the wood stock, so I refuse to take it up into the mountains. It’s a solid rifle.

 

[TradLife406]

The problem I had with my Bighorn Origin is on a few occasions hunting it wouldn't go bang. I'd have to cycle a fresh round in/recock the gun. Later I found out that if Rem triggers get dust/debris in them this is common. Where I hunt there's also fine moon dust blowing around. No way to avoid it getting everywhere.

With Tikkas this doesn't seem to be an issue. I've had mine stupid dirty and it still shot.

One reason not to go Tikka is it's like crack or potato chips. Can't just have one. When the cost of say buying a $1500 rem clone action is cut in half, and even barrels are cheaper. It's not too much for even a blue collar dad to have a "custom" rifle.

 

[mtnbound]

I’ve always used and shot Remington 700s and clone actions. I’ve owned a couple tikkas and they have hammered. But never given much thought into rebarreling one. I’ve been wanting to build a 25sst. So I’m looking at getting a new custom action but my buddy has a stainless t3x 300wsm he said he would sell me for 500 bucks. Just wondering if the tikka would be worth buying for the action

That depends on what you want to hear.

The Truth, there is nothing wrong with a Tikka.
The Lie, they suck and R700s are the best.

 

[RC51kid]

I have only ever found one downside to the Tikka. It can be avoided if you knw about it and avoid causing the problem. The bolt handle does not have a firm "click" or "notch" if you will that holds it in its closed most position. This design is part of what makes the action so smooth to operate. The only down side is that it can be nudged out slightly out of battery. Say if you have thick gloves on as you bring your right hand to the trigger. In my case I had been stalking elk and was manipulating the safety with my right thumb. I have small hands so I had to shift my grip a lot and I nudge the bolt handle up a few degrees. When the elk broke cover I placed my cross hairs on her and heard a "click" but no boom.

Latter on I experimented at the range. It is possible to lift the bolt some and still get a click but no firing of the primmer. I believe this is an intentional safety design since you are starting to take the rifle out of battery.

All i did to address this was put a shorter more compact bolt handle on it and be aware not to nudge it with my right hand. Its just a matter of knowing your equipment.

PS the bolt handle does lock down with the safety down which is very nice and prevents this from happening when hiking. For me I was in the timber and knew the elk were bedding right next to me as i closed the gap. I would safe the rifle as I would take a few steps since I wasnt really watching my footing in the snow. Then unsafe it as I paused. So I was on and off the safety multiple times. I ended up getting within 20- 25 yards of the two cows when they broke cover.

 

[Castle Rock]

Build off what you want, I’m about to build a 7PRC on a Remington because I really like the way that looong action feels.
I also feel it takes pressure better and it has the best gas handling in the event of a case head failure.
The only downside to me is some don’t have proper extraction timing which I would fix with a new bolt handle.