Help me pick my next Elk / Deer rifle please...

[kylejason79]

So I've narrowed down my next rifle choice to the following rifles:

Christensen Arms Ridgeline
Christensen Arms Mesa
Tikka T3X Superlite

I've pretty much settled on 7mm RM for the caliber and am leaning towards the Tikka...however, I'm still considering the CA based on some of the options that it offers, namely a muzzle brake, fluted barrel, limbsaver recoil pad, and overall fit/finish. Can't really find a bad review for the Tikka anywhere and it seems to be an exceptional value which I know really kind of answers the question for me, but any additional input that you guys can offer would help. I've seen some negative reviews for both the Mesa and Ridgeline, but those were dated quite some time ago and wondering if anyone's got any experience (good or bad) lately with each. Truthfully, I really just like the way the Mesa and Ridgeline rifles look (especially with the new Titanium versions coming out) but I know that's not a good reason to buy. I've already got a Savage .308 but I'd like to step up to a long action and a lighter rifle as it will primarily be used for backcountry deer and elk hunts. Thanks in advance.

 

[SDHNTR]

You seem like you have particular desires. If you have the $2000+ budget for a CA, I say buy yourself a Rem 700 action and have a custom gun built the way you want it.

 

[Dirt Wagon]

I'd choose the Tikka between those three.

I'd also choose a Tikka action over a Remington if doing a custom build.

If a Titanium action is up your ally, Weatherby has a Backcountry Ti model out. Doesn't come in 7mmRM but they offer it in 280ai which is right up there in power for the most part. The rest seems to be mostly WBY chamberings. Weight is only 4.8lbs.

I like the idea of the new 6.5 WBY RPM they created for that rifle.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

What are your plans for ammo? Tikka's twist rates are slower than normal with the exception of their 6.5s. If this is not an issue, then apply the money to an even better scope. You can buy a Limbsaver for the Tikka.

 

[EmperorMA]

Tikka is the absolute worst stock ever made for recoil. If somebody gave me a Tikka in a over-powered cartridge like 7mm Rem Mag, I’d give it back.

Or throw it away.

 

[bascott1]

I have 2 mesa's. One in 6.5 creed and one in 300wm. Both .5moa all day long with factory ammo. They both wear vx5hds and the 6.5 is 8lbs on the dot and the 300 is a lil over 8.5. Wouldnt give either of them up for anything.

 

[16Bore]

Tikka, always.

 

[elkguide]

Had them both. Only have the CA today. Tikka's tend to be good shooters but their stocks are not my cup of tea. The Ridgeline is in a different class. I would also go to a .300 Win Mag if I were going to be thinking elk.

 

[Smithb9841]

I think you have it narrowed down pretty well, my recommendation would be go to a gun store that has all 3 and handle All 3 and let that be your decision don’t make up your mind before handling them bcuz you might make a choice you regret..find the one that shoulders well and fits you and just comes up smoothly.

I was in a similar situation where after reading online And doing some research I was 110% sure I was buying a Tikka... until I held one the action was smooth just like everyone said it would be and was light which I really was Looking for... but the stock just killed it For me.. to me the stock just didn’t
Feel right felt cheap And plastic like a toy.. so dont
Make up your mind from Reviews get
In there and handle them and find which one fits
You and is comfortable

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I own all 3 of those rifles. They are all great rigs that shoot ammo reliably and accurately.

I would go handle each of them in a store and see what fits you better and feels better.

If you’re like me, you will like the action on the Tikka much more. The CA rigs are a stiff cock on close action and have a really small bolt handle. It’s a much stiffer action and takes some getting used to.

Everything else I like about the CA a little more. Better stock, better trigger, better recoil pad, no plastic mag sticking out of the bottom of the rifle. The carbon barrel and weight on the ridgeline is really nice. Just don’t negate it by throwing a super heavy scope and rings or rail on it. If you’re going to do that just buy the Mesa and save some money.

 

[BuckSnort]

Tikka... They're kinda like the fat chick at the dance.. Not much to look at but they're a sure thing..

 

[16Bore]

More like the broccoli of rifles. Everyone knows they’re better off eating it, but finds excuses not to.

It’s too friggin funny.....

 

[BCD]

I think you have it narrowed down pretty well, my recommendation would be go to a gun store that has all 3 and handle All 3 and let that be your decision don’t make up your mind before handling them bcuz you might make a choice you regret..find the one that shoulders well and fits you and just comes up smoothly.

I was in a similar situation where after reading online And doing some research I was 110% sure I was buying a Tikka... until I held one the action was smooth just like everyone said it would be and was light which I really was Looking for... but the stock just killed it For me.. to me the stock just didn’t
Feel right felt cheap And plastic like a toy.. so dont
Make up your mind from Reviews get
In there and handle them and find which one fits
You and is comfortable

That was my impression of the Tikka as well. I wanted to like it but just absolutely could not. I will never own one.

 

[16Bore]

There isn’t a better piece of Tupperware for brocolli than Tikka’s.