Non-Tikka Hunting Rifle Recommendations

[hereinaz]

Really I would be most interested in a 22" which I am anticipating would get me about 100 fps more than the 18". Although the 18" would be handy in some of the timber hunting. I primarily run copper so I am trying to keep it in mind when I pick a rifle.

Yeah, I don’t know about copper much for velocity. I wouldn’t choose the 6.5 creed for long range and copper just knowing the limitations.

I agree I would go short barrel 6mm or 6.5 PRC if velocity was my concern and I hunted timber. I am gonna bring my SBR on all my hunts back east… no need for extra velocity at the sacrifice of maneuverability.

Also, I would buy a gun for the majority of my work, like timber. Don’t sacrifice 99% of the time for the once in a while western hunt.

Just deal with the reduced velocity in the west. Unless you are practicing a lot, you won’t effectively shoot much further than 450ish.

That’s my thought on that.

 

[Skydog]

For anyone wondering, I have had 2 Tikkas previously and just find that they always have more felt recoil than other rifles that I have shot.

But BTW, your Tikka aversion due to felt recoil can be easily mitigated by buying one that is threaded and adding a muzzle brake or suppressor.

Don't want to derail the thread, but I'm curious about this...is there something inherent in the Tikka design that causes them to have more felt recoil than other rifles?

 

[CoHunter1991]

Seekins PH2 on sale right now for 1500. best possible option

 

[ABCWest]

Don't want to derail the thread, but I'm curious about this...is there something inherent in the Tikka design that causes them to have more felt recoil than other rifles?

Probably weight and a brick of a recoil pad.

 

[SDHNTR]

Don't want to derail the thread, but I'm curious about this...is there something inherent in the Tikka design that causes them to have more felt recoil than other rifles?

Well, for starters, the common T3x superlite model is just that. Light rifles inherently recoil more, especially in any magnum cartridge. The stock also lacks density. There isn’t much to it to absorb energy. And the drop at the comb doesn’t help either (although to be fair, this is an issue with most factory rifles).

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Don't want to derail the thread, but I'm curious about this...is there something inherent in the Tikka design that causes them to have more felt recoil than other rifles?

Backfire youtube channel states it is partially the design of the recoil pad itself. Bad angle or something along those lines. It is of course a very light rifle coming in bare at usually 6.3 lbs. For some reason though, the recoil has just felt more sharp. I can fire a .35 whelen in a CVA break action that is stout, but just does not feel as uncomfortable as the Tikka. I shot a Savage 110 in a accustock and it still seemed to take the recoil better. On the Tikka 30-06, I first added a limbsaver which kind of helped. I eventually put on a B&C stock to add weight. They also come with a Pachamyr decelerator pad. Unfortunately I really did not notice a difference until I had the barrel threaded and installed a MB.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

I love Steyr rifles. Unfortunately they are slow to adopt new modern cartridges like the PRC lineup.

Pro Hunter III | Steyr Arms USA

One of our most popular hunting rifles, the Pro Hunter III features Steyr’s innovative (SBS) Safe Bolt System, with the SX variant sporting a rugged green synthetic stock with soft-rubber inlays and an aluminum bedding block.

steyr-arms.us

Looks neat! I would have to do some searching for a carrier, but I believe Steyr has a facility in my home state so maybe there is a dealer somewhere.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

This is an excellent choice!

Unfortunately I really don't think I can push past the $1500 cutoff. I would prefer to be around $1200-$1300 with $1500 being max. Very nice rifle though for sure

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

You are hunting Alabama? Even in the west 0 issues with an 18” 6.5cm
Saw the copper thing, I would look at 6cm or 6.5 prc of copper was my thing

Hmm, may be worth leaving the copper or just running the LR model from Barnes. I considered 6cm pretty heavily due to the low recoil side of it, but there do not seem to be many rifles available in it. Main offerings I have seen are Ruger American, CZ 600, and a few rifles out of my price range.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

This.

But BTW, your Tikka aversion due to felt recoil can be easily mitigated by buying one that is threaded and adding a muzzle brake or suppressor. Or even adding a mercury rod to the buttstock. And the Model 70 could also benefit from same.

I actually had the 30-06 threaded which did help with the recoil. The magazine issue ultimately made me get rid of the rifle. I would prefer to not need the MB though. As much as I know I need to put in ear pro every time, I have often found myself leaving them out when something walks out in front of me.

 

[HUNTMO-06]

I don’t see Browning Xbolt on your list.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Model 70 will always get my vote for this.

If you're a snob, shop for a lightly used new haven one. It'll be under your budget, but you may have to get it bedded. That'll get you the old style trigger instead of the new MOA one.

I would not be too picky on which M70 as far as year and location made goes. Just feature set mostly.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Looks neat! I would have to do some searching for a carrier, but I believe Steyr has a facility in my home state so maybe there is a dealer somewhere.

I've been hunting with a Steyr Pro Hunter 7RM since 2007. I also have Steyr PH II in 7-08 and 223. The PH III is just the newest rendition. Steyr makes a fine rifle

 

[z987k]

I don’t see Browning Xbolt on your list.

Yup, I think browning Xbolt is the answer given the constraints.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

I don’t see Browning Xbolt on your list.

Ahh, something I forgot about. I will give them a look. I do have a LGS that stays stocked pretty heavily with X Bolts.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

I would probably include the franchi or benelli bolt guns on this list, handled one a bit ago and it seems like a great non tikka option, I would put sauer at the top though.

Sounds like I need to find somewhere with a Sauer in stock. I have only ever seen them online. I do have a Bass Pro that carries the Benelli Lupos. Never used their rifles but definitely a fan of their shotguns.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Yup, I think browning Xbolt is the answer given the constraints.

I did see the X Bolt 2 was coming out. Will have to see if they are in the LGS yet. I have never actually handled a X Bolt or any browning. Would be willing to give them a shake.

 

[Skydog]

Probably weight and a brick of a recoil pad.

Well, for starters, the common T3x superlite model is just that. Light rifles inherently recoil more, especially in any magnum cartridge. The stock also lacks density. There isn’t much to it to absorb energy. And the drop at the comb doesn’t help either (although to be fair, this is an issue with most factory rifles).

Backfire youtube channel states it is partially the design of the recoil pad itself. Bad angle or something along those lines. It is of course a very light rifle coming in bare at usually 6.3 lbs. For some reason though, the recoil has just felt more sharp.

Well, this is all a bit of a bummer considering I just ordered a Tikka (my first Tikka) earlier today. However, I did order the wood stocked Hunter version, which should be denser and heavier than the Lite plastic models. And switching the recoil pad should be easy enough. Also, mine is in .243, so the recoil shouldn't be too bad anyway. I'm figuring mine will likely be just a little over 8 lbs. with scope and rings.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Yeah, I don’t know about copper much for velocity. I wouldn’t choose the 6.5 creed for long range and copper just knowing the limitations.

I agree I would go short barrel 6mm or 6.5 PRC if velocity was my concern and I hunted timber. I am gonna bring my SBR on all my hunts back east… no need for extra velocity at the sacrifice of maneuverability.

Also, I would buy a gun for the majority of my work, like timber. Don’t sacrifice 99% of the time for the once in a while western hunt.

Just deal with the reduced velocity in the west. Unless you are practicing a lot, you won’t effectively shoot much further than 450ish.

That’s my thought on that.

You make some good points. Truthfully, I would not be likely to shoot past 400 at anything besides steel unless I was prone and had almost zero wind since I never get to practice on a pack or tripod. I do have a bit of FOMO though when it comes to cutting velocity. May just have to get over it. I would like to suppress one day so the 18" is appealing.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Well, this is all a bit of a bummer considering I just ordered a Tikka (my first Tikka) earlier today. However, I did order the wood stocked Hunter version, which should be denser and heavier than the Lite plastic models. And switching the recoil pad should be easy enough. Also, mine is in .243, so the recoil shouldn't be too bad anyway. I'm figuring mine will likely be just a little over 8 lbs. with scope and rings.

For what it is worth, the Tikka is super accurate and has a great action and trigger. I just do not like recoil. I have to work really hard to keep away a flinch I developed years ago shooting 3.5 inch magnums out of a 870. You may tolerate better than I did.