Question about Tikka rifles.

[KYwhitetail606]

Is Tikka still the general recommendation for a rifle that will shoot, feed reliably, and is decently affordable? Or has something else taken the throne of choice?

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

When you factor in reliability, repeatability, barrel life, aftermarket support (if desired), and price (even at the current price increase for the threaded barrel models) there really isn't anything that comes close to a Tikka.

 

[bowrunner81]

I put Browning X-bolts right with it. My X bolt is the most accurate factory rifle I’ve ever had, but my Tikkas are still very accurate. If you want to modify, go Tikka, without question. If you are sticking to factory specs… I’d personally put both neck and neck. I would get a Browning if im not going to modify anything.

 

[KenLee]

I put Browning X-bolts right with it. My X bolt is the most accurate factory rifle I’ve ever had, but my Tikkas are still very accurate. If you want to modify, go Tikka, without question. If you are sticking to factory specs… I’d personally put both neck and neck. I would get a Browning if im not going to modify anything.

I don't believe the x-bolt needs any modifications. By 90% of posts regarding Tikkas on this forum, the Tikka needs modifications more expensive than the original rifle.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I don't believe the x-bolt needs any modifications. By 90% of posts regarding Tikkas on this forum, the Tikka needs modifications more expensive than the original rifle.

100% a “want” versus a “need”.

 

[KenLee]

100% a “want” versus a “need”.

Well, something certainly needs to be done about the heavy for caliber recoil unless you are shooting a 22 cal Tikka. Dern 30-06 Tikka is a snot slinger and all my 300wsm x-bolts are pussycats.

 

[hereinaz]

Sure, there are lots of other great rifles if you want to take it as stock. But, there are also Tikka that can be bought like the X-bolt with no upgrades. But, there is no way to upgrade a X-bolt like Tikka.

You hear about the people upgrading Tikka, but they are the tip of the iceberg...

Tikka are getting more like the Rem 700 because of aftermarket support.

 

[KYwhitetail606]

A buddy is wanting the absolute best, no frills, plain chain whitetail gun so I told him a tikka t3x in any caliber north of 243 with the right bullet, UM rings, and a Trijicon 3-9 is about as cheap and bullet proof as you can get. Especially since his budget is 1300.

Just wanted your guys opinion.

 

[hereinaz]

A buddy is wanting the absolute best, no frills, plain chain whitetail gun so I told him a tikka t3x in any caliber north of 243 with the right bullet, UM rings, and a Trijicon 3-9 is about as cheap and bullet proof as you can get. Especially since his budget is 1300.

Just wanted your guys opinion.

Can’t do wrong with that.

 

[KenLee]

A buddy is wanting the absolute best, no frills, plain chain whitetail gun so I told him a tikka t3x in any caliber north of 243 with the right bullet, UM rings, and a Trijicon 3-9 is about as cheap and bullet proof as you can get. Especially since his budget is 1300.

Just wanted your guys opinion.

Browning 10% rebate expired 4 days ago. I caved and bought another x-bolt 6.5 Creed to beat around and leave in a vehicle. I'll have $531 in the rifle after rebate.
If he isn't toting the rifle far, I'd bump the scope up to a TR22-1 in 2.5-10x56.

 

[Marbles]

Out of the box, on a budget, I would sand out the barrel channel and get a vertical grip for a Tikka and call it good.

Then, if desired, one can improve on it over time. Not needed, but nice.

I had a Sako 85, and the lack of ability to make it exactly what I wanted lead me to sell it.

I hear Brownings are hard to rebarrel, but have no experience with them.

At this point I'm a Tikka convert with 3 T3x actions and a T1x. I spent years resisting Tikka's complaining about the coun slot ejection port, action length, fat bolt, having to take it off safe to cycle the bolt, Etc. Took 4 different hunting rifles before I gave a Tikka a try and while it is fun to play around, the Tikka was the answer all along.

It is also easier for me to build a Tikka over 2 years how I want then to spend the same money on something like a Sako or Kimber then wish I could change something on it. I got the Sako on the grounds that it was a great out of the box option, but I fiddle with things too much for that to make me happy.

 

[EastHumboldt]

I have two out of the box tikkas and I love them. Both stainless, one in 30-06 and one in 7mm-08. Only mods are rattlecan paint jobs, swapped in vertical grips, limbsaver butt pads, sanded out the barrel channels, adjusted the triggers to the lowest pull weight. Great rifles.