Rifle ice/snow freeze eval 2025

[mxgsfmdpx]

Honestly if you want Sako/Tikka trigger reliability with a very light trigger it's one feature sets on the Sakos that works well. You can order the "set trigger" option on Sako 85's and 90's where you press the trigger forward before firing. You can set the single stage trigger from 2-2-4.4 lbs and then have the set trigger which goes off at 9 oz.

I have a set trigger on a Sako 85 and a Sako 90 and neither have given me any issues. There is always the possibility to accidentally bump it forward but it takes a bit more force to "set" the trigger forward than you'd think. It's also a bit of a deliberate and deviation from the normal shot process that it hasn't posed any field issues that I've seen yet... I've used multiple set triggers on multiple Sako 85's for varmint hunts/competitions and bench rest comps over the years and they've been great.

 

[Dobermann]

Regarding factory Tikka triggers as being more than light enough - I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person here who has experienced a Tikka trigger breaking even sooner than I expected - on target, but slightly before I thought it would, providing a genuine "surprise break" - not when I was looking for that.

Note that this was in a repeat-fire / rapid-fire / follow-up shot situation, so speed and adrenaline may have been slightly elevated, but even so ...

The Tikka triggers are plenty light enough.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I really like the feel of my KRG Midas on the Tikka 223. Picked up another for the 22 CM when it’s comes to keep continuity between the two. The two stage trigger feels really nice and I much prefer the wider trigger shoe compared to the fairly narrow factory one.

 

[JohnJohnson]

I really like the feel of my KRG Midas on the Tikka 223. Picked up another for the 22 CM when it’s comes to keep continuity between the two. The two stage trigger feels really nice and I much prefer the wider trigger shoe compared to the fairly narrow factory one.

Has the Midas been reliable for you in ice/snow? As long as it's not less reliable than a stock Tikka trigger I always prefer two-stage so it's definitely on my radar. From the design it looks like it mimics the Sako TRG trigger which had issues with its safety not moving in the 2022 test if I recall right. Not sure if that's something to be worried about or not.

 

[JCMCUBIC]

.... I guess learning to shoot with crap triggers led me down a bad path-lol.

I learned to shoot on rifles with terrible triggers growing up. I think there are some positives to practicing with "not the best" triggers even now. Learning to control trigger pull and point of aim with a rougher/heavier trigger...especially with a light rifle...makes it very easy with a "clean" trigger.

I'm not saying a rough/heavy trigger is better, not at all, but there are some positive carryovers from using one in practice.

I don't own a trigger pull gauge, but most of my rifles have ~ the same weight pull. I adjust them to break at the point where a length of paracord attached to the trigger lifts a 2.5lb plate from a flat surface and the trigger breaks approximately when the plate is off the surface. The triggers may have very different feels, but the weight is ~the same. I'm guessing it's ~2.75 lbs...but that's a guess. Simple and may not be the "best" but it works well for me.

 

[Choupique]

I kinda want to try this with a rem 7600.

I bet it'd do alright. Everything important is completely enclosed, provided the dust cover hasn't been broken off.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Has the Midas been reliable for you in ice/snow? As long as it's not less reliable than a stock Tikka trigger I always prefer two-stage so it's definitely on my radar. From the design it looks like it mimics the Sako TRG trigger which had issues with its safety not moving in the 2022 test if I recall right. Not sure if that's something to be worried about or not.

I havnt put it through a test such as that. I should. I’ve never had a situation that any of my triggers were actually covered in snow/ice in real world situations, despite late season hunts and winter training via skis/splitboard or snowmachine. I’m just careful if conditions are bad I guess.

 

[Gstew1930]

I havnt put it through a test such as that. I should. I’ve never had a situation that any of my triggers were actually covered in snow/ice in real world situations, despite late season hunts and winter training via skis/splitboard or snowmachine. I’m just careful if conditions are bad I guess.

Did you have to use a different bottom metal for this trigger? i've seen some say it wont fit

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Did you have to use a different bottom metal for this trigger? i've seen some say it wont fit

On my Rokstok I use a High Desert KRG Midas cut BM. On the HNT 26 it’s a non issue.

 

[Gstew1930]

On my Rokstok I use a High Desert KRG Midas cut BM. On the HNT 26 it’s a non issue.

Are you using this BM in a rokstok? I've been looking at the same one

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Are you using this BM in a rokstok? I've been looking at the same one

Yes. Fits great with 1 included shim front and bank.

 

[medvedyt]

I kinda want to try this with a rem 7600.

I bet it'd do alright. Everything important is completely enclosed, provided the dust cover hasn't been broken off.

we tried once at the range over here by -26c with the snow from the ground and it jammed at the magazine and the movement going rearward/forward was stuck because of the cold snow ... but i cannot wait to read your report.

 

[Halligan]

I kinda want to try this with a rem 7600.

I bet it'd do alright. Everything important is completely enclosed, provided the dust cover hasn't been broken off.

I’d be interested to see the results as well. Seems the 760/7600 series was always touted by trackers for continuing to work in freezing conditions.

P.s. if you have an extra 7600’s lying around, would be happy to take one off ur hands lol

 

[Choupique]

if you have an extra 7600’s lying around, would be happy to take one off ur hands lol

I have a .270 in fairly good shape that will likely be for sale this summer

 

[Southern Lights]

Yep, I had an aftermarket lightweight spring in mine two seasons ago, and did a backpack hunt in freezing rain and snow, Aunt. My trigger and bolt mechanism got froze up and wouldn't work properly for about 45 minutes to an hour or so or so

Yeah it's a risk and will lead to tears. I have never altered any trigger on any rifle I've owned. I just figure that the Sako/Tikka engineers know more about their rifles than I do and trust their judgement.

I have shot Sako/Tikka rifles for many many years. Again I say the only time I've ever heard of people having trouble with triggers was when they went in and messed with them.

 

[Southern Lights]

My new Tikka's trigger only goes down to 2.75# pull weight at minimum so I'm 100% going to replace the spring since that's just a bit too heavy for my liking. Do you or @Formidilosus or anyone have thoughts on the most reliable replacement springs that could still get the trigger pull down to 1.75-2 pounds?

I strongly advise leaving the trigger alone.

 

[HighUintas]

. I just figure that the Sako/Tikka engineers know more about their rifles than I do and trust their judgement.

I think this is mostly true.... But what is it with those stupid barrel contact nubs they put in the synthetic Tikka stock? Those are useless to me. I think they might possibly give better accuracy on average across a wider variety of ammo (haven't tested that) or maybe they're just supposed to dampen the barrel whip with larger calibers and that lite contour

 

[Southern Lights]

I think this is mostly true.... But what is it with those stupid barrel contact nubs they put in the synthetic Tikka stock? Those are useless to me. I think they might possibly give better accuracy on average across a wider variety of ammo (haven't tested that) or maybe they're just supposed to dampen the barrel whip with larger calibers and that lite contour

I need to look closer, but if the Sako/Tikka team put them there you can guarantee it was for a reason.

 

[Choupique]

I think the idea is to prevent the stock from hitting the barrel sometimes. I.e. if it were floated and the stock not stiff enough, it could touch the barrel or not depending on shot position and form. With built in contact, the stock is always touching the barrel. Adding or taking away force would still do stuff, but probably not as much as going back and forth between floated and not.

Just my guess. I've never designed a rifle.