Rifle selection

[IrkedCitizen]

All Tikka rifles from here on out will have muzzle threads. The new SKU will have MT at that end to differentiate between older SKU

 

[Vic vinegar]

From

Tikka is my recommendation. I have a couple and they are great.

I also have a R700 308 18” rifle and I find that barrel length to be excellent.

From what I’ve seen the 18” barrel allows for a full powder burn from the round.

 

[Vic vinegar]

All Tikka rifles from here on out will have muzzle threads. The new SKU will have MT at that end to differentiate between older SKU

That’s funny that you say that bc I was just told that from a guy at the gun shop not to long ago and forgot to put that in my post.

 

[180ls1]

Bull barrel on the first one would kill me.

This is where my money would go if I were you. I would also strongly consider a 7-08 or 6.5c if you go light weight.

https://dahlonegaarmory.com/product/lsi-howa-superlite-308win-16.25-kings-xk7

 

[MoeFaux]

Buy the Tikka and never regret it. Every time you cycle the bolt, pull the trigger, or even insert the mag you'll feel the difference in quality.

.308 is a perfect fit for your needs. 7mm-08 is also perfectly lethal with 18.5% less recoil on average, but someone with more brains than me would have to tell you which one performs better in those shorter barrels. If you like the bullets that stay together and penetrate like the partitions you mentioned, I wouldn't go to any cartridges smaller than these.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

If you already have a bunch of 308 I’d stick with it, get the tikka is my recommendation I have 308, 7mm08, 6.5creed tikkas and I’d recommend any one of them. They shoot function no frills. I just ordered a new 308 barrel 20” 5/8-24 threads take off. 25’ version.
178eldx, 168tmk can’t go wrong.
I can’t speak to your others choices as I have no experience with them.

 

[Vic vinegar]

Bull barrel on the first one would kill me.

This is where my money would go if I were you. I would also strongly consider a 7-08 or 6.5c if you go light weight.

https://dahlonegaarmory.com/product/lsi-howa-superlite-308win-16.25-kings-xk7

That ain’t half bad right there. I kicked around doing a barreled howa receiver and putting it in a stock. I think these can be had for about 350-400 bucks.

 

[Vic vinegar]

https://www.bfgoutfitters.com/products/rifles-tikka-jrtxec31620mt-082442017402-5952

Found that too but would have to live with the extra 2” on the barrel. I’m lean bc toward this or doing a barrel chop/thread job on the longer tikka

 

[nm.otter]

Just buy the Tikka if you swing it. Resale values hold up well.

6.5 CM will take you out to ~600 yards on a 20 inch barrel with a fair bit less recoil than the PRC. Plenty of factory ammo options (including 140 BTHP at $1/rd if you are patient).

 

[Vic vinegar]

I found this item number is now out JRTXEC31620MT

I’m told the MT on the end is the item number indicates the newer units coming from Tikka that are threaded.

This one is a 20” barrel.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

That’s what I would do if I was you, turn key

 

[Vic vinegar]

That’s what I would do if I was you, turn key

I do like that.

 

[coast range]

Euro optic has stainless 308 for 775$ I’d grab one of those

 

[AntelopeEater]

I have a Ruger American Gen II in 5.56 with a 16.1" barrel and a friend of mine borrowed it recently for his successful hog hunt. Its super accurate and was way cheaper than a Tikka with a fluted threaded barrel would have been.

I've also got the Browning BAR Mark III DBM in .308 with a fluted 18" barrel, its a tack driver to 300 yards and been 100% reliable, looks gorgeous.

I also have a Tikka T3x super light in .243, and yeah its action is smooth, but it cost almost 50% more than the Ruger, and its kind of ugly and plain with just a black plastic stock, plain blued barrel, unlike the Ruger which looks really cool.

Also, the .243 Tikka T3x super light is so lightweight that it moves enough with recoil that I can't spot my own shots.

 

[cliffyj]

Having owned multiple firearm brands over the years, unless quality changes, buying a collector firearm, or just come across a smoking deal on a used firearm; I don’t see buying anything but a Tikka (have 2), well maybe follow the roots and acquire a Sako.

 

[Vic vinegar]

Having owned multiple firearm brands over the years, unless quality changes, buying a collector firearm, or just come across a smoking deal on a used firearm; I don’t see buying anything but a Tikka (have 2), well maybe follow the roots and acquire a Sako.

They (Tikka) seem to be highly regarded around here for sure.

 

[Vic vinegar]

 

[Vic vinegar]

Narrowed it down to the above 2 I think. If I swap the trigger and perhaps the stock on the Ruger it’s basically a wash, considering I keep the tikka stock and just live with the extra 2” on the barrel.

 

[Vic vinegar]

And of course right when I post that I just got an in stock alert

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...e=auto&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=in_stock

 

[Harvey_NW]

Narrowed it down to the above 2 I think. If I swap the trigger and perhaps the stock on the Ruger it’s basically a wash, considering I keep the tikka stock and just live with the extra 2” on the barrel.

1 has little to no quality options for replacement stocks, needs the trigger modified, has a bolt that sounds like a zipper when you cycle it, and potential feed issues. The other has nearly unlimited replacement parts, better factory stock, functionally superior trigger, butter smooth action, and a highly regarded reputation for doing what it's supposed to without fuss.

Choose wisely.