S2H course - June 2026

[RancherJohn]

Dang, hearing all of this gets me excited to sign up for this course. Hoping to sign up for next year or the year after. It sounds like a blast and love hearing all of the growth people have had.

Has anyone in this or a previous course used a tikka 6 arc as their trainer? I just had one put together as my do all rifle and have been debating picking up either a 223 or a 6cm as a second rifle. I live in WA so there is a 6mm minimum, but my group consistently draws tags for ID and MT. Wondering if anyone has any insight on what would be the preferred second rifle to bring to the course.

Is anyone using wiser quick sticks in this course or are the trekking pole straps more advantageous some how?

How important is a solid bino adapter for the tripod spotting shots at distance in the wind? Currently using a Field Optics Research Rapid-Release. It does the job, but it definitely doesn't lock the binos down and they have a little wiggle to them even though the tripod head and arca attachment are solid. Bumping them with your nose or the wind will induce a little wiggle which I can see making spotting splash more difficult. Hasn't been a big deal for me spotting game, but just curious.

Is it recommended to bring a tripod and big binos/spotter to glass? Is anyone using Sig Zulu's of higher mag instead? On some back country hunts this year I'm opting to leave my big glass and tripod at home and run some Sig's so if I showed up to class without a tripod would that hinder me in any way?

When you guys adjust the turrets from hunting ammo to practice ammo are you slipping the turrets the difference or are you just mentally adding the difference to the dial amount and keeping track of that?

Do you really need the molinator and jelly fish? I assumed the backpack was your front bag so why do you need a bag on a bag (bag inception?) and is the rear bag actually touching the rifle or is it mainly just a gap filler so you can get a firm hold with your hand?

Thanks for the insight!

I would rent a .223 trainer before shooting a 6mm all week. You'll be working with a partner at times and it's very handy to have the same mags and ammo as them (everything supports the shooter in their task, that may mean giving them a reload or just handing them your rifle).

I have not shot with the quick sticks, if you have them already I would bring them but be open to using the straps as well. Most of the course is not about specific gear being the only way, it is about a foundation that good gear will build upon.

For spotting shots, a 10x set of binos will not cut it (this isn't only in the class, it's a real-life thing too). You will not be SOL without something with more mag, but it will hold you back at times on giving good feedback as a spotter. Do not feel the need to buy additional binos before the course. The mounting method should be fast and secure, you will be deploying the tripod and binos a lot under time constraints. Bring the tripod, you will need it for the flat range work.

You will do multiple things with your turrets, don't get lost in minutia like hunting ammo vs training ammo and when to slip them. You'll be tearing your rifle down and doing a new zero anyways.

The molinator and jelly fish are handy bags to have for the range work, and the molinator goes well on your pack. They are not required if you have other small shooting bags, but they are both good bags to have in general.

There is a lot of good info in this thread and the others that cover the S2H courses. The biggest thing is don't overthink it, pack like you would for a hunt (there's a packing list/recommended gear list, follow it). If you're driving, bring the extra stuff you would on a hunt. If you're flying you can ship things like tripods if you don't have the room. You aren't going to 'game' the gear, you can switch your gear mid day and try new things. You'll be encouraged to test anything you'd like to against the clock, gear choices will reveal themselves to be good or bad based on time and accuracy.

You may learn more from 'bad' gear choices than you do from good ones; both your own choices and that of your classmates.

 

[ckt3]

Has anyone in this or a previous course used a tikka 6 arc as their trainer? I just had one put together as my do all rifle and have been debating picking up either a 223 or a 6cm as a second rifle. I live in WA so there is a 6mm minimum, but my group consistently draws tags for ID and MT. Wondering if anyone has any insight on what would be the preferred second rifle to bring to the course.

I’m also in WA and using a Tikka in 6 ARC as my only hunting rifle. The ARC barrel life is great so I don’t mind training with it and replacing the barrel if I ever shoot it out.

I have a Tikka 223 ordered though because I have kids that’ll shoot it one day and it’s fun so why not. I’ll probably end up buying bulk ammo for that and training a lot with it too. Should have some ammo savings that add up there.

For what it’s worth, Form stated some thoughts on 6 ARC here:

Post in thread '6ARC Tikka'

Oct 2, 2024

So I had toyed around with 6arc in the past. I picked up a howa mini but wasn’t fond of the action or trigger. I currently have a 223 and 6.5 prc tikka, and I know tikka doesn’t make a 6arc factory (nor a 6mm creed either) but it got me thinking:
-Legal to hunt anywhere that allows centerfire (unlike the 22 cals)
-in most areas it’s a 6-700 (depending on where it gets to 1800fps) yard gun
-same BC bullet as the 6 creed, just slower out the muzzle (at least with factory rounds)
-cheaper ammo ($.99/round for 108 eldm on ammo seek)
-long barrel life (maybe not as high as a 308 but pretty...

• Formidilosus

• 
• 

 

[dreamingWest]

What's the latest choice for Tikka magazines by S2H instructors?

IMO, the factory magazine is the weak link. My factory 6.5 PRC magazine is unusable. I guess I could get Beretta to replace it, likely a bad spring. The Sako metal one I bought requires smashing it in to fit the factory stock. I bought a 3-rd factory Tikka magazine and it's the best of the three, but since the ammo is so short in the magazine, I can see this being a Murphy issue during a hunt.

My factory .223 magazines have been okay.
I just got a 6 Creed and the M+ factory mag which seems okay.

 

[ckt3]

What's the latest choice for Tikka magazines by S2H instructors?

IMO, the factory magazine is the weak link. My factory 6.5 PRC magazine is unusable. I guess I could get Beretta to replace it, likely a bad spring. The Sako metal one I bought requires smashing it in to fit the factory stock. I bought a 3-rd factory Tikka magazine and it's the best of the three, but since the ammo is so short in the magazine, I can see this being a Murphy issue during a hunt.

My factory .223 magazines have been okay.
I just got a 6 Creed and the M+ factory mag which seems okay.

I’m wondering the same. Looks like Mambamags are no longer available. Considering going to an AICS bottom metal

 

[Ajsomp]

I fully understand that there is no way online would be as good as in person but i was really hoping the online version would still happen. Being in Aus the cost of travel and time and renting rifles and buying ammo as i wouldnt be able to fly with all my own gear makes it pretty much not achievable for me. Was hoping to see an interactive version where you could film yourself a submit for review. But i get thats a pretty big ask of the instructors

I believe there’s something in the works for New Zealand. Do some instruction then get some field experience shooting critters. But not sure of timeline

 

[Jimbee]

I’m wondering the same. Looks like Mambamags are no longer available. Considering going to an AICS bottom metal

I heard something is in the works. Aics, Waters Rifleman, and NDR(?) all had issues. The no longer available Mamba mags were the solution for folks that didn't load their ammo too long.

 

[Ajsomp]

What's the latest choice for Tikka magazines by S2H instructors?

IMO, the factory magazine is the weak link. My factory 6.5 PRC magazine is unusable. I guess I could get Beretta to replace it, likely a bad spring. The Sako metal one I bought requires smashing it in to fit the factory stock. I bought a 3-rd factory Tikka magazine and it's the best of the three, but since the ammo is so short in the magazine, I can see this being a Murphy issue during a hunt.

My factory .223 magazines have been okay.
I just got a 6 Creed and the M+ factory mag which seems okay.

@pods8 (Rugged Stitching) makes some really kick ass magazines I’ve used in both my 6.5 and 223. I’d buy more of his before I’d buy factory mags again.

For large capacity 223- if you can find mamba mags, run those. But those are like hens teeth. Doesn’t seem to be an equivalent and MDT couldn’t care less about bringing them back or selling that design to someone else.

 

[43.6N]

Can someone speak a little more about the magazine related malfunctions?
Specifically any 223-aics situations?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

What's the latest choice for Tikka magazines by S2H instructors?

IMO, the factory magazine is the weak link. My factory 6.5 PRC magazine is unusable. I guess I could get Beretta to replace it, likely a bad spring. The Sako metal one I bought requires smashing it in to fit the factory stock. I bought a 3-rd factory Tikka magazine and it's the best of the three, but since the ammo is so short in the magazine, I can see this being a Murphy issue during a hunt.

My factory .223 magazines have been okay.
I just got a 6 Creed and the M+ factory mag which seems okay.

Not an instructor, but for my money, if you cannot get Mambas, the second-best magazines are the Waters magazines. A couple of folks borrowed my Waters 10-rounders the last day of the course and didn’t have any reported issues. Even after sprinkling dust in them. But, I have heard trustworthy reports (from Form) that they have sometimes had dust issues at the course.

For hunting with my old Tikka 6.5 Creed, I used a factory 3-round magazine in my rifle, with a 5-round factory one in my pocket. And I had a 10-round Waters in my ammo pouch for extra rounds. Of course… I have yet to need 18 rounds to kill a deer. But better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

 

[tstowater]

I'm debating whether I should take the class or not. It obviously would be beneficial, without doubt, but I am on the older end of the hunting spectrum and not sure how many hunts there are going to be in the next 10 years or so. Hopefully a good number, but you never know.

I really wish I had taken it previously when I was trying to set up for a steep 400+ yard downhill shot at a bighorn last year. There was a big crown on the mountain that made it difficult to find a setup on the rock pile we were on to get something comfortable to shoot from. We were piling rocks and using packs and everything else we had. On the third location, we actually found a spot that I could use a bipod to shoot prone. This was actually the first time on a big game hunt that I used a bipod. Normally you are not going to have this much time and be able to move around like we did without issues. We should have been skylined as we could see the sheep so they should have been seeing us. Must have either been darned lucky or far enough away.

Will I have another hunt like that? You never know. That's where the debate comes.

 

[omicron1792]

I always ask this question and will here too.

What did you not like about the course? What were things you found you liked about how you did it before that you decided to keep?

When EVERYTHING is better it always makes me wonder if it’s not a bit group thinkish.

 

[Bluumoon]

I'm debating whether I should take the class or not. It obviously would be beneficial, without doubt, but I am on the older end of the hunting spectrum and not sure how many hunts there are going to be in the next 10 years or so. Hopefully a good number, but you never know.

I really wish I had taken it previously when I was trying to set up for a steep 400+ yard downhill shot at a bighorn last year. There was a big crown on the mountain that made it difficult to find a setup on the rock pile we were on to get something comfortable to shoot from. We were piling rocks and using packs and everything else we had. On the third location, we actually found a spot that I could use a bipod to shoot prone. This was actually the first time on a big game hunt that I used a bipod. Normally you are not going to have this much time and be able to move around like we did without issues. We should have been skylined as we could see the sheep so they should have been seeing us. Must have either been darned lucky or far enough away.

Will I have another hunt like that? You never know. That's where the debate comes.

How much do you enjoy "mastering" something (more like build a base to learn from)? Do you have kids/grandkids you want to leave something they'll never forget (knowledge/skill)? I shoot a lot more and with more purpose post class.

 

[RancherJohn]

What's the latest choice for Tikka magazines by S2H instructors?

IMO, the factory magazine is the weak link. My factory 6.5 PRC magazine is unusable. I guess I could get Beretta to replace it, likely a bad spring. The Sako metal one I bought requires smashing it in to fit the factory stock. I bought a 3-rd factory Tikka magazine and it's the best of the three, but since the ammo is so short in the magazine, I can see this being a Murphy issue during a hunt.

My factory .223 magazines have been okay.
I just got a 6 Creed and the M+ factory mag which seems okay.

@pods8 (Rugged Stitching) makes some really kick ass magazines I’ve used in both my 6.5 and 223. I’d buy more of his before I’d buy factory mags again.

For large capacity 223- if you can find mamba mags, run those. But those are like hens teeth. Doesn’t seem to be an equivalent and MDT couldn’t care less about bringing them back or selling that design to someone else.

@pods8 (Rugged Stitching) PRC and .223 mags have been flawless for me across over a thousand rounds at this point. That would be where I would start and end my search if you're not looking for 10 round magazines.

Can someone speak a little more about the magazine related malfunctions?
Specifically any 223-aics situations?

I have a pile of .223 AICS (Accurate & various MDT), some work great some don't. Biggest issues I have seen & experienced are longer/heavier bullets ending up with the tip under the front of the magazine through longer strings of fire, and/or seating depth issues where the bullet tip lands right at the bottom of the feed ramp and doesn't ride up the ramp. It will bend/break/deform the tip/push the bullet back in the case if you're running the bolt with any authority. I have since switched the AICS'd Rokstok over to a 6.5PRC action, and have had zero feeding issues from .300WSM Accurate mags on that setup.

 

[RancherJohn]

I'm debating whether I should take the class or not. It obviously would be beneficial, without doubt, but I am on the older end of the hunting spectrum and not sure how many hunts there are going to be in the next 10 years or so. Hopefully a good number, but you never know.

I really wish I had taken it previously when I was trying to set up for a steep 400+ yard downhill shot at a bighorn last year. There was a big crown on the mountain that made it difficult to find a setup on the rock pile we were on to get something comfortable to shoot from. We were piling rocks and using packs and everything else we had. On the third location, we actually found a spot that I could use a bipod to shoot prone. This was actually the first time on a big game hunt that I used a bipod. Normally you are not going to have this much time and be able to move around like we did without issues. We should have been skylined as we could see the sheep so they should have been seeing us. Must have either been darned lucky or far enough away.

Will I have another hunt like that? You never know. That's where the debate comes.

If I could get my dad into a summer course, I absolutely would. He's 70 and has killed a pile of big game animals already, but maximizing his opportunities on hunts from here on out is the highest priority I have with however many hunts we have left. Time is a cruel mistress. If you can find a way to make it, I would. Go with a son/daughter/nephew if possible as well. I don't think you would regret it.

I always ask this question and will here too.

What did you not like about the course? What were things you found you liked about how you did it before that you decided to keep?

When EVERYTHING is better it always makes me wonder if it’s not a bit group thinkish.

So as not to intrude much more on this thread, I'll keep it brief. Some admin stuff in our class got missed (S2H staffer out with a new baby, new scope + stock released in the immediate days around our course were to blame). I tend to be up early, form likes to get his beauty rest. We didn't get as much winter as we all hoped for in the winter class. Otherwise I think almost any habit I came in with beforehand got improved in some way shape or form. If your average shooter is 60% as good as they think they are, hitting the big 10% improvements in 3 areas will make more of an impact than chasing 2% gains in 3 areas.

 

[Ajsomp]

I'm debating whether I should take the class or not. It obviously would be beneficial, without doubt, but I am on the older end of the hunting spectrum and not sure how many hunts there are going to be in the next 10 years or so. Hopefully a good number, but you never know.

I really wish I had taken it previously when I was trying to set up for a steep 400+ yard downhill shot at a bighorn last year. There was a big crown on the mountain that made it difficult to find a setup on the rock pile we were on to get something comfortable to shoot from. We were piling rocks and using packs and everything else we had. On the third location, we actually found a spot that I could use a bipod to shoot prone. This was actually the first time on a big game hunt that I used a bipod. Normally you are not going to have this much time and be able to move around like we did without issues. We should have been skylined as we could see the sheep so they should have been seeing us. Must have either been darned lucky or far enough away.

Will I have another hunt like that? You never know. That's where the debate comes.

FWIW we had two guys 60+ in the class. Great guys who were willing to learn and put in the time.

I always ask this question and will here too.

What did you not like about the course? What were things you found you liked about how you did it before that you decided to keep?

When EVERYTHING is better it always makes me wonder if it’s not a bit group thinkish.

Is there anything I will continue to do in the future that conflicts with what was taught in the course - no. nothing of what I heard during the week was new information, it was just presented in a cohesive and efficient manner that refined our collective skills. Every shooter was better at the end of the week, even the guy who shot an 18/20 on the Hunter drill day one. It’s hard to convey that there are very few absolutes, and most of those are safety related.

I gave some constructive feedback to the team on some logistics/coordination that had nothing to do with the course material itself.

The course itself does present the information in a “facts over feelings” type approach. When the instructors are sharing thoughts or opinions they are clear to articulate that or if they don’t know something they are willing to admit it. They also were adamant about questioning everything, including what they were saying.

 

[SloppyJ]

This is a good thread. Its funny what happens when you shoot your rifle a ton in the field. What works & what doesnt shows up pretty quick. After you switch all the weird shit just seems to go away

It's fun to see these threads pop up after the classes. It takes me back to the class we did. Everyone seems to echo the same thing about gear, being prepared, pissin hot handloads (me), and all of the other general "issues" that seem random but are a consistent theme.

Good stuff guys. I enjoy reading all of these.

 

[philcox]

Couldn’t possibly be that people are not nearly as knowledgeable and skilled as they think they are on the internet. Or that shooting on sterile ranges for a whooping 100 rounds a year doesn’t result in the same things as actually shooting and using the equipment in real weather and conditions.

Nope, that's not it ...