Scope for Tikka 300 WSM

[danwolf]

I’ve got a new Tikka 300 WSM, have Sportsmatch T084 rings on the way and a Omega 36m for it. I’m leaning on the Leica 3-18x44 for a few reasons. Not wanting anything too big objective wise as I do get the chance to hunt with horses so it needs to fit a scabbard easily.

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[Kyle Avey]

Nightforce ATACR 4-16 might be a good option.

 

[danwolf]

Nightforce ATACR 4-16 might be a good option.

Now that you mentioned Nightforce ATACR 4-16, you've sparked my interest in nightforce. ATARC is a bit higher than I'd like to spend. What about the NX8 in 2.5-20 or 4-32? Or a NXS 3.5-15? I've only used SFP optics and I think a F1 would be a little to thin for me as I do like to still stalk dark timber here and there.

 

[SDHNTR]

The ATACR is an amazing scope, but it’s a big unit! It has a 34 mm tube, so it may be physically bigger than what you were looking for. I’d sell every scope I owned if they made ATACR glass in a 30 mm tube. So until then I stick with the NXS. The 3 to 15 X50 is my hunting scope of choice. It’s not perfect, but it works well enough in most any circumstance you might face in the field, and it is dead nuts reliable. Personally, I was not as much of a fan of the 2.5-20 NX8. The eye box is really finicky and hard to get behind, at least for me. Maybe the 4-32 is better, But to me 30X is too much mag for an SFP hunting scope. Fov is just too tight.

I have no experience with the Leica you mentioned. Leica makes excellent glass of course, but I just haven’t seen enough reports for testing to their durability to give me the confidence I need to make a purchase. They could be bombproof, I just don’t know. Whereas, I know the nightforce is certainly up to the task.

Since you indicated you will be hunting off horseback, durability/reliability would be my number one criteria. In that case, rather than going down in endless rabbit hole, I’d find the nightforce with the specs you like best and go for it. You won’t be sorry and you won’t waste unnecessary time researching other options.

 

[danwolf]

The ATACR is an amazing scope, but it’s a big unit! It has a 34 mm tube, so it may be physically bigger than what you were looking for. I’d sell every scope I owned if they made ATACR glass in a 30 mm tube. So until then I stick with the NXS. The 3 to 15 X50 is my hunting scope of choice. It’s not perfect, but it works well enough in most any circumstance you might face in the field, and it is dead nuts reliable. Personally, I was not as much of a fan of the 2.5-20 NX8. The eye box is really finicky and hard to get behind, at least for me. Maybe the 4-32 is better, But to me 30X is too much mag for an SFP hunting scope. Fov is just too tight.

I have no experience with the Leica you mentioned. Leica makes excellent glass of course, but I just haven’t seen enough reports for testing to their durability to give me the confidence I need to make a purchase. They could be bombproof, I just don’t know. Whereas, I know the nightforce is certainly up to the task.

Since you indicated you will be hunting off horseback, durability/reliability would be my number one criteria. In that case, rather than going down in endless rabbit hole, I’d find the nightforce with the specs you like best and go for it. You won’t be sorry and you won’t waste unnecessary time researching other options.

Thanks for the feedback.

I see the NXS has 3.9" eye relief vs 3.5" with the NX8, maybe why the eyebox is a bit tight. I just cant see getting a 34 mil tube, I already have 30 mil rings for the rifle assuming most options I'd get would be 30 mil tube.

I am leaning on that 3.5-15x50 NXS right now, next week when I get time to go to town hopefully they have a few in stock to look at.

 

[Kyle Avey]

I own an NX8 2.5-20 F1. It does have a tight eye box but I can deal with it. If you want SFP I’d go with the NXS 3.5-15 if not the ATACR 4-16.

 

[RussDXT]

I run all ffp Nightforce scopes and turn illumination on when in dark timber.

 

[SpringM1A]

I have a Tikka 300WSM in S/SS and have a Burris FFII on it.

The scope has done everything I could ask.

The rifle does have some, um, recoil.

So far, the factory rings have done their job.

Get an SVL Limbsaver recoil pad.

Or shoulder surgery.

The rifle shoots good with factory ammo.

Shoots great with Barnes TSX 180gr and IMR 4831.

 

[danwolf]

I have a Tikka 300WSM in S/SS and have a Burris FFII on it.

The scope has done everything I could ask.

The rifle does have some, um, recoil.

So far, the factory rings have done their job.

Get an SVL Limbsaver recoil pad.

Or shoulder surgery.

The rifle shoots good with factory ammo.

Shoots great with Barnes TSX 180gr and IMR 4831.

Yeah, I have the suppressor which will tame recoil and a Limbsaver recoil pad for it. I ran a 7mm rem mag a long while no brake and it liked to bark. Right now I have Barnes 180 grain TTSX, I read the the TSX might do better but the TTSX I found at a LGS. I’m going to try those with H4350 and I do have H4831SC as well.


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[Zcmathews91]

Im running a VX5-HD 3-15-44 on my Tikka and it performs awesome.

 

[WaypointNC]

If you don’t mind me asking, which version of the Tikka is that? I’ve been looking for something similar. Did it come threaded? Thanks!

 

[danwolf]

If you don’t mind me asking, which version of the Tikka is that? I’ve been looking for something similar. Did it come threaded? Thanks!

It’s a Bass Pro D-18 or a Tikka T3 Veil and yes it’s factory threaded 5/8x24. Cerekoted and fluted bolt from factory.


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[PredatorSlayer]

Trijicon tenmile is another good option.

 

[WaypointNC]

It’s a Bass Pro D-18 or a Tikka T3 Veil and yes it’s factory threaded 5/8x24. Cerekoted and fluted bolt from factory.


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Thanks for the reply. I’m going to look into one. I’ve like the Tikka’s but it seems like most of the models lack the threaded barrel from the factory.

 

[danwolf]

Thanks for the reply. I’m going to look into one. I’ve like the Tikka’s but it seems like most of the models lack the threaded barrel from the factory.

Oh I totally agree, they have been lacking on the threaded models. Glad a few came out that are threaded now, I'm getting my Sako 308 threaded right now, now this rifle to all run with my suppressor . Much more pleasant at the range. I'm not seeing 300 WSM in stock anymore, I was able to order it through the website to the store of my choice. I had a stack of Bass Pro Shop gift cards from over the years, was able to use them all at once to help pay, thanks mom.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/tikka-t3x-lite-d-18-bolt-action-rifle-with-vsx-stock

If you prefer stainless T3x Ember is pretty cool

Tikka T3x Ember Rifles - EuroOptic

Tikka T3x Ember Rifles are available at EuroOptic!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[nobody]

Read through these threads, it'll narrow things down for you fast:

https://www.rokslide.com/forums/forums/rifle-scope-field-evaluations.133/

Nightforce
Trijicon
SWFA

 

[danwolf]

Read through these threads, it'll narrow things down for you fast:

https://www.rokslide.com/forums/forums/rifle-scope-field-evaluations.133/

Nightforce
Trijicon
SWFA

Yeah, I've been reading through these since Nightforce was mentioned earlier. I'm going to look at the models I like first at a store next week. I'd consider FFP, but I'd like to get my hands on a FFP optic as I don't any, just an old 2nd focal Zeiss and SFWA fixed right now.

 

[Lou400a]

I’ve mounted Vortex LHT 4.5-22 on my Fierce Fury 21” 300 WSM (Sako 85 copy), but I’ve just swapped it with AMG 6-24. It’s a little more scope than I wanted, but a good compromise in weight and features