Tell me to shut up and buy the Tikka

[Jrkotz]

I've got 2 days to 'pull the trigger' on a T3X to get in on the rebate.

I'm wanting a 223 trainer, I'm looking at the T3X lite 16" threaded (pointed out to me it is not threaded, I have a local smith that can thread it) 8 twist 223. This would be my first Tikka.

I'm having serious mental anguish over the fact that it's a long action with a full long action bolt pull. I know it may seem silly, but I'm the guy that tries to get that extra .010 BC or 25 fps, or drop that extra 2 oz. I like efficiency, and have a high attention to detail.

Does this bother anyone else? Is this a complete non issue? I just struggle with having an extra 1.5" of action vs 1.5" of extra barrel for the same overall length.

The goal is to shoot a LOT more, and a good 223 trainer seems like the way to go. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[TheViking]

I just bought one, haven’t shot it yet, so I’m curious to hear all the options.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The factory 16" is threaded?

 

[Maverick1]

I've got 2 days to 'pull the trigger' on a T3X to get in on the rebate.

I'm wanting a 223 trainer, I'm looking at the T3X lite 16" threaded 8 twist 223. This would be my first Tikka.

I'm having serious mental anguish over the fact that it's a long action with a full long action bolt pull. I know it may seem silly, but I'm the guy that tries to get that extra .010 BC or 25 fps, or drop that extra 2 oz. I like efficiency, and have a high attention to detail.

Does this bother anyone else? Is this a complete non issue? I just struggle with having an extra 1.5" of action vs 1.5" of extra barrel for the same overall length.

The goal is to shoot a LOT more, and a good 223 trainer seems like the way to go. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Shut up and buy the Tikka.

 

[False_Cast]

Anything else even in the ballpark of the T3x price range carries far more significant compromises compared to the theoretical “compromises” you described above. Think barrels, triggers, optic mounting options, magazines, etc. I.e. the important things. I, and many others who shoot Tikkas and shot other rifles before them, await being proven wrong. It’s not emotional, just reality. They’re not recommended for no reason, despite the haters, of which there are and always will be many.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Does this bother anyone else? Is this a complete non issue? I just struggle with having an extra 1.5" of action vs 1.5" of extra barrel for the same overall length.

It doesn't bother me or anyone else that I know that shoots Tikkas.

The bolt throw isn't long action. The 223 comes with a SA bolt stop. As far as having the longer action it really doesn't matter at all.

The only people that I know complain about it are more concerned with how things look than they are with how they actually work.

 

[TheViking]

Anything else even in the ballpark of the T3x price range carries far more significant compromises compared to the theoretical “compromises” you described above. Think barrels, triggers, optic mounting options, magazines, etc. I.e. the important things. I, and many others who shoot Tikkas and shot other rifles before them, await being proven wrong. It’s not emotional, just reality. They’re not recommended for no reason, despite the haters, of which there are and always will be many.

Hard to argue with this. Love my Tikkas.

 

[Southern Lights]

I have never noticed the longer bolt throw. In fact, I never even thought about it until I read this.

All I know is the rifle always works, is always accurate and never causes any drama.

 

[LeftyWilbury]

callate y compra la tikka

in case the earlier response in english wasn't enough

at least the "long" bolt pull is smooth. i guess i haven't cared enough. i pull trigger, manipulate bolt, prepare to pull trigger again pending results of previous trigger pull.

and think of all the savings from having a 70 degree bolt throw instead of 90!

and you're buying this as a trainer. train away!

 

[5811]

If you're just wanting it for a trainer, wouldn't you want to train on a full bolt run when you rack?

 

[bnsafe]

I had the same issues before I bought my 308. Hated it wasnt a true SA. But, I wouldnt know the difference now and could care less. I get being OCD, I am to, but its a non issue

 

[BCD]

The lack of a true SA is a major consideration for me and one of the reasons I won’t own a Tikka. That’s probably a bit silly but it’s true. I’m pretty OCD about certain things as well.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I have 4, they have shot just as good if not better than, my cooper arms, my CA ridgeline, my x-bolts

 

[Schmo]

Shut up & buy the Tikka!!!


Seriously, I recently got a Tikka 223 set up and it is sweet! It’s a great shooter with the factory barrel. Yes, the action is a LA, but that’s also the beauty of it. If you need it to be a different cartridge, it’s easy to make it so!

 

[Tahoe1305]

Snag one. Outside of mini actions tough to find a lighter LA/SA combo when you consider the solid bottom “metal” that comes with it and fact it by far the lightest on market…and it’s pretty good too.

The modularity of tikka is pretty sweet.

 

[SamsonMan22]

I like the long action, people look at it and think it’s a “big gun” and then I don’t have to listen to them tell me a 223 is too small and under powered to hunt with.

In all seriousness the tikka T3x in 223 is one sweet setup to shoot, you won’t regret it.

 

[Gravel Road]

Like others have said, it's a non-issue. Besides, a 223 will have a medium bolt throw not a long one. I've never noticed the difference, but I run a bolt pretty hard.
Besides, having a long action means you can swap barrels and bolt stop and move to a long action cartridge in the same gun.
The only thing that pisses me off about the action is it having a stupid short mag length in 223!

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I've got 2 days to 'pull the trigger' on a T3X to get in on the rebate.

I'm wanting a 223 trainer, I'm looking at the T3X lite 16" threaded 8 twist 223. This would be my first Tikka.

I'm having serious mental anguish over the fact that it's a long action with a full long action bolt pull. I know it may seem silly, but I'm the guy that tries to get that extra .010 BC or 25 fps, or drop that extra 2 oz. I like efficiency, and have a high attention to detail.

Does this bother anyone else? Is this a complete non issue? I just struggle with having an extra 1.5" of action vs 1.5" of extra barrel for the same overall length.

The goal is to shoot a LOT more, and a good 223 trainer seems like the way to go. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

If your other guns are tikkas you ignore the fact you’re always working the same fundamentals.

I have numerous tikkas…

 

[Jrkotz]

It doesn't bother me or anyone else that I know that shoots Tikkas.

The bolt throw isn't long action. The 223 comes with a SA bolt stop. As far as having the longer action it really doesn't matter at all.

The only people that I know complain about it are more concerned with how things look than they are with how they actually work.

I handled a 223 at Cabelas today and thought it seemed to go the full length? It was busy and I only had a minute to take my turn fingering a rifle.

I saw this product -

Tikka Bolt Stop Adjustable

Upgrade your Tikka T3 or T3X with the Tikka Bolt Stop Adjustable. Precision-engineered from titanium, it offers 3 customizable bolt-action positions and supports extended COL for reloaders.

hvha.com.au

Seems like it might address the throw length concern. Has anyone used one?

I think I'm gonna send it! Thanks for the vote of confidence guys.

 

[Wyo_hntr]

Non-issue. Just buy it and shoot it.