Tikka vs Seekins

[thinhorn_AK]

Just get the Seekins Chassis for your Tikka. Accuracy will be negligible between good examples of both. I prefer the Trigger Tech triggers they put in Seekins over the factory Tikka trigger.

I do think the Tikka will be more reliable from the perspective of cycling in the field when its dirty or cold, etc... The Seekins feels like crap unless you use a good amount of grease on the bolt, which is just going to attract dirt or get gummy after a while.

To me the Seekins feels more like a race car and the Tikka feels like a old reliable Tacoma.

I hate chassis/AR pistol grip bolt guns. But to each their own.

my seekins was more like one of those crappy early 2000s v6 mustangs. They say mustang, they sort of look like one, but it's the budget version. On paper my seekins seemed amazing, in person thought it was very sub par. Race car is not a term Id use to describe it, but the tikka/tacoma comparison is very valid.

 

[jesco88]

my seeking was more like one of those crappy early 2000s v6 mustangs. They say mustang, they sort of look like one, but it's the budget version. On paper my seeking seemed amazing, in person thought it was very sub par. Race car is not a term Id use to describe it, but the tikka/tacoma comparison is very valid.

Fair enough- I have a 20" 6.5 PRC PH3 and quite like it. I am a little bitter that $1800 wasn't enough to provide 3 plastic LOP spacers. But I feel like the PH2 was very much in that v6 mustang category- the stock was on par with a Ruger American just based on the feel and texture alone. But as a Tikka fan, I can't really criticize too much in that category. The new PH3 stock is pretty heavy but that's what you get when you have full MLOK on the forend and an overbuilt adjustable cheek piece. It realistically didn't need to be that robust and heavy, just a slight bump higher over bore would have been perfect for 90% of people.

The PH3 bolt lift is insanely light given its 3-lug nature and short throw. Whatever they did to engineer that is quite well done. Pair that with the weight and the full MLOK on the bottom and leads me to believe that the PH3 was really intended for tripod use (Although why not just build in full ARCA at that point?) like what else would you need full length MLOK for? This makes me think they are just making more of a gamer gun here offered in bigger cartridges. Hence the race care reference.

My biggest gripe with the PH3 is the weight from the adjustable cheek riser and the DBM. Mine came with an Amend 2 Magazine and that sucker is sloppy in the magwell. It functions and feeds seemingly well enough. I can't say that it rattles either. But again- The Tikka is just so well executed for a light weight DBM... Seekins could improve here.

The way I did the math to make my 20" 6.5PRC PH3 purchase make sense... (since Tikka doesn't make a 20" 6.5 PRC)
Tikka lite 6.5PRC either stainless or blued with 22" or 24" barrel: $750-$900
Trigger $250? (probably not really necessary for most folks)
Stock $600-$1000
Cut to 20" and thread to 1/2x28 $140

$1800 give or take for an equivalent (albeit much lighter build) for the Tikka.

With the Seekins you don't have to wait for products to come available or gunsmithing or dealing with 1/2x28" adapters, it's just done. Pick up the same day and go shoot it. And if anything is not perfect, you can send it in. After dealing with Bergara, I put CS from the manu much higher than just about anything else. Same goes with my gunsmith, he's expensive compared to others, but the guy knows his shit and doesn't dick me around.

 

[MTHunt’r]

Fair enough- I have a 20" 6.5 PRC PH3 and quite like it. I am a little bitter that $1800 wasn't enough to provide 3 plastic LOP spacers. But I feel like the PH2 was very much in that v6 mustang category- the stock was on par with a Ruger American just based on the feel and texture alone. But as a Tikka fan, I can't really criticize too much in that category. The new PH3 stock is pretty heavy but that's what you get when you have full MLOK on the forend and an overbuilt adjustable cheek piece. It realistically didn't need to be that robust and heavy, just a slight bump higher over bore would have been perfect for 90% of people.

The PH3 bolt lift is insanely light given its 3-lug nature and short throw. Whatever they did to engineer that is quite well done. Pair that with the weight and the full MLOK on the bottom and leads me to believe that the PH3 was really intended for tripod use (Although why not just build in full ARCA at that point?) like what else would you need full length MLOK for? This makes me think they are just making more of a gamer gun here offered in bigger cartridges. Hence the race care reference.

My biggest gripe with the PH3 is the weight from the adjustable cheek riser and the DBM. Mine came with an Amend 2 Magazine and that sucker is sloppy in the magwell. It functions and feeds seemingly well enough. I can't say that it rattles either. But again- The Tikka is just so well executed for a light weight DBM... Seekins could improve here.

The way I did the math to make my 20" 6.5PRC PH3 purchase make sense... (since Tikka doesn't make a 20" 6.5 PRC)
Tikka lite 6.5PRC either stainless or blued with 22" or 24" barrel: $750-$900
Trigger $250? (probably not really necessary for most folks)
Stock $600-$1000
Cut to 20" and thread to 1/2x28 $140

$1800 give or take for an equivalent (albeit much lighter build) for the Tikka.

With the Seekins you don't have to wait for products to come available or gunsmithing or dealing with 1/2x28" adapters, it's just done. Pick up the same day and go shoot it. And if anything is not perfect, you can send it in. After dealing with Bergara, I put CS from the manu much higher than just about anything else. Same goes with my gunsmith, he's expensive compared to others, but the guy knows his shit and doesn't dick me around.

Is your ph3 primarily a range gun,or do you carry it in the backcountry too? If the latter, any idea what your build out weight is?


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[thinhorn_AK]

Fair enough- I have a 20" 6.5 PRC PH3 and quite like it. I am a little bitter that $1800 wasn't enough to provide 3 plastic LOP spacers. But I feel like the PH2 was very much in that v6 mustang category- the stock was on par with a Ruger American just based on the feel and texture alone. But as a Tikka fan, I can't really criticize too much in that category. The new PH3 stock is pretty heavy but that's what you get when you have full MLOK on the forend and an overbuilt adjustable cheek piece. It realistically didn't need to be that robust and heavy, just a slight bump higher over bore would have been perfect for 90% of people.

The PH3 bolt lift is insanely light given its 3-lug nature and short throw. Whatever they did to engineer that is quite well done. Pair that with the weight and the full MLOK on the bottom and leads me to believe that the PH3 was really intended for tripod use (Although why not just build in full ARCA at that point?) like what else would you need full length MLOK for? This makes me think they are just making more of a gamer gun here offered in bigger cartridges. Hence the race care reference.

My biggest gripe with the PH3 is the weight from the adjustable cheek riser and the DBM. Mine came with an Amend 2 Magazine and that sucker is sloppy in the magwell. It functions and feeds seemingly well enough. I can't say that it rattles either. But again- The Tikka is just so well executed for a light weight DBM... Seekins could improve here.

The way I did the math to make my 20" 6.5PRC PH3 purchase make sense... (since Tikka doesn't make a 20" 6.5 PRC)
Tikka lite 6.5PRC either stainless or blued with 22" or 24" barrel: $750-$900
Trigger $250? (probably not really necessary for most folks)
Stock $600-$1000
Cut to 20" and thread to 1/2x28 $140

$1800 give or take for an equivalent (albeit much lighter build) for the Tikka.

With the Seekins you don't have to wait for products to come available or gunsmithing or dealing with 1/2x28" adapters, it's just done. Pick up the same day and go shoot it. And if anything is not perfect, you can send it in. After dealing with Bergara, I put CS from the manu much higher than just about anything else. Same goes with my gunsmith, he's expensive compared to others, but the guy knows his shit and doesn't dick me around.

I personally think the tikka trigger is better than a trigger tech. From a reliability standpoint its not even an opinion but for feel, I think the tikka is as good as any of the 4 trigger techs I've had.

 

[NastyN8]

To me the Seekins feels more like a race car and the Tikka feels like a old reliable Tacoma.

Pretty spot on. That's why I like both, but the Seekins is what I grab pretty much most hunts these days.

 

[wind gypsy]

But I feel like the PH2 was very much in that v6 mustang category- the stock was on par with a Ruger American just based on the feel and texture alone.

Dude. Not even close. One stock is stiff with ergos designed for shooting. One is flexible tupperware made for carrying.

on the light bolt lift thing.. it sure seems like the engineering on that = compromise in ignition reliability with all the light primer strike reports.

 

[jesco88]

Is your ph3 primarily a range gun,or do you carry it in the backcountry too? If the latter, any idea what your build out weight is?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10lbs 5.6oz
Tenmile 3-18x44 w/included caps
Warne MountainTech 30mm low rings
Dead Air Nomad Ti XC

This is how I have mine setup. I typically only hunt 2-3 nights in the mountains. I just received this scope and finished load dev, but I will be taking it this year. I don't mind the weight. But I have a 22" T3X in 6.5CM that is just under 8.5lbs with a SWFA 3-9 and use the same can on it. I have a Stocky's VG Hunter carbon stock on order to try and shave a little more off. That'll be the gun I'd rather take if I know I'm going into steeper terrain or for longer trips.

I personally think the tikka trigger is better than a trigger tech. From a reliability standpoint its not even an opinion but for feel, I think the tikka is as good as any of the 4 trigger techs I've had.

To each their own. But from a reliablity perspective, I've never had an issue with a Trigger Tech Trigger or any trigger for that matter. My main gun I shoot a lot with is a Springfield Waypoint 2020 in 308 and it also has a TriggerTech on it. (which is probably why I prefer the TriggerTech over the factory Tikka). I've easily put 4000 rounds without issue through that rifle so far. Prior to that I shot a factory Remington 700 SPS Tactical in 308 as well, and that sucker had 3x as many rounds through it, I upgraded the trigger back in 2015 to a Timney. And finally sold it to a friend for a new build for him. I also hunt with my 308 Waypoint in Missouri for late season whitetail. Tikka triggers are a bit heavy for my preference.

 

[MTHunt’r]

10lbs 5.6oz
Tenmile 3-18x44 w/included caps
Warne MountainTech 30mm low rings
Dead Air Nomad Ti XC
View attachment 1049862
This is how I have mine setup. I typically only hunt 2-3 nights in the mountains. I just received this scope and finished load dev, but I will be taking it this year. I don't mind the weight. But I have a 22" T3X in 6.5CM that is just under 8.5lbs with a SWFA 3-9 and use the same can on it. I have a Stocky's VG Hunter carbon stock on order to try and shave a little more off. That'll be the gun I'd rather take if I know I'm going to going into steeper terrain for more nights.



To each their own. But from a reliablity perspective, I've never had an issue with a Trigger Tech Trigger or any trigger for that matter. My main gun I shoot a lot with is a Springfield Waypoint 2020 in 308 and it also has a TriggerTech on it. (which is probably why I prefer the TriggerTech over the factory Tikka). I've easily put 4000 rounds without issue through that rifle so far. Prior to that I shot a factory Remington 700 SPS Tactical in 308 as well, and that sucker had 3x as many rounds through it, I upgraded the trigger back in 2015 to a Timney. And finally sold it to a friend for a new build for him. I also hunt with my 308 Waypoint in Missouri for late season whitetail. Tikka triggers are a bit heavy for my preference.

Great details, thanks for sharing. I typically hunt similarly and have lighter setups I can use, but I’ve been strongly considering a very similar setup to your’s only different glass and in 7prc. Appreciate the info greatly.


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[jesco88]

Dude. Not even close. One stock is stiff with ergos designed for shooting. One is flexible tupperware made for carrying.

on the light bolt lift thing.. it sure seems like the engineering on that = compromise in ignition reliability with all the light primer strike reports.

From what I recall the light strike stuff was easily remedied by Seekins changing out a spring.
As far as the PH2 vs Ruger American, obviously exaggerating a bit here. But I really didnt like the texture and feel of it. I'm glad they've revised the stock on the PH3, just wish they'd offer a non-adjustable cheek riser and ditch the full MLOK and just do a flush mount ARCA and a small MLOK up front for those of us weirdos that still like to use a Harris for prone shooting.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

10lbs 5.6oz
Tenmile 3-18x44 w/included caps
Warne MountainTech 30mm low rings
Dead Air Nomad Ti XC
View attachment 1049862
This is how I have mine setup. I typically only hunt 2-3 nights in the mountains. I just received this scope and finished load dev, but I will be taking it this year. I don't mind the weight. But I have a 22" T3X in 6.5CM that is just under 8.5lbs with a SWFA 3-9 and use the same can on it. I have a Stocky's VG Hunter carbon stock on order to try and shave a little more off. That'll be the gun I'd rather take if I know I'm going to going into steeper terrain for more nights.



To each their own. But from a reliablity perspective, I've never had an issue with a Trigger Tech Trigger or any trigger for that matter. My main gun I shoot a lot with is a Springfield Waypoint 2020 in 308 and it also has a TriggerTech on it. (which is probably why I prefer the TriggerTech over the factory Tikka). I've easily put 4000 rounds without issue through that rifle so far. Prior to that I shot a factory Remington 700 SPS Tactical in 308 as well, and that sucker had 3x as many rounds through it, I upgraded the trigger back in 2015 to a Timney. And finally sold it to a friend for a new build for him. I also hunt with my 308 Waypoint in Missouri for late season whitetail. Tikka triggers are a bit heavy for my preference.

Tikka triggers are adjustable though and there are spring options as well if you wanted to go that route. the trigger tech trigger in a seekins is just a r700 trigger that's been done up nicely, still susceptible to failure and jamming in ice, snow etc.

Not trying to argue or say your opinion isn't valid.

 

[jesco88]

Tikka triggers are adjustable though and there are spring options as well if you wanted to go that route. the trigger tech trigger in a seekins is just a r700 trigger that's been done up nicely, still susceptible to failure and jamming in ice, snow etc.

Not trying to argue or say your opinion isn't valid.

Fair, I'm just saying in my experience over thousands of rounds and many years... I've never had an issue with really any trigger. If someone has an issue with their trigger, I will take note of it, but I'm not selling a gun or swapping triggers because of it. If it becomes an issue for me, then I'll address it. Also, there's more to a trigger besides the pull weight. Certain triggers feel differently. The tikka and the triggertech feel different. So if I do most of my shooting behind a 308 Rem700 clone, it just makes sense to use another 700 trigger for my go-to longer range focused rifle. Everyone has issues with the p320 triggers and I've carried one for the last 3 years during winter time due to the generous trigger guard for my big hands with gloves on it. I've tried all the tricks to see if I can get my p320 to do a "uncommanded discharge"... and I can't replicate the issues. If my rifle get buried in the snow, my first priority at that point is to get somewhere and get all the snow and moisture out of it. I did the same thing in the Marines when there was sand or mud etc... I don't see how Elk hunting would be any different... besides the fact that Elk aren't trying to kill me.

I think the majority of people here aren't in the backcountry for weeks or months at a time, where their lives depend on their gun working at any moment. There's nothing wrong with wanting a reliable rifle, but the reality is that you have time to fix issues when they come up. The number of .270 Savage Axis rifles dropping critters in the mountains far outweigh the number of Tikkas.

 

[theguyfrommontana]

I think I'll agree with most of the comments on here. Cost comparison is what I think it boils down to. For the amount you'd spend on the Seekins, you could've spent the same putting nicer furniture or glass on the Tikka or maybe even looking into ammo development for it. id rather have a $700 rifle that is reliable and repeatable than spend $2000 or more on something I'm taking a chance on that may be no better than my $700 rifle. But ultimately there's so much more that goes into that choice like stock, trigger, action feel, personal preferences, cartridge choice, customer service, and customizability just to name a few

 

[dreamingWest]

I didn't really know about Seekins before I bought my last rifle. But I ended up at $720 for a 20" threaded stainless T3X 6.5 PRC (EuroOptic + Beretta Rebate + Gunsmith). So after RokStok I'll be $1,265. And I like the factory Tikka trigger better than the Trigger Tech I had in the past.