Why I won’t buy a Tikka

Antares

WKR
Joined
Jan 13, 2021
Messages
2,028
Location
Alaska
Question on empty chamber and uncocked. Do you guys just close the bolt on an empty chamber and pull the trigger? Never thought much about this as I just carry the rifle with empty chamber until it’s time to rack one in.

I carry empty chamber and cocked with the safety on because I like the bolt being locked shut and you can’t put the safety on on a Tikka unless it’s cocked.
 

Bowfinn

FNG
Joined
Jan 6, 2019
Messages
45
Location
Anchorage, Alaska
I carry empty chamber and cocked with the safety on because I like the bolt being locked shut and you can’t put the safety on on a Tikka unless it’s cocked.
It seems counterintuitive but, I’ve had the bolt get opened with the safety on more frequently than with the hammer uncocked on an empty chamber.
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2024
Messages
5
I guess everybody's already out of popcorn but:

- Tikkas have the best feeling bolt there is, bar none. Keeping a two lug design for slick cocking, but limiting the required rotation to 70 degrees is genius

- The mini Howas and Remington Model 7's are cute, but the action size is a moot point when Tikkas are among the lightest factory options, in addition to having the easiest and quickest running bolt, save for the better of the straight pulls.

- Carry the Tikka cocked and locked when out stalking. Three position safeties are lame because they're either loud or slow. Safeties should lock the bolt shut. Lawyer-safeties without this feature are inferior.
 

Dave0317

WKR
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
356
Location
North MS
It seems counterintuitive but, I’ve had the bolt get opened with the safety on more frequently than with the hammer uncocked on an empty chamber.
On a Tikka?
On a Remington or similar, I’m sure that’s true. The bolt doesn’t lock whether the safety is on or off.
On a Tikka, the safety locks the bolt. If it doesn’t, something has broken.

The tikka style or a three position are both better than the Remington system. However, plenty of Remingtons have been carried in far worse and more chaotic conditions than what hunters use them for, and that’s not been one of the top issues or complaints I’ve seen.
 

Bowfinn

FNG
Joined
Jan 6, 2019
Messages
45
Location
Anchorage, Alaska
On a Tikka?
On a Remington or similar, I’m sure that’s true. The bolt doesn’t lock whether the safety is on or off.
On a Tikka, the safety locks the bolt. If it doesn’t, something has broken.

The tikka style or a three position are both better than the Remington system. However, plenty of Remingtons have been carried in far worse and more chaotic conditions than what hunters use them for, and that’s not been one of the top issues or complaints I’ve seen.
Yes, on a tikka and my safety is functioning as it should. The brush has took it off safety multiple times last year and then opening the bolt is relatively easy. My guess is that the sustained pressure that is needed to cock the bolt is less likely to happen than getting a stick caught in the safety and moving it. I’ve heard my bolt close several times this year while going through brush but haven’t had it fully open…yet.
 

bnewt3

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 5, 2023
Messages
132
Location
WNC
Well thats a weird thing to make non-negotiable. But hey, its your money, spend it how you want. If you want to die on that hill then you enjoy it. Meanwhile all the Tikkas in the world are operating near flawlessly with that "sloppy", greased butter slick bolt.
 
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