School Me On Tikka

[JGRaider]

I started shooting Tikkas over 22 years ago, starting with a 695 7Mag. I have aT3 in 7-08, T3X in 6.5CM and 260, and a CTR in 6.5CM. They are all stock with the exception of adding a Limbsaver to the T3's. I've hunted my 695 in Africa 5 times, Sonora MX twice, and many States. I don't buy rifles to look at and "oogle" over. They are tools, and the Tikkas are superb at that task.

 

[Nateskate11]

Still have a Tikka T3X on my next build list. Tikka actions are just so nice.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Action, barrel, and trigger performance/reliability is unmatched in a mass produced bolt action rifle today. Sakos have been lights out for decades and their Tikkas are proving the same.

All the upgrades are for personal preference, fitment, and replacing plastic parts with metal variants.

 

[HaydenLane]

Since then I’ve appreciated that I can buy a $10 spring and have a trigger that is 95% of a Timney, the action/ safety is simple ( just fire or safe -and many like the bolt lock on safe).

A Tikka trigger with the factory spring adjusted all the way down (~2#) is better than any sub $200 Timney or TT, imo.

 

[SWWI Shooter]

A Tikka trigger with the factory spring adjusted all the way down (~2#) is better than any sub $200 Timney or TT, imo.

I agree, but I didn't want to be the one to open that argument so hedged my comment

 

[shadowfox032]

My first bolt action rifle was a Tikka after doing a lot of research. In my opinion, they are the best bang for the buck with performance out of the box. I don't feel like they have as much aftermarket as say the R700 platform, but will perform way better without modifications.

 

[magshooter1]

Nothing but good things to say about the TIkka's I own. M695 in .25-06, T3 SS in 6.5x55 (scary accurate), T3 Hunter .308 rebored to .358 and a BNIB T3 compact .243 that awaits my first GC.

 

[SWWI Shooter]

I don't feel like they have as much aftermarket as say the R700 platform, but will perform way better without modifications.

Not as much but gaining fast! I suspect that you would currently be hard pressed to find a product (that wasn't 700 specific) offered for the 700 platform that isn't also offered for Tikka.

 

[shadowfox032]

Not as much but gaining fast! I suspect that you would currently be hard pressed to find a product (that wasn't 700 specific) offered for the 700 platform that isn't also offered for Tikka.

Yeah, that is true. Only thing I see that is lacking is aftermarket triggers. I personally am a fan of flat faced triggers, but the market doesn't really offer one.

I know KRG makes one, but they say it might not work on other chassis.

 

[SWWI Shooter]

Yeah, that is true. Only thing I see that is lacking is aftermarket triggers. I personally am a fan of flat faced triggers, but the market doesn't really offer one.

I know KRG makes one, but they say it might not work on other chassis.

I had one and I don’t see any reason that it couldn’t be made to work on other stocks. I don’t remember which stock I had it on as I’ve had a few, but possibly just a bit of modification (opening up) behind the trigger.

 

[sdupontjr]

I agree, but I didn't want to be the one to open that argument so hedged my comment

I agree, but I didn't want to be the one to open that argument so hedged my comment

Same here. Had a jewel trigger on a Rem 700 and there is no way that $200+ Jewel is better than the $9 Elay Precision trigger spring that I installed in both my Tikka 308 and 7mm rem mag. Can't make me believe that its a $200+ upgrade.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I have several quality rifles of different calibers in my safe but seem to always grab the Tikka T3 SL in 7 RM when I’m headed to the stand. The rifle is stock except for a Limb Saver butt pad. It wears a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14 x 40 in a DNZ mount. The rifle and ammunition combination shoots sub MOA. I guess I could play around with all the different upgrades but WHY? Everything I’ve shot with it was DRT! BTW I shoot Barnes Vor-tx 160 grain TSX.

 

[aorams]

A tikka t3 was my first rifle. I liked it a lot and killed a couple of elk with it but I’m someone who probably over values high quality fit and finish. I priced out the upgrades and it turned out I was money ahead to sell it and buy a Sako Finnlight instead. I was very pleased with the upgrade. If I could go back in time I would have just bought the finnlight although I think the new finnlights are much more expensive than the old ones

 

[Cascadewanderer]

I’ve got a T3x in 308 that never shot great out of the box. I’ve been slowly upgrading. Just found a LH Manners stock with AICS mag bottom metal. Going to rebarrel with 20 steel and thread for a can down the road.

 

[Antares]

I’ve got a T3x in 308 that never shot great out of the box. I’ve been slowly upgrading. Just found a LH Manners stock with AICS mag bottom metal. Going to rebarrel with 20 steel and thread for a can down the road.

I assume you're shooting factory loads. Which ones did you try? How bad is it shooting?

 

[Cascadewanderer]

It’s fine for hunting. Worked up some hand loads with sierra game kings 180gr and H4831 and fire formed brass.
Tried several Federal loads 150 and 180
Also Hornady Eldx
And Berger Tsx.
About best I get is 1.25” moa at 100 yds.
Have High Desert Bottom metal, action screws and recoil lug.

 

[HighUintas]

There is no need to modify the tikka only wants and desires to either modify aesthetics or enhance its capabilities……2003 versus 2021 only change is the stock like myself is heavily abused still shoots lights out 19 yrs later….this gun has seen alotttt of mountain time with zero failure

Did you ever switch out that aluminum recoil lug?

 

[Ross]

Did you ever switch out that aluminum recoil lug?

Never did not one to tinker on stuff and only change since I bought it in 2003 is a different leupold scope…

 

[J&A Outdoors]

Simple design, great triggers, readily available aftermarket components. Competitively priced, lightweight - home user friendly - just plain fun!

 

[robtattoo]

A Tikka trigger with the factory spring adjusted all the way down (~2#) is better than any sub $200 Timney or TT, imo.

Holy crap, I just installed an MT spring in mine & I was skeptical.
Good lord have mercy was i wrong to be. It's hands down the best trigger I've ever pulled. A tenner for a 1/4" long spring is ridiculous, but it's 100% the best upgrade you could make!