I wouldn’t call myself a diehard Tikka guy but have owned many different rifles over the years. So Tikka fan boy stuff aside I’ve owned or still own
Accuracy International (AT/AXMC), stiller (R700), GAP (R700), Tikka (T3X Alpine Veil/T1X/CTR), Bergara B14R, Ruger American and a pile of savage and a few Rem 700 factory rifles.
For a factory rifle the Tikka CTR comes with one of the best single stage triggers from the box. My Alpine Veil is excellent, the CTR is set at 1.5 lbs and excellent and the T1X drops to 15 oz from the factory. Literally putting it on par with many aftermarket opinions
The CTR mags are 10 round double stack. Similar to the AW (Accuracy International) mags. Mine feeds smooth but the mags are expensive. For your use though I don’t think it would be an issue. The bolt is excellent compared to the other factory options. Very smooth and the bolt throw (I think 70°) is hands down my preference compared to 90° on the R700 platforms
The CTR comes with a flimsy stock. It works but especially flexible if you’re hooking a bipod to it. It does however have a cheek rest, a grip which is more verticals but can be replaced with a more traditional if desired. Also has a wider forend you can add if desired. For a hunting gun and especially for your use the factory stock I’m sure will serve you fine
The Ruger I suggested above is a great gun for a beat around, only to be used for hunting, not really planning to shoot a lot of steel and not planning to expand on in the future
If you want to expand or think you might the ctr hands down gives you a better platform to build on. But can be left in or swapped back to a semi lightweight platform for hunting if needed.
I would put my Tikka ctr closer to being on par with a Sako or AI rifle vs a basic factory rifle like my Bergara or R700 platforms. I put mine in a tier above any of the Savage/R700/Ruger/Bergara that I’ve owned. But if money isn’t an option then AI takes the win over the Tikka.
I refer to my Tikka as a poor man’s Sako TRG. A sterk bolt knob is my only upgrade left. Below is a factory ctr 308 20” dropped in a krg bravo. It’s not “light” but lighter than you’d expect
If I was hunting, walking a lot, needed compact and only shooting for pie plate accuracy inside 300 yards then I’d grab a Ruger Predator or my Tikka T3X veil alpine before this. But for everything else with a bit of hunting mixed in, the Tikka is a different animal compared to a predator
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