Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

[317millhand]

Whats the best rifle for the money, in regards for consisant accuracy? Should I get a Tikka T3 tactical or scout and get a new stock with a few goodies, or spring for a Sako TRG-22? Could I get a better package for 3 grand in a modified Tikka versus a stock Sako?

 

[sharac]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

If sako fits than be all means Sako. If however you don't want to compromise (Sako aint alpha and omega for you) the better value for money is Tikka (but get varmint so you don't have to swap barrel in the first step).

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

By the time you rebarrel, re stock, metal bolt shroud, etc. plus smith wait times, you'd be close on price. Lots of pros and cons with both. One of the pros about overhauling a Tikka is caliber selection.

 

[Jeeprider]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

If money isn't an issue get a TRG, just cause. I will say this you would be hard to find a difference between the Tikka and the Sako as far as accuracy goes. If you're budget minded go with a Tikka T3 Varmint. The only difference between the tactical and the varmint is the brake and the parkaraized finish. You won't see anymore accuracy from a tactical or scout verse a varmint. Get a Tikka Varmint replace Tikka's crappy stock (which all the models come with) and call it a day.

 

[Massoud]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

No matter how much money you put into a T3, it still won't have the 3 lug bolt, the nice TRG magazine, or the TRG trigger. (Well in theory you could actually put a TRG trigger on your T3)

However, there are some stocks available, including ours, that are more/easier adjustable than the TRG stock, and the T3 has a slightly bigger ejection port which is one of my few gripes with the TRG.

My biased suggestion is to get a T3 varmint and put it in our stock and put the savings into a good investment (I know, hard to find a good investment these days). If money is no object, get a TRG and trick it out.
Justin

 

[Mackay Sagebrush]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

I have both a TRG 22 and a .308 Tikka Varmint in one of those "crappy" stocks. Here is how the Tikka shoots with Gamekings:

I think I would shoot one for a while first before I would be inclined to toss the "crappy" stock.

That being said, I do think there is merit in the stock issue with the T3s when discussing heavier calibers such as 300 wins and 338s, but with .308s I have never experienced any issues with the standard composite stocks.

The problem is when people start parroting information with no personal experience it becomes "internet fact".

I have been running Tikka rifles for a number of years now and can tell you they are an excellent product. It is funny that now they are the cool kid on the block.

Back in 05 I was looked at like I was a nut job because I was running a T3 varmint in a state sniper shoot and mentioned what a solid gun it was. Guys were rolling their eyes and snickering that it was not a rem 700. That crappy little Tikka served up a lot of crow.

A few Tikkas from the basement:

 

[hgr2]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

TRG22, they are great right out of the box and you have it now. If you want something unique for your needs then the choices are endless.

 

[Jeeprider]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

Mackay I actually own a Tikka T3 myself and in my eyes the rifle is damn near perfect I just hate the stock. It's to light and flimsy for my taste, feels unbalanced with the 24" barrel. I also own an AI AE so yea I'm use to something with a little more weight. Different strokes for different folks. By the way great backdrop in the photo!

 

[supratt96]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

I've never owned a Tikka, but I do have TRG-22. I had it out today and was printing 5 shot groups in the .2s with no "tuning" or upgrades of any kind. This is how they shoot right out of the box. And, this was with nothing special reloads using Remington brass on it's 6th reload.

I'm not knocking Tikkas. From what I have heard and read, they are great rifles for the price. But, as mentioned earlier in the thread, if you can afford a TRG you won't be dissappointed. Besides, a good bit (if not all) of the price difference will be made up if you ever sell the TRG. They hold their value extremely well.

 

[diego-ted]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

Get the TRG cause I don't think you will find a 308 Varmint cause I bought the last new 308 Tikka Varmint in the USA!! I think. LOL You can get the scout if you don't care about barrel length. This is how my Tikka shoots 5 shot groups @ 100 yards.

Diego

 

[jbell]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

Having owned both I have to say you will not go wrong with eighter. However the Tikka will NEVER be a TRG. Just keep that in mind if you have ever had the chance to shoot the TRG.

 

[317millhand]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

My main goal is to print out teeny tiny little groups. I have always lusted after ar TRG22 and probably will not be satisfied until I have one. However, I hunt with a T3 hunter with the wood stock and am absolutely amazed with its accuracy. I started a thread on this a few weeks ago. My 270 T3 hunter will fire under .5 inch 5 shot groups, but after 5 shots the barrel warms up and groups start to open. Not really an issue for a hunting rifle, because all I need is the first shot. The lightweight of the rifle and amazing accuracy is a perfect pair. Im just now looking for something for the range that is dead accurate and not heat up so fast. Anyway, the accuracy of my hunting rifle has got me thinking that I may not need to spend so much on a paper punching gun.

 

[mosin46]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

from what i know diego is correct.thinik he got the last 308 varmit to be had.

 

[SScott]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

If you are even considering modifing a T3, you might as well save for a TRG. I ran into a guy at the range the other day with a T3 Tactical which was very nice, but after fondling my TRG he was ready to scrap his rifle and get a TRG. Remember, buy once cry once.
I just purchased my 2nd TRG, now I have a competition rifle in 7mm08 and one in .308 as my trainer. I got them both off of the classifieds "used" if you watch close you can pick up one for a good price.
Good luck and you won't regret it.
SScott

 

[Mackay Sagebrush]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

It is hard to go wrong either way. Like I said, owning both, I will give up neither.

I really appreciate the lighter weight of the T3 varmint when it comes to using the rifle for long range hunting.

The TRG though is in a class all by itself when it comes to precision rifles

 

[steve123]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 317millhand</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats the best rifle for the money, in regards for consisant accuracy? Should I get a Tikka T3 tactical or scout and get a new stock with a few goodies, or spring for a Sako TRG-22? Could I get a better package for 3 grand in a modified Tikka versus a stock Sako? </div></div>


If you got the coin,the TRG.

You might still need to buy a bunch more stuff like scope,rings,bipod,rear bag,ammo,extra mags,etc.That $3000 expenditure can turn into $5000-$6000 quicker than you think.

Then all of a sudden the T3 starts looking like a more viable option because you can build it up over time as $ allows.

Thinking back I wish I had charged a TRG on the CC.It would of been paid off years ago and fixed up like I want it.

 

[Stubb]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

I was in a similar boat to you a couple of months ago: Should I buy a high-end factory rifle or start with something more affordable and build it up over time? There's no one right answer. Pricing out the likely modifications I'd make to a Remington Milspec 5R over time landed me in TRG-22 territory, but I'd still have a gussied-up hunting rifle instead of a purpose-built target rifle. Parts availability for the different options may also be something worth considering.

You can read about the pros and cons of the Tikka action in this document.

—Andreas

 

[BrownpotDeaton]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

I have shot both. my room mate has a tikka T3 with very nice stock that i would suggest to anyone(some brand new one milled from aluminum, don't know the name, but basically a replica of a TRG stock). I have a Sako Trg 42. Both are great. Only slight differences in feel EXCEPT the trigger. mine is two stage and his is single stage, which i am not a big fan of. His can be adjusted lighter, mine can be adjusted in EVERY way. other than that, not a real difference.

Id say feel up both rifles. find how you'd set them up, then get quotes. I've found EuroOptics to be the best price on SAKO's thus far.

-EDIT: found the stock.
http://www.kineticresearchgroup.com/products/w3c.php

note-the gun shown in the picture in this link is virtually the exact same as my roommate's gun in every way.

-Jordan

 

[317millhand]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

thanks for the thoughts guys. Im putting a few things up for sale and will see where im at after that in terms of available cash. I know that sometimes Sako runs a promotion where you get the free bipod and brake, but it recently passed. Thats a pretty good value if they do it again.

 

[317millhand]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mackay Sagebrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both a TRG 22 and a .308 Tikka Varmint in one of those "crappy" stocks. Here is how the Tikka shoots with Gamekings:

I think I would shoot one for a while first before I would be inclined to toss the "crappy" stock.

That being said, I do think there is merit in the stock issue with the T3s when discussing heavier calibers such as 300 wins and 338s, but with .308s I have never experienced any issues with the standard composite stocks.

The problem is when people start parroting information with no personal experience it becomes "internet fact".

I have been running Tikka rifles for a number of years now and can tell you they are an excellent product. It is funny that now they are the cool kid on the block.

Back in 05 I was looked at like I was a nut job because I was running a T3 varmint in a state sniper shoot and mentioned what a solid gun it was. Guys were rolling their eyes and snickering that it was not a rem 700. That crappy little Tikka served up a lot of crow.

A few Tikkas from the basement:

</div></div>

oh yeah, thats a very nice little collection you got going there. I can see that you are convinced and happy with the Tikkas. What model is the one with the laminate stock?

 

[beenjammin]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

I cant speak for the T3 but I have a tikka M595 Mastersporter in which I dropped a TRG trigger into and dont necessarily miss my TRG 22.I will say that of the 3 that I have owned in the past 6-7 years, all of the TRGS have been so consistently accurate, it is hard to go wrong with a TRG. Its one of my favorite bolt rifles.
However, the T3 tactical in a KRG stock is kind of unique and will be just as accurate.

I do think by the time you spend the money on a T3, a KRG, a barrel maybe and trigger, you could have purchased a TRG 22.

So if you want it all in one package the TRG is that way to go, but if you want some uniqueness, the T3 might be a more fun build for you. Both will be accurate.

Maybe we should both just save our $$$ for the new M10 sako TRG coming out soon.

 

[roosterpig]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

im with beenjammin. both will shoot very similarly once you mod the tikka. question is:

Do you want the fun of building up a rifle, or do you want a crazy good shooter out of the box?

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

well do you want a pimped out honda or a porche??? one is purpose built for the task and the other well is modified for it. I didn't truly understand this until i got my first trg, and i have owned many different customs. That being said i now only own two bolt guns trg 22 & 42 in 243/7mm-08/308 switch barrel & 7 rem mag.

The tikka is a great rifle for a budget minded shooter, very smooth, great trigger, normally really accurate, fairly inexpensive.

 

[nutzkicker617]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

Take a look at my modified Tikka T3

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2811353#Post2811353

I was in the same boat as you...and had much more fun building this over time, rather than just getting a Sake right off the bat. Invaluable learning experience.

Now that I have the modified Tikka out of the way, I will think about getting the Sako.

 

[roosterpig]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

The way i see it, nutzkicker's tikka is far more unique than an out of the box trg. But if you like the TRG, get the TRG...

 

[VikingSniper]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

I shot both a few years ago and the TRG shot tighter groups, but for the money the T3 is a great rifle. The brake will annoy anyone shooting next to you, but the lack of recoil is amazing.

 

[chrisj]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

I have owned a few of each and I'd say 2 things.......

If your wallet allows you to but a TRG then by all means get one. The T3 is a great rifle but the TRg is a big step up in trigger, box mag, stock, beefier action (3 lugs vs 2 in T3) and resale value.

2nd...If you are shooting 300 yards or less than I believe the T3 will make you pretty happy. I'm NOT saying the T# is NG after 300 yards, but in my experience, the TRG is a better long range rifle due to some of the things I mentioned previously.

The TRG was widely used a few years back in 300 meter International rifle Competitions...and theose 300 Meter rifles are very prices systems.

Best of Luck

 

[Mackay Sagebrush]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 317millhand</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mackay Sagebrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both a TRG 22 and a .308 Tikka Varmint in one of those "crappy" stocks. Here is how the Tikka shoots with Gamekings:

I think I would shoot one for a while first before I would be inclined to toss the "crappy" stock.

That being said, I do think there is merit in the stock issue with the T3s when discussing heavier calibers such as 300 wins and 338s, but with .308s I have never experienced any issues with the standard composite stocks.

The problem is when people start parroting information with no personal experience it becomes "internet fact".

I have been running Tikka rifles for a number of years now and can tell you they are an excellent product. It is funny that now they are the cool kid on the block.

Back in 05 I was looked at like I was a nut job because I was running a T3 varmint in a state sniper shoot and mentioned what a solid gun it was. Guys were rolling their eyes and snickering that it was not a rem 700. That crappy little Tikka served up a lot of crow.

A few Tikkas from the basement:

</div></div>

oh yeah, thats a very nice little collection you got going there. I can see that you are convinced and happy with the Tikkas. What model is the one with the laminate stock? </div></div>


It is a T3 in 300 win.

The stock has since been robbed of of it for a custom T3 in 6mm Remington project. The green laminate stocks are quite nice when you can find them.

The wooden stocked, and at the time unscoped one is an older .338 win mag Tikka Whitetail.

 

[Mr Silverman]

Re: Modified Tikka T3 or Sako TRG-22

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mackay Sagebrush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both a TRG 22 and a .308 Tikka Varmint in one of those "crappy" stocks. Here is how the Tikka shoots with Gamekings:

I think I would shoot one for a while first before I would be inclined to toss the "crappy" stock.

That being said, I do think there is merit in the stock issue with the T3s when discussing heavier calibers such as 300 wins and 338s, but with .308s I have never experienced any issues with the standard composite stocks.

The problem is when people start parroting information with no personal experience it becomes "internet fact".

I have been running Tikka rifles for a number of years now and can tell you they are an excellent product. It is funny that now they are the cool kid on the block.

Back in 05 I was looked at like I was a nut job because I was running a T3 varmint in a state sniper shoot and mentioned what a solid gun it was. Guys were rolling their eyes and snickering that it was not a rem 700. That crappy little Tikka served up a lot of crow.

A few Tikkas from the basement:

</div></div>

Completely agree. My Tikka T3 can completely outshoot me. I can shoot about a MOA (i have shakes nowadays) and it does everything I have ever asked of it. For the price I feel it is a great rifle that put in the right hand could defininantly shoot with some other more established 'cool' names.