Tikka questions

[1TallTx'n]

It may have been due to my inexperience with precision optics and what I thought was an exceptional package deal from Cameralandny but, I have found it easier to pick a scope than it has been to find a rifle to stick it on.

I've been perusing the Tikkas on EuroOptics site and I have found some confusing information. I know that Tikka doesn't export all their models to the US so this may be whats going on.
Tikka T3 Rifle - Hunter - Sporter - Varmint - EuroOptic.com

The downloadable pdf T3 Data Table shows the T3 Varmint available as a left hand however, the EuroOptic site doesn't show it.
http://www.eurooptic.com/PDF/tikka-t3-datatable.pdf

On the other hand, the site shows the T3 Sporter in a left hand but the Data Table doesn't.

I should note that the Data Table is nearly 3 years old.

Here at the Hide, I found a 3 year old thread on the problems with the factory aluminum recoil lug. Is this still an issue?
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-bolt-action-rifles/53009-tikka-t3.html

I also found a 5 year old thread on the issues with the rings that come with the T3, coming apart. Is this still an issue?
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-bolt-action-rifles/6313-tikka-t3.html

 

[diego-ted]

You cannot get a new vamint in 308 in the U.S. I got the last one! They stopped importing them. You can buy a sporter.

 

[Travis224]

I have had several tikkas, both T3 and 595s, no issues here but i never had any really heavy recoiling calibers.

 

[1TallTx'n]

They stopped importing them.

I figured it was something like that.

I have had several tikkas, both T3 and 595s, no issues here but i never had any really heavy recoiling calibers.

Thats what folks in those threads I linked were saying. Should I decide on a Tikka, I didn't want to have to have it serviced after 20 rounds or so, or replace the stock. Left hand aftermarket items are rare.

Does anyone else have any input on this?

 

[16 Bore]

http://www.kineticresearchgroup.com/media/2shop/articles/The Case For and Against the Tikka T3.pdf

Pretty good read. The "cons" are barely cons. 1/2 a beer and about $20 and you can swap out the lug, if it bothers you. I've got about 300 rounds outta my 06 and no issue with it. 06 isn't really a hammer though. The "problem" with Tikkas is they flat out phucking shoot. Load development is gravy and I've never had a powder or bullet it didn't like. The triggers are nice. The plastic parts are big hang ups, but so were Glocks when they arrived. The rings do suck, but they are free and I'm sure there's a slew of fellas running them without a hitch.

 

[Whit]

When you say plast pieces I am Assuming you are talking about the bolt Shroud? You can get a after market bolt shroud. I bought a new bolt shroud and bolt handle for $98
Tikka T3 Shroud Andtactical Bolt Handle Combo 1 65" Smooth Knob | eBay

The one in the link is the one I have. He has several differant style of knobs too to choose from. If you dont want the bolt handle you can just get the shroud too. It looks excelent, they did a good job making it, I recomend them. I order at 11pm and he shipped the very next day.

All I have to do now is wait to get my rifle back from XLR.

http://www.ebay.com/sme/southernord...id=5&_seedid=251267542279&_trksid=p4340.m1563

 

[Marcoman]

The aluminum recoil lugs have only been an issue on the larger chamberings, specifically .338win. I would not even let this factor into the equation as far as making a decision on buying a Tikka.
My 595 MasterSporter and the newer version T3 Sporter I owned both shot better than any bone stock factory rifle has a right to. I recommend you get the T3 Sporter, 95% of what a TRG is at half the price and thats coming from someone who owns three TRG's. Excellent bang for the buck!

 

[16 Bore]

When you say plast pieces I am Assuming you are talking about the bolt Shroud? You can get a after market bolt shroud. I bought a new bolt shroud and bolt handle for $98
Tikka T3 Shroud Andtactical Bolt Handle Combo 1 65" Smooth Knob | eBay

The one in the link is the one I have. He has several differant style of knobs too to choose from. If you dont want the bolt handle you can just get the shroud too. It looks excelent, they did a good job making it, I recomend them. I order at 11pm and he shipped the very next day.

All I have to do now is wait to get my rifle back from XLR.

FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOU BUY 2 from southernordnancesales

I got THE shroud and THE rings, though I'd go rail on a chunk.....

 

[16 Bore]

The aluminum recoil lugs have only been an issue on the larger chamberings, specifically .338win. I would not even let this factor into the equation

Aluminum would be in my equation well before .338WM, ouchy....7#2oz is a tad light for a thumper......

 

[1TallTx'n]

I recently came across Tikka Performance, has anyone here heard of them or know anything about them.?

 

[cb_tikka]

Tikka Performance is ran by Jason McHann. I've dealt with him several times with no issues.

About the recoil lug, I've got over 600 rounds with both a 25-06 and .308 with no problems. It's $25 for a steel lug if that's a concern for you.

 

[Massoud]

With all the aftermarket support and the growing knowledge base, the main downside to the Tikkas is that someone made the decision to stop producing/bringing in what were really the best base rifles, the Varmint (other than .223) and the Scout. Those base rifles plus a chassis would give a TRG fits. Even for a lefty, an hours worth of a machinist's time would convert any of the chassis. Now they want you to go from a $550 pencil barrel version up to ~1700 Sporter or a bit less for the Tactical. Somebody somewhere in that chain of command hates money.
Justin

 

[Randoman5]

With all the aftermarket support and the growing knowledge base, the main downside to the Tikkas is that someone made the decision to stop producing/bringing in what were really the best base rifles, the Varmint (other than .223) and the Scout. Those base rifles plus a chassis would give a TRG fits. Even for a lefty, an hours worth of a machinist's time would convert any of the chassis. Now they want you to go from a $550 pencil barrel version up to ~1700 Sporter or a bit less for the Tactical. Somebody somewhere in that chain of command hates money.
Justin

So true. If they were still selling those I'd have one now. I've just been looking for a used one.

 

[Hawk45]

I know they are mostly setup for hunting, but they should update their mag lengths and twists to allow the heavier bullets available now. I know I haven't got one b/c the mag length and twists are too slow out of the box for what I want to shoot. A .243 with a 1:8 and mag length (heck even ship with the LA mag and bolt stop) and I'd be all over it. Same with a WSM.

 

[6brshooter]

Wow, have the sporters gone up that much? I bought one this past feb, 24" 260, for 1400. Put pillars in and bedded it to the factory stock, along with a LA bolt stop and LA mags. That thing hammers, 8" groups at 1125 yds. Love my krg chassis on my other tikka but the sporter stock is about as perfect positional stock as i have shot.

 

[1TallTx'n]

Euro Optic still has the sporter listed at $1448. I'd like to get one but I think I'll go with a Light Stainless 223 LH for now. Now to make arrangements with my FFL guy to receive it.

 

[Gorax]

I have three T3's, all in Left Hand. a .223 light, a .243 Varmint and a .300winmag in light.

Funny, but in Oz they were all cheaper than a rem, ruger or win.

I went down the metal bolt shroud and hand route, but took them all off within a month. The hinterland shroud/ handle actually made it cycle worse due to all the sharp edges on the parts. Went back to stock, never a problem since.

I do have titanium recoil lugs in them all though.

And Justin, hurry up and make a lefty specific stock already

 

[ddavis]

With all the aftermarket support and the growing knowledge base, the main downside to the Tikkas is that someone made the decision to stop producing/bringing in what were really the best base rifles, the Varmint (other than .223) and the Scout. Those base rifles plus a chassis would give a TRG fits. Even for a lefty, an hours worth of a machinist's time would convert any of the chassis. Now they want you to go from a $550 pencil barrel version up to ~1700 Sporter or a bit less for the Tactical. Somebody somewhere in that chain of command hates money.
Justin

Emailing Beretta gets you nowhere. I've done it several times. Too big to care what their customers want. It's really a shame Tikka can't get a better importer.

 

[Cobracutter]

With all the aftermarket support and the growing knowledge base, the main downside to the Tikkas is that someone made the decision to stop producing/bringing in what were really the best base rifles, the Varmint (other than .223) and the Scout. Those base rifles plus a chassis would give a TRG fits. Even for a lefty, an hours worth of a machinist's time would convert any of the chassis. Now they want you to go from a $550 pencil barrel version up to ~1700 Sporter or a bit less for the Tactical. Somebody somewhere in that chain of command hates money.
Justin

Yup, a T3 in one of your stocks is pure sex. Without a doubt one of the best values for a tactical rifle that will no loose ground to higher end builds.

I think they realized the varmit and scout would price eveyrthing else out, since they were such a good value.

Know anyone who does tikka work? Thinking of buying a base rifle and having it sent away to be chambered/barreled in 6.5C and threaded. Throw it into a KRG chassis and that is one hell of a rifle for the money.

 

[Cobracutter]

Emailing Beretta gets you nowhere. I've done it several times. Too big to care what their customers want. It's really a shame Tikka can't get a better importer.

They are worthless, Ive called Beretta USA and got ahold of ther "Rifle guy" and he said they dont import them anymore. Its pure luncacy, as they would sell like crazy. Maybe they are scared of cutting into TRG sales. Who knows.

 

[BlueVFRank]

I love my Tikka in 308 just got back from my 4 day trip to France and this was my room with a view! Just out of sight to the right was the 1550 meter target area where we would shoot over the valley. My wife was staying down there at the hotel pool and it sounded like a thunderstorm the entire day while the bullets where wizzing over.

Now I cant wait to rebarrel my Tikka to a decent long action caliber so I can use it instead of a borrowed 300RUM to shoot the targets beyond 1.000 meters.

More pics will follow in a different topic.