Upgrading or not . . .

[Limedust]

I am trying to learn to shoot long range; recently purchased a Tikka T3 Lite in .308 and so far (given my meager skills and less than frequent shooting habits for the past ten years) I feel that I am making some decent headway in learning fundamentals and improving each time I fire the rifle (I spend some time each day in dry fire practice, positioning, breathing).

Current set-up: OEM stock, limb-saver pad, Vortex Viper 3-9x40 in DNZ one-piece, Harris Bi-Pod

My questions are these:

1: Are add-ons, accessories, tweaks at this point worth investing in? I am thinking of replacing the stock and though I haven't had any problems with the plastic bottom metal and magazine, something in me suggests that metal is better. However, I wonder if, at my current abilities, these additions would be akin to a hobby golfer upgrading from Wilson to Calloway without having the skills to know the difference. I'm not really clear on what the benefits of the after market bottom metal are anyway (besides durability), truth be told.

2: is it bad for he weapon to shoot some of the less expensive ammunition during this training period? I got some Lake City and some CBC to see me through sight-in and the getting-to-know-you portion of learning to use the rifle.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Temp9]

First, let me say great choice on a first rifle. Every Tikka I've handled has been smoother than snot on glass.

I'm not familiar with the T3 factory stocks, but if it's one of the nasty flimsy ones like the R700 Hogues and the Savage sporter style stocks, it would be a good idea to replace it as soon as you can. A stiffer stock will help show the accuracy potential of the rifle. If you decide to keep the factory stock for a while, you might want to find some way to raise the comb to give you a better cheek weld. There are plenty of threads around the web about how to do that.

Upgrading the bottom metal will allow you to use the fantastic (and expensive) AICS magazines. As the Tikka already has a DBM (detachable bottom metal), I wouldn't call this a priority upgrade, but if you're replacing the stock anyways, it's not a bad idea to go ahead and get a DBM installed.

Shooting cheap ammo is not bad for the gun. That said, I don't think it's a good idea to hold yourself back with poor accuracy ammo. For shooting watermelons with your buddies, fine, but for practicing precision rifle shooting, you really don't want to be wondering if you pulled that shot, or if it was the ammo's fault. Yes, even as a beginner, cheap ammo will hold you back. But ammo is getting expensive and hard to find, and shooting with non-match ammo is still better than not shooting, so do with it what you will.

 

[roggom]

Limedust, congrats on the Tikka.

I started with Remingtons and they are nice, but took a lot to get them where I wanted them.

The Tikka is a true out-of-the-box performer. It is almost boring, as there no need for aftermarket parts. The Stock is fiber reinforced poly, it is rigid and light. The Trigger is crisp and adjustable, the darn thing will shoot about anything. A couple things, do not remove the little pressure tabs in the stock. The engineers at Sako knew what they were doing and they are there for a reason. Also do not crank too hard on the action screws, as they will damage the support tabs. About the only mod you can do is to replace the aluminum recoil lug with a stainless steel one. Changing the bolt knob, and shroud are just for aesthetics and are not necessary.

Shoot any ammo you can find, just to get practice with the light stock. Also remember the rifle only holds three rounds in the mag, and the barrel heats up fast, so I would limit my strings to 3 shots then let it cool. With heavy heavy bbl rifles, you would shoot five for a group, but the lite is a hunting rifle. So in reality if you didnt get the animal in the first three you are not gonna get it. Others may object, but just wanted to save you the frustration of possible "flyers" when trying to shoot for 5.

 

[Mr Flannel]

I've got a Tikka T3 Varmint in 223. Great rifle. Shoots sub MOA with the factory tube with a couple of brands of factory ammo. I use it for varminting. Given Tikkas are made by Sako, it's difficult to go wrong. However, there were/are a few things I didn't like. I absolutely loathed the factory tupperware stock - under bipod load or even a tight sling, the fore-end would flex too much and the ergonomics sucked, so I replaced it with a McMillan A3, which they do a T3 inlet for, inclusive of a recoil lug. Excellent stock - and a good stock with the correct fit to the shooter is crucial to good shooting. I also put in an aftermarket DBM to run AICS .223 mags - which are polymer but pretty damned tough. I disliked the factory triggerguard/DBM and mags. With the AICS mags, instead of taking to them with a file, I had a gunsmith relieve the bottom of the action a fraction so the mags fit properly. Apart from lightening the trigger a bit, that's all she wrote. The bolt stop is polymer as well and looks failure-prone but I haven't got round to having a steel one fabricated. Overall, I think the T3 is around the best value for money you'll find and the range of accessories you can get for them are certainly increasing. I'd buy one over a stock Rem any day.

 

[Tango down]

Limedust
You say you recently purchased your Tikka; considering the good overall quality of the T3 Lite, I would not change a thing. It is a good rifle and you are still learning.
If I recall properly, the Tikka T3 Lite is an under MOA rifle, so until you shoot every 5 shots groups under MOA, every time, the rifle still outshoots you, so keep your $$ for now. Let your barrel cool off between shots for accuracy, it is not a heavy barrel.
Once you are done trying to "figure stuff out" with your cheap ammo, switch to Match grade ammo. Find out which one your rifle like and stick with it. You will not damage your barrel with cheap ammo but accuracy will be affected.
The Finnish army is using the same "plastic magazines" as what is in your rifle, it is made out of an extremely durable composite material and will do just fine.
You can spend a large amount of $$ on your rifle (stock, trigger, metal DBM, Tacticool stuff...but it is not necessary.
FYI, I had a Tikka T3 Tactical .308, for a year, great little shooter, sub MOA every time. I never changed a thing on it. After one year shooting it (several times a week) and learning as much as I could about long range shooting, I sold it and upgraded to a Sako TRG 22 (great tack driver).
Have fun and good shooting.
Ombre noire

 

[TXBRASS]

I built a rifle a few years back, but practice and info was on my own and my skills showed on paper. I saved up and went to Rifles Only in Kingsville, TX and hired Jacob for 2 1/2 days of private one-on-one instruction. As far as investments I've made to improve my ability, that was BY FAR the best thing I ever did. I got my fundamentals down with Jacob and a wealth of knowledge to keep me on the right track with my shooting. There are other training options out there, but quality training from a trusted instructor is (to me) the best initial investment that can be made.

 

[Tango down]

I built a rifle a few years back, but practice and info was on my own and my skills showed on paper. I saved up and went to Rifles Only in Kingsville, TX and hired Jacob for 2 1/2 days of private one-on-one instruction. As far as investments I've made to improve my ability, that was BY FAR the best thing I ever did. I got my fundamentals down with Jacob and a wealth of knowledge to keep me on the right track with my shooting. There are other training options out there, but quality training from a trusted instructor is (to me) the best initial investment that can be made.

TXBRASS
Great advise on learning the proper way, bad habits are hard to get rid of, better start on a fresh canvas.
Good shooting.
Ombre noire

 

[Limedust]

Thanks for the great advice, all. I really appreciate it, and I'm glad to be reminded that bad practice leads to bad habits. I'm looking into buying the Day One video here from the site and chatting up some of the fellows I see consistently at the range. Happy shooting!