[Kestrel]

Okay, I've never looked closely at a Tikka, so didn't know much about them. Then I read an article in "The Complete Rifleman" about one. Can anyone answer a couple of questions for me?

What is different about the Tikka from the Sako?

What are the drawbacks or weaknesses of the Tikka?

Does it have a lockout device like the Sakos do, currently?

Is the barrel screwed into the receiver? (Is it on the Sako?)

How durable are they? Accurate? Does the polymer bolt ring last?

Thanks for any help!
Steve

[rugerfreak]

1. Action and stock are different-----same barrels

2. No drawbacks----they are good shooting---sweet action rifles

3. No lock

4. Yes---and Yes

5. Durable--yes-------probably--along with Sako---the most accurate rifles out-of -the box-------------------polymer ring???? HUH??? never have seen that on my T3's or Sako.

Own 3 Tikka's and 1 Sako-----can ya tell I like em????

[PJR]

Sako has:

A bolt release which allows the bolt to open while the gun is kept on safe;

Action sizes scaled to the cartridge compared to only two action sizes for Tikka;

All metal parts instead of plastic (e.g. trigger guard);

A bolt that is blued;

Magazines that can be top loaded; and

Generally better fit and finish.

There isn't an inherent weakness in the Tikka design. The polymer bolt sleeve was a feature on their earlier rifles and I'm not sure if it's on the new models. I know my Whitetail Hunter didn't have one yet there is a sleeve on the Tikka owned by my brother-in-law. I believe the Tikkas to be very durable rifles.

The standard plastic Tikka magazine holds three rounds. If you want more, larger mags are available however they are expensive.

I had a Tikka and traded it for a Sako. Sako is making some of the best out-of-the-box rifles in the world today and to get something better you have to spend a lot more. Tikka would be my choice in a rifle over any comparably priced rifle being made in North America and I've owned samples of most of them at one time or another.

Paul

[Kestrel]

Thanks for the info. What's the difference in the Whitetail Hunter and the T3? I'm also wanting a Sako, but am planning to wait until spring/summer, when they offer them without the key lockout device.

Thanks again,
Steve

[Kcustom45]

The main difference between the T3 and the Whitetail Hunter is that the T3's are made in long action only. There are also some other cosmetic differences like the trigger adjust screw is easier to get to on the T3's.

[PJR]

Other differences are the magazine and the release. The Whitetail Hunter release is on the side while the T3 is in front of the mag, more like Sakos.

The one T3 that I've seen in the flesh also seemed a little lighter than my Whitetail Hunter.

[Kestrel]

I talked to Beretta yesterday and they said the Whitetail Hunter has been discontinued and only the T3 is available, now.

Steve

[igor]

I might be stating the obvious here - Tikka is a brand made by Sako, all in the same factory (with wood and such coming from mother Beretta). Plastics are made by Eimo, that mostly manufactures mobile phone casings (Nokia anyone?).

The word Tikka, pronounced approx. "tick-ka(h)" means "woodpecker". Sako is an acronym that takes longer to explain...