About to Buy a Tikka, a Question About Rings, Scope, and Barrel Break-In...

Barrel break in is a myth.

Shoot. Clean when needed. Repeat.

I have the Tikka stainless/synthetic in 30-06 with a Ziess Conquest 3-9X40 scope on it. In my opinion anything bigger would hurt the balance of a light rifle. In fact it felt better with the much smaller Leupold 2.5-8X36 scope I had on it before.

Mine has the factory rings and I have been perfectly happy for 4 years now. If I were to change I would consider DNZ mounts.

I have a Tikka T3 lite stainless in .308 with a Leupold MKIV PR mil-dot 4.5-14x 40 30mm. tube . ( I originally bought the scope for a Remington 700 PSS that i've since sold to a friend).
I have,and continue to do, scope research. ( I just mounted a Weaver V16 on a CZ 452 .22 less than an hour ago).
From most of what I've read, the big 50 mm. objective thing is a big fad that has more drawbacks than positives.
Also, as stated above, the barrel break-in process is so much non-sense.There was a recent thread here on this, that in my mind, finally put this to rest.
And yes, the factory rings are widely considered so much junk. I went with the highly regarded Warne rings from SWFA ,though there are many others that will suffice.

Just an FYI, a local dealer has the T3 hunter in stock (walnut/blue) in 270 wsm, and 300 wsm for $399!

PM me if you need details.

Does the Tikka take standard Weaver-style?

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You'll have to install a Weaver style base to use those rings.

I have the T3 Lite in 300 WSM and have only used the factory rings. After 500 rounds the scope has not moved, nor has my zero needed to be adjusted.

Talley also makes a base/ring combo for the T3.

The receiver is drilled and tapped and the Tally rings bolt right on.
I have them on my 338wm T3 lite.

These are Tikka-specific, and mount directly on the reciever, no extra rail necessary.I'm plenty satified with them. Warne rings come highly recommended ( as does SWFA). Lots of good rings/mounts out there, everyone has their favorites,but I don't recall hearing a bad word about Warnes. I think the 1' version is a buck or two cheaper.
http://www.swfa.com/pc-11504-1765-warne-maxima-permanent-attach-30mm-rings.aspx

Leave your Windex for the milsurps.

Burris makes steel Weaver bases for the Tikka--less than $20 at Midway.

Then I used Leupold QRW rings.

The Conquest 3x9x40 is plenty of scope for that rifle.

WEll

My father has been talking up and down about wanting a stainless 7mm from Finland. So, I decided to grab one for his birthday. Have my eye on a Tikka T3 in stainless/synthetic (the "lite" version, I believe).

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Sounds like a plan. I am not a fan of the light weight rifles, as I like accurate shooting guns, and the larger heavier guns shoot better (usually).

Another dream of his is a Zeiss scope, which I'm also going to buy to go with this. I'm going back and fourth between a 40 and 44mm, but either way I don't want to put a $400-$600 scope in the factory rings, which I've heard are el cheapo. Any recommendations as far as rings go? I heard the Tikka has some kind of special base to it, will this require special rings (or will I need to buy a new base with the rings)? If I go with the 44mm over the 40mm, will I need a different size set of rings (taller, I suppose)?

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There are two ways of mounting a scope on a Tikka
A) Use the grove on the receiver and special rings.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...6083&title=MAXIMA SAKO, TIKKA & BRNO QD RINGS
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=9129&title=ANGLE-LOC? SCOPE RINGS
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...?p=15496&title=EUROPEAN DOVETAIL MAXIMA RINGS
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=17207&title=LIGHT WEIGHT SCOPE MOUNT
etc.

B) The receiver is factory drilled and tapped for weaver bases. Use weaver rings of your choice
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...17003&title=GRAND SLAM BASES TIKKA-WINCHESTER
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...81&title=TOP MOUNT BASES - TIKKA-WESTERNFIELD
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=115869&t=11082005

I've done both, bases/weaver rings and Warne Rings. Both worked fine. I like the Warne rings because they are beast. Rock solid but heavy. With the Warne rings (medium height IIRC) a scope with a 52mm od on the front objective fits snugly. The 4.5-14x44 side focus Conquest would be a perfect fit. 3-9x40mm will fit no problem with those rings. I have a 695, so the T3 may be different, but I think the receiver and barrel dimensions are about the same so this should still apply.

The reason to use the bases and then weaver rings is it gives you more flexibility on mounting height as you have lots and lots of weaver style rings to pick from. I use the Warne rings because the medium height is perfect for my scope.

Regarding the scope choice, would there be a noticeable difference between a 44mm and a 40mm in terms of brightness, resolution, etc? He's got a 40mm Leupold now on his 300 mag, and I want him to look through the Zeiss and notice a difference. I would go up to 50mm, but I've heard that the scope has to be mounted so high that it's awkward to use (have to lift your head up off the gun). Would a 44mm have this same problem?

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This sounds like a deer rifle. For the magnification range you'll be using (3-9 or so), 40mm is more than large enough.

You're are correct that anything bigger than a 42/44 mm front objective is too big. After that, you have to lift your head see through the scope.

I have a 42mm with an adjustable objective mounted as low as is possible (it's close), and I wish it were just a tad lower. A 40mm mounted as low as possible would be perfect.

Also, what's the recommended barrel break-in for Tikkas? Clean and windex after every shot for the first ten, then every other for another ten? Do you think they follow break in procedures when they're testing them at the factory?

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No break in required. Tikka/Sako barrels are generally pretty smooth as far as factory barrels go. I would run a dry patch or two, before shooting the first. After that, just shoot and clean like you would normally.

Use a quality one piece cleaning rod. I like Dewey.
Use a jag with patches
Use a copper solvent like Sweets or Hoppes Benchrest

I'd like to ad that the 3-9x40mm Zeiss Conquest is one of the best deals for the money and would be an excellent choice. You can pay a lot more, but you probably won't be able to see the difference.

I opted for warne blue rings on my stainless to match the scope. Use the factory rings on another tikka. Both are still holding true.

I have four Tikka rifles (1 Whitetail Hunter in 7mm Rem, and 3 T3s in 308, 270 Win, and 30-06). I have used the factory supplied rings on all and have not had any issues.

I have 3 x 9 x 40 scopes on all but the 308, which has a 2 x 7 x 35. Honestly, the 2 x 7 handles better than the 3 x 9 scopes, but it all comes down to a matter of preference. The 40mm scope is about as big as you will need on these rifles. Anything larger and the handling qualities of the gun is diminished. You will not get enough difference in noticible light between the 40mm and 44mm for most eyes to matter anyway. The exit pupil for the Zeiss 3x9x40 is the same as the 3.5x10 (4.4 mm) at maximum magnification. The human eye can only make use of an exit pupil of around 5 mm anyway. So, go for the 3x9x40, it will be less expensive and handle better, yet offer the same available light.

As far as barrel break in: These barrels are really smooth to begin with. Being hammer forged, they do not really need a break in session. I broke in the 7mm, did not break in the others and never noticed a difference. If you are more comfortable with a break in procedure go for it. You'll get to shoot a lot, which will help you get familiar with the gun and that is a good thing. However, if you want to save on ammo and just shoot and clean as normal, all will be fine.

Good luck on your purchase and I hope you will be as satisfied with the rifle as I am mine. All of mine are extremely accurate guns.

Ah, Tikka - a subject near and dear to my heart. I will never own another bolt action rifle that isn't a Tikka.

I used the Tikka Optilock mounts on my M695 .30-06, with a Zeiss 3-9x40 with German #4 reticle on my recent safari to Africa. A deadly combination, and I took 9 animals from ranges of 75 yards out to 550 yards with one shot.

Now, I am planning on replacing my rings with Warne rings, medium (honestly, if you get Warne rings and a Zeiss scope, count on needing the next lowest height of ring). I am also getting an EGW Picatinny rail for it. They aren't out yet for the M695/M595 family, but they have one for the T3 series, and I bought one for my .223 rifle. Awesome quality, only $39, and allows you to have a lot more adjustability forward and aft for mounting your scope, plus allows you to use a LOT more rings out there.

The Warne Quick-Detach are my favorite, about $40 at Midway on sale occasionally - normally $49.

I used the normal Tikka rings for a while, but the screws stripped too easily and I had to use a Dremel to cut the rings off the scope - not fun.

Trust me - get the EGW rail and some Warne rings - well worth it.

Good choice on the Tikka - your father will never want to get rid of it.

PS - Cameraland (http://www.cameralandny.com/) has demo/floor specials on Zeiss that beat everyone - I got my Zeiss scopes from them. However, there is a way to get a Zeiss scope for even less - like 30% off - email me if you want details. I just picked up a $800 Zeiss scope for $545, brand new.

I have a tikka 3 lite in 223 stainless,So smooth,
Im using the factory rings,
has anyone used the dnz setup on thier tikka,?

Anything smaller than say a .270 or so---the factory rings should be fine.

ok if it ain't broke i wont fix it,but im thinking of tring out the dnz set up on my winchester 70,

I just got one in 25.06. like it. tell me what ammmo you are using.
Iam sing FEDERAL 117grain.

I have a medium height one piece DNZ on my tikka in 243. The scope will be a Mueller Tac II 3-10x44. So far I really like the looks of this mount.