Is there anyone that DOESN'T like the Tikka?
- Thread starter Kestrel
- Start date
- Status
Quality should be the same
They are made at the same factory by the same workers. I've heard great things about them from a standpoint of design. The whole premise behind the T3 was an affordable top quality rifle. A primary savings of tooling and labor was to cut the number of action lengths and options. I'm pretty sure they settled on one action length.
I don't care for their looks that much, but am considering one in 6.5 swede. However, their reputation for superb accuracy has probably already made up my mind.
It might not be too much of a stretch to compare them to Remington's 710. I believe the marketing people had similar aims. While the T3 may be a home run the 710 has been recalled for safety issues and attracted much negative press. Not only that It's freaking ugly!
They are made at the same factory by the same workers. I've heard great things about them from a standpoint of design. The whole premise behind the T3 was an affordable top quality rifle. A primary savings of tooling and labor was to cut the number of action lengths and options. I'm pretty sure they settled on one action length.
I don't care for their looks that much, but am considering one in 6.5 swede. However, their reputation for superb accuracy has probably already made up my mind.
It might not be too much of a stretch to compare them to Remington's 710. I believe the marketing people had similar aims. While the T3 may be a home run the 710 has been recalled for safety issues and attracted much negative press. Not only that It's freaking ugly!
BusMaster007
Member
I don't like the Tikka T3.
It was reported in one magazine article that the only way to load it is by taking the magazine out.
No port loading.
The aesthetics aren't too bad. I won't say it's ugly.
The scope mounting choices are limited.
Other than that...
It was reported in one magazine article that the only way to load it is by taking the magazine out.
No port loading.
The aesthetics aren't too bad. I won't say it's ugly.
The scope mounting choices are limited.
Other than that...
iamkris
Member
From a mechanical, accuracy and quality standpoint sounds like it is about perfect.
It may sound petty, but the first thing to go would be that stock. They should find the idiot that thinks that is an attractive checkering pattern and send him/her back to design school.
It may sound petty, but the first thing to go would be that stock. They should find the idiot that thinks that is an attractive checkering pattern and send him/her back to design school.
The Tikka is a less expensive rifle made by Sako. In the issues that matter, accuracy and reliability, the Tikka is every bit as effective. The Tikka action isn't machined to the same degree as a Sako, the Tikka uses more plastic parts and the detachable magazine can't be top loaded. There are two basic Tikka action sizes one for short .308 length cartridges and a longer one for everything else.
The Sako Model 75 is a premium piece with certain advantages. The parts are all metal. Fit and finish is somewhat better. There are four action sizes and the detachable magazine can be top loaded. There is a bolt release mechanism that allows the action to be opened while it remains on safe.
A .223 Tikka Whitetail hunter did duty as a predator control rifle at my farm for several years until I switched to a Model 75. I haven't regretted the extra money for the Sako because I wanted an action scaled to the cartridge and the ability to top load cartridges.
Paul
The Sako Model 75 is a premium piece with certain advantages. The parts are all metal. Fit and finish is somewhat better. There are four action sizes and the detachable magazine can be top loaded. There is a bolt release mechanism that allows the action to be opened while it remains on safe.
A .223 Tikka Whitetail hunter did duty as a predator control rifle at my farm for several years until I switched to a Model 75. I haven't regretted the extra money for the Sako because I wanted an action scaled to the cartridge and the ability to top load cartridges.
Paul
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
As an owner of 3 T3's and now a Sako 75--I've got nothing but good things to say about them---it's getting to the point where I won't consider anything else---although I did pick up a Ruger 77 Compact in stainless and chambered in .308--that I'm really itching to get to the range. The Ruger was too good of a deal to pass up at NIB for $404.
Anyway---the ugly T3 stock issue has been addressed by my buddy---I just fill my stocks with insulation foam to take out that hollow sound----my buddy has gone whole hog on his T3.
He sanded off all the checkering(bumps) pattern and sanded down the palm swell---which trimmed up the stock quite nicely--as in thinness-----then sanded the entire stock lengthwise with fine grit sandpaper to give the texture of the original Browning A-Bolt composite stocks---which was much nicer than the new A-Bolt II hard plastic stocks-----filled the butt with foam.
It came out very nice and also dropped the rifle a few ounces in weight----I'm considering doing it to mine---but the factory configuration doesn't bother me much----as long as they are tack drivers---looks are secondary to me.
Anyway---the ugly T3 stock issue has been addressed by my buddy---I just fill my stocks with insulation foam to take out that hollow sound----my buddy has gone whole hog on his T3.
He sanded off all the checkering(bumps) pattern and sanded down the palm swell---which trimmed up the stock quite nicely--as in thinness-----then sanded the entire stock lengthwise with fine grit sandpaper to give the texture of the original Browning A-Bolt composite stocks---which was much nicer than the new A-Bolt II hard plastic stocks-----filled the butt with foam.
It came out very nice and also dropped the rifle a few ounces in weight----I'm considering doing it to mine---but the factory configuration doesn't bother me much----as long as they are tack drivers---looks are secondary to me.
Holden
Member
Another vote for the T3 - AND, I think it looks great for the price. The only other rifle I would consider is its big brother , the sako.
The only other rifle I would consider is its big brother , the sako.Owen
Moderator Emeritus
I don't like Tikka rifles. I mean "Tikka!" What the heck kinda name is that?
owen
owen
JohnBT
Member
Tikka site FAQ:
"Where Tikka rifles are made? Is it a factory?
Tikka rifles are designed and made at Sako Ltd´s rifle factory in Riihimäki, Finland. Before 1988 Tikka rifles were manufactured in Tikkakoski rifle factory in the Central Finland."
Of course, you know that has Beretta owned them both since 2000.
Nice stock design by Giugiaro if you don't like wood (I do.) World famous design outfit.
John
"Where Tikka rifles are made? Is it a factory?
Tikka rifles are designed and made at Sako Ltd´s rifle factory in Riihimäki, Finland. Before 1988 Tikka rifles were manufactured in Tikkakoski rifle factory in the Central Finland."
Of course, you know that has Beretta owned them both since 2000.
Nice stock design by Giugiaro if you don't like wood (I do.) World famous design outfit.
John
Omaha,
I've considered doing the same thing with foam on a synthetic stock I have that has a hollow sound. Where did you inject the foam? Did it get rid of the hollow sound? Sounds more solid? Did it change the weight, much?
Thanks,
Steve
I've considered doing the same thing with foam on a synthetic stock I have that has a hollow sound. Where did you inject the foam? Did it get rid of the hollow sound? Sounds more solid? Did it change the weight, much?
Thanks,
Steve
Sparky
Member
quote;"the scope mounting options are limited"
The Tikka can/does use proprietary factory rings to fit the dovetailed receiver. But, they're also drilled and tapped. Weaver, Burris and probably Leupold make bases to fit . The Weaver Grand Slam bases are steel(part no. S61). So, while you won't find a picatinny rail for 'em you do have a fair number of options out there.
FWIW--- Every Sako product I've owned has performed very,very well.
The Tikka can/does use proprietary factory rings to fit the dovetailed receiver. But, they're also drilled and tapped. Weaver, Burris and probably Leupold make bases to fit . The Weaver Grand Slam bases are steel(part no. S61). So, while you won't find a picatinny rail for 'em you do have a fair number of options out there.
FWIW--- Every Sako product I've owned has performed very,very well.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
Just remove the recoil pad with a screw driver----and spray the foam almost to the grating there---as it will expand----let it dry and harden---remove any excess with a razor knife----and replace the pad.
I gets rid of the hollow sound and doesn't really add any weight.
There also Warne rings and bases for the Tikka---as well as Talley aluminium ring mounts.
I gets rid of the hollow sound and doesn't really add any weight.
There also Warne rings and bases for the Tikka---as well as Talley aluminium ring mounts.
QuarterBoreGunner
Member
I've a Tikka Sporter M959 .22-250 bench rifle that is the cat's pajamas- I also have it's little brother, a Sako Finnfire Range/Scout .22RF.
Both are simply elegant rifles and spooky accurate. My only complaint would be with the M959; they use the long action for the .22-250 and it's just TOO long- wish they'd used the short action.
Wouldn't change anything on the Sako .22.
Both are simply elegant rifles and spooky accurate. My only complaint would be with the M959; they use the long action for the .22-250 and it's just TOO long- wish they'd used the short action.
Wouldn't change anything on the Sako .22.
nico
Member
what about the tikka keeps you from loading from the top?
BusMaster007
Member
Drilled and tapped is GOOD!
So, what about that port loading deal?
So, what about that port loading deal?
I have only heard two significant criticisms of Tikka rifles. I recall a post in this or another forum a year or two ago critical of rusting of the internal parts of the trigger mechanism of a stainless Whitetail Hunter. I think the poster was also mentioned the rifle mechanism froze up as well. I believe this occurred in Alaska.
I have also seen less than favorable comments on the supplied dovetailed rings for the T-3
That said, I am very impressed by the T-3. The bolt function is incredibly smooth and the stock design superb. Maybe as important is the balance which I think is the best of any production rifle I have handled. It is very light but slightly forward weighted making it hold steady for off-hand shooting.
If I needed another rifle, it would be first choice.
I have also seen less than favorable comments on the supplied dovetailed rings for the T-3
That said, I am very impressed by the T-3. The bolt function is incredibly smooth and the stock design superb. Maybe as important is the balance which I think is the best of any production rifle I have handled. It is very light but slightly forward weighted making it hold steady for off-hand shooting.
If I needed another rifle, it would be first choice.
JohnBT
Member
"Wouldn't change anything on the Sako .22."
Try a Jewell trigger if you can find one for less than $325-$350.
A 1.5-ounce trigger is great fun and it will adjust up into the 2 to 4 pound range by changing the spring.
John
Try a Jewell trigger if you can find one for less than $325-$350.
A 1.5-ounce trigger is great fun and it will adjust up into the 2 to 4 pound range by changing the spring.
John
- Status
