Tikka 3 or A CZ

[Fumbler]

The problem with that batch of barrels is they used the wrong lube while forging. That caused stress fractures. The only guns that blew up were stainless Sakos, but both Sako and Tikka use the same barrels so the possibility of a Tikka blowing up was there.

The problem with plastics are that they shrink, warp and get brittle with age. Anyone here like to shoot old milsurps? What kind of shape would that old WWII mauser be in if it had been loaded with plastic parts.

They don't shrink/warp/become brittle any more than wood rots and cracks.
Seriously, I have never even HEARD of anyone claiming they have first hand experience with a synthetic stock on a modern sporter breaking or warping.

How do you know what a WWII plastic gun would look like? You can't claim that it'd be in horrible shape simply because nothing that old exists.

Stop making it a quality issue. Plastic works. It's fine if you just don't like plastic because you think it's cheap, but don't make lies about its durability.

 

[Horsemany]

Fumbler,


The gun discussed at length last week was a Tikka stainless in .243cal. NOT A SAKO.

I have experience with old plastic. Look at the old Mossberg .22's from the 40's to early 50's. I love my old Mossy's except for the fact they experimented with plastic trigger guards and buttplates. Look at pics of Mossberg 46b's or the Model 44 US training rifles. They are commonly found nowdays in good condition other than the triggergaurd is missing because it warped. They would warp and block the trigger from being pulled back far enough for bolt removal. These plastic parts are Mossberg collectors nightmares. Since they are so commonly warped, shrunk, or broken almost every gun needs a replacement. I will grant you the fact that modern plastics will be more stable, but it still isn't a great idea IMHO.

You see I was not lying about plastics. I was simply stating my experiences with it. Thank you.

 

[Horsemany]

I found the link to the exploding Tikka story.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156955

 

[hessy]

I own both Tikka T3 and CZ and both are my favorite rifles. For walking varmint rifle the Tikka T3 in .223 Rem is the best. It is very light (6 lb) and accurate, got 1 in 8 twist good for heavy bullets, and stock is very sturdy. I shoot sub-MOA off the bag with it. Heck, with a 6-rd mag it looks tacticool, too. Also, it is not ammo sensitive at all. Expoding barrels was a long-gone story of a small batch in stainless steel. Can't imagine it happening with my Tikka.
For large centerfire calibers, I would probably get CZ 550 over Tikka T3 because of the weight.

 

[eastwood44mag]

I prefer the Tikka bolt, but the CZ trigger. I bought a CZ because Tikka doesn't make a .204 Ruger (Sako does, Tikka doesn't. Figure that one out.) Look into Savage while you're at it. Probably cheaper than either one, and if you don't need a Mauser claw extractor, probably a better gun.