Tikka 3 or A CZ

[280shooter]

I'M wanting A 223.left hand, So If any one has a idea what they like or dislike about thses fine rifles,I love to hear about it,It doesnt have to be a bull barrel or stainless, just a nice piece.one that can shoot 1 moa,that would make me happy,

 

[R.W.Dale]

While both will most likely be fine shooting rifles. I give the nod to the CZ for the excellent single set trigger they use. While a fine rifle as well to me the Tikka just has a certain feeling of cheapness I can't get over.

 

[mule157]

if you don't buy the high end tika you will get a low end stock

 

[mule157]

if you don't buy the high end tika you will get a low end stock

 

[theCZ]

Both rifles are easily capable of sub-moa accuracy. Have you decided which one you like ascetically better? Is this going to be an off the bench gun or a walking around rifle?

 

[Eightball]

I give Tikka the nod for their triggers and worksmanship. I have sold several, and never heard a complaint

 

[Horsemany]

+1


CZ's are very well built guns by today's standards. They are one of the few who still builds guns with old school quality. Machined forgings, good triggers, and rock solid integral scope mounts.

The Tikka in contrast was built to be economical to produce above all else. Tikka's are very good shooters but so are CZ's. I don't think Tikka's are built with the same quality. Also research the explosion problem occuring with the stainless Tikka's and Sako's.

 

[Conqueror]

The Tikka action is by far the smoothest bolt action I've ever used. It's made by Sako and is like butter. Short-throw bolt, glassy-smooth, and low cocking energy mean follow-up shots are FAST.

That said, the CZ will have a much nicer stock, and a slight edge on trigger IF you get the set trigger. The Tikka trigger is adjustable and crisp, though.

 

[R.W.Dale]

and a slight edge on trigger IF you get the set trigger.

UM! I hate to burst your bubble but ALL centerfire CZ's come with the single set trigger

 

[280shooter]

I have the CZ web site up,they have a CZ 527 american with a scope,it doesnt say what kind of scope,but i do like the scope mount system,lese to go wrong,i like that,my problem is,when i go to gandermountain,im sure they wont have anyleft hand in 223,thats one of the things i dislike,being left hand,all my rifles are right hand,And i like to have at least one in left hand,

 

[Buster_NW]

I had a Tikka T3 for a couple of seasons.
Things I liked: Weight, decent trigger, slick action, great accuracy
Things I didn't like: Plastic, detachable mag, and production corners cut.

I still think the T3 is a good rifle and a great value (although prices have gone up). I wound up selling mine and buying a Rem 700 Mtn, which I love despite it's own shortcomings. My suggestion would be to go with the CZ...I know I will for my next rifle.

One last thing: If you like the idea of a quality Tikka and that Sako barrel, try to find a used Tikka Whitetail Hunter. In my opinion, Tikka took one step forward and a few steps back from that one.

 

[skinewmexico]

The Tikka action is by far the smoothest bolt action I've ever used.

Nylon inserts will do that. That single set trigger on the CZ ia fabulous. Personally, I'd get a 1-7 Savage.

 

[stubbicatt]

I've not read of exploding CZs.

I've never had a CZ that wasn't excellent.

 

[CZguy]

CZ

They both shoot well.

Which one feels the best in your hands?

Having said that, I prefer the CZ.

 

[JohnBT]

"Also research the explosion problem occuring with the stainless Tikka's and Sako's."

Are you referring to the bad batch of barrels they had in 2004? That's all I've heard of.

JT

 

[ratgunner]

I have no experience with CZ,but heard good things about them.On the other hand my Tikka T3 .270 will shoot .5" with Federal Classic ammo and the trigger is great.

 

[1911NM]

IMO, you won't go wrong with either gun. I just bought the Tikka T3 lite in 22-250. It's meant to be a pickup gun so the plastic stock doesn't bother me. What I like is the adjustable trigger, bolt is so smoooooth, and it is more accurate than I am. Besides, with about 8 bills into it, I had the gun, Leupold 3-9 scope, gun case, and 40 rounds of ammo at Sportsmans Warehouse. It's fun waiting to happen.

 

[Fumbler]

As far as machining quality goes, both are excellent.
I have a T3 and the machining and tolerances are above most guns at the same price range.
So what if it's got a plastic trigger guard and magazine? You ever heard of them breaking?

I like the T3 because:
-it's very light. My T3 Lite with 3-9x40mm Leupold weighs in just over 7 lbs. A CZ is over 7.5 lbs for just the gun alone.
-it's compact
-the bolt is smooth (no nylon inserts) and the bolt lift is short
-the adjustable trigger is very nice
-it shoots sub MOA consistently

CZs are nice. They shoot very well and are made well.

You really need to handle both. The T3 fits a little different than most rifles.
If you like wood and nice blueing then pick the CZ. If you want a more modern looking and lightweight rifle then get the T3.

 

[skinewmexico]

So what if it's got a plastic trigger guard and magazine? You ever heard of them breaking?

I always think its funny that everyone drives a car with plastic bumpers, but a plastic trigger guard is the end of the world bad.

 

[Fumbler]

Yup. It's an aesthetic issue. People shouldn't make it a quality issue.

If you took two trigger guards, one metal and one plastic, and hit them both hard enough to break the plastic...well you'd end up with a broken plastic one and a metal one that's bent like heck and just as worthless as the plastic one (or broken, depending on the metal).

BTW, I forgot to say in my last post. The T3 Lite's plastic stock is not flimsy. It flexes, but not enough to cause any change in POI.

 

[Horsemany]

JT,

Yes I was referring to the bad barrels of '04. This is still relavent if we are considering used rifles.

I have issues with plastic guns. I realize plastics aren't all bad, but enough already. Browning makes a T-Bolt .22 riddled with plastic. Even the trigger itself is plastic. 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. And let's not forget why these modern guns are made with plastic(cheap). The best is the injection molded stocks which I've read cost gun companies $5 to $10 each. Every year we see more plastic and a price increase the 1st of the year. I'm surprised so many are OK with that.

 

[silverlance]

Please give a bit more info on the 04 bad barrels.
I have a Tikka T3 Tactical and this worries me a bit. ... esp if I'm looking forward to a KB.

 

[JohnBT]

As best I remember, the rifles involved in the recall had stainless barrels and were made around 2/04. Beretta had a recall hotline, but a call to BerettaUSA should work. Give them the serial number. John

Found this on another site:

"A poster at another forum (http://tinyurl.com/6mfuo) wrote: "recall on [Tikka] T3 Stainless rifles with serial numbers starting with 419140 and going to 461951." This information should not, however, be accepted as all-inclusive. Several shooters wrote they had received a "recall notice" from Beretta. Also, several people provided telephone numbers: Beretta 800-636-3420; in Canada, contact Stoeger's
800-263-1945. (3/05)"

 

[280shooter]

stock doesnt matter

I dont care if its plasitc or wood,some wood i seen on some guns,leave alot be desired any how,IE Ash with a walnut stain,AND I"ll be using this rifle on the bench and a shooting stick,I sse alot say one way and a lot say go the other way,I'm running over to gander mountain tomrrrow and check my luck on a left hander,in either the CZ or tikka 3

 

[Horsemany]

Silverlance,

Last week there was a long thread about it. Use the search and you should find something. This is what I remember and someone can correct me if needed. Only stainless steel guns were affected. Tikka and Sako got a batch of barrels with bad metallurgy. The barrels were opening up like sardine cans. Some people are dissapointed with Beretta, Tikka, and Sako for not making it better known for safety sake. Many feel they are keeping hush so as not to tarnish their reputation. I know you can a customer service number and they will tell you if your gun is recalled. Good luck.