Tikka Accuracy

[Bbear]

To the OP's first post - when I visited the Sako/Tikka factory nearly 20 years ago, they used Sako ammo to test each rifle before it left the factory. Their range was underground and instead of paper targets, they used a laser set-up. After firing proof loads and certifying the gun was still safe, they were moved in rolling racks of 100 rifles to the range. Each gun was then test-fired by an individual. Sako rifles were fired 7 times, with 5 of shots being required to fit inside the 1 MOA requirement. Tikka's were fired 5 times with 3 shots being required to be inside the 1 MOA requirement.
What I found interesting in this procedure, was if a rifle didn't shoot to the required 1 MOA, it wasn't 'fixed' or sent out. Instead, the barrel, action and bolt were all cut in half and the stock cut into 3 pieces. There was a 5 gallon bucket with about 20 bolts in it and I asked how long that had been there. The guide spoke with one of the shooters and told us that the bolts in there were from the last few months of shooting.

 

[Jessesky]

I don’t think there’s any real “secret”. I think as far as base rifles go, the tikka benefits from more time spent on finish work and a nicer barrel, offset by the cost savings of a “one action length fits all”. The modularity of it also saves cost. They also benefit from the rigidity of the action coming over the top and it’s square shaped base sits firm in a stock. Tikkas plastic factory stock also is nicer than many other factory plastics, it’s more rigid and has a metal recoil lug. Though I have replaced my factory stock.

 

[Jessesky]

To the OP's first post - when I visited the Sako/Tikka factory nearly 20 years ago, they used Sako ammo to test each rifle before it left the factory. Their range was underground and instead of paper targets, they used a laser set-up. After firing proof loads and certifying the gun was still safe, they were moved in rolling racks of 100 rifles to the range. Each gun was then test-fired by an individual. Sako rifles were fired 7 times, with 5 of shots being required to fit inside the 1 MOA requirement. Tikka's were fired 5 times with 3 shots being required to be inside the 1 MOA requirement.
What I found interesting in this procedure, was if a rifle didn't shoot to the required 1 MOA, it wasn't 'fixed' or sent out. Instead, the barrel, action and bolt were all cut in half and the stock cut into 3 pieces. There was a 5 gallon bucket with about 20 bolts in it and I asked how long that had been there. The guide spoke with one of the shooters and told us that the bolts in there were from the last few months of shooting.

This is awesome. It makes me appreciate tikka/sako much more than I already do

 

[Paul7]

Sorry, I'm technically challenged as to pictures. The 1960's goop was recently removed and the checkering was cleaned up.The stock looks a thousand times better with that old finish gone.

Just got my refinished '68 Sako Finnbear stock back, he really turned a sow's ear into a silk purse. New recoil pad also. New and old photos below.

It shoots pretty good too.

 

[Mowgli Terry]

he really turned a sow's ear into a silk purse.

Yes, that's what I was talking about. The SAKO's had a reputation for accuracy and workmanship fifty years ago when I bought mine. The old recoil pad was rotten and replaced here also. The European sling swivels were also reinstalled.

 

[Paul7]

Yes, that's what I was talking about. The SAKO's had a reputation for accuracy and workmanship fifty years ago when I bought mine. The old recoil pad was rotten and replaced here also. The European sling swivels were also reinstalled.

Another shot of mine after the refinish.