Tikka Rifles...

NOTPARS · November 2001

I have been looking at various bolt action rifles for hunting white-tail here in Missouri. I gave the Rugers and Remingtons a good look when an acquaintance, who owns a gun store, suggested a Tikka. He will sell me a brand new Tikka bolt action, 30-06, wood stock rifle for $500. I have to admit, it has one smooth bolt action and the quality of workmanship is fantastic. Does anyone have any info on their accuracy as compared to the Ruger and Remington?

Guns & Glass · November 2001

Superior to both Ruger, and Remington.Brief comparison to Rem 700:Larger locking lugs,Gas shield at bolt rear,EZ left side bolt release,Orbendorf style floor plate release,EZ safety/fire lever,Quieter safety,Integral bases, Superior wood,Superior inletting,Fit, and finish equal to Rem Custom shop.Accuracy equal to, at the least.M695 Deluxe is worth more than most dealers sell for compared to competition.The Contintental is the best buy for a varmit gun under $750.

Happy Bullet Holes![This message has been edited by Guns & Glass (edited 11-26-2001).]

rjpeacock · November 2001

I certainly have to agree with Guns and Glass about the Tikka. Dollar for dollar, I think the best buy out there right now. Quality above reproach. Seems to be made by people who really care about what they are doing. I'm buying more!

robsguns · November 2001

I dont have personal experience with the Tikka, however I do know this. I dont think anyone is makeing a gun with a safety that is better than Rugers. I also know of no one that is makeing the integral scope mounts like Ruger unless it is a custom job. I also know of no one that can consistently match Rugers warranty service. As Tikka is located out of the country, I believe, I doubt they can provide the service as well, should it be needed. Furthermore, I always try to buy a firearm that is made right, and made here, in the U.S. I am preferential towards Ruger, so this is a slanted opinion. When comparing rifles made in America, Ruger does it for me, hands down, with both price and quality, as well as aesthetics and function.Check out Ruger's Board of Directors sometime, its pretty impressive also, people that you can trust, including a former Commandant of the Marine Corps.

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

DaRoosta · November 2001

I agree with the first two posts on this topic."robsguns" stated that he knew of no safety that was better than the Rugers nor any other manufacturer with integral scope mounts. I guess the safety depends on what you're looking for. Guns & Glass stated that it was more quiet than either the Rem's or Rugers. I have to agree fully. He didn't specifically say it was better, but a safety is a safety. If it won't come out of position then it's a mute point. Tikka's have two-position safeties, versus the three-position safeties on the Ruger MarkII's. Tikka's have integral scope mounts. The Tikka Whitetail Hunter (also known as the Master Series) has a free-floated barrel and some components are hand-crafted for precision fitting. I personally think the bolt action is much more smooth on anything made by Sako than any bolt action Ruger will ever make. In fact, this is the single most important point to me that signifies the quality of manufacturing and is also why I will never buy a Ruger bolt action rifle again.It's true that the Tikka, by Sako, is based in Finland. From my understanding, they do have a service facility in the U.S., but I haven't had to use it. I purchased a Sako Model 75 SS earlier this year and I have to say it's one of the sweetest rifles I've ever fired.My advice to NOTPARS would be to purchase the Tikka over the Ruger or Rem. It's one of the best deals going right now.

He Dog · November 2001

Here is another vote for the Tikka. It is a fine rifle. I am not a big fan of Ruger which I consider adequate but not superlative (and I do own a few). The Tikka is a cut above that, on a par with Steyer and pushing on Sako, both of which are, for my money, better than any factory rifle currently made in the US except perhaps Dakota, and some of the Kimber .22's. A very nice deal, not a steal, but very decent.

NOTPARS · November 2001

For all those who replied, thank you so much! I learned a long time ago to trust the judgement of people who know what they are talking about on this forum. I value your advice and you helped me to make up my mind!I am not anti-Ruger. I own 6 Rugers now and owned others in the past. Currently I am considering selling my Ruger P944 (stainless steel auto in .40 Smith caliber). It seems like a fine gun except, it jams...a lot. Yes, I tried 8 different brands of ammo, 180 and 165 grain bullets, changed my stance, and many other modifications. If I am going to shell out decent money, I want the best I can get in that price category. I am ready to try something different. I was very impressed with the fit, finish, quality, and bolt action of the Tikka rifles. All that I needed to know was whether or not it was accurate. You folks settled that issue in no uncertain terms. In the next six months I will buy my first Tikka. Again, thank you so much!

Guns & Glass · November 2001

Sako(pronounced Sock-o) owns Tika.Beretta had purchased Sako last year.Will be interesting to see Beretta's 2002-03 rifle lineup.

Happy Bullet Holes!

He Dog · November 2001

Notpars where are you located in Mo? I grew up in Columbia.

NOTPARS · November 2001

For He Dog: I live in Blue Springs and teach in Lee's Summit. Mine is the only high school social studies class where we discuss things like, who makes a good lever action, does a "ham and egger" bird hunter need a Remington 870 or a Wingmaster, what is the allure of a pump shotgun over a semi-auto, and stuff like that. The kids like it, although they can't believe it at first, the other teachers don't, but I keep plugging away. Columbia is a pretty area!

Tikka Rifles...

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