Author Topic: New Tikka WT Hunter (Read 845 times)

Bluestem · « **on:** June 25, 2003, 06:40:34 PM »

I picked my new Tikka 30.06 last night. I bought a new rifle for my first ever Western big-game hunt this fall. Was going to buy a Ruger or Winchester, but started hearing all these good things about Tikka's, then I found this forum and read all the glowing reports about Tikka's accuracy, so I looked at some in a sport shop, and had my gun dealer order one for me. Looked it over good for the first time this evening, and was hoping to hear what some of you think. First, the trigger is excellent-no creap, and it breaks very cleanly. But the barrel is not completely free-floated. I can fish a crisp dollar bill between the barrel and stock back close to the action, and it slides smoothly between barrel and stock from receiver till I get to the last half inch, and if I pull the bill tight, I can squeeze it through with a little back and forth. Also, the wood, while fitted well to the metal, is not very attractive. If the literature didn't declare it to be walnut, I would call it maple with a walnut stain. Anyway, was wondering what the Tikka fans out there think. Should I just spend a little time with some sandpaper and remove some extra wood in the barrel channel to finish the barrel floating, then see how it shoots, or should it go back?? I believe that Tikka's are good guns, and I'm not looking for an excuse to buy something different. I want to stick with Tikka, but should I try to exchange for a different one?? Two more quick questions: Who sells extra magazines for Tikka's, and what do you think of Millett angle-loc windage adjustable scope rings for Tikka's?? Thanks for reading!!

Power · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2003, 07:31:46 PM »

Congrats! As a fellow Tikka WT owner I believe you just bought a great gun. I'm sure Zachary will be here forth-with to give you his glowing insight.

I wouldn't worry about the free-floating of the barrel until after you've shot her a while. If you can't get her to shoot then you can tinker or even make it a winter project. I know I'm thinking of glass-bedding mine since the little plastic part they have in there doesn't impress me too much.

Magazines I think you have to buy from Tikka. They're spendy but you can usually buy one that will hold 1 more round than stock. If you find out different let me know as I would like to buy another too.

As far as the wood I can't help as I bought the one with the gray laminated stock and I love the color and finish. If you don't like it I think dbuck will be here shortly too to tell you all about the new stock he ordered for his. A quick search should find that topic if you're looking to replace it.

I have no info on those rings so I'll let the others tell you. I bought the plain Tikka rings in stainless (to match the rifle) and I'm quite happy with them.

RWH24 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 26, 2003, 01:10:15 AM »

Try this link for extra mags. I just picked up one for my Tikka 243 WT Hunter Synthetic from Shooters Supply in Sherman, Tx.
903/868-8543 Ronnie Crow/owner

http://www.gun-magazines.com/mags/catalog.htm

Shoot and break the barrel in properly, will shoot better as you shoot. Like a car engine. Just gets better. The action also seems to be sensitive to front screw torque. Snug, not overly white knuckle tight.

Randy

longwinters · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2003, 10:46:26 AM »

I have an older Tikka and the wood is very nice. But the wood in the newer rifles (whitetail hunter) does not impress me. I do have a buddy that just got a Tikka 308 Delux. Very, very nice. If I got another Tikka it would be SS/SYN or the Delux. But I have never seen one that does not shoot MOA out of the box.

dbuck · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2003, 11:05:28 AM »

Bluestream, congrats. on your new Tikka. Like the man said one time lets get to the chase.

1. Stay with a Tikka, but if you can take it back and get a laminated stock like power did I would do it or get the sny. stock.

2. I purchased a new laminated stock with through hole from Richards Microfit stocks. It takes about 8 to 9 weeks, read my post on this and it will give you all the information. Tikka is a great rifle, but the wood stocks leave a little bit to be desired.

3. I used Burris base and insert rings for my Tikka 270 and haven't had one problem with them.

dbuck

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** June 26, 2003, 02:37:51 PM »

I'm soo happy about your new relationship with your new Tikka. You will be very pleased!!

As for the scope mounts, I use, and strongly recommend, Warne Maxima rings. The rings attach directly to the receiver and they are SUPER STRONG. I would stay far away from Millet!!

Zachary

eroyd · « **Reply #6 on:** June 26, 2003, 05:13:56 PM »

What leupold bases will work on a Tikka? I see there are rings specifically for Sako's. Would they be the same?

RWH24 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 26, 2003, 06:35:05 PM »

Sorry!. Sako uses a taper dovetail, Tikka uses a straight dovetail.

Check out gunbroker or auction arms. A man is selling Tikka rings and bases.

Randy
Have a happy Tikka Day!

308TIKKA · « **Reply #8 on:** June 27, 2003, 12:43:20 AM »

Your new tikka should serve you well.
I would shoot it before modifying it. I bought the TIKKA OPTI-LOCK rings and bases. I looked at warne as well and would have got them but I would have had to wait a month and didnt want to. I believe leupold now makes tikka bases.

ccanevit · « **Reply #9 on:** June 27, 2003, 01:02:26 AM »

A friend of mine got Leupold mounts for his Tikka, however he was having problems getting them to line up correctly and ended up taking it to a gunsmith who got them aligned.
Not sure what exactly they did.... but my friend apparently used all the shims that came with his rings as well.

308TIKKA · « **Reply #10 on:** June 27, 2003, 12:23:08 PM »

thats why i bought rings and bases made by tikka.