@johanpersson8645 take it you don't have a clue what you're talking about, and have certainly never used one extensively..that word means alot btw....
@@sabresix7933 i had had 6 and all have gone back to the sako "tikka" fabrik. Pile of crap. Better off buing a stone and a stick. I live in Sweden and been to the fabrik in finland like 5 Times
I have this same rifle in 300winmag with factory muzzle brake. I get 11/4" groups at 200 yds, 1/2 " at 100 yds. I have had a ton of of rifles, this one is the best I have ever had, out of the box. Federal big game 180gr. Accubond close second. Tikka club indeed!!
I have an old Tikka M695 in .270 Winchester. I've taken a lot of deer over the years with it. It's quite a bit longer and heavier than today's models. Bolt is as smooth as glass and the trigger is sweet. It's been my favorite rifle for quite some time now.
I have a 695 Whitetail Hunter Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Edition in 280 Remington and a 595 Master Sporter. The 595 came from the factory with a medium heavy barrel in 308 Winchester. It's now a switch barrel with the factory 308 barrel, a heavy (heavier than factory) barrel in 7mm-08 Remington and a super heavy barrel in 22-250 Remington with a 1/10" twist. Click my name and uou can watch a few videos of me shooting the 22-250 at eggs at 450 yards and a 16oz water bottle at 880 yards. I'll see about uploading some 280 shots.
@@renaissanceman7145 I have the M695 Whitetail Hunter in 30-06. It was my first Tikka, bought in 1998. I had never heard of Tikka before but it had an old school, beautifully figured, walnut stock that caught my eye on the rack. What sold me was 1) glassy smooth bolt, 2) ~4lb trigger with crisp break and 3) the price. $450. With hand loads, it is a tack driver. Tikka makes beautiful, high quality, high value, rifles that forced American rifle manufacturers to up their game once the public became aware of just how great an affordable rifle could be. Thank you, Tikka.
I have an original Tikka Tactical in 20" 308. I have better then 10k rounds through that rifle and it still shoots less then 4" at 400 yards every day. I have been threatening to rebarrel it. It used to shoot 3/8 inch groups at 100. It has always been my favorite out of the 6 callibers I normally load for. I'm shooting 200 gr berger hybrids at 2600fps and they are killers of steel plates at 400...
@@shaverlocal Very nice buddy. I have multiple Tikka's and they all shoot sub 2" groups at 400 yards. Some shoot sub 1" at 400 yards. They are damn good rifles. I've been telling Ron he needs to test some Tikka's, for quite some time now. I was disappointed he did not test any Tikka's in his 308 and 30-06 tests. There were a lot of horrible shooting rifles in those tests. I would not buy a new rifle these days, unless it was a Tikka!!!!!!
Worst thing about tikka is they’re so dagone boring. Just go pick the gun up in preferred caliber, grab 2-3 boxes of ammo, a scope and ring. I guarantee it’ll shoot atleast 1 of those ammos well and start hunting.
Mr. Spomer, I enjoy your videos quite a bit, between you and Hickok45, I think I am very well better versed in firearms, ammunition, and just entertained as well. Thank you for what you do, you have my utmost respect and appreciation.
Man I love Ron, pure real world advice from a old timer who’s been through it all such a wealth of knowledge and experience what makes me trust him even more is that he’s such a humble guy
@@Tompii I don't know guns, but I do know cars, and that is what we call the Toyota Tax. Interested in firearms from a mechanical, historical and overall functional aspect, and being Finnish I was drawn to any praise to a product from Finland :D
Tikka, Sako, Lapua, the Finns know their stuff when it comes to firearms. What a great little rifle that would make for just about any kind of hunting.
I owned a Tikka M695 in the good old 280 Remington. That rifle shot lights out all the way out to 1,370 yards with 162 ELD-M handloads. These Tikka rifles just keep amazing me every time I pick one up and see one on TH-cam. May you too, Ron, become a part of the Tikka club as well, haha! Loved the video! Keep going strong, Grandpa Ron!
@demetriuscooksey7147 lol, I quickly got it back not too long after I sold it. It was soooo underappreciated. It hurt to see it sitting on a pawn shelf.
One of the best features of a tikka imo, is the ability to turn it into anything you want, even switching from short action to long action if you want (all you have to do is swap the bolt stop and magazine). The machining is good enough that the quality prefit barrels can come pretty close to full-blown custom rifles for a fraction of the money.
Yeah i really think the tikka is great at any price. I heard some negative comments but they seem like virtue signaling to me..mine is in 308 and i could say a short action would be better...but honestly...who cares
My Tikka T3 in 6.5 CM is one of my best shooting rifles consistently producing sub 1 inch groups with Remington 140 grain loads. It has taken several WT deer and pronghorn here in Montana and Wyoming all one shot kills out to 240 yards. I couldn’t ask for a better factory made rifle.
Ron you have some of the best videos anywhere with no buts. One thing I have started doing when cleaning barrels is to use a jag that is 4-5 calibers smaller than the bore and let the chemicals do their work. For .22 I use a .17 cal. For .30 cal I use a .25 cal. No force and no damage. Sako has been building great rifles going back to when the Finns picked up Russian rifles and sent them back to the armory to be re-built to Sako standards. Great job!
Dear Mr. Spomer, in all honesty: with this performance out of the box and considering the huge aftermarket support, one can adept this barrelled action to any hunting/sporting role imaginable IMHO. Any "custom" gun maker should be hard pressed to find valid reasons for charging multi-thousands of $$$ for a "custom" build (which is nothing but putting pre-fabricated components on old fashioned Rem-700-action clones over and over again). An exception may be the need for a custom cut chamber for a very odd and specific bullet/brass combination. But other than that I consider this "custom rifle craze" pure Gucci-gear marketing hype that has no valid advantages to offer. Welcome to the "no nonsense" real world of hunting/shooting for the common man! NICE TO HAVE YOU WITH US ON BOARD, SIR! Cheers, K.
Tikka t3 here in 300 wsm.. Oh man is it a fun rifle.. I changed the butt pad and put a break on it. Now its even way better then it was stock outa the box.
Got me a T3, one gen before the x series ones, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Anything with a Tikka stamp is gonna give you some false confidence 😄 I've definitely shot some bad groups in my days, but never EVER shot poorly with a Tikka.
@@johntellier2366 Currently using 180gr Interlock SP Handloads, 2750 fps no where near max, I also have some 180gr Accubonds but I haven't worked up loads yet.
Drover is an Australian term. A drover is someone who drives stock (cattle and or sheep) long distance, either to get them from one place or another or just to keep them fed during droughts. BTW tikka’s have been very popular in Australia and New Zealand since the 1980’s.
Love the “along for the ride” style you’ve got. It’s like going out with my savvy uncle who has done it all, but may not remember exactly in which order. Great info and fun too. Thanks Ron. You’re the best!
I had the pleasure of helping a new member at our club sight in his Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor. It was incredibly accurate with 140 grain and 130 grain ammunition. One of the smoothest actions you will find anywhere. You couldn't ask for more in a rifle straight out of the box, nice 2 stage trigger, the rifle shot sub MOA with 5 shot groups... At 100M. I have a T3X Arctic in .308. Same results... Try one out - you will like it.
Sako! Sako! Sako! I love me some Sako rifles too. I finally bought one because it was that of a wby Vanguard in a LH 25-06. I decided I’d go with a Sako. Man it’s overall accuracy is out of this world. And every Tikka I’ve shot is extremely accurate also.
I have 2 tikkas in my collection. 1 stainless t3x lite .270win, and 1 in blued steel t3x lite in .243win. Both shoot multiple factory loads right at or just under MOA every time. The .243win usually shoots 3/4” MOA or less. Love those rifles! Glad you got behind one Ron and found out the hype is real! Cheers from a Canadian hunter and shooter🍻🇨🇦👍🏻
I own two T3s for some years now. Use them only for hunting and they are my trusted and reliable tools. Tikka means woodpecker by the way. Tik tik tik!
My sons gave me a Tikka T3 chambered in 270 winchester for Christmas two years ago its now my favorite and go to hunting rifle (whitetail). Accurate and smooth rifle. The Norma whitetail line of ammo has been great for me out of my Remington 700 308
I like the look of that rifle. When you said Ranch rifle I thought, " Hey, like a 30-30 only SLOWER!" I am a .308 fan though so I REALLY do like that rifle, short and fast.
I own only one rifle... I unfortunately decided to buy the SAKO 30-06 Hunter as my first rifle... Now I have no excuse to buy another rifle. Had it for 13 years now... shot everything up to an eland. Deadly accurate with Seira 165 and 180gr self loads, consistent 1/2 MOA groups. I bought it for R18 000. (direct converted to todays $ price would be $1000) now a Tikka costs R45 000. / $ 2500... (here in South Africa).
@@ed9041 brilliant rifles :) i took a 85 in 260 rem using the 143 Eld x on a cull hunt i did in SA about 4 hours north of PE in 2016 :) now looking into going again taking a 7mm prc and thinking about a 175gr or a 180gr head :) would love to take a wildebeast on that trip! The hide would make for fantastic leather :)
Hey Ron! Been a big fan for quite a while. I see you finally got your hands on what I call "the most boring rifle to own" in a good way. I picked up a tikka t3x SuperLite 6-7 years ago with the goal being a 500 yards and in, deer and antelope rifle. Mine is the DREADED 6.5 Creedmoor! I call them boring because they aren't particularly the "latest greatest" or the "fanciest" and you never have to explore which ammo your rifle shoots best. The answer is USUALLY whatever you want to shoot, it'll shoot. The more I've shot this rifle the more I've grown to love it. It went from a deer/antelope rifle to my daily driver quickly. Coyotes? Tikka. Javelina? Tikka. Target shooting? Tikka. Pretty much any hunt besides elk / bison / etc where the 300 win mag comes out it's Tikka time! The only exception is fortunately and unfortunately my DAD has taken quite a liking to that rifle as well! Whenever pops and I hunt together I let him shoot that rifle and take my 300 around. I've been telling him he should just buy his own, he asks "why would I waste my own money when I can just shoot yours and the ammo is FREE!" LOL I always jokingly say you just point those rifles in the general vicinity and it knows what to do! Great video as always! Keep shooting straight (easy with that rifle) and good luck!
Bought my son a T3 Lite in .270 years ago. Don't remember the exact amount I paid but with a decent Burris on it I remember being well under $1000. Probably $800-900 range Shot sub MOA right out of the box. I'm no marksman but I shot 1 inchers all day with factory ammo from a cheapy sled off the tailgate of my truck with factory ammo.
I have always enjoyed watching your videos Ron, this one did not disappoint. I am a Avid deerstalker from NZ, Tikka rifles have been a stock standard for maybe 20 years in my country.I have owned several in different calibres. Therefore I respectively offer this advice..When group testing a light weight Tikka slow your shots down that being at least 1 minute between rounds for 3 rounds and then give it a rest. Otherwise that thin whippy barrel ( super exaggerated in the ultralights with suppressor ) just heats up and groups stretch out..To give you an example My T3X light in 6.5C (laminate stock) with Burris 3-15 scope with overbarrel suppressor will group approx 1-1.2 MOA using Hornardy match 147g if I just "Aim and shoot.... In contrast If I fire one shot, (leave bolt open /remove suppressor) spend about a minute comtemplating the weather before I refurb the rifle and go again, sub .5 MOA is very possible. In my experience if this (or similar procedure) doesnt tighten your groups something is up...
Like as someone from Finland I do see another use of having a hunting rifle at home with a 10 magazine. Maybe I need a Tikka for "hunting" also, just in case some rabid animals start to infest our lands again :D It is nice to see the quality of my country being appreciated by others :D
I picked up a Tikka T3X Super Varmint last year in 7 Rem Mag. It essentially has the same stock as this rifle. I absolutely love it! It is a little heavier with the varmint barrel, but it is very accurate. I can just see the bullets into the target if that makes sense. This model just checked all of the boxes I wanted.
Thank you Ron, I always enjoy your videos. I own a standard Tikka T3 as the lighter stalking rifle (1-6x20 Leupold) and a Browning Abolt II having replaced the composite stock for a factory walnut one, and the original trigger spring for one that allows the trigger to break at about 2.50lbs (4-12x50 Zeiss Duralyt) in 308W. Over the years I’ve probably shot about 15 different factory loads, both rifles have easily shot between 1-1,5 moa, on occasion better. The rounds have been 135gr up to 180grainers. I’m very happy with that for hunting purposes.
Yes, Sock-oh is how I was told to pronounce Sako. The same person told me Tikka is pronounced Tick-ah, not Tea-kah. We're they 100% correct or only 50%? Thanks.
Love tikka, not so much the one you reviewed but its hard to go wrong with any tikka or sako! Glad to see you tested it both ways and with some quality glass! Great job Mr.Spomer!
@Ron Spomer Outdoors Nice Little Truck Gun. It's an evolution of the Tikka CTR (Compact Tactical rifle). The first Battue came with the plastic single stack magazine (available in 3 and 5 shot factory versions. The Drover model shows a Proprietary 10 shot metal box magazine that comes from the Sako TRG series rifles. The same as supplied with the CTR models and the bottom metal is unique to the magazines and stocks. The CTR comes with the 10 round steel magazines, Medium weight barrel, Teflon coated bolt body, Oversize bolt handle and threaded barrel. My first CTR, a 7mm-08 is my all-rounder (Truck Gun) It accounted for a few sounders of pigs, solo pigs and a heap of foxes. My other Tikkas are using the single stack magazines making them easily interchangeable for after-market stocks etc. One action length makes them modular, and variety of accessories are interchangeable.
Nice work Ron..... It´s quite clear the difference and consistent quality and acccuracy of that inicial Norma tree shots group... A magnificent shooter and Tika Rifle.
My dad was a gunsmith and competitive shooter. I shot competitively also. If in the late 80s someone had told me that a factory straight out of the box would shoot under m.o.a with a number of factory hunting loads I would have assumed it was some sniper rifle costume multiple thousands of dollars in 80s money
Well done Ronnie!!! Possibly running a snake thru the barrel between each string of ammo would have optimized all those groupings. Very proud owner of my Finland crafted Tikka t3x 6.5 prc in a beautiful burnt ember. Best rifle I've ever had. Used to be a die hard Rem 700 guy. They were good but the Tikka is simply on another level. This purchase was actually like a coming home moment for me because I am also a craftsman and I find myself appreciating fine craftsmanship more and more and our Finland brothers & sisters deliver it in their firearms every day. There are more Sako / Tikka's in my future.
Its the barrel and the trigger that makes it stand out. Smooth action and good machining. They stepped in when Remington 700 fell of the wagon. And like the 700 you can find a gazillion of aftermarket stocks and parts. Have a look at the Grs stocks they are really nice.
Have 4 centrefire and 2 rimfire T3 T3X tikkas, none ever drop a magazine, only mod I have done is replaced trigger springs on all to 1.5 inch pound👌 easy to do and makes them even better
Very nice. That is the best grouping, normal priced, out of the box factory rifle i have heard of. It reminds me a lot of the Savage Hog Hunter. Same configuration - 20", iron sights, oversized bolt handle, even a green stock (Savage used the Hogue Overmolded). Always liked the idea of them. I didn't need another 308 thiugh. Found out earlier this year they had been chanbering 338 Federal but stopped. Anyway, i have been interested in Tikka for awhile. The standard T3x synthetic stainless is on my very short list of candidates for the 7mm-08 i am planning to get. Nice to know they shoot so well with factory ammo. I will be limited to factory ammo for awhile- no space to load. Hope to change that this year. Great review. Thanks for the variety of loads, and showing cleaning procedures. I always want to make sure i am doing it right.
🤠 Sako and Tikka Rifle Barrels Come From The Same Production Line! I f You Can't Get At Least 0.5" Groups With Some Load - Then It is Either Your Scope, Scope Mounting Job, or You! 🤪
I have shot my t3 6.5 chassis for years and still win comps with it. And I just came out of the deer woods with my t3 .308! I have several dozen rifles. And my tikkas are by far the best bang for your buck!
I was thinking my Ruger Ranch in 7.62 x 39 when I saw this. I have 10 round DURAMAG XCR-L Micro Pistol Magazines in mine. Absolutely love it. Great review.
I bought a T3 way back probably 10-12 years Go and it an absolute dream of a rifle silky smooth and so reliable. Saying that I also have 2 Ruger Americans and can't really complain sure it's not as nice but heck it shoots straight cycles nice too just a little rough
I have had numerous Tikka rifles now. And in a few calibers. So far I have never had one that wouldn't shoot well sometimes a little picky on ammo. But not crazy or anything. Love them. Just wish the magazines were a little longer but oh well.
Shot my best 5 shot group at 300 meters with a Tikka T3 varmint in 308. 0,3" group. Was usually about 1" if the wind or i didnt mess it up. Extremely accurate rifle and not fuzzy with loads. Loved 168gr scenars with Vhitavuori N-140 in Lapua cases. Finns know their stuff👌
I have 4 tikka rifles and have mounted scopes on and shot several others,haven’t found one yet that wasn’t a shooter,no fuss just stellar accuracy,it’s easy to find a factory load that is lights out in my experience.An experienced handloader like Ron could easily wring out even more accuracy from these rifles.Go ahead Ron,pull the trigger and get you one😁
Yep- plastic stock, plastic magazine and plastic trigger guard but who cares when out of the box a T3 lite SS with budget federal fusions 130 grain .270’s all touch! Will be a good episode thanks Ron, keep them coming to us.
I have a Tikka T3x in both 7mm Mag and 6.5 Creedmore. Both are tack drivers. Every Tikka owner I have come across makes the same claim regardless of the caliber they use. Easy to use and service. Light to carry. I did add a muzzle brake for the 7mm. Other than that, bone stock. Love them both.
Absolutely fantastic review Ron! Thank you so much! Would be great if you can do reviews of some of the other popular rifles such as the SIG cross, the Ruger American Gen2,…
Hi, Ron. Another great video mate, l really appreciate the effort you put into making all of your videos. The Tikka rifles are indeed an accurate rifle and of a high quality too. I have a Tikka T3 Lite in 7mm-08 and it's also a very accurate rifle, which upholds the factory claims of accuracy, with the majority of factory ammunition. Being an accuracy freak, for consistency and also for economical shooting, l reload. Regards, Brian...Watching from Australia. 🇦🇺
My 22 Creedmoor is a T3X lite an I'm a fan. What a gun should be as far as function, accuracy an price. You can adjust the trigger an they are even better!
Thanks for another great video Ron. I think we're probably about the same age and I've also done my fair share of hunting and shooting. My favorite rifles are my Tikkas, but Savage is close behind. My Tikka T3x Superlite in .308 also likes Norma ammunition, especially their 180 gr. BondStrike ammo.
As someone who works at Firerms industry in Finland, we love our TIKKA for sure!
good stuff is made in Tikkakoski
Tikka-shoiter since 1982. No problems...and that accuracy💯🎯
@@mattiylilauri6289 Tikke is the goverment backed loser but good enough that people like it
I lived in Finland from 1971-1973. Brought a Sako Vixen in 223 home with me. Still one of my favorite rifles!
We still have a firearms industry? I thought they pretty much shut that down.
As a Finn I was happy to see this review.
I have 3 Tikkas, and 2 Sakos. Finland knows how to build fantastic rifles!!
I have 3 Sako’s & 1 Tikka. Just shot the tikka and it’s very accurate. Haven’t shot the Sako’s yet
same here tikka t3x in 308 and a Sako A7 in 270 win love them
How does tikka hold up to sako?
Tikka, Tikka, Tikka! Indeed. Sako action smooth as butter. Accurate out of the box. Doesn’t cost the earth. Great rifles.
Seeing Ron giddy like a kid on Christmas when he saw those 3 rounds stacked just completely sold me on tikkas again
Welcome to the tikka club! 👍
Well Ron, you now will have one of the best rifles on the market today anywhere around the world.
Crap it what it is
Can't even adjust your own sights, it's crap
@johanpersson8645 take it you don't have a clue what you're talking about, and have certainly never used one extensively..that word means alot btw....
@@joshlower1maybe know more about Tikkas before calling them crap... think you'll find a different story..
@@sabresix7933 i had had 6 and all have gone back to the sako "tikka" fabrik. Pile of crap. Better off buing a stone and a stick. I live in Sweden and been to the fabrik in finland like 5 Times
I have this same rifle in 300winmag with factory muzzle brake. I get 11/4" groups at 200 yds, 1/2 " at 100 yds. I have had a ton of of rifles, this one is the best I have ever had, out of the box. Federal big game 180gr. Accubond close second. Tikka club indeed!!
Greetings from Germany. I use a Tikka T3 CTR with a Swarovski Z4i Scope on it. Really pleased with it for all hunting purposes i ever needed.
I have an old Tikka M695 in .270 Winchester. I've taken a lot of deer over the years with it. It's quite a bit longer and heavier than today's models. Bolt is as smooth as glass and the trigger is sweet. It's been my favorite rifle for quite some time now.
I agree. I have the older M690, it started life as a 6.5x55, i took my first Deer with it. Has a 6.5x284 barrel on it now.
I have a 695 Whitetail Hunter Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Edition in 280 Remington and a 595 Master Sporter. The 595 came from the factory with a medium heavy barrel in 308 Winchester. It's now a switch barrel with the factory 308 barrel, a heavy (heavier than factory) barrel in 7mm-08 Remington and a super heavy barrel in 22-250 Remington with a 1/10" twist.
Click my name and uou can watch a few videos of me shooting the 22-250 at eggs at 450 yards and a 16oz water bottle at 880 yards. I'll see about uploading some 280 shots.
@@renaissanceman7145 I have the M695 Whitetail Hunter in 30-06. It was my first Tikka, bought in 1998. I had never heard of Tikka before but it had an old school, beautifully figured, walnut stock that caught my eye on the rack. What sold me was 1) glassy smooth bolt, 2) ~4lb trigger with crisp break and 3) the price. $450. With hand loads, it is a tack driver. Tikka makes beautiful, high quality, high value, rifles that forced American rifle manufacturers to up their game once the public became aware of just how great an affordable rifle could be. Thank you, Tikka.
Wow, that cycling and shooting was so smooth and so fast. That rifle is made for a walking or driving in the field. You are a pro hunter for sure.
It's about time! There should be no accuracy issues with this rifle.
I have an original Tikka Tactical in 20" 308. I have better then 10k rounds through that rifle and it still shoots less then 4" at 400 yards every day. I have been threatening to rebarrel it. It used to shoot 3/8 inch groups at 100. It has always been my favorite out of the 6 callibers I normally load for. I'm shooting 200 gr berger hybrids at 2600fps and they are killers of steel plates at 400...
@@shaverlocal Very nice buddy. I have multiple Tikka's and they all shoot sub 2" groups at 400 yards. Some shoot sub 1" at 400 yards. They are damn good rifles. I've been telling Ron he needs to test some Tikka's, for quite some time now. I was disappointed he did not test any Tikka's in his 308 and 30-06 tests. There were a lot of horrible shooting rifles in those tests. I would not buy a new rifle these days, unless it was a Tikka!!!!!!
No accuracy issues, it's made here in Finland. We know that rifle that is not accurate is useless 😂Suomi Perkele 🇫🇮
Everyone on the internet shoots 1/2 to 1/4 MOA
Worst thing about tikka is they’re so dagone boring. Just go pick the gun up in preferred caliber, grab 2-3 boxes of ammo, a scope and ring. I guarantee it’ll shoot atleast 1 of those ammos well and start hunting.
Mr. Spomer, I enjoy your videos quite a bit, between you and Hickok45, I think I am very well better versed in firearms, ammunition, and just entertained as well. Thank you for what you do, you have my utmost respect and appreciation.
After the video.i will check on vainglory levels...
Man I love Ron, pure real world advice from a old timer who’s been through it all such a wealth of knowledge and experience what makes me trust him even more is that he’s such a humble guy
Thanks!
Tikka loved all over the world! Sort of the Toyota of firearms
Unfortunatly they're getting more expensive, they're now middle range price range, used to be from $1300, now they're around $18-2000 in Sweden.
@@Tompii I don't know guns, but I do know cars, and that is what we call the Toyota Tax. Interested in firearms from a mechanical, historical and overall functional aspect, and being Finnish I was drawn to any praise to a product from Finland :D
That sucks, I can still get them for 750-1200 depending on model in the US.
@@Hipas_Account Beretta Group bought Sako & Tikka and they increased the price with 20% last year. More Italian tax than Toyota tax 😪
Tikka, Sako, Lapua, the Finns know their stuff when it comes to firearms. What a great little rifle that would make for just about any kind of hunting.
I owned a Tikka M695 in the good old 280 Remington. That rifle shot lights out all the way out to 1,370 yards with 162 ELD-M handloads. These Tikka rifles just keep amazing me every time I pick one up and see one on TH-cam. May you too, Ron, become a part of the Tikka club as well, haha! Loved the video! Keep going strong, Grandpa Ron!
Owned? Hope you're aware of how impossible it is to find one in 280 now. Shoulda held on to that one! Lol
@demetriuscooksey7147 lol, I quickly got it back not too long after I sold it. It was soooo underappreciated. It hurt to see it sitting on a pawn shelf.
@Oddball_Reloader12 that's good.
One of the best features of a tikka imo, is the ability to turn it into anything you want, even switching from short action to long action if you want (all you have to do is swap the bolt stop and magazine). The machining is good enough that the quality prefit barrels can come pretty close to full-blown custom rifles for a fraction of the money.
I shoot a T3 stainless 7mm-08, very good rifle for the money 💰, the bolt is smooth as butter, trigger is adjustable, breaks great .
Fine rifle
My dad have a stainless Tikka from the 80´s or 90's. Moose hunting every fall and it still shoot and look like new.
Yeah i really think the tikka is great at any price. I heard some negative comments but they seem like virtue signaling to me..mine is in 308 and i could say a short action would be better...but honestly...who cares
Tikka... one of the BEST rifles I have and I love my Sakos too! Buying a Tikka in 22 ARC if they ever make one,
Why do you want an ARC in a bolt action?
@@nathanjames329 hmmm... let me guess that you are going to enlighten me with the virtues of the 22-250 or the AR15 platform?
@@bigyote just curious
My Tikka T3 in 6.5 CM is one of my best shooting rifles consistently producing sub 1 inch groups with Remington 140 grain loads. It has taken several WT deer and pronghorn here in Montana and Wyoming all one shot kills out to 240 yards. I couldn’t ask for a better factory made rifle.
Ron you have some of the best videos anywhere with no buts. One thing I have started doing when cleaning barrels is to use a jag that is 4-5 calibers smaller than the bore and let the chemicals do their work. For .22 I use a .17 cal. For .30 cal I use a .25 cal. No force and no damage. Sako has been building great rifles going back to when the Finns picked up Russian rifles and sent them back to the armory to be re-built to Sako standards. Great job!
Hi Ron I wanted to say Thank You for taking the time to share your experience Much Appreciated with Love and Respect Bill W.
Dear Mr. Spomer,
in all honesty: with this performance out of the box and considering the huge aftermarket support,
one can adept this barrelled action to any hunting/sporting role imaginable IMHO.
Any "custom" gun maker should be hard pressed to find valid reasons for charging multi-thousands of $$$ for a "custom" build
(which is nothing but putting pre-fabricated components on old fashioned Rem-700-action clones over and over again).
An exception may be the need for a custom cut chamber for a very odd and specific bullet/brass combination.
But other than that I consider this "custom rifle craze" pure Gucci-gear marketing hype that has no valid advantages to offer.
Welcome to the "no nonsense" real world of hunting/shooting for the common man!
NICE TO HAVE YOU WITH US ON BOARD, SIR!
Cheers, K.
I haven't even made it 2 mins into video and it is one of the best openings for a episode! I flippn' love my tikka 308 , CTR
I really want the Limited Edition T3x CTR Jeager in Finnish M05 Woodland camo. Probably sold out before I have saved for it😂
Tikka t3 here in 300 wsm.. Oh man is it a fun rifle.. I changed the butt pad and put a break on it. Now its even way better then it was stock outa the box.
What kinda pad?
@@GMochileiro_42_ backstop recoil pad. Just installing the pad made the gun feel like a 6.5 creed more.
@@ddwindowworks ok awesome!! I’ll be doing the same.
@@GMochileiro_42_ have fun .
Brake
Excellent!!! Should be a tac driver, I have a T3x Stainless Laminate in .30-06 and man o man she is a sweet shooter.
T3x superlite here. Mine likes 180 gr Accubonds. Yours?
Got me a T3, one gen before the x series ones, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Anything with a Tikka stamp is gonna give you some false confidence 😄 I've definitely shot some bad groups in my days, but never EVER shot poorly with a Tikka.
@@johntellier2366 Mine likes 168 gr Barnes. T3x Lite .30-06
@@johntellier2366 Currently using 180gr Interlock SP Handloads, 2750 fps no where near max, I also have some 180gr Accubonds but I haven't worked up loads yet.
T3X Stainless in 6.5 Creed here. Hornady ELD Match consistent out to 800 yds (so far...) for me. I'm a believer! Zk
Drover is an Australian term. A drover is someone who drives stock (cattle and or sheep) long distance, either to get them from one place or another or just to keep them fed during droughts.
BTW tikka’s have been very popular in Australia and New Zealand since the 1980’s.
When I heard the name I immediately thought Tikka had Australian pig hunters in mind.
Love the “along for the ride” style you’ve got. It’s like going out with my savvy uncle who has done it all, but may not remember exactly in which order. Great info and fun too. Thanks Ron. You’re the best!
I had the pleasure of helping a new member at our club sight in his Tikka T3x TAC A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor. It was incredibly accurate with 140 grain and 130 grain ammunition. One of the smoothest actions you will find anywhere. You couldn't ask for more in a rifle straight out of the box, nice 2 stage trigger, the rifle shot sub MOA with 5 shot groups... At 100M. I have a T3X Arctic in .308. Same results... Try one out - you will like it.
your first 3 out of the tikka 308...same same for me with my first tikkac308 in november 2022...cant stop smiling
Sako! Sako! Sako! I love me some Sako rifles too. I finally bought one because it was that of a wby Vanguard in a LH 25-06. I decided I’d go with a Sako. Man it’s overall accuracy is out of this world. And every Tikka I’ve shot is extremely accurate also.
Love seeing people loving Finnish made things!
Greetings from Finland!
The moment you put that scope on that Tikka it looked right. Great video.thanks for posting as always mate 👍👍👍
I have 2 tikkas in my collection. 1 stainless t3x lite .270win, and 1 in blued steel t3x lite in .243win. Both shoot multiple factory loads right at or just under MOA every time. The .243win usually shoots 3/4” MOA or less. Love those rifles! Glad you got behind one Ron and found out the hype is real! Cheers from a Canadian hunter and shooter🍻🇨🇦👍🏻
@10:25 Wow! That's some fast shooting, Ron. You've done this before.
I've been buying Tikka's for 24 years and am always happy.
Never been disappointed with mine that's for sure!
That's not what he said @@108pel
Must suck not being able to adjust your own sights
@@joshlower1 who needs em when you have a scope? Though I agree. This particular model not having a driftable sight is ridiculous.
@@joshlower1never needed much adjustment on the iron sights on the tikkas that's how precise they are
I own two T3s for some years now. Use them only for hunting and they are my trusted and reliable tools. Tikka means woodpecker by the way. Tik tik tik!
Love all these positive comments about us Tikkas
My sons gave me a Tikka T3 chambered in 270 winchester for Christmas two years ago its now my favorite and go to hunting rifle (whitetail). Accurate and smooth rifle. The Norma whitetail line of ammo has been great for me out of my Remington 700 308
I like the look of that rifle. When you said Ranch rifle I thought, " Hey, like a 30-30 only SLOWER!" I am a .308 fan though so I REALLY do like that rifle, short and fast.
I own only one rifle... I unfortunately decided to buy the SAKO 30-06 Hunter as my first rifle... Now I have no excuse to buy another rifle. Had it for 13 years now... shot everything up to an eland. Deadly accurate with Seira 165 and 180gr self loads, consistent 1/2 MOA groups. I bought it for R18 000. (direct converted to todays $ price would be $1000) now a Tikka costs R45 000. / $ 2500... (here in South Africa).
Good choice :) deadly accurate sensational action and such a crisp trigger :) you got the set trigger? A 75 or an 85 model?
I own a Browning BBR 30-06 that I bought in the early 70's.Set for 170 yards,3 shots in a one inch square.Using Federal Premium 180 gr8.
@@bergthorjohannesson7819 Agree, The 85 model
@@ed9041 brilliant rifles :) i took a 85 in 260 rem using the 143 Eld x on a cull hunt i did in SA about 4 hours north of PE in 2016 :) now looking into going again taking a 7mm prc and thinking about a 175gr or a 180gr head :) would love to take a wildebeast on that trip! The hide would make for fantastic leather :)
tikka and cz have one of the best budget rifles on the marked.
Tikka was my first every rifle. I love them so much.
Hey Ron! Been a big fan for quite a while. I see you finally got your hands on what I call "the most boring rifle to own" in a good way. I picked up a tikka t3x SuperLite 6-7 years ago with the goal being a 500 yards and in, deer and antelope rifle. Mine is the DREADED 6.5 Creedmoor! I call them boring because they aren't particularly the "latest greatest" or the "fanciest" and you never have to explore which ammo your rifle shoots best. The answer is USUALLY whatever you want to shoot, it'll shoot.
The more I've shot this rifle the more I've grown to love it. It went from a deer/antelope rifle to my daily driver quickly. Coyotes? Tikka. Javelina? Tikka. Target shooting? Tikka. Pretty much any hunt besides elk / bison / etc where the 300 win mag comes out it's Tikka time! The only exception is fortunately and unfortunately my DAD has taken quite a liking to that rifle as well! Whenever pops and I hunt together I let him shoot that rifle and take my 300 around. I've been telling him he should just buy his own, he asks "why would I waste my own money when I can just shoot yours and the ammo is FREE!" LOL
I always jokingly say you just point those rifles in the general vicinity and it knows what to do!
Great video as always! Keep shooting straight (easy with that rifle) and good luck!
Bought my son a T3 Lite in .270 years ago. Don't remember the exact amount I paid but with a decent Burris on it I remember being well under $1000. Probably $800-900 range Shot sub MOA right out of the box. I'm no marksman but I shot 1 inchers all day with factory ammo from a cheapy sled off the tailgate of my truck with factory ammo.
Fabulous video! It simultaneously demonstrates why Ron, short barreled rifles chambered in 308 and Tikka are the best!!! Thanks, Ron!
Tikka T3x is by and large the best budget rifle on the market.
@@JCZ_888 But it's not a budget rifle; it's a great rifle, properly priced.
How can you go wrong for the money?
My hunting rifle is a tikka 7prc. To get better you have to go to Borden, Impact which is what I have for PRS.
Laughs in bergara
I have always enjoyed watching your videos Ron, this one did not disappoint. I am a Avid deerstalker from NZ, Tikka rifles have been a stock standard for maybe 20 years in my country.I have owned several in different calibres. Therefore I respectively offer this advice..When group testing a light weight Tikka slow your shots down that being at least 1 minute between rounds for 3 rounds and then give it a rest. Otherwise that thin whippy barrel ( super exaggerated in the ultralights with suppressor ) just heats up and groups stretch out..To give you an example My T3X light in 6.5C (laminate stock) with Burris 3-15 scope with overbarrel suppressor will group approx 1-1.2 MOA using Hornardy match 147g if I just "Aim and shoot.... In contrast If I fire one shot, (leave bolt open /remove suppressor) spend about a minute comtemplating the weather before I refurb the rifle and go again, sub .5 MOA is very possible. In my experience if this (or similar procedure) doesnt tighten your groups something is up...
Like as someone from Finland I do see another use of having a hunting rifle at home with a 10 magazine. Maybe I need a Tikka for "hunting" also, just in case some rabid animals start to infest our lands again :D
It is nice to see the quality of my country being appreciated by others :D
I picked up a Tikka T3X Super Varmint last year in 7 Rem Mag. It essentially has the same stock as this rifle. I absolutely love it! It is a little heavier with the varmint barrel, but it is very accurate. I can just see the bullets into the target if that makes sense. This model just checked all of the boxes I wanted.
Thank you Ron, I always enjoy your videos. I own a standard Tikka T3 as the lighter stalking rifle (1-6x20 Leupold) and a Browning Abolt II having replaced the composite stock for a factory walnut one, and the original trigger spring for one that allows the trigger to break at about 2.50lbs (4-12x50 Zeiss Duralyt) in 308W. Over the years I’ve probably shot about 15 different factory loads, both rifles have easily shot between 1-1,5 moa, on occasion better. The rounds have been 135gr up to 180grainers. I’m very happy with that for hunting purposes.
Finally someone who says SAKO the right way! Greetings from Finland.
Yes, Sock-oh is how I was told to pronounce Sako. The same person told me Tikka is pronounced Tick-ah, not Tea-kah. We're they 100% correct or only 50%?
Thanks.
Love my Tikka!
Love tikka, not so much the one you reviewed but its hard to go wrong with any tikka or sako! Glad to see you tested it both ways and with some quality glass! Great job Mr.Spomer!
So glad you've found the tikka's Ron. Look forward to more tikka videos.
You know you're not going to leave that rifle alone now. 😂
@Ron Spomer Outdoors Nice Little Truck Gun. It's an evolution of the Tikka CTR (Compact Tactical rifle). The first Battue came with the plastic single stack magazine (available in 3 and 5 shot factory versions.
The Drover model shows a Proprietary 10 shot metal box magazine that comes from the Sako TRG series rifles. The same as supplied with the CTR models and the bottom metal is unique to the magazines and stocks.
The CTR comes with the 10 round steel magazines, Medium weight barrel, Teflon coated bolt body, Oversize bolt handle and threaded barrel.
My first CTR, a 7mm-08 is my all-rounder (Truck Gun) It accounted for a few sounders of pigs, solo pigs and a heap of foxes.
My other Tikkas are using the single stack magazines making them easily interchangeable for after-market stocks etc. One action length makes them modular, and variety of accessories are interchangeable.
Glad you’re using the Garmin
Nice work Ron..... It´s quite clear the difference and consistent quality and acccuracy of that inicial Norma tree shots group... A magnificent shooter and Tika Rifle.
Fantastic review on a Tikka!
My dad was a gunsmith and competitive shooter. I shot competitively also. If in the late 80s someone had told me that a factory straight out of the box would shoot under m.o.a with a number of factory hunting loads I would have assumed it was some sniper rifle costume multiple thousands of dollars in 80s money
Well done Ronnie!!! Possibly running a snake thru the barrel between each string of ammo would have optimized all those groupings.
Very proud owner of my Finland crafted Tikka t3x 6.5 prc in a beautiful burnt ember. Best rifle I've ever had. Used to be a die hard Rem 700 guy. They were good but the Tikka is simply on another level.
This purchase was actually like a coming home moment for me because I am also a craftsman and I find myself appreciating fine craftsmanship more and more and our Finland brothers & sisters deliver it in their firearms every day. There are more Sako / Tikka's in my future.
Perhaps we need to take up a collection to buy you a few more new targets.
I have 2 Tikka's 22-250 & .243 blued 22'" barrels! Smooth, accurate, well built and lightweight.
Its the barrel and the trigger that makes it stand out.
Smooth action and good machining.
They stepped in when Remington 700 fell of the wagon.
And like the 700 you can find a gazillion of aftermarket stocks and parts.
Have a look at the Grs stocks they are really nice.
Have 4 centrefire and 2 rimfire T3 T3X tikkas, none ever drop a magazine, only mod I have done is replaced trigger springs on all to 1.5 inch pound👌 easy to do and makes them even better
I have the t3 in 6.5x55 swed she’s a keeper
Weirdly they don't do this model from the video in a Swede, they went for Creedmoor instead 😂
@@RichardEnglander yep short action only
Very nice. That is the best grouping, normal priced, out of the box factory rifle i have heard of. It reminds me a lot of the Savage Hog Hunter. Same configuration - 20", iron sights, oversized bolt handle, even a green stock (Savage used the Hogue Overmolded). Always liked the idea of them. I didn't need another 308 thiugh. Found out earlier this year they had been chanbering 338 Federal but stopped.
Anyway, i have been interested in Tikka for awhile. The standard T3x synthetic stainless is on my very short list of candidates for the 7mm-08 i am planning to get. Nice to know they shoot so well with factory ammo. I will be limited to factory ammo for awhile- no space to load. Hope to change that this year. Great review. Thanks for the variety of loads, and showing cleaning procedures. I always want to make sure i am doing it right.
🤠 Sako and Tikka Rifle Barrels Come From The Same Production Line! I f You Can't Get At Least 0.5" Groups With Some Load - Then It is Either Your Scope, Scope Mounting Job, or You! 🤪
Great video. Thank you.
I have shot my t3 6.5 chassis for years and still win comps with it. And I just came out of the deer woods with my t3 .308! I have several dozen rifles. And my tikkas are by far the best bang for your buck!
Reviewing a Tikka in 2024 is like reviewing a 6.5 creedmore in 2022😂 keep it up Ron. Love the channel.
Creedmore? What is that...
@@tiputipu777 He meant 6.5x55mm (6.5 Swedish).
What's next? Sako? 😂😂😅
I was thinking my Ruger Ranch in 7.62 x 39 when I saw this. I have 10 round DURAMAG XCR-L Micro Pistol Magazines in mine. Absolutely love it. Great review.
Love all your content Ron and glad you finally got a Tikka!!!
Best regards from Brazil 🎉🎉🎉Incredible point quick shooting
I bought a T3 way back probably 10-12 years Go and it an absolute dream of a rifle silky smooth and so reliable.
Saying that I also have 2 Ruger Americans and can't really complain sure it's not as nice but heck it shoots straight cycles nice too just a little rough
I have had numerous Tikka rifles now. And in a few calibers. So far I have never had one that wouldn't shoot well sometimes a little picky on ammo. But not crazy or anything. Love them. Just wish the magazines were a little longer but oh well.
Shot my best 5 shot group at 300 meters with a Tikka T3 varmint in 308. 0,3" group.
Was usually about 1" if the wind or i didnt mess it up. Extremely accurate rifle and not fuzzy with loads. Loved 168gr scenars with Vhitavuori N-140 in Lapua cases. Finns know their stuff👌
I love my Tikka, both of them.
I have 4 tikka rifles and have mounted scopes on and shot several others,haven’t found one yet that wasn’t a shooter,no fuss just stellar accuracy,it’s easy to find a factory load that is lights out in my experience.An experienced handloader like Ron could easily wring out even more accuracy from these rifles.Go ahead Ron,pull the trigger and get you one😁
Extra screw hole is also for wider forend 7:07
Bingo
Yep- plastic stock, plastic magazine and plastic trigger guard but who cares when out of the box a T3 lite SS with budget federal fusions 130 grain .270’s all touch! Will be a good episode thanks Ron, keep them coming to us.
My dude
The fusion shoot very well out of my tikka 270 win as well
if you dont want that you just get a lower end sako when they are on sale for the same price.
Just watched 3 Federal Fusion tests in Ballistic Gel on Mason Leather channel. Impressive Expansion & weight retention.
My t3 300 wsm does the same with 165 grain fusions as well
I have a Tikka T3x in both 7mm Mag and 6.5 Creedmore. Both are tack drivers. Every Tikka owner I have come across makes the same claim regardless of the caliber they use. Easy to use and service. Light to carry. I did add a muzzle brake for the 7mm. Other than that, bone stock. Love them both.
Absolutely fantastic review Ron! Thank you so much! Would be great if you can do reviews of some of the other popular rifles such as the SIG cross, the Ruger American Gen2,…
My T3X is a 7-08 fantastic shooting rifle.
I’m sure most all of these rifles shoot great.
Love watching these videos
You're the man Ron 💪
Thats a seriously great gun . Never owned one. Now im going to have to take a look at them .
20:04
That little digital chrono, is pretty awesome.
What a neat advance in tech.
Smoothest action in the market. FUKING BUTTER
It certainly is smooth. Barrett MRAD is smoother though. But also considerably more costly.
The action is smooth like butter
Hi, Ron.
Another great video mate, l really appreciate the effort you put into making all of your videos.
The Tikka rifles are indeed an accurate rifle and of a high quality too.
I have a Tikka T3 Lite in 7mm-08 and it's also a very accurate rifle, which upholds the factory claims of accuracy, with the majority of factory ammunition. Being an accuracy freak, for consistency and also for economical shooting, l reload.
Regards, Brian...Watching from Australia. 🇦🇺
Finn here with multipile Tikkas,congrats to having the best hunting rifle in our realm🤭😉😁
My first love was a rifle , And I have owned a lot of factory and custom builds , The Tikka T3 Stainless is tough to beat in both of those categories.
I have owned several...the accuracy is always fantastic. I think I have 3 right now.
You think? Lol. Do u have so many guns that u don't know? Wish i had that problem. I have a decent number, and i know them all
Ron, you just sold a rifle for tikka!!!👍👍
My 22 Creedmoor is a T3X lite an I'm a fan. What a gun should be as far as function, accuracy an price. You can adjust the trigger an they are even better!
Thanks for another great video Ron. I think we're probably about the same age and I've also done my fair share of hunting and shooting. My favorite rifles are my Tikkas, but Savage is close behind. My Tikka T3x Superlite in .308 also likes Norma ammunition, especially their 180 gr. BondStrike ammo.
Drover is an Australian term for a stockman who drives cattle overland, usually arid and vast distances here to market or the nearest railhead
Yeah it's a term used all over. Was used more commonly in the US in the 1700 and 1800's when we still ran cattle in that style.
Brilliant and Practical!!!
Hands down the best rifle ive ever used, and ive used a shit ton of different ones.