Tikka Continental Long Range Rifle....Anyone have one?

[tgearrey]

Hello,
  This is my first post here. It seems that this forum has some very knowledgeable people so I thought I would pose a question to help me make a descision. I have found a Tikka conteninal long range rifle in a 7mm mag for a great price. I am looking for a new hunting rifle and really like Tikkas. I know and like the the 7mm mag.
  I guess my question would be does anyone here have 1, or has shot 1, and would it be a poor choice for a pack around hunting rifle for deer and elk out here in Idaho. I like the 26 inch barrel part but the weight and stock forearm design make me hesitant. But hey for $200 dollars less than I have seen one listed anywhere could I go wrong? :-)  Anyhow your thoughts are appreciated.
Thomas

[gadgetman]

I have the same rifle but in short action in 22-250. I have great confidence in the rifle but what a pig to lug around the woods. It weighs over ten lbs with scope and mounts. For a stalking/walking rifle I would have to pass on this model rifle. How about a Tikka Whitetail hunter, same quality but a reasonable carry weight. Good luck hunting, Gary

[jonr]

This is a followup question to gadgetmans post. Please give me some input.

I also have been considering the Tikka continental in the 7 mag.
I am attracted to the thicker, longer barrel for added accuracy; but do not want alot of additional weight. The webpage states less than a 1 lbs difference between the continental 7 mag (8 1/8 lbs) and the white tail hunter (7 1/4 lbs). Are these empty weight correct? If so that does not seem much of a difference for a carry rifle.

Also will the regular white tail hunter be about as accurate as the continental? I can not shoot the WH deluxe as I am left handed and have a problem with the roll over check piece.

Thanks for your input!

Jonr

[Muddyboots]

I carried a Remington Sendero in 300WM this past Oct. at 10,700' for 5 days and wouldn't trade it for anything. The rifle weight is grossly overstated when you think about it. I also carried a 35 lb pack on external frame so how would 1 1/2 lbs more in a rifle mean anything other than a better shooting platform? Druthers and I would prefer a heavier rifle for off hand shooting any day of week. Recoil is obviously less as well. Heck, my lunch weighs in over 5 lbs I believe the heavier rifles will definitely shoot better over most conditions so I wouldn't even think about it. If the extra weight is that big of a deal then you didn't physically prepare for the hunt anyway. Buy a good sling and don't even give the weight a second thought. Most of time you are still hunting and tend to rest the rifle against something anyway. Did you ever carry a Hawkins all day? Modern rifles seem like a powder puff in comparison.
Muddyboots
PS - If you reload, I'd measure the throat on the Tikka before you buy it to make sure it will allow you the cartridge COL that you may desire off the lands. I just bought one in 300 WSM and it is long throated to such an extent that I cannot seat 165 gr. bullets 0.010 off lands and still meet one diameter in case. 150 gr. bullets will be so far off the lands they will have to be timed by a calendar to reach them... :-D

I'd be curious where you found this Tikka so I can contact them for 300WM in same rifle.
Thanks,
Muddyboots

[jonr]

Just curious as to which 7 Mag you bought. I am also in the market and have been considering the continental.

Thanks.

JonR