Author Topic: Bought 2 more Tikkas (Read 1044 times)

Zachary · « **on:** July 19, 2004, 12:50:46 PM »

What possessed me, I'm not quite sure, but I purchased 2 more NIB Tikkas. :-D

One is a T3 Hunter (wood stock with blue barrel) in 6.5x55. I have been wanting this caliber for a while, and I found one at $499 at the gun source. The second is the original WH Stainless/Synthetic in 7mm-08. I got this at auctionarms for $500.

So what's my reasoning for purchasing these 2 guns at about the same time? Well, as I said, I've been wanting a 6.5x55 for a while. I was thinking about getting one in a Tikka or CZ. I own quite a few Tikkas, but was considering getting a CZ. However, seeing that the Tikkas in the 6.5x55 are somewhat rare, that's probably the biggest reason that caused me to order it. Also, another one of our members bought this same gun and I was so happy for him, that I wanted to be happy for myself too.

The thing is, T3 is the FIRST gun that I have EVER bought that is wood/blue (well, except for the CZ 452 American I bought in 17HMR). Well, I take that back too. I do have both a Tikka and a Sako Deluxe models, but both of those are so beautiful that I'm not sure if I'm ever gonna use them hunting...maybe Cadillac hunting on a clear, clean, beautiful day in a nice box blind. You see, I like guns that are the 4x4 of guns - stainless synthetic. So, to me, it's either a SS gun - which I'll use all the time, or a beautiful wood gun, which I'll just have mainly as artwork on the wall. So this relatively plain wooded T3 with blue barrel is in the middle of what I want. But I've come to the conclusion that, if my new T3 gets knicks or scratches on the barrel or stock, then, Oh well, it has "character lines."

I'm gonna use this gun for hunting!

As for the WH SS in 7mm-08, there are 2 main reasons for my purchase. First, there are virtually no WHs SS anymore. And I like them because they are true short action receivers, not like the T3's which are essentially long receivers. Second, I am a big fan of the 7mm-08, and I just can't get enough of them. Third, this gun came with free Optic-lock rings. So for $500, you can't beat a deal like that.

As for scopes, on the WH SS in 7mm-08, I'm gonna mount an Elite 4200 2.5x-10x-40mm matte scope that I bought from Jon at the optic zone - one of our sponsors. This scope will be ideal for this gun.

As for the T3 in 6.5x55, I'm gonna buy a Nikon Monarch 3x-9x-40mm, also from Jon at the optic zone. Since the gun has a blued barrel, I'm gonna get this scope in glossy finish, not matte. The T3 already comes with rings, and I'm gonna give them a try, even though I have heard they are kinda cheap, but I'll keep you posted.

I'm extremely busy with work these days, so it may be a while before I have the guns ready to take at the range. Not only that, but I just bought a .17HMR so I will probably just plink with that since it's really hot down here in Miami and shooting a centerfire will probably limit me to no more than 3 shots during shooting sessions in order to keep the barrel relatively cool.

So I guess that's it. I just wanted to pass the news along to you guys. And if you guys are still wondering.....NO I DON'T GET PAID BY TIKKA.

Have fun.

Zachary

Buckfever · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2004, 02:43:25 AM »

Zachary I have visions of how you have had the money to buy all these guns and then I remembered you are single! Hey if I come across a 7-08 in a whitetail hunter I probably will do the same thing you did. I think both guns you have purchased not only will provide a lot of enjoyment they probably will be worth some bucks down the road. However I buy guns to shoot today and I am sure they will be making something new I have to have after 2 or 3 years. I feel sorry for people who don't seem to know what makes them happy, I don't have that problem sounds like you don't either. Buckfever

marylandeer · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2004, 02:55:35 AM »

It sounds like you had yourself an early Christmas in miami. Cograts. on getting a fine deal on two sweet lead chuckers. I hope they both shoot GREAT for you. I still haven't popped the cork on my new Tikka .30-06 yet and it's driving me nuts. I have a little more saving $ up to do before I can get the scope. I really want the 4200 Elite 2.5-10x40 (silver) but I keep trying to talk myself into getting the Weaver grand slam because it's cheaper and I can get it quicker. Oh well either way I be shooting this bad boy SOON and it will have one of these two mounted on it.

james · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2004, 03:09:51 AM »

I'm happy for you Zach. I've been looking for a 6.5 X 55 but haven't run across a Tikka locally. I like to look a gun over before I plunk down the $ but it sounds like you did good good by ordering. I also like it when you tell what you had to pay. I got the 6.5 bug a few weeks ago when I bought a 96 Swede, dies, 5 boxes of bullets, and 5 boxes of brass for $175. It is an excellent shooter with handloads. The serial #s all match and it would devaluate it to tap it for a scope an bend the bolt so I am looking for another 6.5 x 55. Good shooting
James

wareagleguy · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2004, 01:12:25 PM »

Why buy one when you can buy two?

Must say I love those Tikka as well and I have to thank this forum for pointing me in that direction. After reading many posts on the takas I just had to try one so I purchased a ta3 in 30-06. Man, does it shoot well. I have a sago fanlight that I love and thinking very hard about another in 7-08. Yea, I too am a big 7-08 fan.

Keep us posted on how your new takas shoot!!

bigjeepman · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2004, 02:09:31 PM »

I just had to post after reading Buckfever's comments. Man, I wish everyone would just think a little bit more like you do. I know exactly those things that make me happy and those are the things in my life that I concentrate on. I, too, am single and do not answer to anyone other than my income. But, a person doesn't have to be single to grab onto a better attitude toward life.

I'd love to shoot with you and Zachary and many others on this forum that do things and say things to help others. Too many of us waste time dissing on others who shoot magnums or those who might think a 22-250 is a better varmit rifle than say a .223. I say "to each his own." Zachary is especially gifted with sharing information about his "collection" of firearms and all the little things he shares such as prices, place of purchase, etc.

The only question I have for Zachary is this ... How many firearms do you now own that you haven't shot yet? If the answer is more than two, I think that is a felony in the state of Indiana. You still have never posted any range results about your .300wsm. Hellooooooooo .... I am still waiting.

Read the five rules below people .... try to live by them .... it isn't easy .... but please try.

Zachary · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2004, 04:15:23 PM »

I sincerely thank you for your kind words and yes, I do try to help everyone as best I can because that's just the kind of person I am. Life is too short - we are only on this earth for what? 70? 80? 90? 100 years? We should always try to not only better ourselves, but also better others. I don't know everything, and I'm not anywhere near perfect. In fact, last time I tried to walk on water, I sunk faster than 100 pound fishing weight on 8 pound test line.

But, from the little that I do know, I'll pass it along - whether it's the big things, or, as you said, the little things. :grin:

I kinda hate to tell you how many guns I own that I haven't even shot yet. Let's just say that if more than two is a felony, then I'm glad I'm not in Indiana because I'd be put on death row.

As for the Tikka T3 in .300WSM, believe it or not, I have tried calling my FFL dealer "friend" of mine, and I just can't reach him, and when he calls me, I can't see him because I'm probably in Court or away on business. But trust me...as soon as I go to the range, I'll post my results ASAP! :grin:

I'll tell you what....I buy lots of guns because, yes, I'm single. I guess part of the other reason for my mad dash to buy these guns is because I forsee getting married within the next year, so I better hurry up and buy most of my "collection" before my money goes to Louis Vitton purses and Gucci slippers for the wife.

Zachary

308TIKKA · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2004, 04:43:23 PM »

i had a TIKKA WH--great gun

i always wanted a SAKO though and sold it to get one-a 75 in 308 with a S&B 1.5-6x42

smoky · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2004, 03:09:06 AM »

Congrats on getting that fever out of your system... at least for a little while!

Why don't you set the 6.5 x 55 up for a little longer range hunting, say with a 4.5-15 x 40 scope, or maybe a 4-16 x 40?

Just a thought.

Smoky

crazyjjk · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2004, 03:09:29 AM »

Zachary, If you need any of those unshot guns broken in I think the members of this forum would be more than happy to help you. :-D We would be just doing our part to keep you off of death row. :wink:

Zachary · « **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2004, 03:17:51 AM »

smoky,

Although the 6.5x55 can be used for longer ranges, in my mind I think that it is mostly an under 200 yards gun - at least for my intended purpose. Believe me, I have PLENTY of REALLY LONG RANGE rifles that wear scopes of 4x-16x or more - 7mm Ultra Mag, .300 Ultra Mag, etc.

Zachary

Zachary · « **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2004, 03:22:05 AM »

Crazy,

If I had a nickel for every member that told me what you offered, then I would have enough money to buy more guns, which I still wouldn't have time to shoot, which I would have to wait for more offers to collect more money, to buy more guns, to...well, you get my drift.

Zachary

crazyjjk · « **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2004, 07:22:56 AM »

Zachary, Got to give me points though. I was willing to share as if you read my post I said the members of this forum and not just me. :-D Also I noticed other posts that said you were not married. That marriage stuff can be dangerous. At one time before my divorce I had over fifty rifles. Close to 30 of them were Ruger #1's. Many of the #1's were in extremely rare calibers such as 6.5 mag, 280 rem (without 7mm express markings). That one divorce wiped me out. I am slowly rebuilding but I doubt I can ever get some of the rarer stuff I had. It you decide to get married sign a prenupt at least for the guns. Cause believe me its not the monetary value that hurts. :cry: >John

Steelhead · « **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2004, 08:29:47 AM »

Quote from: crazyjjk

7mm express markings). That one divorce wiped me out. I am slowly rebuilding but I doubt I can ever get some of the rarer stuff I had. It you decide to get married sign a prenupt at least for the guns. >John

AMEN to that. Been there, done that. Lived worse than a homeless person for awhile. Thank God that is over.

Remember " No one ever marries a BIT#H or a BAS@ARD, but we all divorce one."