Author Topic: Anyone own a Tikka Varmint?? (Read 629 times)

hardly · « **on:** February 02, 2005, 08:15:58 AM »

The Tikka Varmint in 223 is on my short list but can't get my hands on one to look at, will have to order. Just trying to find out if they are as accurate as I have read and what kind of trigger to expect. The only thing bad I have read is the stock is cheap looking. My other choice is the new Remington 700 VSF but it is a bit more expensive.

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2005, 11:08:48 AM »

I own several Tikkas, but not the Varmint model (at least not yet. :wink: )

Anyhow, I did get a chance to shoot one, in the exact caliber you are looking at, at a private gun range over the holidays. It was kinda heavy and bulky - reminded me of the Remington Senderos and VSSF's.

As for the stock, I guess it's personal preference. I didn't get a chance to look it over, or shoot it, too much because a friend of mine was dragging me over to one of the Skeet ranges. Anyhow, I did get a chance to shoot a 3 shot group at 100 yards. I don't remember what ammo it was, but I know that it was factory. It wasn't too windy, but it wasn't calm. Still, the gun still managed to shoot half inch groups with no feeding problems.

It's a really nice gun, but I can't give you a more comprehensive report other than that. But based on my VERY limited experience with the gun, it's safe to say that you should definately take a look at it.

Zachary

clyde72 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2005, 08:10:16 AM »

The Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless in .223 will be the next gun I purchase, (unless of course I run across a race horse deal on another).

I have a co-worker that has a Tikka in 7mag and he informed me that you cannot not single feed/load the Tikka. When prairie dog shooting that is the prefered way. Load one cartrigde, shoot, unload, load, shoot, unload, repeat 200 to 500 times :grin: of course allowing cool down time.

Can any of you Tikka T3 owners confirm this?

Oh yeah any you know any dealer that has one of these in stock preferably in the South? Before Christmas gun broker had 2 or 3 every day, now that I have the cash nobody has one :cry: Someone said that Tikka aka Sako only ships guns to the U.S. once per year is this true? If so when?

Buckfever · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2005, 05:17:03 PM »

I have 3 tikkas, 6.5-55, 308, and a brand new Continental Varmint 223. I always leave the clip in and do one shell a time at the range. Maybe we are not talking about the same thing. This Continental Varmint is beautiful but I haven't shot it yet. The other 2 Tikkas are MOA with factory ammo. This Tikkas fit me just perfect. Buckfever

hardly · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2005, 02:01:43 AM »

Ordered the Tikka late yesterday, supposed to be delivered next week. I did find something weird, the Tikka website shows the 223 with a 1:8 twist and the Beretta site with a 1:12. I am assuming 1:12 is correct. Maybe the Tikka site is in millimeters.

Squeeze · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2005, 10:06:53 AM »

I believe the new production Tikka .223 Rem. chambered rifles have a 1:8 twist, and that
is stamped on the barrel. If there is no such stamp, then I guess it is a 1:12 twist.

I just purchased a Tikka T3, blued synthetic, and checked the twist, and I believe it
is a 1:12, which means it was produced before Feb of 2004, or at least that is the
date I read was when the change was made. Since I purchased mine for a friendly
neighbor varminter, with low report loads, like Blue Dot loads, using small
frangible bullets, I have no issues with the 1:12 twist. I have several AR-15s,
with 1:8 twist if I want to launch heavier bullets, but even there, I have been
loading 55 gr loads.

As for single feeding, on my M695(Whitetail Hunter), the top of the action is
open, and single shot feeding was no problem, as long as the empty mag was
in the gun. With the T3s, they closed the top of the action and there is only a
side ejection port, which makes single feeding a bit more of a challenge for
those with pork sausage sized fingers. It can be done, but it takes a bit more
attention, when you toss the fresh round into the action. Again, the empty
mag has to be in place, on the T3s.

Squeeze

PS. I have only fondled the Tikka Varminter, and I am more of a sporter weight
kind of guy, but it I ever wanted a fire spitting log, it would be the Tikka Varminter.

hardly · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2005, 03:20:31 AM »

Picked up the Tikka Varmint last night. Smooth action, sweet trigger, about 3 lbs. from factory. Mounted a Nikon Monarch 6.5 X 20 target dot. Taking it to the range tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait. WOW! As I am typing this, we just had a earthquake, (for real). Apparently just talking about this gun makes the earth move.