Author Topic: Tikka Varmint Stainless (in 7mm mag), expected barrel life.. (Read 1436 times)

nasem · « **on:** March 29, 2006, 05:03:41 AM »

Yesterday I posted a new node about a ruger in 7mm mag, but I got to talk to alot of people and they are telling me to look hard into those Tikka Varmint Stainless (and they do come in 7mm mag)

I am a firm buyer in american products only, but, I just wanna try 1 tikka to see what the "fuss" is all about.

I have 2 questions:

1) Tikka Varmint Stainless with a standard heavy barrel, what is anyone's experience with them? does anyone own this exact model ?

2) what is the expected life of a 7mm barrel ? I heard 1500 round is the expected barrel life of a 300 RUM, but is it the same for the 7mm mag shooting 160-gr (3050 fps), I ask this because I like to shoot my rifles, and I shoot them alot. Does the fact that its stainless steel give it more barrel life (since stainless steel is the toughest and lasts the longest)

blittle2003 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2006, 08:51:37 AM »

The Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless only comes in the calibers of .308, .22-250, and .223.
http://www.berettausa.com/product/product_rifles_main.htm
I have held these rifles and felt that they balanced poorly due to their light stock and heavy barrel. The Tikka T3 Lite Stainless on the other hand balances very well and does come in a wider range of calibers. I think you will be hard pressed to find a lighter rifle with as good of fit and function for anywhere near the same price as the Tikka rifle line.
http://www.berettausa.com/product/product_rifles_main.htm
I own two Tikka T3 Lite rifles and both of them shoot under 1 MOA. With the precision fitted Sims Vibration Lab recoil pad the recoil is very mild. I highly recommed Tikka rifles but they do not make the heavy barreled stainless 7mm mag that you are seeking.

nasem · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2006, 09:59:33 AM »

If you go directly to the Tikka website:
http://www.tikka.fi/

You will see that they have 3 standard calibers (the 3 you mentioned) but also, if your in the USA, you can also get the same rifle in 7mm mag*, 300 win mag*, and the 338 win mag* (its got a little star next to them)

Danny Boy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 03, 2006, 02:54:48 PM »

In US and Canada, we only have the Varmints in .308, .22-250, and .223. I have the .233 version with 12" twist barrel. It shoots the 50 & 55 gr VMax well under 1/2". Last week I had one group under 1/4". Needlessly to say, it is the most accurate rifle in my safe.

It is heavy with a high power scope which is Okay for the bench. Within the next few weeks I will take it out to the field for ground hogs and will be shooting with a bi-pod. With that weight I wouldn't want to stalk animals with it. If stalking is what you have in mind the T3 Stainless is a better choice.

Good luck!

Danny