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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 14,999
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 14,999 |
I am considering a Tikka lite in .243. Good or bad idea?
The Mayans had it right. If you�re going to predict the future, it�s best to aim far beyond your life expectancy, lest you wind up red-faced in a bunker overstocked with Spam and ammo.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16,540
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16,540 |
The Chosin Few November to December 1950, Korea. I'm not one of the Chosin Few but no more remarkable group of Americans ever existed.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 76
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 76 |
I bought one in .308 a few years ago. I needed a lightweight reliable rifle to use for late season elk, which usually means snowshoes &/or skiis.
The gun is a little over 7 pounds, up & ready to go. It consistently puts 3 rounds touching in a target, with a group measurement of .5 or .6.
The downsides are minor to me. Extra clips are expensive, & you can't top load single cartridges.
The trigger is excellent, & the action is fast & smooth. I think you'll be quite happy if you buy one. Jim
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,135
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,135 |
Good vs. Bad may depend on what bullets you want to run, and your likes/dislikes on rifles.
If you want to run heavy stuff, Tikka 1/10 twist may not stabilize them as well as something like Remington's 1/9.
Rifle will probably shoot lights out with bullets it will stabilize, and will have the usual list of Tikka pros and cons:
Good trigger, barrel, nice weight and balance, extremely accurate and non-finicky.
Plastic, poor recoil pad, not real pretty (and some find it ugly), plastic, one size fits all action, plastic, sometimes poor mag/throat geometry, plastic...grin.
I like Tikkas fine for what I use them for - they are amazingly non-finicky and accurate with almost anything you throw at them, and I like their weight and balance; however, I don't have one in 243 - opting instead for a 223 with the 1/8 twist.
They are easy on the pocket book stainless rifles that you don't have to monkey with or even load for to get a very accurate hunting rig with a great trigger and barrel.
Lots of subjective stuff, but twist on a 243 is an objective concern if you want to run the high BC heavy 243 bullets that are so fantastic for LR work.
DJ
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 291
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 291 |
I own 2 Tikkas. Glad I bought them. A 223 lite - 1/8 twist. 30-06 hunter(walnut stock). Both are good shooters. the stock will transfer by the way since all actions are the same - long actions. There a couple minor issues but overall a great buy.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468 |
I have two T3's in the house, a 338 Federal and my LH son's in .270. Both are very accurate smooth bolt and great trigger. Don't know about the twist rate for .243, but for the price Tikka's are a great deal. Yes plastic, and a removeable mag. Never had any issues at all. Just about anything else in the Tikka's price range will be the same, but my not match a Tikka's accuracy out of the box.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 20,494
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 20,494 |
I have two older Tikkas, and they both are shooters. My next purchase will probably be a T3 in 6.5x55. A lot of bad feedback by some guys about the "plastic" mags. My brother ran over one in way sub zero weather with his 4x4 plow truck, and it still functions flawlessly.
But the rifle, Ivan, and enjoy great out of the box accuracy.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Prov 4:23) Brother Keith
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 27,692
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 27,692 |
I have a stainless steel T3 light in .243 that I love. It weighs 7 lbs field ready and shoots like a heavy barrel target rifle. Here is a 200 yard three shot target: [/img] 70 grain Nosler BT with 45 grains of H4350 Federal 215 primer. 3212 fps velocity (rather mild load). Three Shots I measured at .780
Last edited by hillbillybear; 03/31/12.
Member: Clan of the Turdlike People.
Courage is Fear that has said its Prayers
�If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.� Ronald Reagan.
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277 |
To date, each and every one I've been around has shot balls out! Light rigs, cost effective, incredibly accurate. They'll get it done and then some.
Dober
"True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of demonstrating kindness, honor and dignity"....Tony Dungy
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468 |
If the recoil pad is an issue one can get an out of the box Limbsaver that fits perfect. Have one on the 338 Federal and it works very well. Two screws and it's done.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383 |
I just bought a Stainless Laminate 270 a dealer near me had on the rack for almost 2 years. He finally closed it out. I am getting an aftermarket aluminum or steel bolt shroud and be good to go.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 Likes: 1
Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96,121 Likes: 1 |
Hard to trump a long action 243. Giving it a 1-10" twist only sweetens the pot.
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20,379
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20,379 |
how about a blue/plastic long action .223 with a 1-8" and short mag box?
I replace valve cover gaskets every 50K, if they don't need them sooner...
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468 |
Yes indeed the Tikka is a one size fits all. Twist rate on a 243.. Might not be the best. One could get a 700 and spend twice what a Tikka costs and still have a rifle that is not as accurate right out of the box. LOL
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16,540
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16,540 |
Hard to trump a long action 243. Giving it a 1-10" twist only sweetens the pot. With tongue firmly in cheek!!!
The Chosin Few November to December 1950, Korea. I'm not one of the Chosin Few but no more remarkable group of Americans ever existed.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16,540
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16,540 |
Yes indeed the Tikka is a one size fits all. Twist rate on a 243.. Might not be the best. One could get a 700 and spend twice what a Tikka costs and still have a rifle that is not as accurate right out of the box. LOL Tikka's aren't that inexpensive anymore. At $400 mine was way overpriced.
The Chosin Few November to December 1950, Korea. I'm not one of the Chosin Few but no more remarkable group of Americans ever existed.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 16,971 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 16,971 Likes: 1 |
I've got a T3 lite 243 - she'll poke one hole on most days.
Do wish I had a 260 though.
Spot
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468 |
Well that's the good thing about the US, many choices and one can get for the most part what one wants. From my experience the Tikka's have been great. Others might not agree. The one's I have and have seen work just fine. Like most anything prices are going up. Diesel is now $4.43 in my area.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20,379
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20,379 |
I replace valve cover gaskets every 50K, if they don't need them sooner...
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468 |
My wifes first rifle was a Winchester Model 70 XTR in 243, it is the only rifle that I have owned that will not shoot better than 2 MOA. It is a LA as well. Different stock, scopes free floating etc. Still shoots the same. Going to change the barrel and caliber. Never have seen a Tikka that did not make MOA out of the box with factory off the shelf ammo. Others may not think so. Ones I have personel experience with have.
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