This looks like a pretty decent rifle, was comparing it to the Kimber SS classic in 6.5CM as well, I believe they are in about the same ballpark for price. I have a couple of Kimbers which shoot pretty well, and a Tikka CTR in 6.5 CM, its a tough decision as I like the Kimber rifles, they shoot as good as I can shoot, the CTR shoots as well or better but is quite heavy. Anyone have a thought regards which one to bet the money on for a LW deer rifle? I could just as well go 243 Win as well for where we hunt, no 600 yard shots, but interested in LW and less recoil as a possible gift it to my grandson.
How old is grandson?
That little extra weight of CTR makes really light recoil of a 130 grain 6.5 creed load.
Have a Tikka T3x shoots great and is reliable
I have the tikka 6.5 in super lite and it’s a better shooter than I am. but the kimber classic on sale is a beauty and IMO would be a nice gift or heirloom.
The tikka is pretty much fail proof, more of a tool vs a pretty tool
I have both. Can’t go wrong. Go with whichever calls to you....and then get him out and use it together. I’m sure he will be thrilled.
One thing to think about is the overall length of the rifle, which may be a concern if your grandson is younger/smaller. The Tikka Lite/Superlite comes with a 24 inch barrel. A plus though is the M+ magazine giving almost 3 inches of magazine space.
I have a Tikka and a Kimber 84 both in 308. I like the Kimber for its extreme light weight when hunting rugged terrain. But the Tikka is more accurate, and much less picky about what it shoots. And it is still among the lightest rifles made. Unless you just need to shave another 3/4 lb get the Tikka. And 6.5 CM would be my choice. Nothing wrong with 243, I'm sure it will work too. But the 6.5 gets you into a rifle better suited for bigger game and longer shots with recoil closer to 243 than 308. You never know what type of hunts may be in the future.
I thought I saw a SS lite tikka with the 20 inch barrel in 6.5 CM?
Tikka, SWFA, Sportsmatch.
It balances great, holds steady, and the bullet goes where it’s supposed to every time.
Another vote for the Tikka, light, rugged and very accurate. My kids all have one, they just took theirs to SD for a hunt, all came back with nice bucks. Rifles went through some nasty wet weather, snow and freezing rain. All went bang when needed and cleaned up easily.