First Shots Tikka Varmint 223

[RabbitSlayer]

I cleaned the new gun down to bare metal and hit it with iosso. It had some copper in it from factory test firing. I put 6 rounds into the berm yesterday to get the scope close and verify my load was safe before loading up a lot. Cleaned again.

Then I shot this target from a stable table and bipod. This is a random mild load with cheap blem 50gr vmax from midway. 24 gr xterminator, rem 7.5, new starline 556 brass. I think its going to be an acceptable shooter.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I cleaned the new gun down to bare metal and hit it with iosso. It had some copper in it from factory test firing. I put 6 rounds into the berm yesterday to get the scope close and verify my load was safe before loading up a lot. Cleaned again.

Then I shot this target from a stable table and bipod. This is a random mild load with cheap blem 50gr vmax from midway. 24 gr xterminator, rem 7.5, new starline 556 brass. I think its going to be an acceptable shooter.

View attachment 1500814View attachment 1500815

factory stock?

 

[RabbitSlayer]

factory stock?

No. KRG Bravo.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I bet you will enjoy the heck out of that rifle.

 

[marchx]

Nice setup. What is the intended use of this rifle?

 

[rebs]

very nice rifle

 

[iukamedic]

Try 60 vmax and 77 smk. They will make you smile to.

 

[boltfluter]

Gonna be a shooter for sure! Just like every Tikka I have seen so far. Have fun!
Paul

 

[joshb]

Yup! Shoots like a Tikka always does! Good pick! Enjoy that slick bolt. Nice gun!

 

[K9TXS]

I bought my Tikka from an estate sale off of Gunbroker about a year ago. I had intentions of replacing the stock when I got the rifle. I had some rounds loaded when the rifle came in and headed to the range.

I was shocked how accurate it was in the factory stock. I'm not sure if I want to replace the factory stock. I hate the sound it makes when cycling the bolt in the cheapass stock, so it may get replaced.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

@ K9TXS,..
Wear good Ear Plugs and, you won't hear,.. that Funny, "Sound',..
Being old and 1/2 deaf,. I see / hear, NO Problems with, Factory Tikka Stocks ( LOL ! ).
Put, a Kydex cheek Riser on it, fill the Interior stk cavity with some expanding, Insulating Foam and,.. Enjoy !
And wear those,.. Ear Plugs !

 

[Kracken McGraw]

@ K9TXS,..
Wear good Ear Plugs and, you won't hear,.. that Funny, "Sound',..
Being old and 1/2 deaf,. I see / hear, NO Problems with, Factory Tikka Stocks ( LOL ! ).
Put, a Kydex cheek Riser on it, fill the Interior stk cavity with some expanding, Insulating Foam and,.. Enjoy !
And wear those,.. Ear Plugs !

Idaho, I think the T3x’s are supposed to be a lot better stock than the older T3.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Nice setup. What is the intended use of this rifle?

Prairie dogs and plinking steel. I wanted this one to be light enough to tolerate a short walk. I walk fences and shoot off the fence posts or a little chair and sticks. Gotta get away from the truck and bench when the PDs get educated.

I have another Tikka in 6 creed also in a bravo so my intention is to make them the same. I tested it before and never noticed a change in accuracy between factory stock, factory stock glass bedded, and the bravo. The bravo is just more comfortable and adds some weight weight.

Here is the 6 creed. The stock is full of lead and epoxy. Bartlein heavy varmint. My kitchen scale doesn't go high enough. Its 20+ lbs.

Twins! The athlon went to the 223 now the 6 creed has a Tract 4-20x50

 

[ChrisNZ]

Idaho, I think the T3x’s are supposed to be a lot better stock than the older T3.

Other than the interchangeable pistol grip and forend, they're much the same stock. The factory Tikka stocks are waaaay better than most other brands, in particular the old Rem SPS ( = "sh!tty plastic stock"). The forend flex is pretty minimal.

 

[JSH]

Prairie dogs and plinking steel. I wanted this one to be light enough to tolerate a short walk. I walk fences and shoot off the fence posts or a little chair and sticks. Gotta get away from the truck and bench when the PDs get educated.

I have another Tikka in 6 creed also in a bravo so my intention is to make them the same. I tested it before and never noticed a change in accuracy between factory stock, factory stock glass bedded, and the bravo. The bravo is just more comfortable and adds some weight weight.

Here is the 6 creed. The stock is full of lead and epoxy. Bartlein heavy varmint. My kitchen scale doesn't go high enough. Its 20+ lbs.

Twins! The athlon went to the 223 now the 6 creed has a Tract 4-20x50
View attachment 1500911

I did not epoxy the shot in mine. Filled it up and put some foam cut to size over the top so it holds it in place from rattling. I filled the butt and the grip. Now have four of the Bravo stocks. Thinking about one for a Savage.
Have been using Choate for the Savage. One full bull rifle with a filled stock is close to 40lb.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Idaho, I think the T3x’s are supposed to be a lot better stock than the older T3.

Couldn't tell that, much difference, as they ALL seem to shoot, VERY Good, to Me.
I've just never paid much attention to, the Hollow Tinny sound that, some people, complain about.
And YES,.. I've heard it.
Tikka Stocks ARE, FAR Superior ( stiffer with, less twist / movement ! ) than most other, Factory Plastic Tupperware,.. junk as Noted by,.. ChrisNZ

 

[K22]

Mine shoots 1/2 moa with the 60 Vmax and H4895. Only aftermarket modification I made was adjusting the trigger down to 2 1/2 lbs. The factory vertical pistol grip which come standard with this model greatly enabled me to shoot this rifle well.

I am continually amazed at these Tikka's and how well they shoot. My Lite models are also 1/2 moa rifles with the 60 Vmax's. I did add the vertical pistol grips which are not a standard offering with the Lite models. They really enhanced my shooting.