Tikka and Savage rifles (quality)

Status
Not open for further replies.
I

IPSC SUPERCOP

Inactive
Anyone who has any Tikka and Savage rifles, what do you think of them? I'm looking for everyone's opinion on their accuracy, quality of contruction, value, and reliability. Any help is greatly appreciated. I've heard good things on them and just wanted to know.

Kevin
 
They're absolutely great rifles.

I have a Tikka Whitetail Hunter in .338 WM, and it has the slickest action of any rifle I have ever handled.

Accuracy, reliability, and quality are all top-shelf, and the Tikka's provide it without costing an arm and a leg.
 
The basic Tikka Hunter model is probably the best value on the planet. The bolt seems to be riding on bearings and the rest of the rifle is of the same quality. Probably better than many irregardless of price as well. I like my Savage better for range use (heavy barrelled 10FP) and Tikka (I don't have one, though) for hunting.
 
As noted previously, Tikkas are smooth and come with easily adjustable triggers. I've owned one and only traded it for a Sako Model 75. My brother-in-law owns a Tikka Deluxe and is very happy with it.

The only issue with the Tikka is the amount of plastic used in its construction but if that isn't an issue, it's a great value and a very accurate rifle.
 
Just another vote for the Tikka...

The Tikka is a better value than the Savage. Accuracy is superior and fit and finish is better. Go with the Tikka you won't regret it.
 
I have a Tikka 595 in .308, and it's a great rifle! It's the most accurate rifle in my safe, and the trigger has to be the best factory trigger I've ever seen. It has a wide range of adjustment, and stays where you adjust it. I agree that I'd prefer less plastic, but that doesn't detract from the functionality or accuracy of the rifle.
 
Tikkas are indeed the best kept secret in the shooting world. Mine's a Whitetail Hunter in .308. The accuracy is outstanding out of the box.
Tikkas feature free floated, match grade barrels, fully adjustable triggers, and smooth as silk actions. Mine has a gorgeous piece of wood to boot.
The Tikka rings are on the expensive side, I paid $35 for medium height, but they are rugged and well worth the money. Receiver is drilled and tapped if you wish to go that route.
I'll join the previous posters and highly recommend the Tikka rifles.
Take Care
 
I've been thinking about getting a Tikka because they make left handed short actions although I haven't actually seen one yet. So, where do they use plastic?
 
Absolom

Standard Tikka triggers are adjustable for pull weight only. Manual says they can be adjusted as low as 2 lbs. Mine's set at 2-1/2 lbs., has no creep what so ever. Breaks very clean.
Hope this helps
Take Care
 
Mine is adjusted at 1# exactly, and it's a standard factory trigger. It's never varied from that setting, and it's very crisp with no creep at all. I suspect that part of the fine accuracy I enjoy with that rifle is the excellent trigger.
 
Don't really understand Finnish triggers...

But all I know is that I adjusted my trigger down with an Allen key and it has no creep and breaks cleanly at 2 lbs. You can't go wrong with the Continental, it is a fine rifle for the money paid. I finally got to take mine to the range yesterday and she is a dandy. Tomorrow I will see if I can send some yotes to varmint heaven with some 80 grain .243 medicine. :)
 
Thanks everyone, you guys are great. Everyone's answer was fantastic and really helpful. That's why I love this forum.

I feel like I owe you guys something?

Kevin
 
facts on the tikka and savage

Foreign does not always necessarily mean better.

I do not like the Tikka for the following reasons:

1. Cheap cast iron reciever. Savagage has a forged receiver.

2. Some models have a cheap plastic bolt sleeves. Plastic in my experiece age hardens especially when subjected to sunlight and gun cleaning fluids. It can also go the other way and soften with certain types of cleaners.

3. Gas escape system of Tikka inferior to Savage. The Savage has one of the best gas escape systems on any rifle made. You will be a real believer if you ever have a brass case let loose. And yes it does happen even with modern made brass these days. I have known a lot of people that have suffered injury with some of todays modern style bolt action guns. As a matter of fact a lot of them would be forced off the market do to safety if we were still using the old brass technology of the turn of the last century (1898). One of the worst is the Remington 700.

4. Savage is far better value for the money.

5. More after market parts such as custom triggers are available for the Savage.

6. Do not let anyone kid you Savage makes some of the most accurate bolt guns on the market. The design of its headspacing system is rated superior by many old time well know Gunsmiths.

7. Savage barrels are known for their accuracy.

I will admit the Tikka does have some nice workmanship and of course it has some of the snob appeal of the Sako and other European guns. But remember you are getting a gun made of a cheap cast iron receiver. I will stick with the forged Savage receiver and its superior gas escape system any day. It may not be as beautiful as the Tikka but it is a better gun overall. W.R.
 
Wild Romanian, I believe you, dont worry.

Wild Romanian, I have never handled a Tika, but I prefer quality in arms, I trust Savage with my legs/arms. My savage trigger is great the way it came. Nice heavy duty reciever, lightweight rifle. My light barrel is great, I need a new scope for it though, I had a Tasco SPL41242 4-12x42mm and the adjustments keep moving with the recoil of the .270 cartridge:( I have never had a problem with my savage other than the small recoil pad.
 
The problem with Tikka is finding a Tikka. Pretty scarce in my neck of the woods. And when you do find them ? Unscrupulous dealers expect you to pay the full Sako price.
 
Cast iron? Maybe cast steel but if that puts you off don't buy anything made by Ruger among other gun companies.

It's my understanding the bolt sleeve referred to by WR came on older models and isn't used any more. But accepting what he says at face value how does one explain the durability of Glocks and the other plastic framed guns.

Tikkas for Sako prices? Buy a Sako. You get what you pay for with a Sako.
 
Savage Quality?

Who are you kidding Romanian? I had (emphasis on had) a Savage 110 30-06. Sorry but that gun was O.K. and if I had no options I would have stayed with it BUT I do have options. Up here in Canada, Savages go for about 500-600 Cdn and Tikkas go for about 600-700 Cdn, I would rather the extra little bit of money and get the better rifle. "Snob appeal?" sorry but my 700 VS is worth way more than my Tikka, kinda hard to be snobby with a gun that is worth less than the "domestic" guns. Savage is not associated with the word "quality" it is more in line with "economy". And sorry but I don't think any modern gun manufacturer makes receivers from "cast iron", at least one that cares about liability issues.
 
I'm going to disagree with Glock4ever as to Savage's quality. That was true a handful of years ago, but they've really stepped up that area recently. I own a 10FP in .308 to go along with my Tikka in .338 WM, and I'd be hard-pressed to choose between them. The only thing I wish Savage would do is increase the quality on their triggers just a little.
 
I still want to find that "cast iron" receiver that I keep hearing about. That ought to be good for at least two shots before it splits! :D:D

I guess this just points out that one should check their facts before speaking out... :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top