In a post by Helix about .308 bolt action rifles, one of his concerns is smoothness. Thought it might be useful to carry it a little further without hijacking his thread. Would anyone like to describe how a rifle you own operates? Of 3 rifles Helix listed I picked a Tikka for function and smoothness so in hoping it will be helpful and not just the usual, brandX, nuff said sorta junk, I will describe a stainless T3 in .308. Might help someone make a better educated purchase in the future or avoid a feature they don‘t like.
My sample is a Tikka, T3 stainless laminate in .308. The action is a push feed with a spring/plunger ejector and Sako type extractor. They have the running on ball bearing feel empty with the only noticeable resistance being opening if un-cocked. If already cocked. They’re silky all the way. A cocked or loaded indicator protrudes from the back end of the bolt and the 2 position safety has a visible red dot when off. The safety must be off to open the bolt and I like the fact that it can be eased forward without any audible click.
The plastic magazine locks in securely with the release button in the front. A small block on the front of the magazine locks into the release and the rear is held by friction. I’ve never had one jump out but I would recommend the mag latch/release be kept clean and inspected on occasion as mags are expensive. The mag holds 3 in a straight vertical stack with retaining lips on both sides. Because of the design, you have to remove the mag for loading unless you want to drop in a single. No part of the mag contacts the bolt aiding in the overall feel of smoothness. Feeding/extraction/ejection is positive, reliable, smooth and flawless even with a full belly of 4 rounds. The trigger is a dream. Crisp and easily adjustable from 2 - 4 pounds, one of the best in factory offerings. The 22 7/16 inch free-floated barrel is cold hammer forged, astoundingly accurate and easy to clean as they don’t pick up much copper. Twist rate is 1 in 11 inches which according to the twist chart is good for bullets up to 200gr. An easy carry well balanced rifle at 6.8 pounds (unscoped). Recoil pad is fair but might need an upgrade on the Lite model in heavy calibers for those shy of being kicked to death. No complaints or problems with the plastic mag, trigger guard or bolt shroud but like most, I would prefer metal just because. Another plus, all mine came with factory supplied aluminum dovetail rings but the action is also drilled and tapped for screw on bases if desired. The recoil lug is an independent block that fits into a milled channel in the action and a corresponding slot in the stock.
Pros:
Well made, fit and finish is excellent. Very accurate, smooth and reliable.
Reasonable price and includes rings. T3 Lite SS synthetic in .308 is about $650.
Cons:
Some plastic parts. Undecided on the recoil lug design.
My sample is a Tikka, T3 stainless laminate in .308. The action is a push feed with a spring/plunger ejector and Sako type extractor. They have the running on ball bearing feel empty with the only noticeable resistance being opening if un-cocked. If already cocked. They’re silky all the way. A cocked or loaded indicator protrudes from the back end of the bolt and the 2 position safety has a visible red dot when off. The safety must be off to open the bolt and I like the fact that it can be eased forward without any audible click.
The plastic magazine locks in securely with the release button in the front. A small block on the front of the magazine locks into the release and the rear is held by friction. I’ve never had one jump out but I would recommend the mag latch/release be kept clean and inspected on occasion as mags are expensive. The mag holds 3 in a straight vertical stack with retaining lips on both sides. Because of the design, you have to remove the mag for loading unless you want to drop in a single. No part of the mag contacts the bolt aiding in the overall feel of smoothness. Feeding/extraction/ejection is positive, reliable, smooth and flawless even with a full belly of 4 rounds. The trigger is a dream. Crisp and easily adjustable from 2 - 4 pounds, one of the best in factory offerings. The 22 7/16 inch free-floated barrel is cold hammer forged, astoundingly accurate and easy to clean as they don’t pick up much copper. Twist rate is 1 in 11 inches which according to the twist chart is good for bullets up to 200gr. An easy carry well balanced rifle at 6.8 pounds (unscoped). Recoil pad is fair but might need an upgrade on the Lite model in heavy calibers for those shy of being kicked to death. No complaints or problems with the plastic mag, trigger guard or bolt shroud but like most, I would prefer metal just because. Another plus, all mine came with factory supplied aluminum dovetail rings but the action is also drilled and tapped for screw on bases if desired. The recoil lug is an independent block that fits into a milled channel in the action and a corresponding slot in the stock.
Pros:
Well made, fit and finish is excellent. Very accurate, smooth and reliable.
Reasonable price and includes rings. T3 Lite SS synthetic in .308 is about $650.
Cons:
Some plastic parts. Undecided on the recoil lug design.
