Well ....... How does the new Tikka shoot?

I've been out of town.

Gotta go back to SWFA for the low rings on Wednesday and then headed to the range Friday. I already have some 55 grain ammo. Gonna see if I can get some 75 grain match steel Hornady before then.

Get back to us ....... Inquiring minds want to know!

Will do.

Range report - Took it out today. Shot about 60 rounds before it settled in. Probably 2"-3" groups until then. Only shot two groups after that point due to time, and both were about 1" or a hair less. In the first 60 rounds, POI seemed to be shifting around and flyers were all over the place. Once the barrel was fouled up, I started waiting 15-20 seconds between shots for cool-down, and I focused on a good trigger pull, then it really started improving.

No real difference in accuracy between the 55 grain hornady match steel or the 68 grain hornady match ammo. Will have 75 grain match steel in next time I go out, so I'll try all 3 against one another. Stock and trigger were comfortable. Scope was great. Need a stock pack, but I'll work that into the birthday list. Hoping for sub-MOA groups next time out.

60?

Did you clean it before shooting it?

Yes

How many rounds does it normally take to break in the barrel?

Never seen one take 60, but at least it settled in.

edit: They're all different, and tend to start shooting better around 20-30. But some keep getting better up to 200+ rounds.

I'm still trying to break in the barrel of my Mini 14 after 5 years.

Those are notorious.

Tikkas are generally "better than most" because they're the Sako barrels. I've seen 2 that were under MOA on the first 5 rounds.

Sounds like it settled down finally though.

In all fairness to the gun, I wasn't having a stellar day on my end. I could tell I was just off. I'll have a better indication next time out when I can try 55, 68, and 75 grain ammo.

Don't feel alone. All of my rifles shoot better than I do .....

I definitely resemble that remark...

Two other questions for you guys:

Anyone have a trigger from the factory that was really heavy? Mine was crisp, but really heavy. I pulled it apart to adjust it down and the screw was already backed all the way out. I bought a yo-dave trigger spring for $10 off ebay and put it in yesterday and it's fantastic now, but I was surprised at how heavy it was from the factory.

Any input on the best aftermarket stock for a reasonable price that has some sort of vertical foregrip? Not big into Boyds. B&C only seems to have the varmint/tactical stock which is built for a heavy barrel and might look weird on a sporter barrel. Manners & McMillan are $500+.

McMillan game scout

I'm looking sub $300. Sub-$200 would be better. $500+ is not an option.

That, or a Manners EH-1. Light, vertical grip, tough as boot leather.

Never have seen a Tikka trigger that wouldn't get down to an acceptable pull weight.

Doesn't need to be anything fancy. I can paint it too. Just want a more vertical grip, and the big wide grip on the Boyds doesn't suit me well at all.

Check out the McMillan A3 sporter, I am using one in an upcoming project.

Where can I get one of those for <$300?

Never hear of Sniper's Hide. Found it today. Looking through their classified ads and found a T3 CTR take-off stock with the bottom metal and mag. Is my T3 Lite action a drop-in fit with the CTR mag, bottom metal, and stock?

FYI the B&C medalist stocks have a huge palm swell as well. If that's an issue than you are probably good to stay away from those too.