.243 tikka confused.com

[Themidlandstalker]

As above I'm getting my first tikka .243 and I want it in stainless but I am unsure of which barrel and model to go for.
I do range shooting within a club and stalking from high seat and woodland stalks.
Which model t3x would people recommend and also so what barrel length? The choice on tikkas website is boggling for a relative newbie to the sport having only used other peoples rifles up to now whilst I waited for my ticket to arrive.

Best regards.

 

[Steff]

How much weight are you willing to lug around? This will determine the barrel contour.
Then, do you want wood or not?
Stainless vs. blued is just an optical thing. They both need a bit of care.
Start from there.

 

[ColinBr]

Tikka CTR is a semi-weight barrel and suited to both stalking and range work.

I have 1 in 6.5 creed

 

[User00040]

As above I'm getting my first tikka .243 and I want it in stainless but I am unsure of which barrel and model to go for.
I do range shooting within a club and stalking from high seat and woodland stalks.
Which model t3x would people recommend and also so what barrel length? The choice on tikkas website is boggling for a relative newbie to the sport having only used other peoples rifles up to now whilst I waited for my ticket to arrive.

Best regards.

Get the stainless laminate, either sporter or varmint barrel contour (the latter option will up the weight significantly so buy a good sling!)

The laminate stock is a worthwhile upgrade over the plastic, and more durable than the 'walnut' option.

If you decide to 'upgrade' and sell the factory stock (not recommended) then the laminate will also hold it's value better.

With full-length action bedding and possibly some pillars installed (properly!) then you have the ideal UK stalking rifle.

If you go stalking on a hill-ground estate in Scotland with a Tikka CTR, magazine loaded up full with 10 rounds, I think you'll either be asked to carry your own rifle or use the estate one.

Personally, I'd only get a Tikka T3/T3x in a 'long action' chambering (270, 30-06, or 7mm Rem Mag) and opt for a Howa or Sako in 243 (action sized to accommodate the round) but that is another matter.

 

[ColinBr]

Get the stainless laminate, either sporter or varmint barrel contour (the latter option will up the weight significantly so buy a good sling!)

The laminate stock is a worthwhile upgrade over the plastic, and more durable than the 'walnut' option.

If you decide to 'upgrade' and sell the factory stock (not recommended) then the laminate will also hold it's value better.

With full-length action bedding and possibly some pillars installed (properly!) then you have the ideal UK stalking rifle.

If you go stalking on a hill-ground estate in Scotland with a Tikka CTR, magazine loaded up full with 10 rounds, I think you'll either be asked to carry your own rifle or use the estate one.

Personally, I'd only get a Tikka T3/T3x in a 'long action' chambering (270, 30-06, or 7mm Rem Mag) and opt for a Howa or Sako in 243 (action sized to accommodate the round) but that is another matter.

Why would you be asked to carry your own rifle if it was a CTR? You dont have to have it fully loaded with 10 rounds either.

 

[User00040]

Why would you be asked to carry your own rifle if it was a CTR? You dont have to have it fully loaded with 10 rounds either.

Primarily weight but on most places it is ultimately down to the stalker's (as in guide's) discretion as to what rifle will be used for the stalk, not the paying guest!

 

[ColinBr]

Primarily weight but on most places it is ultimately down to the stalker's (as in guide's) discretion as to what rifle will be used for the stalk, not the paying guest!

Not wanting to argue or go into some of the absurd politics of highland stalking, but a CTR weighs all of 300 grams more than the tikka laminate in stainless, and I'm sure that's not even the varmint barrel.

 

[Brave Echo Niner]

Honestly IMHO any rifle under 18 pounds scoped and moderated, which my tikka varmint 300WSM in a McMillan is, is manageable to stalk given a high enough level of fitness.
It is a matter of opinion is to what CAN be used for both, and you will find many people who have very different views. If you can handle that type of rifle in any calibre to get an idea of weight etc so you can decide for yourself what is manageable. For target shooting prone or on a bench (or PRS etc) its generally regarded that the heavier the better (within reason) hence why my target rifle is 22lbs plus and soon to get heavier.

Just my opinion,

Ben

 

[ashray]

i use a 243 t3 super varmint and a t3x 6.5x55 super varmint for stalking and its fine unless you are a 9 stone weakling. both 20" barrels and would do double duty for target shooting. <if you want 1000 yard ability buy the 24" barrel but that will handy cap you when stalking if you fit a moderator to protect your hearing.>

 

[User00040]

Not wanting to argue or go into some of the absurd politics of highland stalking, but a CTR weighs all of 300 grams more than the tikka laminate in stainless, and I'm sure that's not even the varmint barrel.

OK, the CTR contour is not as thick as the Varmint contour (and CTR's generally feature shorter barrels) but a metal 10 round magazine that protrudes past the metal trigger guard (which is usually filled to the brim) vs a plastic triggerguard and 5 or 3 round plastic magazine will probably split the difference. Factory weights obviously feature an empty magazine.

Plus someone with a CTR is usually going to plonk a 1kg-odd optic, rail and scope mount combo on top (yes, I'm guilty of that!), then add the obligatory moderator and bipod...

As someone who carried rifles for guests on the hill, I learnt to appreciate a light rifle very quickly, unless the guest who brings a heavy rifle also tips very well

 

[TH4]

Primarily weight but on most places it is ultimately down to the stalker's (as in guide's) discretion as to what rifle will be used for the stalk, not the paying guest!

If it was me and the rifle was accurate, capable and I was happy to carry it and the stalker told me I had to use the estate rifle then he would have a very easy day because I would be heading back to the car and not stalking.

 

[suburban bushwacker]

Surely twist rate should be part of the decision

 

[ColinBr]

OK, the CTR contour is not as thick as the Varmint contour (and CTR's generally feature shorter barrels) but a metal 10 round magazine that protrudes past the metal trigger guard (which is usually filled to the brim) vs a plastic triggerguard and 5 or 3 round plastic magazine will probably split the difference. Factory weights obviously feature an empty magazine.

Plus someone with a CTR is usually going to plonk a 1kg-odd optic, rail and scope mount combo on top (yes, I'm guilty of that!), then add the obligatory moderator and bipod...

As someone who carried rifles for guests on the hill, I learnt to appreciate a light rifle very quickly, unless the guest who brings a heavy rifle also tips very well

Yes agree on the box magazine it could get in the way, but only if you are not used to your rifle.

At 16st I don't feel the weight of a rifle like the CTR.

Granted I've only known heavier rifles and appreciate it may be of concern to someone of a lighter nature.

I may just not be ready to go out and buy an out and out stalking rifle yet, as I still like a bit of target shooting every now and then

 

[User00040]

Honestly IMHO any rifle under 18 pounds scoped and moderated, which my tikka varmint 300WSM in a McMillan is, is manageable to stalk given a high enough level of fitness.
It is a matter of opinion is to what CAN be used for both, and you will find many people who have very different views. If you can handle that type of rifle in any calibre to get an idea of weight etc so you can decide for yourself what is manageable. For target shooting prone or on a bench (or PRS etc) its generally regarded that the heavier the better (within reason) hence why my target rifle is 22lbs plus and soon to get heavier.

Just my opinion,

Ben

Agreed, but how much kit/weight to you need to add to get a first round, boiler-room hit at 300m or less? (hopefully!)

If it was me and the rifle was accurate, capable and I was happy to carry it and the stalker told me I had to use the estate rifle then he would have a very easy day because I would be heading back to the car and not stalking.

Sure, but it is ultimately up to the estate stalker.

The walk back to the lodge/hotel/car is a lot shorter and safer than a the walk up a hill (possibly a Munro) and back, unless it is an Argo-ride 70% or more of the way kind of place.

I'm sure you are perfectly fit and capable of carrying your rifle on a half-marathon distance or more.

 

[Scapegoat]

Are we talking about the same "hard men of the hills" who will carry your beast from the hills, having gralloched it with their teeth whilst wearing nothing more than vest and pants in December?

I'm sure they're more than happy that you're trashing their reputation......

 

[User00040]

Surely twist rate should be part of the decision

Muddy the water a bit more, what about suitability of non-lead/non-toxic 100 grain .243 bullets?

That being said I should not be stoking the fire with Scottish vs. English requirements

 

[TH4]

Agreed, but how much kit/weight to you need to add to get a first round, boiler-room hit at 300m or less? (hopefully!)



Sure, but it is ultimately up to the estate stalker.

The walk back to the lodge/hotel/car is a lot shorter and safer than a the walk up a hill (possibly a Munro) and back, unless it is an Argo-ride 70% or more of the way kind of place.

I'm sure you are perfectly fit and capable of carrying your rifle on a half-marathon distance or more.

Have over the years spent a great deal of time, recreational stalking and as a contractor in the Highlands and allways with my own rifle. And never wanted anyone to carry it for me.

 

[MarinePMI]

So, being the American here, I have to ask "Do you really have someone else carry your rifle when 'stalking' game?". Just seems...strange to me.

 

[TH4]

As above I'm getting my first tikka .243 and I want it in stainless but I am unsure of which barrel and model to go for.
I do range shooting within a club and stalking from high seat and woodland stalks.
Which model t3x would people recommend and also so what barrel length? The choice on tikkas website is boggling for a relative newbie to the sport having only used other peoples rifles up to now whilst I waited for my ticket to arrive.

Best regards.

Go to your local club, try a few of the other members rifles and find one you can shoot well with and feels good. Then buy one of those.

 

[Themidlandstalker]

Talk about confusing! So I'm going for a 20" barrel, laminate, stainless, .243, just whether a lite will be up to range shooting or not? Varmint could be the way to go.?Suppose unless I used both I wouldn't know the difference between any!