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Minor gripe on Tikka mag loading
New guy here, greetings.
I recently purchased a T3 laminated in .308. I really wanted a dual purpose rifle, a somewhat precision rifle but not too heavy to carry hunting. My gripe is with the lips on the (way overpriced!) OEM mag. Because of the single stack design it apparently can't be “topped off” from the open action without dropping the mag out and sliding the round in from the front. For amost 40 years I've used Ruger, Winchester, Remington bolt rifles and all of them are staggered and I can easily pop a loaded round in on top after firing a shot or 2.
So for instance, I shoot 1 or more rounds at a game animal and hit it and I'm walking up to it. I've got to drop the mag, juggle the rifle while topping off and re-inserting the mag? Darned inconvenient at the shooting bench also.Am I missing something obvious here?
otherwise, love the rifle. Mounted the LS II recoil pad and the rifle is showing some real potential with accuracy- enough to keep it interesting.
Thanks all and have a great day! -
8 Replies
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Nope, that's just the way it is. You will get used to it in time and it's not a big problem.
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Why not carry a spare mag so you can just swap out your mag after your shot or shots?
I think they call that a tactical reload.
Its always good to carry a spare anyways. -
I feel your pain – it's a silly and annoying feature, for precisely the reason you stated, for sure! Sux that we have to “deal with it” but they sure are sweet shooters.
Why not carry a spare mag so you can just swap out your mag after your shot or shots?
I think they call that a tactical reload.
Its always good to carry a spare anyways.That's a terrible solution, lol! I already carry enough stuff when I'm hunting; especially when I'm with a client. The last thing I want to do is carry a spare mag while actually hunting. Maybe if I were on a “mission” but I don't do those. Lol
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Spare tikka t3 mag is 1.75 ounces. LOL.
Just curious How that is a terrible solution?
Isn't that the whole point of a mag fed rifle???
Just bringing a rifle hunting, that has a detachable magazine, sets you up for trouble if it gets lost or breaks.
Very foolish to not have a spare.
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At least I'm not alone. I will probably pick up a spare mag, but its too bad some design engineer didn't think of a staggered mag or maybe even an option for a fixed mag with staggered top loading. (Could have fit another round in.)
Oh well, certainly not a big issue or a deal breaker. Any time I've walked up on downed game, ie deer, elk, antelope, I've always approached with a full loading. I can't recall ever needing it, though… -
Mountain Tactical is working on some higher capacity mags for T3 oem bottom metal. In the meantime you will have to decide if having a backup mag is worth $70. One point to consider is that Jason's new magazines might accommodate longer over all cartridge lengths.
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Spare tikka t3 mag is 1.75 ounces. LOL.
Just curious How that is a terrible solution?
Isn't that the whole point of a mag fed rifle???
Just bringing a rifle hunting, that has a detachable magazine, sets you up for trouble if it gets lost or breaks.
Very foolish to not have a spare.
Didn't mean to offend. Just saying, if the OP doesn't like the hassle of not being able to 'top off' the magazine, the idea that digging around in a pack for a whole other magazine doesn't make the situation any easier. It would be easier to do exactly what he's doing (and says he dislikes), where he drops the magazine and tops it off. Just meant that an extra mag, as a solution, would actually make more work/hassle rather than less.
To each their own, but I have no interest in carrying a spare magazine when hunting. If my magazine is broken or lost I would simply single feed a round from my stock pack. It's not a 'setup for trouble' at all. IMO the only reason for a magazine fed hunting rifle is the ease of completely unloading or loading the rifle; and, in some instances, the increased cartridge capacity that a magazine can provide. Also, they tend to be the more reliable system for feeding cartridges. IMO, most hunters aren't looking at magazine fed rifles for the ability to carry and swap out magazines, like an infantryman would. Like I said, to each their own and there's not much 'right or wrong' here – just personal preferance.
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Haven't tried it but I think I could drop one mag and insert another without using my support hand for anything but holding the rifle without changing my grip on it. Topping off and reinserting reguires cradling the rifle in my left elbow or slinging it on my shoulder to use both hands to feed rounds into a mag. Picture doing this in the middle of a rock slide or while straddling a log.
I hunted for years with a couple loose rounds in my right front pocket and just made it a habit to top off after firing and ejecting empties.
Like I said, minor gripe- not a big issue.
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