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New guy with a (probably old) question
Posted by DSV35A on March 5, 2015 at 4:05 amOk, so I'm not sure I'm navigating the site correctly, but I cannot find a comparison of the CTR and the Tactical. Aside from the mag and the adjustable stock…what am I missing? I can't say the Tikka website is very helpful.
Can anybody give some info on the stocks? Do most people have theirs replaced?
Thanks.
Ericbc7 replied 9 years, 1 month ago 6 Members · 13 Replies -
13 Replies
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1 Bullseye
I do have to admit, it's a lot more difficult to compare different models on the 2015 Tikka website. I prefer multiple tabs. It looks like the caliber choices between the two only meet on 308 win. CTR has 260 Rem, whereas the Tac has 223 Rem, and 300 Win Mag. Adjustable cheek piece is standard on the Tac, only an option on the CTR. The muzzle threading also appears to be different.
In my opinion it makes sense to replace the factory stock. Take into account that I need a 14.5 inch LOP and you can understand why.
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105 Bullseyes
I'm shooting my 308 CTR with the factory stock and its OK. But,… that being said I plan on changing it at some point, the action deserves a better stock.
I really wish the CTR came with the same Tac / Super Varmint stock. I like the wider forearm for all shooting from hunting to range shooting…the rifle just feels better IMO with this option and I shoot better if I like the handling of the rifle. A LOP adjustable stock without spacers would be nice as well, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon.
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1 Bullseye
I'm looking at the 308. If they'd bring in the long barrel Tac, there would be no question. I'm just trying to figure out the difference that warrants the 50% price premium (aside from not having to pay $200 for another mag).
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1 Bullseye
It's probably the adjustable stock as standard, along with the different muzzle threading and a manganese phosphate coating on the barrel. Or… and I'm spitballing here, it's so expensive for consumers because if they list it at that price they're able to have wiggle room to wrangle M/LE contracts.
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105 Bullseyes
I'm looking at the 308. If they'd bring in the long barrel Tac, there would be no question. I'm just trying to figure out the difference that warrants the 50% price premium (aside from not having to pay $200 for another mag).
That was exactly my thinking as well…I could not bring myself to pay for the TAC when the CTR came in at $1000.00…The mag cost is disturbing for sure, I placed my in a range bag and forgot where I had left it.
I was losing my mind for a couple of hours till I found it! -
1 Bullseye
I'm looking at the 308. If they'd bring in the long barrel Tac, there would be no question. I'm just trying to figure out the difference that warrants the 50% price premium (aside from not having to pay $200 for another mag).
That was exactly my thinking as well…I could not bring myself to pay for the TAC when the CTR came in at $1000.00…The mag cost is disturbing for sure, I placed my in a range bag and forgot where I had left it.
I was losing my mind for a couple of hours till I found it!There has to be something else. Are the actions and barrels identical? Somebody said the threading was different…not sure why. I just feel like I'm missing something obvious.
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105 Bullseyes
There are 2 major differences between the 2 guns…
The TAC has a “Chromoly Barrel” with phosphatized manganese coating, The CTR does not….
The CTR has the bottom metal box mag, The TAC does not…I'd take the CTR bottom metal box mag over the added cost of buying the TAC barrel.
Aside from these 2 differences and the adjustable cheek piece… they are pretty much identical.The bigger question is why is the “SPORTER” so much money!!! When I can buy a Varmint or CTR for $1000.00….is the stock really worth the extra $1000.00 on its own??? ::)
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1 Bullseye
Wait, are we seriously going to debate using rational thought the decisions someone in some office made?
I don't think you're missing anything really all that obvious. They're just really really proud of their product. It's why I purchased a T3 Lite used at the gun shop and am building my own off of the action.
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1 Bullseye
To pile on Dog Down's comments, it's my understanding that the TAC has what Tikka is calling a match barrel and the CTR does not. Correct me if I am wrong. Now I have questioned myself if I spent too much on the TAC because it seems from the reports I have seen that Tikkas all pretty much shoot the same regardless of model or “extras”. I'm happy with my TAC and I will say that my groups stay the same even with a hot barrel. Not glowing melting destroyed it hot just hot as in one more group and let it cool hot.
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1 Bullseye
The bigger question is why is the “SPORTER” so much money!!! When I can buy a Varmint or CTR for $1000.00….is the stock really worth the extra $1000.00 on its own??? ::)
Being left handed, and wanting a heavy barrel tikka for long range, and as the left hand varmints are not imported, my only choice was to buy a sporter. Now that it is in hand, I can say that I really like the rifle and the stock. I have no desire to replace the stock as it feels and fits great and the rifle shoots wonderfully well.
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105 Bullseyes
To pile on Dog Down's comments, it's my understanding that the TAC has what Tikka is calling a match barrel and the CTR does not. Correct me if I am wrong. Now I have questioned myself if I spent too much on the TAC because it seems from the reports I have seen that Tikkas all pretty much shoot the same regardless of model or “extras”. I'm happy with my TAC and I will say that my groups stay the same even with a hot barrel. Not glowing melting destroyed it hot just hot as in one more group and let it cool hot.
I totally agree with you in regards to how well the TAC barrels shoot, and your correct they always refer to the TAC having a match barrel. But not entirely sure how they come to that statement or how they class the various barrels.
I shoot with a buddy sometimes at the range that has a 223 TAC and we go shot for shot pretty equally on targets between his Tac and my Varmint, and my Varmint is crazy accurate.
If you really break it down the TAC model carries the most expensive barrel that TIKKA offers in the rifle line up. I love the way they look with the barrel coating, its a beautiful thing to look at. The TAC version is definitely sold as a premium product and I envy guys that have them every time I hold one. I almost bought one a year ago but then I did the math….$1800.00 for a TAC or $2200.00 for a Stainless Varmint + CTR for $2200.00 I went that route. 2 guns trump 1 gun ;D BUT…if you don't have a gun addiction and have the money laying around buy the TAC. You will never regret it, thats for sure.There are a lot of TIKKA haters out there in the gun community, but like people have mentioned, These rifles shoot really really well. I've silenced a lot of people at the range with other brands and custom rifles that cost $5000-10,000….with my little 223 Lite…My buddy calls it the Pee Shooter, but it amazes him when I shoot “the actual bullet holes” he's spraying over the target. And I also love the raised eyebrows when we do a target change at the range and guys are peeking over your shoulder when you return to your bench and say “thats pretty good shooting for 100yrds”…then I tell them “thats actually 200yrds and the gun is a little off today”…LOL…When I pull the 223 Varmint out with hand loads, they put the expensive guns back in the case and head for the hills! No one believes the accuracy unless they actually witness it. I'd like to take credit for the shooting but everyone who gets behind the gun shoots the best group of their life, and i mean everyone. The gun amazes me every time I shoot it, and I consider it the best rifle I have ever purchased.
I have 6 – T3's that all shoot well, and I now only buy Tikka rifles.Sorry for the long post…not very busy today! ;D
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1 Bullseye
I have answers.
Beretta was closed yesterday — something about some snow. Any whoo….CS summed it up mag, stock, n barrel. We know about the first two. So we know the CTR's metal mag is from the TRG, right. It's got the price to prove it. Well, on the T3 Tac, it's barrel “essentially” (CS words) came from the TRG 22 barrel.
Also, no we cannot get barrels. The ATF only allows them in for LE special orders. All other parts are available. So much for the idea of ordering a 24″ Tac barrel.
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21 Bullseyes
I love my .223 Sporter including the stock except for one thing; it is annoying to be forced to remove the cheek piece to remove the bolt!
I bought mine last summer in South Dakota for about $1,500 ($1,450 plus tax).
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