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New here and new to Tikka.
Well, new to everything else also. 🙂
All of my other hobbies have become less than fun and I am looking for something new. Hunting and target shooting is the direction I am going now. The other hobbies I have tried all seem to have an “end” point. Meaning that at some point, you just can't advance any more and there are no more viable options or directions to go. Shooting sports seem to have no “end” point. There is always something new to learn and try and better accuracy at longer distances. The possibilities seem endless.
After cruising the internet and reading many many reviews I believe Tikka is the choice for me. Now, not knowing much of anything about shooting sports I am ready to learn whatever I can and research my first gun. I won't be ordering/buying anything until I do some legwork, get some advice, read some more, ask questions, read some more and ultimately find the Tikka that suits my beginning needs. I won't be moving to anything more advanced until I learn my first gun and it becomes one that I can shoot consistently well.
So, with that being said, what would you all consider a good starting point? I was looking at the T3. I actually looked at the T3 Tactical but at almost $600 more I figured I could buy a T3 and $600 in rounds to start learning with. Not $600 dollars all at the same time mind you, but the T3 would free up some “practicing” money. Any advice on other Tikka models out there that might be a better beginners gun would be greatly appreciated. If you do have other models in mind, please tell me why you would lean this way. It gives me things to consider and compare. I see that Tikka only imports certain models to the US now. I'm not locked into brand new, so I guess this would open the door to models and calibers that were previously imported and might still be available on the used market.
Also, not knowing anything about rounds, I will need to decide where to start there also. (Can't really order a gun without knowing what I'm going to put through it 🙂 ) Any advice in that area is greatly appreciated also. I know something like a .308 will kick really hard and is probably not the place to start. But what would be a round that might kick like a “big dog” rather than a “mule”? Also I obviously won't have the equipment or knowledge to load my own rounds, so “over the counter” will be my only option.
I am looking forward to getting started, but I want to do it the right way. To me, that is research first then practice,practice,practice. Then, learn from my mistakes and practice some more.
Thank you for any information in advance and I hope not to become a “pest” with all the questions.
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4 Replies
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Start with a 223 or a 22-250, virtually no recoil so you can concentrate on other things.
Don't scrimp on your glass either, good optics is as important as a good rifle.
You don't have to go crazy but don't go for any of the el cheapo's either. You can get good used glass for a reasonable price but you must shop around. Look for shooters who are moving up and want to finance their upgrade by selling their old optics.
Welcome to our addiction!
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Thanks for the welcome.
Again, not knowing anything about this sport, are .223 and 22-250 considered 22 caliber ammunition? I have heard that it is getting harder to find.
And so begin the stupid questions. Get ready for more, I'm sure I'm full of them. I have to learn somehow.
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Looking through more forums and reviews I have another question along the same lines.
I know it would be a big “kicker” but what do you think of starting with a .308?
I guess what I am seeing is that the rounds are readily available and not overly costly and have many options for projectiles as I improve my skills. I would just have to get used to the kick, but with products like Limbsaver and such maybe it could be “tamed” a bit. Also I read that a bit heavier gun will have a bit less recoil. If this is true then maybe a varmint type barrel and a wood stock rather than a “lite” barrel and synthetic stock would help?
Let me know what you think and if my line of thinking is at least sound. Or tell me I'm off my rocker and need to read more. Gotta learn somehow.
Thanks
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Welcome to this site!
.308 is not considered a big kicker. If all you are going to do for awhile is target practice, and not really carry it around hunting, I'd look for a Tikka Varmint in .308. It's fine to get one blued, as you aren't goona find a stainless one. If you can find a Varmint in .223, more power to you. Sometimes they come along.
If you're looking for a T3 Lite, look seriously at a .243. They are very available in both stainless and blued. Very little recoil, and you can be shooting at 400 plus yards with it after a couple hundred rounds, if you have the glass, and an accurate load for it.
Target practice…scope it in the 4.5-14, 5.5-22, or 6.5-20 power range. You will need to put 200-300 yards downrange to really get comfortable with your new rifle, and get familiar with your scope…especially if you're dialing turrets for longer distances. Good Luck!
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