Wonder how they compare in a blind test. I have a T3 and would do a build, but I am also liking the vast options of using a Rem 700 clone.
- Thread starter Travis224
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I had a 260 Rem built on a Stiller last fall. I also have a Tikka Varmint in 22-250. I think the Tikka action is smoother than the Stiller. But the Tikka action has a cheesy recoil lug - although it seems to work.
My buddy runs a stiller tac30 action that he has been happy with. The best pro with that action is that it takes aw 10 rd double stack mags. Other than that its a ptg bolt in a custom tube with tight tolorences. I run a tikka t3 action which is essentially a sako. They are silky smooth and have a shorter throw and sako knows what a .001 is. With a sako style extractor. Bolt release are the same for both. The tikka factory trigger can be tuned down and is pretty good. Of course stillers are 700 footprints. Sky is the limit on trigger with that. Of course you just have to find a smith willing to work on a tikka. Chad at long rifles did a great job on mine!
One question I have regarding the Tikka action.
How likely or unlikely is it that the bolt handle would come of? It looks like its hold down by the clamping force of the main spring? Its justed wedged in there, and kept in place by the spring?
I prefer one piece bolts, like a Mauser, Howa and some of the high end customs of lately.
How likely or unlikely is it that the bolt handle would come of? It looks like its hold down by the clamping force of the main spring? Its justed wedged in there, and kept in place by the spring?
I prefer one piece bolts, like a Mauser, Howa and some of the high end customs of lately.
It's highly unlikely that the handle will come off. If you remove the bolt handle, you'll see the precision fit required to insert the handle back to the bolt body. I've abused the Tikka and never worried about the handle. I'm sure if you want to break it you can, but you'll snap the handle first before it slides off.
The inner assembly rotates into place and holds the bolt handle in. It's not held in place with a spring/detent.
So, how solid would you rate it?
cb_tikka: I did not see your reply, but you have assured me some... The chissel like handle should be very secure in the positions you work the handle, up-> back-> forward-> down. Its just another way of doing that seems contradict how conventional rifles have been made..
Also the Tikka T3 has the same reoil lug arrangment as the Sako TRG.
Also the Tikka T3 has the same reoil lug arrangment as the Sako TRG.
We have a write-up on the Tikka on our website under the "2-Shop" Section. There's one on the 700 too but not the Stiller specifically. Bottom line is the T3 is a nice action and at this point in aftermarket development you're not down much to a Rem clone. Thanks,
Justin
Justin
I'll upload a couple pics to give you an idea of the connection.
In the picture of the Bolt Handle you can see a crescent shape that is used to hold the handle in place
In the picture of the Bolt you can see how beefy the dovetail is which holds the Bolt Handle, and you can see the steel shaft that locks the Bolt Handle in place.
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Curious why you say they are difficult to rebarrel?
I'm aware of this, as I believe all shooters are, I was commenting specifically in regards to the Sako vs the Tikka actions, would you say they are essentially the same? A Remington 700 would be essentially the same as a Remington 770, if the mfg was the determining factor, wouldn't you agree?
Good to know. I sent my Tikka off to a smith who is known for working on Tikka's, but since then I've seen there are several who have no problem working on them. I'll probably do my own barrels one of these days when I get a lathe. Is a normal barrel vise not adequate?
they are on really tight....but try pulling a factory 700 bbl!
If you are handy enough to do you're own bbl work, you're handy enough to make your own action wrench. I made mine and have done 16 t3's with it. I can post a pic of it if it would help.
Some heat will melt out the glue-like stuff they put on the threads. After that you just need a good barrel vice, or you can just make a cut with the lathe to ease the pressure and it will come right off. One of those action wrenches from Brownell's that's made for a Rem 700 with work, you just flip around the one side and butt the flat surface up against the top rail of the T3.
Doing the rebarrel is easier than a Rem because of no bolt nose cutout. Good luck,
The T3 action is very similar to the TRG action, excepting it has 2 lugs with 75 degrees of travel instead of 3 with 60 degrees. They both are closed bridge, round bottom actions with a side bolt release and they use the same trigger setup. The TRG trigger can be used on a T3 and vice versa. The T3 is a long enough action where you can use the AICS mags without the spacer plate or you could in theory use TRG mags. The T3 is slightly smaller in Diameter as the TRG was made to house a .338 and .308 in the same diameter action. The T3 does use an inch thread barrel whereas the TRG uses metric.
Justin
Doing the rebarrel is easier than a Rem because of no bolt nose cutout. Good luck,
The T3 action is very similar to the TRG action, excepting it has 2 lugs with 75 degrees of travel instead of 3 with 60 degrees. They both are closed bridge, round bottom actions with a side bolt release and they use the same trigger setup. The TRG trigger can be used on a T3 and vice versa. The T3 is a long enough action where you can use the AICS mags without the spacer plate or you could in theory use TRG mags. The T3 is slightly smaller in Diameter as the TRG was made to house a .338 and .308 in the same diameter action. The T3 does use an inch thread barrel whereas the TRG uses metric.
Justin
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Tikka makes a fine action. I wouldn't have a problem doing a build on one.
The Dove tail on the bolt handle is strong on the T3 bolt. It would never come off. Finding a rifle builder that is willing to barrel a T3 is a little more difficult but chad Dixon from Long Rifles Inc does a great job and did a great job on mine. I run a lot of different actions like 700's, custom 700 platforms, the t3 is just another way to skin the cat really. They are silky smooth for sure! it really all comes down to what pipe is on the end of it and who does the work
must be an American thing, don't hear of any problems rebarrelling tikkas here in Australia.
I have a T3 lite 223 and I just purchased a rifle built on a Stiller TAC30 the other day. I have to completely disagree about the Tikka being smoother. A Tikka is smooth no doubt but this Stiller with no more than 500 rounds on it is like dragging your pecker across silk sheets. It's by far one of the smoothest actions I've ever felt. It also feels very solid and doesn't bind one bit.
Yeah I agree. they all work well when it comes down to it. Stiller is just using PTG one piece bolts in their actions with M16 style extractors. Like anything else you get what you pay for. Cool thing with stillers is running AW mags and of course paying for the quality of a custom trued action. I run them a lot of different actions. stiller, 700's short and long actions, tikka, defiance. they all work well when it comes down to it. the pipe on the end truly makes the difference and of course the loose nut behind the trigger..
