Tikka Tac A1 vs. Bergara B14 HMR

[DasNightmare]

After a lot of research I've narrowed my choice down to these two rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor. I've handled both in person and they seem good. I have seen basically no bad reviews on Tikkas. I think the AR-style chassis looks sweet (if maybe a little gimmicky). I don't hunt so weight isn't a big factor here. Mostly what I want is accuracy and quality.

The only thing stopping me from ordering a Tikka right now is I have to admit the Bergara felt better. It was the only rifle I handled where the bolt lift isn't so heavy that it tilts the rifle to the side unless you use your other hand to pin it down (I usually place my left hand on my shoulder so it can be kind of annoying to have to bring my it forward to pin down the gun) The bolt feels almost as smooth as the Tikka. I feel like the stock fits me well and I like the trigger better.

On the other hand, I also have to admit that I was only able to handle it offhand at the store, not prone, sitting at a bench, or crouching like most of my actual shooting will be. In addition, the Tikka can be adjusted to fit me better so maybe it was just the case that it was not well adjusted. Furthermore, one big sticking point for me is barrel replacement for the Bergara. I estimate that I will want a rebarrel in ~1.5 years and from what I understand the Tikka is very is easy to re-barrel with many options, while the Bergara needs to be sent back to the factory and can only take Bergara's factory barrel options (I will most likely want to go longer and slightly heavier for the replacement).

TLDR: Tikkas have a better reputation. The Bergara B14 HMR Pro feels better to me but I am concerned about complications with re-barreling since Bergara has a coned bolt face or whatever.

So, having said all that, which should I get?

Change it to HMR Pro

 

[OyVey]

Not really apples to apples imo. You either want to compare Tikka CTR to Bergara HMR (~$1k) or Tikka Tac A1 to Bergara HMR Pro (~$1.5k). In the comparison you're doing, Tac A1 is leagues ahead of the B14 HMR.

Have you thought about the magazine that each rifle uses? Bergaras use AICS magazine whereas Tikkas have their own magazine. Downside for the Tikka magazine is that they are expensive but Tac A1 comes with 2+1 magazines so that shouldn't be a problem. I've used both Tikka and AICS mags but I keep going back to the Tikka magazines because they are double stack and feeds like butter.

You will not regret buying the Tikka Tac A1; it is unbeatable for the amount of features it has.There are a lot of pre-fit barrels available for Tikka now because the tolerances on the Tikka actions are that consistent. If you're going the Bergara route, might as well start with a custom Rem700 and build from there. Otherwise, you might end up having to true the Bergara action down the line. Not sure who told that Bergara has to be sent back to factory to rebarrel? Haven't heard about the coned bolt face you mentioned but any competent smith should be able to rechamber it anyway you want.

 

[DasNightmare]

Not really apples to apples imo. You either want to compare Tikka CTR to Bergara HMR (~$1k) or Tikka Tac A1 to Bergara HMR Pro (~$1.5k). In the comparison you're doing, Tac A1 is leagues ahead of the B14 HMR.

Have you thought about the magazine that each rifle uses? Bergaras use AICS magazine whereas Tikkas have their own magazine. Downside for the Tikka magazine is that they are expensive but Tac A1 comes with 2+1 magazines so that shouldn't be a problem. I've used both Tikka and AICS mags but I keep going back to the Tikka magazines because they are double stack and feeds like butter.

You will not regret buying the Tikka Tac A1; it is unbeatable for the amount of features it has.There are a lot of pre-fit barrels available for Tikka now because the tolerances on the Tikka actions are that consistent. If you're going the Bergara route, might as well start with a custom Rem700 and build from there. Otherwise, you might end up having to true the Bergara action down the line. Not sure who told that Bergara has to be sent back to factory to rebarrel? Haven't heard about the coned bolt face you mentioned but any competent smith should be able to rechamber it anyway you want.

Honestly the HMR Pro just didn't seem worth it to me. Black stock, fluted bolt, stainless steel, and nicer trigger are great and everything but IMO not enough of an upgrade over the regular HMR. Would you think the Pro version is better than than the Tikka Tac? I'll change the post to say Pro.

 

[HMRamateur]

If you want to shoot accurately for the least amount paid, bergara HMR. If you want more features, plus chassis, tikka. If you don't like the chassis, but are willing to spend as much as the tikka, Bergara HMR pro. Some might not think it's worth it, but I did. The action is nicer and triggertech is hard to beat. Neither companies accuracy guarantee is better than the others, and no one here will tell you it was a bad idea with whichever one you choose. My T3 with synthetic stock shoots just as good as my HMR pro as well. You choose what features you want and how much you want to spend.

 

[OyVey]

Honestly the HMR Pro just didn't seem worth it to me. Black stock, fluted bolt, stainless steel, and nicer trigger are great and everything but IMO not enough of an upgrade over the regular HMR. Would you think the Pro version is better than than the Tikka Tac? I'll change the post to say Pro.

I'd still pick the Tac A1 over HMR Pro.

That said, Bergara HMR for $1000 is a steal with all the features you could possibly need: adjustable cheek piece, qd cups, mini chassis, and muzzle already threaded. Do you prefer the chassis look of the Tac A1 or the more traditional stock of the HMR? Up to you.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

Tikka all day every day hahh

 

[littlepod]

Tac A1, 60 degree throw = heavier lift.

Cycle the bolt like - (2nd way) where the thumb provides leverage, and you won't tilt your rifle when cycling.

I'd go Tac A1, unless you already have a ton of R700 stuff lying around and want to re-use it. I started off with a Tikka, but I've slowly converted all my stuff over to R700 so I can have re-usable triggers and chassis.

 

[ffjoey]

I would look at the HMR Pro, it’s well worth the extra $500 over the B14

 

[DasNightmare]

I would look at the HMR Pro, it’s well worth the extra $500 over the B14

Would you say it is superior to the Tac A1 even with the limited aftermarket barrel support? I'm hoping to put in an order today

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Tac A1

 

[Average guy]

I’ve been shooting a rifle with a Bergara BMP chassis on it. I’m impressed with the chassis. Might be worth comparing the BMP and the tac a-1.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

look at the poll its clear

 

[PowellSixO]

Save some money, and get a Howa HCR. Just as accurate, if not more. 1000 yards, 5 shots, half the price.

 

[ffjoey]

Would you say it is superior to the Tac A1 even with the limited aftermarket barrel support? I'm hoping to put in an order today

I am a huge Bergara fan. I have a LRP Elite, HMR and a Ridge. Going to the Bergara Academy in August. I would prefer the Bergara to the Tikka but honestly, it’s probably a push as to which is better.