Tikka Varmint or Tikka Scout in .223?

[Hawk45]

Have 3 Savages so want to try something different and haven't heard anything bad about Tikka yet except that the mags are expensive $60 (but I could care less as I only need one or maybe get a second or just may get CDI bottom metal in long run).

When I factor in the cost of the EGW mount ($40) the two are about the same price since the CTR has a rail installed. Only difference I can see is the CTR is .1 pounds lighter, has a matte finish and has a 20" bbl over the 23.5" on the varmint.

I be using for groups on paper mostly.. am I losing much with going with the 20" bbl? May balance better with the short barrel.

Thanks guys,
Hawk

 

[264win]

Re: Tikka Varmint or Tikka Scout in .223?

all the tikka varmints ive owned and see were very accurate . i had one cut down to 19" and the balace was much better for off hand shooting . if your shooting from a rest , no big deal . also on the tikka mags , my biggest complaint , was the lack of space . you cant seat out your bullets if you hand load .

 

[AUJohn]

Re: Tikka Varmint or Tikka Scout in .223?

What ranges are you shooting out to?
If you are happy with 600 then the slower twist/short mag/short barrel will be fine. You MAY make 1K with safe loads, it's not likely though.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Tikka Varmint or Tikka Scout in .223?

The longest range I have access to is 600yds.

 

[DV]

Re: Tikka Varmint or Tikka Scout in .223?

Kind of apples to oranges but I`ve shot .223 at 600 yards out of a 20" barrel AR15 for high power and never had any complaints as far as accuracy.

May want to make sure of the twist on the rifle you decide on, at one time Tikka used a 1:8 along with a 1:12 twist- IIRC the faster twist rate was marked on the barrel

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Tikka Varmint or Tikka Scout in .223?

The Scout model is also a 1:8 twist.