Kimber Montana vs Tikka T3 Lite

I too just prefer the Tikka. I have many rifles, more than most I would dare say, and money is not an issue. I have more expensive guns but like the Tikkas. I personally think they are a great value. I can buy them locally for just over $500. For an extra $200 I can put one in a B&C stock and put a metal shroud on it. So basically for around $750 I have a butter smooth action with a really nice trigger in a B&C stock with floated barrel that will shoot sub MOA reliably. Not a bad deal in my opinion. I personally like the enclosed receiver. The plastic mag doesn't bother me either. It is quiet, slim and securely locks in place. I really like the straight stacked ammo feed instead of the staggered feed. To each their own.
 
I just finished reading this thread as I have been thinking about getting a Tikka in 223. I own several Coopers, Savages, cz's and Remington's but have never owned a Tikka or Sako. What I would like to know is if the Tikka Hunter is like all other Tikka's with the exception of the wood stock. Also how long can I load and still fit the mag and feed properly. Thinking about an 8 twist to shoot 75 Amax. TIA
 
I have a tikka 25-06 and personally like the rifle. So much that I am going to use it as a donor to build off of. The plastic/polymer parts have not been an issue but I plan on replacing them with parts from atlasworx. These parts are reasonably priced and didn't cost anymore or less than any other brand parts. I decided to change these parts out bc of TwoMuchGuns suggestions and thanks for that. I shared the same concerns but opted to change them rather than avoid the gun altogether. I didn't need to change these parts but felt that I wanted to build the gun that I wanted in the style I wanted so why not change them out. The tikka is on the higher side of "budget" rifles but if purchased used or on sale can be a heck of a rifle. If you decide to do the upgrades I have you'll be into the rifle for as much as a nice remington or savage and still less than a Montana. So it's personal preference, buy something you can tweak to your liking and be under the Montana price or buy the Montana and be happy with it. I would go tikka and outfit as you see fit once you've handled and shot the rifle.
 
Well my Tikka ownership experience stands. It is not the gun of all guns, but does what it is designed for well.
Can it be improved? Yes! Does it need to be? Nearly any gun can be and we often see beautiful examples of that here.
As attested by shooters around the globe and backed by a 500 year old company, certainly dwarfs ones opinion.
I got a kick one day while at the local gun counter, Ljutic stops in to buy a Tikka rifle for an African hunt trip. He can and does buy what gun he wants. Ljutic shotguns went up to $30,000.
 
Are you keeping it 25-06 or re barreling to something else?

What stock are you going with?

I have to assume they make an aftermarket recoil lug as well....
 
Originally Posted By: whyI just finished reading this thread as I have been thinking about getting a Tikka in 223. I own several Coopers, Savages, cz's and Remington's but have never owned a Tikka or Sako. What I would like to know is if the Tikka Hunter is like all other Tikka's with the exception of the wood stock. Also how long can I load and still fit the mag and feed properly. Thinking about an 8 twist to shoot 75 Amax. TIA

The hunter version is the same but wood. They are not as readily available in smaller calibers in the US but I think that may change.
The few wood models I purchased feel better to me. However the wood is a bit softer and and it shows minor dings easier.
8 twist is harder to find in some calibers here in US. It is stamped on the barrel in .223 cal.
 
You just don't get your panties in a knot. It's all good.

I don't take this stuff nearly as seriously as you may think I do.

But I do love guns.....
 
Rifles are full of options and opinions formulate from that. And in my opinion, the Tikka has too many "issues" fro me to own one. And by "issues" I simply mean attributes that I feel are less than desireable. But this is simply a synopsis of my opinion. Thats all...

For the OP queston, I'd look towards the Kimber. Just how I see it.
 
Originally Posted By: 2muchgunAre you keeping it 25-06 or re barreling to something else?

What stock are you going with?

I have to assume they make an aftermarket recoil lug as well....

I will eventual re barrel to 6.5 swede or 308. The long action will be nice to stretch out the 140 grainers or have a 308 barrel chambered that will allow me to try to shoot some 208gr pills.

Yes they have better recoil lugs that I purchased from Mountain tactical. I wasn't going to put a new rifle in a new stock without this upgrade even though none of the calibers I have listed are considered magnum or heavy recoil. I am looking at mcmillan or manners. I really like the slim forearm of the game scout and would like it even more with an adjustable cheek piece. It should make a nice all around gun from hunting to target shooting. A huge plus is the ability of 5 and 10 rd mags. Without the stock I should be into the gun for less than 800 including one AICS mag. With the barrel swap and stock now I am much closer to the 1800 range but I think of it like a bottle of wine. In time and age the rifle will only get better!
 
Me too, it's something different but still readily available. Do you know of a smith that might work with Tikka's? Most say they are busy enough with remington work
 
I am surprised that there isnt more love for the kimber on here, I love my T3 varmint and will add more tikkas to the stable in the future as it has proven to be a great rifle, but I always wanted a Kimber... somthing about them, maybe because I love the m70 action and they remind me of that.
 
Love my Kimber, sold the only Tikka I ever owned... It shot well enough, but it just felt and looked cheap in my honest opinion. The short action cartridge in a long action bolt stop bothered me also. Again, it shot well enough. Just not my cup of tea...I have a safe full of Remmy 700's, browning x-bolts, winny 70's, and so forth... And no, none of my Remmy's have went boom without having the trigger pulled 1st. My advice would be to handle them all and figure out what feels right. By the time you buy the rifle and optics you'll have a pretty penny invested. Make sure it's right for you.
 
Originally Posted By: ksduckhntrMe too, it's something different but still readily available. Do you know of a smith that might work with Tikka's? Most say they are busy enough with remington work

Chad Dixon will.
 
Have 2 tikkas 223 and 243 ,put the 223 into a Boyds stock love these rifles.Great smooth action and triggers ,and accurate with factory but bug holes with reloads
 
1st off, I'm not trying to argue when I ask this. It's really for my own curiosity.

2muchgun - Leaving the Kimber out of the equation for a minute, what rifle would you suggest in the $500-$700 range? Keep in mind, a bone stock rifle, no modifications allowed. A lot of hate on the Tikka's out there, but not too many people offer up a suggestion for a similarly priced alternative.

I'm curious if I might have overlooked another rifle choice.
 
Weatherby Vanguard S2 comes to mind...


That and Styer rifles are onsale now at Cabela's for $799.88 That's a lot of rifle for that money.


 
Originally Posted By: Ianstein A lot of hate on the Tikka's out there, but not too many people offer up a suggestion for a similarly priced alternative.


Could be because the OP didn't ask about alternatives.
Since you ask though,,,,,,,,

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-527-m1-american-223-rem-flush-mount-magazine/


Back on topic,,,,, The Kimber MT's one of only two composit stocked rifles I consider buying.
I like everything about them.
Tika's have good barrels and triggers.
 
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