I like how you had the rifle as the main picture and didn’t make the video about making you look cool or the star. Great job and great info from a reliable source.
Nice video. Just bought one today and your vid confirm my "non-review" purchase with 8X32 Nightforce. What tipped me over was the action and trigger. Sweet!!
Great review! I’m absolutely in love with my TAC A1, I’ve worked up loads with Varget, W760, and Reloader 17 that all shoot about 0.25 MOA at 200 yards. I’ve never been able to shoot that well with my other rifles
You know I didn't think I'd be able to get through this whole video, but I must say you did a really fantastic job. I felt like we were just hanging out talking guns.
Dude, so validating... I decided on this last year and people keep suggesting the RPR. I pick up my TAC A1 tomorrow and have a nearly identical accessory setup planned. Thanks for making me feel even more excited about it!
My bud got this rifle and your video was a big part of his decision to go with the Tikka. I got to shoot it today and shot the smallest 5 shot group at 100yds that I have ever shot, around 0.3 MOA with Norma Soft Points. This rifle is a laser! 🤯
I’ve had my Tikka Tac A1 in 6.5CM for just over a year now and just over 900 rounds down the barrel. This rifle has bee. An absolute pleasure to own. I installed a Yo-Dave trigger spring, an APA Little Bastard Gen II brake, and topped it with a Razor HD Gen 2 scope. This rifle is amazing. I have tons of paper showing 1/4 MOA groups and last week shot a 3/4 inch group at 300 yards, this is with handloads tailored to my rifle. This rifle has been awesome for competition and can certainly serve many purposes. It’s 16 lbs with bipod, scope, and mag. I’m definitely a Tikka fan after owning this rifle.
Getting ready to by one of these and in doing research I came across your review. I think it’s the best rifle review I have ever seen on RU-vid. Truly outstanding work. You sealed the deal. Already have the Viper PST G2 waiting on the rifle. Glad you had the Kahles experience, I also believe they have the best glass on the planet but I just can’t afford it. You gained a new subscriber.
Great review. I bought one fall 2018 in 6.5CM. Couldn’t be happier. Buyers should read the manual regarding the screw on top of the muzzle brake, it is for attaching a mirage band. It is not a locking set screw for the brake. The gun shop where I bought mine told me a customer cranked the screw in to the muzzle threads and goofed them up. READ THE MANUAL. Also, Tikka does not recommend dry firing on an empty chamber, they recommend they recommend using Snap Caps or something like them. Finally, I agree with you how when you fold the stock that it dings the anodizing. Initially I put a couple layers of electrical tape on the right spot but the other day a bought a lawn tractor inner tube and cut a band about 1” wide and put it over the entire outside periphery of the butt pad.
Best review!! Appreciate the "real" way you review. Not Hollywooded out. Technical info without being paid/sponsored. Love the gun, WANT it badly, so I will - do it once do it right. Gotta save my pennies. Thanks much !!!!
I just wanted to thank you for putting together this video. It is very useful (high protein) information. I appreciate very much the detail you supplied. Thanks!
I greatly enjoyed this video in its entirety.. good stuff.. I have got to finally stop spending money into rifles and start buying expensive glass.. At least one good scope to run on my long range setup.. Thanks for sharing your awesome experience
Going to buy one tomorrow iv been looking at this one 3 times already and told amazing things about it... But now after you confirmed all everyone said in great detail that was it thank you I'm very excited about this buy now ...Chris
Benefits of living in Finland 99.99% of gun shops have Sako rifles so people don't have to go wrong with their choise because there is always a Sako in the self.
@Charles Lindberg @Charles Lindberg My point was that it sounds funny when you say "Who needs to pay for a Sako?" when the tikka rifles are manufactured by Sako so THEY'RE Sako rifles. But I get where you're coming from. We don't need to split hairs on this one. Oh sounds good. Can't go wrong with those. I just got the TAC A1 myself.
@Charles Lindberg Well sako and tikka have differences and different rifle lines and you will not go wrong with either. Probably the biggest difference of a basic sako 85 and tikka t3z is that the 85 is a control round feed, 3 lug top open reciever type as the tikkas are 2 lug and the reciever is enclosed. And the 85 is finished a bit better. Mostly accuracy is very close to each other. Why buy a Sako when you can get a Tikka t3x? Because there is no tikka trg, only sako. I have a t3x lite which groups 10 rounds 0.5-0.7moa at 300 meters, but got a trg because I wanted a trg and will be getting rid of the t3x.
I have 2 precision rifles both in 6.5 Creedmoor; Ruger and Savage Elite Precision. This is making me want another one. Very nice looking rifle. Good review.
Welp I was looking to get a Ruger Precision Rifle... Upon my research I stumbled upon the Tikka T3X Tac A1... And then stumbled across your video... Guess who's buying a T3X? 😂
I am fortunate enough to have two Tikka Tac A1’s. One in 308, and one in 223. Hoping to get one in 6.5 Creedmore this year. Bought the 308 first instead of 6.5 due to my already existing dies and supplies, and 223 for the same reasons. I do make my own rounds, and with either of these fine firearms I can shoot 1/4 inch groups at 100 yards. While I do not shoot that well all the time, the error is in myself not the firearm. LOL. My girl shoots 1/2 to 1/4 inch groups with them as well. I have a Tikka T3 Tactical as well in 223, another rifle that groups just as well. Last week, with my 308 I put four out of five rounds through the same hole, the 5th round was as included in the same hole but was off by about 1/8th inch. Each of my Tikkas are mounted with Vortex optics, 5x25 .A truly fine firearm. In Canada these rifles retail for $2399.99C
It is an awesome weapon. I was amazed how easy it was to be accurate with this gun. Tried 2 variants and they are just flawless. The quality, fit and finnish is something I've never seen before. If you can afford it, it is a no brainer!
I have one on order. I can’t wait. Haven’t done long distance shooting in about 15 years. I can’t wait, I super pumped by watching several videos about precision rifles. The tikka t3x tac a1 really stands out. Now I gotta get a scope.
Bought one in 2018. Super, super, super accurate right out of the box. Originally i had a Steiner T5xi 5-25x56 with SCR reticle on it. First time i tried to hit a milk jug at 1,000 yards i used the holds at 18x. I aimed at a clay pigeon in the burm and my DOPE was high so i adjusted my hold and literally hit the jug on the very first shot. Crazy. That was at a range, deep in the forest in GA. I have since moved out to the desert about 3+ yrs ago. Since moving here, i have learned how to shoot in the wind. Totally different experience compared to GA. Way, way harder. Now i have a NF ATACR 7-35x56 with Mil-XT reticle on the Tikka. Just a Totally Awesome optic all the way around... including that reticle. I have hit a soda can at 1,006 yards in 3 shots. I have hit a soda can at 1,380 yards in 14 shots in a 15mph 90 degree cross wind and horrible mirage. I have made all kinds of crazy, difficult shots with the Tikka Tac A1. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Mine is 6.5CM. Don't let the haters dissuade you from the caliber. It is a tremendous caliber. The most recent awesome thing i did... which was not to long ago... was i decided to go for a 5 shot group at 750 yards across a valley and i kid you not... 0.477 MOA or 3.58". I was astonished at how i did... first and only attempt as well. The videos of both soda can hits and the 5 shot, sub 1/2 MOA group at 750 yards are all posted to Long Range Shooters of Utah. I was going to start a channel and put it on as many social media platforms as made sense... but the BLM recently shut down the area i have been shooting the last 3 yrs so i'm really not sure what i'm going to do now. I'm a former US Army Ranger.... i was going to cover some combat medicine... long range shooting... a few reviews of things i like and use in the tactical realm.... but now i may just can all that since my shooting area is no more. Let me also say this... Because the Tikka Tac A1 was so awesome... i purchased a Tikka T3x Super Varmint in 6.5 PRC. The accuracy is nowhere near as awesome as the Tac A1. best i got with 3 different kinds of ammo was 1MOA with Norma Golden Target, which was the slowest of the 3. The whole point of the PRC is that it should shoot about 200 fps faster than a CM, "in theory". Mine wasn't doing that. After all, Tikka's are notoriously "SLOW" shooters. I decided to put "lipstick on a pig" and literally purchased a $1.5k MDT ACC Premier chassis. The accuracy.... well, it didn't improve. So for ALL of you thinking you'll just tinker with the T3X.... go for it... but the Tac A1 with it's heavy ass, rock solid chassis... is where it's at for accurately shooting in the prone or bench... personally, i like shooting in the prone... as i would in the field. If you want PRS balance for obstacles... knock yourself out and get a chassis. I will continue putting lipstick on a pig since i'm going to use this new PRC as my hunting rifle and i'll be getting a Proof Carbon Fiber barrel for it. That should improve accuracy AND speed. I also have to say that i hate the fluted bolt on the Super Varmint. It's wobbly and sloppy feeling. The Tac A1 is rock fucking solid and smooth as silk. I tend to think a wobbly bolt like that may affect accuracy negatively.
I was going to buy the Ruger Precision Rifle but a buddy of mine told me about the Tikka and recommended saving up a bit longer instead. Glad I did cause everyone and their mother hands down, recommend this gun.
yeah 100%, I've had mine for just over a year, excellent rifle. I've added the swept back bolt handle from Sterk which turns it into a Poor Man's Accuracy International. Bit heavy for Midnight Sun Rifle Challenge but easily as accurate (in my hands) as guns 3x the price.
thank you!!! my biggest concerns answered within 5 minutes! i'm surprised to hear it's a hammer forged, i was hoping and thinking it was a button barreled rifle but 0.5 MOA is 0.5 MOA regardless. this is my next rifle without a doubt.
Just bought a Tac A1 and chose it over a CTR set in an MDT LSS chassis for less $. The two stage trigger, the adjustable stock, the included muzzle brake and the fact that i have a lot of TRG-22 magazines helped with that decision though. I have a 700 in an AICS 1.5 and have a few AICS magazines, but with the 3 total mags that the rifle comes with (with the 1 free) and the chassis setup more the way I wanted, had to go with the Tac A1. I am very interested to see how well it shoots compared to the Sako TRG-22, even though the TRG is obviously in .308 and the Tac A1 is in 6.5creedmoor
Can you reverse the cheek rest? I am right handed but shoot lefty but don't really want a left hand gun. It looks like you can just loosen the nuts and turn it around, can you?
So I got my TAC A1 last Saturday and have yet to try it out at the range. Legally I wasn't able to get the folding stock model so obviously finished up with the fixed stock. Downside, difficult, near impossible to bore sight and cleaning is also a problem having to pass the cleaning rod, patch and chemicals, through the cheek riser. I hope the upsides at the range outweigh the downside.
I recently (Sep 2022) purchased this rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor and have only shot at 50 yards so far; jut to sight it in. I was able to shoot single hole shots using Hornady Match 140gr ammo. Looking forward to see how well I can shoot it at 100 yards and longer - if I can find a range locally for that.
Excellent video! Convinced me to buy tac A1. I got a question about magazine oal. Does tikka tac a1 magazine got room to play with? ELD X projectile is particularly long and is going to be longer. In this case would you single feed or does magazine got room for handload? Cheers man. From new zealand
Thank you very much for your video, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of your highly detailed and extremely informative assessment of the Tikka T3X A1 rifle, as a direct result of watching this 40:52 minute presentation (3 times now) I have confidently put down a $1000.00 AUD deposit on a 24 inch version in .308, here in Australia they retail for $3450.00 with a fixed stock in a hard case and with only two magazines but I am so very VERY excited to get it paid off and then take home the best rifle I will ever own. Kind regards Craig Napoli.
@@PlanetCreationxD for three main reasons mate. 1 - I love the wide variety of projectiles that 308 offers me. 2 - The sheer long distance knock down power that a 30 caliber has. 3 - I am into reloading my own ammunition and my second rifle was a Tikka T3X stainless lite that I have dies, powder, projectiles and extensive range tested information on paper for the 308
@@amorphousgear2085 hi mate, just a follow up on my Tac A1 purchase, I have now taken delivery of this magnificent rifle, correctly broken it in and been to the range three times with it, the third visit was to compete in a long distant competition, it was my first time shooting at this distance and i took out first place by hitting the bullseye four times from a ten shot group at 500 meters with only three shots to sight my set up in. To say I'm happy is a gross understatement.
2nd viewing of your video. have been shooting the Tikka Tac since December 2017. it is my first precision rifle, and has performed flawlessly. my range goes out to 1250. and the Tikka shoots 1/2 MOA or better to 1000 regularly (shooter is struggling @ 1250). I am at1200 round count, and will be very interested to know when your barrel stops shooting. Keep up the good work.
Will the bipod slide back and forth or is it fixed up front? I have this gun and haven't gotten a bipod yet.It seems to me it is fixed on your gun.I need something like arca,maybe? I am getting into prs,so that's why I am asking.I used to be an idpa shooter who covered the east coast at a bunch of state competitions..I do want to try this.If you could offer any help on bipod and arca rail selection that would be great!.Maybe your set up would work?
Hi, I know this review was a few years ago, but could you please tell me what the replacement pistol grip is? (manufacturer plus model) Thank you in advance. Pete
For who ever are looking to buy one, just do it. I got mine in 308, so it also covers more hunting. But this gun is just amazing. I was one of the first to get it, back in June 2017. I know 6.5 CreedM is better, but it isn't that famous in the Scandinavian countries as it is in US. But, however, this gun is just amazing, I use only the muzzlebrake,the recoil is so small with it, I don't use suppressor. However, the gun cost 3200+ scope, and bipod, so it's kinda more expensive over here, sadly.
Just purchased. I chose 308 due to current times. Ammo. I can run cheap Nato or 308 through it. Bulk & Availability was important in this decision. This now compliments my Type 81. If need be I can bug out with both 1500 rounds of each. About all I can carry. Which is heavy enough. I have way to much (prep for yrs) And yes I do believe there's a conflict coming here in North America. Hello From Canada 🇨🇦•🇺🇸
Looking to purchase this gun in Coyote Brown, Left Hand. Can’t find one anywhere. Any suggestions for a dealer that might have one in stock? Great video BTW, love the no BS presentation.
Hola. Extenso el video pero muy informativo y claro. Me podría pasar la marca y modelo del visor que montó en la descripción del rifle? Muchas gracias.
Thank you for your time and the great review. I currently have an AI AX which I love but my first build was an Tikka T3 on a McMillan A3-5. I have always been very impressed with Tikka's offering for the price, great slick action and very accurate/consistent straight shooting rifle. There were a couple of thinks that combined made me move up to the AI. First, the coating on Tikka's used to come off pretty quickly. I had mine cerakoated to resolve this. Second, the trigger was good but not excellent and very little aftermarket options, at least, ones that I found satisfying. Third, barrel interchangeability. I like to be able to shoot multiple calibers or change from a LR to "scout" type rifle. How easy is it to change and headspace (if needed) the barrel? And final question; Bedding. Even a bedded rifle can't compare to a well mated action to chassis setup such as the AI. How is the Tikka bedded? Screws in a V-block? Permanently bolted and glued? Is there any way you could do a "takedown/disassembly" video. Replace barrel and remove or show the action? I know that is a lot to ask but in the end, for a long term user, these things do become eventually an important factor. Thank you.
Those are all good points. Disassembly is very easy. However, I haven’t found any solid answers on putting in a new barrel. Beretta told me i would be on my own when this one burns up. I will try to do a disassembly video, but I would like to direct message it to you. It would not be something I would put on my channel. Email me at b16acrxsi@gmail.com and I can send it to you? Thanks for he feedback.
The Tikka is in a aluminum bedding block aluminum chassis just like the AICS 1.5, 2.0, etc. While I do agree that AI's are excellent rifles, the method in which they attach to their chassis system is the same. I have a custom rifle based around a 700 action that is in an AICS 1.5 with an enlarged steel recoil lug. As for the barrel, you'd have to get a smith to do it unless you have your own barrel vice, as it threads into the action. It doesn't use a barrel nut a la Savage or Ruger.
Great review, I was researching the Tikka T3x Tac A1 but I ended buying the Savage Asburry precision rifle and to be quite honest I regret my purchase. You should always buy what your heart desires.... Tikka will be next for sure~ But first I have to sell my Savage :( Thanks for the awesome video~
Yeah brother, if it's one thing i've learned about guns, it's definitely buy once cry once lol. I know how you feel buddy. That's why I still chose the Tac A1 over a CTR set in an MDT LSS XL chassis for $1k
I own the tac a1 the ashbary and the rpr. I like the savage best. I have trouble out of the mag on the tikka. But the reason I like the savage is it just shoots everything I put in it.
Michael Cornett nice bro.. My go-to Bolt actions for matches are a Custom 700 AICS w/ Bartlein 5R Heavy Palma 6.5creedmoor; the Tikka Tac A1; my .308 Sako TRG-22; and my Barrett Model 98B Legacy in .338 Lapua. I used to own a Savage 110 FCP HS-Precision in .338 Lapua but traded it toward the cost of the Barrett.. the Savage was great and did eat up everything you put in it, granted most were reloads bc well, .338 Lapua lol. I liked the Savage 110’s’ ability to change barrels on your own, out of the box good to go HS Precision stock with aluminum bedding block, fluted button rifled heavy barrel threaded with a brake, and takes AICS mags. That was back before they offered the “from the factory blueprinting” which idk if I would truly trust 100% but it’s good to know they at least do what they can unlike Remington. The trigger is a huge selling point for it, too. Although I’m not a huge fan of bladed triggers, I am a fan of two stage triggers so it’s sort of a pseudo two stage. Ruger and Savage really put other companies on to selling factory chassis rifles now Bergara, Tikka, Howa, Remington all do it. I like the Tikka bc of the out of the box accuracy, adjustability and overall attention to detail and workmanship. The value that people can get these days from factory rifles like the RPR, Tikka, Savage, Bergara, Thompson Center (S&W Performance Center), is amazing. People can have a great match ready rifle that they have the capability to shoot matches with, and do well.
Excellent review. Thank you very much. I've been on the fence to buy this rifle. I just missed a 20% sale but hopefully they will go on sale again. Just curious if you have part numbers for the rings you used? I have a new Weaver Tactical 6-30 FFP scope (lit reticle with parallax and windage/elevation knobs) that I plan to use with the rifle. It's a nice scope, made in Japan with Japanese glass. Lots of guys bought one and claim that it easily competes with $2500 scopes. I have a hard time deciding which rings to use. It requires 34mm rings but they should be high enough to leave enough clearance with the 56mm scope lens.
Thanks for sharing, been looking for a while now, for long range chassis style rifle, really like the Christianson but several users have said the bolt is a problem, also after research I would prefer the 7mm prc which tikka doesn't make or will they? have not looked at scopes yet, yours looks sweet but OMG the price!
Christensen has had many quality control issues over the years. I would stay away. As far as scopes go, I would set your budget based on how often or how serious your shooting is. It’s not uncommon for me to shoot 1000 rounds a year on my prediction rifle so it’s worth it. I also just like it haha. If you’re gonna shoot targets like a normal person, the Vortex products are good and Arken optics are a really great value. I’m sure they will do 7mm PRC one day, but I don’t think that’s a very good value cartridge. Great for hunting though!
Questions for you with the T3x Tac A1: Do you find the need to swap out the 0 MOA rail for a 20 or higher MOA? I know the chassis is aluminum, is the fore-end polymer? Any wear on the folding stock as it gets used/older? (I kinda like GRS) Seems like the length of pull is not very configurable as others, Opinion please? Are the barrels user swapable if/when need be? Do you know if they make this with a stainless steel barrel? Thanks in advance !!
It depends on the type of shooting you're doing if you need to switch out for 20 MOA. Honestly, I would set up with a scope of your choice and go shoot. If you find yourself running out of elevation, or dialing so high you're starting to have eye box issues in your scope. Then get a 20 MOA base. The chassis is all aluminum. Folding stock is rock solid. No issues. The GRS will not be as good for hard use applications as the all aluminum. I did not have to touch the length of pull on mine, but I don't see any issues with this. If you tend to have a shorter or longer pull than others have the store put the spacers in for you and see if it fits before buying! I cannot get any solid info on barrel changes with these actions, but I know someone out there is doing it, shouldn't be that big of a problem,. This barrel is only available cold hammer forged. With the accuracy it produces I would not trade it for a stainless.
Great review! Loved the info on the scope too. I can see one of those on my guns in the future. Can you tell me what the exact model Atlas Bipod and M-Lock adapter you used so when I order I get the right items the first time. Thanks for your help.
Thanks for watching! This mount kineticdg.com/product/kinectmlok-7-slot-dual-mlok-picatinny-section/ With this bipod ads.midwayusa.com/product/464444/atlas-bt10-bipod-1913-picatinny-rail-mount-475-to-9-aluminum-black?Shooting+-+Rests%2C+Bi-Pods+%26+Benches&cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Shooting+-+Rests%2C+Bi-Pods+%26+Benches-_-Atlas-_-464444&gclid=CjwKCAiAoqXQBRA8EiwAIIOWssKJJrtwPWaWJoKW3eJfElt4u0rK0_DyR9hJusBXSoHu0NjonCF_uRoC_rsQAvD_BwE
I'm loading LRP pocket cases with Redding dies for my Tac A1. When you started using Lapua cases with SRP pockets, did you need to change your decapping pins? Is the Tikka firing pin g2g for SRPs?
I used a drill and some sandpaper to sand down my decapping pin until it fit. I have had zero issues with the firing pin so far, and have probably shot about 150 rounds with SRP.
question: what is changing the barrel like on this rifle? once its worn and you need to swap it out it seems to be a well thought out platform so im assuming its easy but?
It does come with the muzzle brake. It just doesn't ship with the brake attached so a lot of stores put them on the shelf with the thread protector. The brake is in the box with the spare mags.
Very nice review and great-looking rifle. Out of curiosity, what rifle/s were you shooting before that you weren't as accurate with, and did you have just as nice a stock, mount, scope, and bipod on it as on this Tikka? Thanks!
I had in mind for some time to make "the best possible ALL AROUND bolt action rifle"; so i opted for the T3X CTR (24in barrel) .308. The new 2017 stock - fiberglass filled polymer, bedded, with the "full length criss cross" for rigidity) is way better than the previous stock (it is also adjustable, that is always nice). The TAC A1 is really exceptional (especially considering the price) but at the moment i don't have any use for it (.260 in future maybe...).
Hey man thanks for the detailed and knowledgeable review. I just got the same gun 6.5 Creedmore last week. Could not palm out the 3k on a scope so I ordered the Vortex Viper PST gen 2 FFP 5-25x50. Your thoughts on this setup? Also, a quick question on the silencer. I don't mind going for a dedicated silencer for this gun. What would be a good choice without breaking the bank? BTW, subscribed to your channel with pleasure! Thanks again!
You’ll be happy with the viper. It’s a good scope for the money. Just don’t look through a Kahles because it’ll ruin you. Lol silencer is dealers choice really. For precision, thunder beast is the way to go. For use on many guns you need to invest in an eco system. I’d probably pick dead air or Q at this point.
