Rifle - Ruger or Tikka

john_aero

Ok after lot of taught, finances and concideration the ideal of owning a pistol has to be let go. i just dont have the use for it, and was more i want to own a pistol than i want to take up target shooting with it.

so it has come down to what i want to do in terms of my hunting life.

currently i have an AYA number 4 and a anshuntz 1410 rifle.

Dad is getting big into deer shooting and to be honest i am as well.we both go otu all the time.

i dont have as much time to train a dog or to go phesant shooting these years.

so i am concidering selling both and getting a rifle to start hunting with.

my .22 does fine for rabbit etc but i am looking getting into bigger game and getting a deer license as well.

so as well as this i want do some target shooting.

I picked these 2 above as they are both very nice looking rifles, get great reviews and so far seem be middle ways beteen expensive and cheap.

not sure what deals are ot be had but i have nto found price locally on the ruger.

Is there anyone with experience with hunting and target shooting with these? i know its a trade off and neither is going excell at both sports.

also what issue with 308 and deer? lot lads i have gone deer hunting with have said stick with .243 as it better and not as prone to going throught he deer and heading off on its own.

It wasn't me!

Personally, I really like the feel of the Ruger, bit heavier and more solid. The Tikka is initially smoother (But treated right, like any Mauser action, it'll smooth right up) and is likely to be a bit more accurate, but both are way, way more than enough for deer sized game. .308 is great as a deer cartridge, never going to have a problem with it. Personally, I'd have the Ruger, but the stocks fit me much nicer and the weight feels better in the hands. Try get your hands on both and see what comes up to the shoulder nicest and which you like the weight of more. The Ruger might take a bit more work, but they're both great guns.

ejg

The T3 is the clear winner at the moment, even in USA they are starting to be recognised.
Huge ammount of aftermarket parts for a T3. Many custom rifle builders will not even rebarrel a Ruger.
I've seen really good rugers and just as many really bad rugers. T3's are maybe a bit more consistent.
edi

De_Tomaso

I would also go with Tikka T3, since they are really nice, accurate and action is smooth.

I would however look at the Roessler Titan 6 also. In my opinion thsi rifle is even better value than Tikka T3, but I don't know if they are sold in Ireland. If you chose match barrel (it is semi weight barrel) it is made by one Austrian specialist and accuracy is top notch for this amount of money. I know couple of people who shoot bellow 0.5 MOA regularly with them.

john_aero

well who in midlands would stock both to go have a touchy feely of them, maybe a bot of a grope as well.

i like wood stock, never realy feel in love with any polimer stock that have shot with, i know its stupid but its a comfort and feel think. that and i love timber.

It wasn't me!

john_aero wrote: »

well who in midlands would stock both to go have a touchy feely of them, maybe a bot of a grope as well.

i like wood stock, never realy feel in love with any polimer stock that have shot with, i know its stupid but its a comfort and feel think. that and i love timber.

No harm in that. I'm a wood and blued steel type for hunting rifles. Bit of a traditionalist really.

Longranger

I know funds are an issue when buying a new firearm, but don't sell the .22! You'll be kicking yourself. Even if you must sell it, buy a cheap one. EVERY shooter needs a nice little rimfire;P

Hibrion

The standard rugers have a very thin barrel compared to other leading brands.

As has been said, the Tikkas have a huge following in Ireland. That being said, I don't like the feel of them. For me, there is too much plastic.
I can't argue with the results though: the Tikkas are more accurate than the Rugers out of the box.
Tikka also has a detachable box magazine where as the Ruger has a hinged floor plate. Depending on your preference, one or the other can be an advantage.

john_aero

well at present i dont know how much ruger is, any one have idea what cost is?

the .22 is very handy, dad loves it for rabbit and general pests

Shotgun_TEXAS

I have a Ruger in .223 and it is deadly accurate with any round, I love my ruger bit heavy mind, In saying that I agree 100% with what has been said so far about both ruger and tikka, I thoroughly looked at both and went with the ruger even at more expense as the tikkas I looked at were secondhand at the time, Saying that I have held tikkas since and always wondered what might have been.
Did you look at any Remington 700?
my two cents lad,:)
regards
Tex

Hibrion

If I was right handed I wouldn't even consider buying a stalking rifle new at the moment. Ring around for prices on a second hand rifle. You should be able to pick up a ruger or tikka cheap.

Give John Lambert a ring in Camolin. Last time I was in he had loads of second hand stuff at good prices. You might even pick up a Sako: the better version of the Tikka (in my opinion)

john_aero

cheers will give him ring tomorrow

dad has remmie .243 and loves it, bit heavy i found though

sadly ruger scout doesnt seem be up sale yet anyway

Tackleberrywho

James McBride Bullet road, Ballykeernan

Dave Mulvihill Ballymahon

Them guys Ur best bet.
I'd go Tikka stainless

Feidhlim Dignan

dont rule out a CZ 550 most are wood/blued and can be picked up cheaply. i got one in 308 for just under 600 with mod and other extras.

Tac

Personally i would go with the Tikka T3. I owned a .308 T3 in varmint stainless. damn accurate rifle and a tough piece of kit. you will not regret buying a Tikka.
.308 is a good calibre too, lots of different rounds available too.

john_aero

cheers lads,

will have go look at them i think.

so answer is tikka of the 2 prob most popular in ireland and well proven,

ruger is excellent if get a good one but some can be hit and miss, parden the pun.

CZ i never used in past so even though i have seen loads of them i never owned or shot one so much look into them as well

clivej

Your best bet is to go into as many dealers as you can and hold as many deiiferent rifles as you can.

And if you can get to the dealers that let you into the gun room all the better, That way your not just getting one at a time to try out.

There are many good rifles going for cheap money in these times.

My choice would be
Sako, Tikka, CZ 550, in that order.

john_aero

well time head around so for the weekend try find few dealers that are near me

SLK2005

I have a tika .243 varmint and will be at the midlands on 26th if you want to have a few shots your more than welcome

john_aero

cheers may take you up ont hat. so busy last while have not had chance get up to the midlands club

whats i nearest club to laois kilkenny? nurney i take it