Thread: Newbie - Christchurch

Originally Posted by MattyP

Why is the Tikka so popular? Price? All of the reviews I've read put the Sako, Tikka and X-Bolt pretty much neck and neck and just recommend getting whatever feels most comfortable.

The guy I've been shooting with uses his 223 for deer and pigs as well as longer shots on small game. I asked if it was enough for bigger pigs and his reply, "you ever tried running with a hole in your head?" Thoughts here? Is a headshot with a 223 enough for these? I'm sure there's a few different views around on this to say the least, haha.

Hi Matty,


Tikkas are popular because they are the right in the sweet spot in the market. Best bang for your buck. Seriously good accuracy out of the box. I personally would put the Sakos and Browning a step above but i'm fairly in love with my X-Bolt so could be biased. I've used all of them a fair bit and own a Browning X-Bolt in .270.

As for your next cal it depends what you want to shoot. If you're looking for a good step up I wouldn't write off a .243. I'd reccomend it. Good enough for deer but cheap enough to get varmint like you already are! Although anything above a .22....even the .223....is going to leave a mess. I've shot rabbits for a while with my single shot .223 and it's great out to 300m but I wouldn't shoot deer with it. A .243 will see you up for the bigger stuff quite nicely.

I'm in Christchurch and if you want to borrow my Baikal .223 you're more than welcome. It's shoots damn good out too 300m. and further when i'm feeling lucky...or come out on our next rabbit shoot....Haven't had luck with possums as I don't have access to private land close to here but plenty of rabbits and hare around. Get about 5 a week from 2 night shoots a week.

As for the brand of your next rifle. If you're in the market for a Tikka, get one. If you want to spend a bit more go for a Browning, spend a bit more again... get a Sako but, at the end of the day it's what fits you the best and what you like the best.

I reckon a .243 for your next by what I can read from the above as it's going to set you up for anything, any size within 400m. and further if you're good enough

Hope this helps


Jord