Thread: Tikka, Ruger, Howa, Berg, Mossberg, Rem....decision time

With so many opinions and loyalties out there it would be a never ending debate so all one can do is say “Hang it all”.... and buy a Sabatti !

I have been looking to step up from my MPV 223 with a nice heavy barrel for some time for mainly target stuff, now wanting to reach out beyond 200m... but wanted something tamer than a 308. The mossberg is an accurate machine... especially with the 75gn hornaday black ammo.

Some of the other criteria I had were... heavyish barrel, can down play the tactical look, not be the most common machine out there and maybe have some distinguishing feature..... obviously the Tikka t3x TAC A1 would be one to consider and it was. A custom put together by target dynamics was also a consideration... but at the end of the day I settled on a Sabatti STR.

The main point of difference is the MRR rifling... to my quirky way of thinking, this has merit and I am keen to try it out. The barrel is a moderately heavy 26” hammer forged job... it is suitable for monolithic rounds and I will like to experiment with those when I get into reloading.

It comes with a 20 Moa rail... this is an expensive extra on the tikka.... the surplus picatinny rails can be removed whereas on the tikka they are part of the fore piece extrusion, this makes it a little less techy to look at.... and for some reason, that little screw on the tikka muzzle brake annoys me.

I would not critisize the quality of either and the only negative I have found to date on the STR are a bolt which is not yet as smooth as it should be... however all reports are that this improves with use.... the mag is advertised as a 10 round unit and there is a you tube vid by Aussie who finds fault with this, however I was supplied with a 7 round mag that seems fine although I have not yet been to the range.. Sunday.... will post some pics the.

Next expense will be a scope... I will initially fit the 8-25 x40 Leopold I have but will look to step up to a 50mm with a max power to about x35... anyone want to trade?

I am also looking to trade the mossberg 223 in immaculate condition for a reloading setup.

More to come after I send the first rounds down range on sunday

Maybe I should also mention.... 6.5 Creedmoor.... I was considering 6mm Creedmoor, but this is still too rare