Someone of reasonable mindset please tell me what y'all do? Most tactical, over zealous tactical rifle folks act like you want to worship the devil when you suggest mounting rings directly to the factory dovetail. Others argue that in removing the need for a pic rail, you eliminate another point of failure. For those who hunt in the mountains, but never shoot for competition, what do y'all like to do?
Tikka shooters- Mount the scope to the factory dovetail, or add a picatinny rail?
- Thread starter TexanSam
- Start date
Sheltowee
Well-known member
I tend to prefer pic rails on mine-- I get a little better scope picture slightly elevated-- but have direct-mount Sportsmatch rings on my latest 25-6.5 lightweight build. For purely mountain hunting, at reasonable ranges, where minimizing weight is paramount and eliminating another failure point is ideal, I'd go with direct-mount rings. Couple of folks on here recommended the Sportsmatches to me and I've been pleased enough that I just ordered another set for an upcoming Tikka build.
Rogerdoger
Member
I mounted mine right to dovetail. I am in the boat of less point of failure and lighten the rifle. Uknown Munitions has some good rings, you can get them in different heights if needed.
TX Trophy Hunter
Well-known member
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- Apr 19, 2023
- Messages
- 371
My wife has a tikka and I put the pic rail on it. It does put the scope annoyingly high for a light compact rifle.
SFC B
Well-known member
I use these on both of my Tikkas and recommend them. The big difference between them and other rails for the Tikka action is that they have a lug milled in that fits into the larger hole/void on top of the action. A few online retailers carry them as well as ordering direct. The BIG advantage of a rail over one piece rings is having much more adjustment for eye relief....especially in scopes with short tubes. I also have the trigger spring for both of them. If you like a light trigger (I do), it will cut the low end adjustment by at least HALF for $9
mountaintactical.com
Tikka T3/T3x Billet Picatinny Rail - Receiver Length - 0 MOA
Upgrade your Tikka T3 or T3x with a precision 0 MOA billet Picatinny rail. CNC-machined for stability, ideal for long-range optics and enhanced accuracy.
mountaintactical.com
Schaaf
Well-known member
Get the Sportsmatch or fork over a little more money for the Unknown Munitions rings and never worry again.
MTLabrador
Well-known member
This is the way. Direct bolt on to the built in rail with a recoil pin and super strong. I have tried pic rails before and I’m not a fan. The direct mount is stronger and lower for a better cheek weld.
hunter49
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- Dec 22, 2023
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- 127
Direct. One less point of failure was my reasoning.
Bux_N_Beards
Active member
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- Aug 8, 2014
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I shoot Sportsmatch rings direct to the receiver and my buddy has the Unknown Munitions rings. I have removed my scope before and remounted it with no change in zero - merely a sample of one but enough to impress me.
Y'all are awesome. Thank you for confirming what I already wanted to do. With that said, has anybody had any issue with a 300 WM having enough recoil to mess with your scope due to the high amount of recoil? Especially when using a heavier scope?
Kauaihunter
Active member
I use both a Leupold rail and the Unknown Munitions direct mount. I much prefer the Unknown Munitions. However, the rail is a lot more forgiving with scope positioning, if needed. Mine are hunting rifles.
Factory stock?
I have the UM on a 7mm REM Mag, no issues, 28oz? scope.
Factory stock?
I have the UM on a 7mm REM Mag, no issues, 28oz? scope.
Potsie
Well-known member
I have both the Sportsmatch rings and UM rings (2 sets.)
Just one less point of failure.
Just one less point of failure.
Wildabeest
Well-known member
Direct. Warne Tikka rings on both of mine.
D_Walt
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2020
- Messages
- 821
I have three tikkas (well, they’re really my wife’s and kids), one with a rail, one with Unknown Munitions direct mount rings, one with the old factory rings, all see a lot of use, and all hold zero with no issue. If I get another, it will have the UM rings though, they seem very solid.
Not if you run a quality scope like Nightforce, Trijicon, Maven RS 1.2 (specifically), SWFA. WIth decent rings and 25-30 in-lbs of torque you'll be good.
Just a PSA - pretty much the only issues reported with Tikkas come from aftermarket trigger springs allowing them to slam-fire, or fire when taking the rifle off safety. This has been a documented and experimentally proven issue.
My recommendation is to leave the trigger alone except for backing out the adjustment all the way out for a ~2.5lb crisp and clean setting.
Islander
Well-known member
This.
Unknown Munitions mounts work great on the dovetail. Other quality rings (Sportsmatch) well also. Hundreds of examples on Rokslide of real experience doing this.
The built-in dovetail will always be least likely to fail. If you need more elevation, 20 MOA Pic rail Rocksett-bonded to the dovetail with the Tikka recoil lugs installed is next best.
