Is a tikka $200 better than the ruger american

Ive owned countless rifles and the best shooters have always been Tikkas. I own a T3 Varmint in .223 and a T3 lite in .204 and 300 wsm. Everyone has shot under 1/2" with very little load development. Actions are about as slick as any rifle made and triggers are excellent for a factory gun. Everything on a Tikka is easily upgradable if desired by yourself, no gunsmith needed, everything from tactical bolt Knobs to bottom metal.
My one and only gripe about Tikkas are that they come with a short mag...you cant seat bullets out too far but this can be remedied with AICS mags. I wouldn't even consider a Ruger if it cost $250..never have had one that could shoot well.

Cheers!!
 
Much!! Tikka, never encountered one that was a bad shooter. Fit and finish isn't quite up to it's bigger brother Sako, but still ergonomic. A quality rifle made from affordable materials.
The Ruger American is an abomination. Much better to get something of quality, used if you have to.
 
In my opinion from what I have personally seen when handling them they are not worth $449 either. I found the rem 783 to be a lot nicer for the price.
I paid $ 393 for mine in 2012 and I consider that a deal for what you get. Sure t an entry level gun but, I knew that going in.i wanted to try the .243 cal without getting too deep in coin in case I didn't like it. My expectations were low but I was very pleasantly surprised. I agree, the tikka is a better rifle( although still an entry level) but ,while they may shoot as good as this one, they don't shoot better. 6.25 lb and sub moa with even cheap ammo. There is something to be said for that. The mag appears to be a possible weak point but, so far so good. I will be upgrading to a nice lightweight .243 but, I can't complain about the ruger.
 
Yes the Tikka is a better buy than the Ruger American at current prices, however The Ruger American Ranch rifle and the Ruger American Predator offer options that are just not available from Tikka, also not all Tikka models are available in Canada i.e the compact in 223. Also the Ruger American seems to often have magazine problems.
 
I always find the term "entry level" to be an odd choice of words. I "entered" into the world of firearms in about 1982, yet I just bought my first Tikka this past winter. I guess I'm doing it wrong.
 
I ve wasted many years on Remington and ruger rifles until I got my tikka.
tikkas are at least $500 better than either of them.
 
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If its to be used as a loaner rifle. Go for the cheaper entry level Ruger American, Savage Axis or Remington 783. Any of these will provide cheap accuracy and reliability. If its going to be a higher quality back up rifle for yourself go Tikka.
 
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