Tikka arctic or Ruger gunsite scout in 308

the Tikka was chosen as "Best" by the Canadian Armed Forces for a good reason. They are both good rifles. The Tikka is better.

And what is the reason, specifically?. I was under the impression that the Tikka was chosen due to licensing issues not that it performed any better than the Ruger in trials.

I own and enjoy both Tikka T3's and Ruger M77/ Scouts and without seeing the evidence first hand you will never convince me the T3 is more reliable than a Stainless Ruger.
Both are great rifles but if I had to choose only one to go out in harsh conditions for multiple days it would be the Ruger hands-down.

I don't know what grade of stainless Sako uses but it is inferior in corrosion resistance to the Rugers as is proven to me each time I remove the barreled action from the stock for a yearly cleaning.
The polished Stainless MKII's are on a whole different level of rust resistance entirely.
 
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Better or worse aside... the Tikka Arctic is an over-priced PIG. IMO, there are better ways to throw away your money.
 
the Tikka was chosen as "Best" by the Canadian Armed Forces for a good reason. They are both good rifles. The Tikka is better.

Only one that would agree to Colt Canada making them and providing service. Which in turn costs something ridiculous like $9000 a rifle to the tax payer.
 
The Tikka has better iron sights, better trigger, better magazines, and IMO a more premium feel. The Ruger is more economical in every way, easier to mount a scope, and lighter.

If you plan to use the irons then I’d say buy the Tikka. If you’re going to add and shoot predominantly with glass then the Tikka is a waste.

Before buying either try to handle and shoot both. An 8lb gun can feel like a 6lb gun if it fits you well and feels well balanced, and vice versa.
 
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Lots and lots of good points made. I’m a Tikka fan boy from the early 1980’s with my LSA 55 or Ithaca marked Tikka. For some reason Tikka magazines and their replacement cost return time and again to bite this old fart in the butt. These days, I just couldn’t afford 2.5K $ for a hunting gun that doesn’t get out enough. I wish.

Besides, I’m a plastic /polymer stock guy even if I carried walnut and steel FNC1A1 for years.

In my old age, I’m happy packing the 6.2 pound 16” stainless barreled Gunsite Scout. The AICS magazine platform is a love of mine. The idea of fitting other 5 or 10 or 3 round magazines that are already in my file cabinet of magazines is an attraction. I love the carrying point and balance that the Ruger factory 3 round magazine affords. Now it’s time to try the MDT 3 rounder / flush fit for next deer season. :eek:

At the end of it all, the expenditure is your money! Buy what works for you and your:

* hunting game
* hunting style
* budget
* Looks Cool Factor
* Fondle Factor (I spend all my days sitting in the deer stand)
* magazine fan preference
* and finally what works for your ego!! :nest:



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Life is short. Get out and hunt. Speaking of hunting now that deer season (rifle) is over for me….time to get out coyote hunting!! Yahoooo

:dancingbanana:


Cheers!! :wave:

Barney
 

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For the couple of dudes on their high horse regarding the supposed superiority of the Tikka over the Ruger I'll remind you that the M77 has a history in canadas military and was in use long before the T3 was even in existence.
Supposedly Diemaco supplied 300 units.

SARtech M77 in 30-06 with 14.5" barrel in a Mcmillan folder.

WAthL5I.jpg
 
For the couple of dudes on their high horse regarding the supposed superiority of the Tikka over the Ruger I'll remind you that the M77 has a history in canadas military and was in use long before the T3 was even in existence.
Supposedly Diemaco supplied 300 units.

SARtech M77 in 30-06 with 14.5" barrel in a Mcmillan folder.

WAthL5I.jpg
Any further information on this? 30 06 seems like an odd chambering for Canada.

I tried a Google search but one post on reddit. I don't believe much there.
 
Any further information on this? 30 06 seems like an odd chambering for Canada.

I tried a Google search but one post on reddit. I don't believe much there.

No need to hit reddit when you are currently on the best platform for information about canadian guns on the whole intraweb.
Search SAR on here and you'll find what you seek along with some info about Troys straight pull rifle.
 
Never touched either. But i do have a Ruger Hawkeye that i absolutely love the action. For the cash diff id go that way. plus then come lefty. Im waiting for one to come up in left hand and ill most likely get one. To add a little comic relief... I will put up option #3. Mosin m38 with a scout scope attached to rear sight base. Man that thing point so good and i just weighed it. 8.5lbs with scope empty. But prob more $$ then Ruger all in. lol
 
Lots and lots of good points made. I’m a Tikka fan boy from the early 1980’s with my LSA 55 or Ithaca marked Tikka. For some reason Tikka magazines and their replacement cost return time and again to bite this old fart in the butt. These days, I just couldn’t afford 2.5K $ for a hunting gun that doesn’t get out enough. I wish.

Besides, I’m a plastic /polymer stock guy even if I carried walnut and steel FNC1A1 for years.

In my old age, I’m happy packing the 6.2 pound 16” stainless barreled Gunsite Scout. The AICS magazine platform is a love of mine. The idea of fitting other 5 or 10 or 3 round magazines that are already in my file cabinet of magazines is an attraction. I love the carrying point and balance that the Ruger factory 3 round magazine affords. Now it’s time to try the MDT 3 rounder / flush fit for next deer season. :eek:

At the end of it all, the expenditure is your money! Buy what works for you and your:

* hunting game
* hunting style
* budget
* Looks Cool Factor
* Fondle Factor (I spend all my days sitting in the deer stand)
* magazine fan preference
* and finally what works for your ego!! :nest:



View attachment 729018




Life is short. Get out and hunt. Speaking of hunting now that deer season (rifle) is over for me….time to get out coyote hunting!! Yahoooo

:dancingbanana:


Cheers!! :wave:

Barney

Well stated, as always!

Lol, obviously, Barney, you lean towards the Ruger for it's CRF action; judging from this and other posts you have made, it seems you spend a lot of time upside-down, and we all know you need a CRF to do that correctly...:)
 
https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifle/specSheets/6829.html

I had this model Ruger for a while With a Bushnell red dot on it ! Shot Excellent with Both 150 & 165 Horn SST bullets over top of Varget . Wish I still had it . RJ

I have NEVER even held a Tikka Artic but have no DOUBT it’s a Nicer QUALITY rifle but it is HEAVIER and more COSTLY ! JMO RJ
 
The new Ruger American Gen 2 rifles could double as a "scout style" rifle with the addition of iron sights (if desired)

Light, compact and use AI mags so you could use a 3/5/10 round magazine.

Less expensive than the Gunsite scout, waaaay less expensive and not as club like as the Tikka orange plywood rifle.
 
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