Tikka T1X vs. CZ452-which one is the winner?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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Hey guys-I love my 452s and can't see that ever changing...but I've recently spent some time hunting behind a T3x Varmint in 204 Ruger, and there is certainly lots to love about that gun. I have 2 buddies with Tikka CTRs (.223 and 6.5 Creedmoor) and both are wicked shooters as well. I've had the privilege of shooting both guns. This week, I've been wondering why I haven't given the T1X much thought, and remembered handling one and thinking it felt stiff/clunky (more like a new Ruger American) than a Tikka T3x. It's a rimfire action vs. centerfire, so no need to lecture me on the differences :) but I'm interested in knowing how T1X owners are liking their guns, how accurate they are, and if you also have a 452...how it compares?

Another reason I'm asking-my gopher rifle is a 452 Varmint in 22LR, and if I can find that level of accuracy in the T1X using similarly inexpensive/HV ammo...I could see working towards getting one. I'm confident I could find SV ammo it would shoot great, anyone getting good accuracy with any of the CCI HV offerings? (for example) Is the MTR the only T1X available? The barrel looks heavy, is it...or more of a medium-contour?

Lastly, how did you find the factory trigger?

Thanks for taking a moment to reply, inspirational photos welcome!
 
Here Is the results from my ammo testing at 50 yrds with my t1x.
It is in a krg bravo. With a vortex 4x16 scope. I use have been using cci mini mags on the ground hogs all summer with it. Granted ground hogs are a fair size bigger than gophers.
 

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HeliMD said:
Here Is the results from my ammo testing at 50 yrds with my t1x.
It is in a krg bravo. With a vortex 4x16 scope. I use have been using cci mini mags on the ground hogs all summer with it. Granted ground hogs are a fair size bigger than gophers.
Click to expand...

^indeed, that's what I've been doing with the Tikka T3X in 204. :)

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Thanks for posting the target photo, that looks very promising. I like when a rifle shoots a variety of ammo decently. A decade or so back, I used to think they all did...then I tested that theory. lol Was your rifle in the Bravo stock when you shot these groups? Would you say it shot as well in the factory stock?
 
I've not had or shot a CZ 452 , I have had 4 CZ 455's they shot well.
When the CZ 457's came out I bought an MTR in .17 HMR , that caused me
to buy another MTR in .22 and sell all of my CZ455's.

The Tika t1x has a beautiful action and does shoot accurately ,it
just needs to have the plastic stock exchanged .

Personally I would compare the 2 new guns T1X and MTR , my
preference is the CZ MTR.
 

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I get similar groups out of my Mark II expensive does not necessary mean more accuracy since you do not hand load rimfire - Also have a T3 in 204 3/4 inch groups at 200 yards (regular barrel) with my home rolled ammo.
 
I've got both the rifles you mentioned. A 452 Varmint in .22lr, and a T1x (also .22lr) in a T3 Hunter walnut stock.

There's not much to choose between when it comes to accuracy, both are very accurate rifles.

The Tikka might edge ahead in the tiny group dept, but not by much.

That's the overview.

More in depth, the Tikka is noticeably more tolerant of ammunition. There isn't much that it doesn't like in mid grade ammo, unlike the CZ, which I find is picky about what you feed it. The Tikka shoots small groups with almost any decent ammo.
The Tikka is a much more nicely finished rifle, the metalwork and finish is outstanding. I've not used the Tupperware stock that it came in, not even for one shot. The Hunter stock is beautiful, it suits the rifle to a "T".
The trigger is another area where the two rifles move further apart. The Tikka is head and shoulders better than the CZ in that dept. Crisp and clean, no creep at all.

The Tikka barrel is a medium-heavy profile, it balances nicely with the wood stock.

Since they both shoot so well, I decided to add a front and rear aperture sight to the Tikka and shoot it as a light weight sporting rifle. The CZ remains my rimfire F-class rifle. Neither one is going for sale anytime soon.

The 452 has a classic feel to it, which I like. The fact that it shoots well makes that attraction guilt-free.

There are 3 areas where the Tikka trails the CZ.
One is in it's plastic bottom "metal". Cheap and nasty, it does a disservice to the rifle.
And then there's the magazine. It's hard to believe they thought this was a good idea. Uglier than sin, and a bit rough feeding. It can be ignorant to load also. The CZ mag shines in comparison.
Finally, although it's good by some synthetic standards, the stock is.. well, it's plastic. It gets the rifle on the market at an attractive price, but that's about it. I'd love to see Tikka offer a "deluxe" Varmint version of the T1x with a flush fit 5 round mag, steel bottom metal, and a nice walnut varmint-style stock.
 
I had a T1X. I didn't like the plastic stock at all. It's easy to use the stock accessories that go with T3X stocks, such as the wider forearm, vertical pistol grip, and extended butt pad. If you prefer wood stocks, there is the option of using a T3/T3X Hunter walnut stock, with only minor modification required. But all those stock options cost more money (as they always do). As Chilly says, the accuracy of the T1X should easily be comparable to the average CZ 452. I wasn't a fan of the T1X's oddly-shaped magazine or its plastic threaded muzzle protector.

R005t3r said:
T1x wins cuz CZ stopped making the good stuff. 453 with the single trigger was the BEST!
Click to expand...

The 453 was different from the 452 for two main reasons, one of them being the single set trigger. The other reason is how the rear action screw attaches, which is to the trigger housing. This is probably a less attractive feature of the 453 models. There's no reason for the 453 to be more accurate simply because of the SST.

The trigger pull weight can be reduced on the Tikka very easily with a spring swap that's easier than on the CZ 452.
 
I lost the T1X game, never came close to the 1/2" challenge with it, (even with Center X) but my 452 did it with SK Standard. I have to say though that I really liked the Tikka's bolt throw and action.

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I love my T1X. I have killed over 500 gophers (ground squirrels) with it over the last 2 years.

As mentioned the metal work is excellent, not a rough or sharp edge to be found. The bolt is super smooth and has even improved with use. The bolt throw is very short and quick to cycle when there are multiple targets. The stock is plastic but for me that's fine, this isn't a show piece, I'm using it out in the sun and dust (typically shooting off a bipod) and it's been solid, and its easily replaced if that is what someone chooses to do. The trigger is great and very easy to adjust. When others shoot my rifle they often comment how much they like the trigger.

As far as ammo goes, CCI minimags have been excellent. Followed closely by Federal 525. I don't shoot paper much but at my 25 yard indoor range it will consistently shoot 1/4 " inch groups. I need to put it on paper at 50 yards and see how it does, but I am hitting gophers out to 75 yards regularly with my 25 yard zero. I've bought some CCI green tag, and some Eley to try out once gopher season winds down.

The farmer who owns the property I shoot on was so impressed with mine he got one of his own. He showed it to some of his neighbors and now a they are looking for one too...lol.

This rifle has become one of my favorites. It's a good thing I'm not putting notches in the stock or I'd be needing another one soon.;)
 
AB.boy said:
I love my T1X. I have killed over 500 gophers (ground squirrels) with it over the last 2 years.

As mentioned the metal work is excellent, not a rough or sharp edge to be found. The bolt is super smooth and has even improved with use. The bolt throw is very short and quick to cycle when there are multiple targets. The stock is plastic but for me that's fine, this isn't a show piece, I'm using it out in the sun and dust (typically shooting off a bipod) and it's been solid, and its easily replaced if that is what someone chooses to do. The trigger is great and very easy to adjust. When others shoot my rifle they often comment how much they like the trigger.

As far as ammo goes, CCI minimags have been excellent. Followed closely by Federal 525. I don't shoot paper much but at my 25 yard indoor range it will consistently shoot 1/4 " inch groups. I need to put it on paper at 50 yards and see how it does, but I am hitting gophers out to 75 yards regularly with my 25 yard zero. I've bought some CCI green tag, and some Eley to try out once gopher season winds down.

The farmer who owns the property I shoot on was so impressed with mine he got one of his own. He showed it to some of his neighbors and now a they are looking for one too...lol.

This rifle has become one of my favorites. It's a good thing I'm not putting notches in the stock or I'd be needing another one soon.;)
Click to expand...

...you're not making this easy AB.boy lol Well, guess I have to start checking under the couch cushions! :) I don't need another .22, but boy...sometimes you have to buy one to decide whether or not it makes the cut. lol

Thanks for the input guys, I'm sold on the idea.
 
IvoB said:
I get similar groups out of my Mark II expensive does not necessary mean more accuracy since you do not hand load rimfire - Also have a T3 in 204 3/4 inch groups at 200 yards (regular barrel) with my home rolled ammo.
Click to expand...

All will do a fantastic job depending on the shooter ,. that is why there are
Savage , Ruger & Mossberg.

I really enjoy shooting Cooper LVT's , CZ MTR's & Anschutz -anything, but I am a rimfire snob.
 
One more comment to throw in is the T1X mags aren't that great they work but are kinda cheap and the rounds can get a little wonky in the mag when loading. That's the only complaint I can think of for the t1x .
 
I'd never own one due to that protruding genital wart of a magazine. Abysmal design for a sporter rifle that will be carried afield and Tikkas design team should be ashamed.
No doubt in my mind they'll shoot but then again there are 300$ Savages at my local club turning in great groups...accuracy is simply one part of the equation that equals a great rifle design.
 
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I just picked up a Tikka T1X this weekend, haven’t shot it yet as rail and scope are in the mail. Debating on replacing stock with the MDT ACC chassis. Can’t wait to get it all together. Have some CCI SV and Eley Sport ammo to try out
 
Sun_and_Steel_77 said:
I'd never own one due to that protruding genital wart of a magazine. Abysmal design for a sporter rifle that will be carried afield and Tikkas design team should be ashamed.
No doubt in my mind they'll shoot but then again there are 300$ Savages at my local club turning in great groups...accuracy is simply one part of the equation that equals a great rifle design.
Click to expand...
Agree totally
 
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