Why does Tikka persist in supplying rifles with plastic magazines?

[BryceM]

Tikka is quickly becoming one of my favorite rifles. On several PG hunts, I’ve used a certain T3 in .308 several times over the years in Namibia. This rifle spends many weeks per year in the field with a variety of clients. The last time I used it was two weeks ago during trip number 8. While it was once new, it now has many thousands of rounds down the tube, the stock has been beat to pieces, the scope has its share of missing paint, and the thing just keeps on shooting. Seeing it each time is like revisiting an old friend. I absolutely trust it, and I’ve used it for many, many headshots culling duiker, springbok and kudu.

So, what did I do? I came home and placed an order for a T3X in .308.

So, their reliability is known. Their inherent accuracy and quality of manufacture are well-established. The actions are solid. When it comes to value, they often shoot as good, or even better, than custom rifles with match barrels. They are well-reviewed, and hardly anyone has anything bad to say about them…… EXCEPT for one recurring theme.

The stupid plastic magazine feels cheap, is cheap, and seems out of place on such a fine rifle. I have never talked Tikkas with anyone who didn’t lament and bemoan the plastic magazine. Now, I’ll admit, they are much more durable and reliable than I would have anticipated, but I’d be very, very happy to pay a bit extra for a solid piece of hardware that I have to manipulate each and every time I load or unload the thing.

Just today I mentioned the rifle to an acquaintance who does plenty of shooting. First thing out of his mouth….. “I love Tikkas, hate the plastic magazine.”

When every single customer holds their nose about one feature, why not listen, and give customers what they want? I am absolutely certain that one design decision has turned off many potential customers. Am I missing something?

 

[wesheltonj]

While I don’t know the answer, I think it might have something to do that SAKO has metal magazines.

 

[Ryan]

There's a story about Henry Ford reviewing every part of some car and the engineers finding the one part that never breaks. So he tells them to make it cheaper. This may be that case. Sako makes an amazing rifle with the Tikka, but it is there bare bones budget rifle. So, if they can save a few dollars on a part, they will. Over thousands of rifles that is profit.
I happen to own the American version of this, a Savage 16 'Weather Warrior' they called it. Absolutely no frills stainless and synthetic (read plastic)'stock. I personally upgraded the plastic stock to a laminated one. Yet it shoots sub-MOA when the operator does his part. The one plus, I do have three steel magazines. Will the animals we hunt ever know? I doubt it. O

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I have never owned a Tikka, but everyone I know who has, loves them.

I recently bought a Ruger American Gen 2 rifle, which is in the same category and price point of the Tikka. It too has a fair amount of plastic/polymer.

From google:

Tikka rifles—especially the popular T3 and T3x lines—use polymer (plastic) for several key components. While this surprises some shooters, it is a deliberate engineering choice to reduce weight, eliminate corrosion, and keep the price point accessible without sacrificing accuracy.Which Parts Are Plastic?Magazines: Tikka magazines are made from a rigid, glass fiber-reinforced polymer. They are highly regarded for being durable, resistant to extreme temperatures, and reliable for feeding.Trigger Guards & Bottom Metal: The bottom metal and trigger guards on many synthetic models are polymer. They are incredibly tough, though some hunters prefer metal.Bolt Shroud: On the older Tikka T3, the bolt shroud was a plastic piece. However, Tikka addressed this popular complaint with the T3x, which upgraded the bolt shroud to a metal one.Why They Use PolymerSako (Tikka's parent company) utilizes these advanced composites specifically to outlast steel in harsh, wet, or freezing environments. They do not rust, and they absorb vibration and recoil effectively.Upgrading to MetalIf you prefer traditional metal parts or want a custom feel, the Tikka platform has massive aftermarket support. You can easily replace the trigger guard, magazine release, and bolt shroud with CNC-machined aluminum or steel from aftermarket manufacturers like:Mountain Tactical CompanyAnarchy OutdoorsLumley Arms

 

[375Fox]

I don’t have any problem with the plastic magazine. I didn’t realize that was even a common complaint. I do have a problem though the magazine release is exposed. I sold a Tikka because of some accidental magazine releases against a backpack. I didn’t realize the aftermarket components were there at the time. The next Tikka I get I’ll buy this bottom metal to fix the issue.

Tikka T3-T3x Billet Bottom Metal

CNC-machined billet aluminum bottom metal for Tikka T3 and T3x rifles. Compatible with factory mags, improves strength, reliability, and magazine fit.

mountaintactical.com

 

[375Fox]

While I don’t know the answer, I think it might have something to do that SAKO has metal magazines.

That’s kind of the obvious answer if you want metal, better stocks, and to pay more buy Sako. If you want a very accurate and very functional rifle for affordable price buy Tikka.

 

[swashington]

I also own a Tikka and am in process of converting it to a 300 SuperWSM. The plastic is something that never bothered me. I used it a lot Elk hunting in Western Washington and the rain never bothered it. 375Fox is correct IMO about the aftermarket stuff from Mountain tactical. I replaced my bolt shroud and bolt handle with their products and have nothing but good reviews for them. Also look at Unknown Munitions. They make a metal bottom metal piece that is really good. Downside is you have to use their magazines which are expensive. Good quality but expensive. For one magazine and the bottom metal is about $350. It comes with a new bolt stop if you want to go from a short action to a long action like I am doing. Plus, just about everyone makes aftermarket stocks for them. I have one from AG composites and it is perfect. Plus, they are fantastic people to deal with.

Hope this helped.

 

[rdog]

As i get older i am getting rid of my rifles with plastic stocks & magazines for me older rifles all wood & steel are are much more appealing . the only plastic rifle i own is a RUGER American in 7.62x39 at least it has a metal magazine & its amazingly accurate .75 moa 3 shots . As for stocks a BELL & CARLSON or
H S precision stocks are great on a rifle used for rough country hunting . I am 1 week post right hip replacement & about to re finish the stock & rust blue a 1968 Win 94 30/30 , with sintered steel receiver i find these older rifles are much better than the plastic fantastic low cost rifles of to day.
A friend of mine has a Browning x bolt in 308 he is on his 2 nd replacement plastic mag, replaced by warranty due to feeding issues .

 

[Sabre]

I have 4 tikkas and I am contemplating selling 2 of them just because I don't really use them. But I don't understand the hate over the plastic magazines.

I have heard this same complaint about almost every gun that uses plastic magazines. I have used easily over 100 guns that use plastic magazines and have experienced extremely low rates of magazine failures.

I notice the most common thing I hear is "I hate the plastic magazines, they feel cheap and I don't trust them". That is 99% of the complaints I see and hear. which is funny because I'm sure people have had failures. But most complaints I have seen is about how it makes the person feel, not about performance.

I have also seen lots of failures from metal magazines. I don't feel like it is more or less than plastic magazines. I don't personally feel like thin stamped metal magazines scream quality and reliability over molded plastic.

Overall, I think most people who had experience in the past with metal magazines or internal magazine with floor plate just don't trust the plastic.

 

[samson7x]

Yeah, factory metal mags would be nice but I’ll say I’ve never had a fail to feed with the plastic ones. More than I can say for the old ruger American rotary ones. Those are horrendous.

 

[Hooknbullet2]

I have 3 Tikka customs from Hill Country Rifles. 2 have been to Africa on multiple trips. No issues with the plastic magazines for me. I kinda like them. I always keep an extra loaded magazine in my pocket while hunting just in case…. The plastic magazines is lightweight and silent while in my pocket.

 

[RedTag]

The Tikka rifle is, at its core, a cost-cutting design. It happens to be an exceptionally well-engineered and well-executed cost-cutting design. As noted they commonly outperform significantly more expensive rifles. I would simply accept it for what it is.

 

[mark-hunter]

While I don’t know the answer, I think it might have something to do that SAKO has metal magazines.

This is my opinion too.
Tikka is lower end rifle, sako is higher end rifle, of the same factory

(I have both)
When comparing every feature on both rifles, Sakos are better:

magazine
Safety
trigger
Bolt
etc

But nevertheless, Tikkas are still great rifles.
My tikka is probably most accurate rifle I have

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Because they're light, affordable and they work....
I'm not overly endeared to my T3, but it just shoots. It's hunted all over 3 continents now over more than a decade, with zero issues.

 

[gbflyer]

There are metal mags, aftermarket. The best ones are Waters, made Down Under. They work great, you can get some more length out of a few of their options. There are also several aftermarket bottom metals that are, well....metal.

I agree that the factory mags work great with exception of the .223. Pure garbage. The factory makes a .223 with metal lips but you have to order from Europe. Not available on the US market. Dumb. So there are a couple 3D printed ones out there that are great, and of course Waters.

 

[Russ16]

I don't hate the fact the magazine is plastic. I do hate the fact it is detachable. I love the way my Tikka handles and shoots and am considering buying another in 7 PRC. But I just have trouble pulling the trigger because I keep looking for something I like as much but without a detachable mag. I've spend all my life loading my rifles from the top I just can't get used to a detachable magazine.

 

[t7spoon]

I have 4 tikkas and I am contemplating selling 2 of them just because I don't really use them. But I don't understand the hate over the plastic magazines.

I have heard this same complaint about almost every gun that uses plastic magazines. I have used easily over 100 guns that use plastic magazines and have experienced extremely low rates of magazine failures.

I notice the most common thing I hear is "I hate the plastic magazines, they feel cheap and I don't trust them". That is 99% of the complaints I see and hear. which is funny because I'm sure people have had failures. But most complaints I have seen is about how it makes the person feel, not about performance.

I have also seen lots of failures from metal magazines. I don't feel like it is more or less than plastic magazines. I don't personally feel like thin stamped metal magazines scream quality and reliability over molded plastic.

Overall, I think most people who had experience in the past with metal magazines or internal magazine with floor plate just don't trust the plastic.

Couldn’t have said it better. Longtime Tikka owner. Never have had an issue with their magazine. I have had issues with stamped metal magazines from other manufacturers.

 

[Gomer]

The T3 series of rifles is basically the Glock of bolt action rifles. Speaking of Glock, they use polymer magazines and frames and I HATED when we transitioned from P226s to G17s. It’s been 20 years of carrying it every day, and I have yet to break a Glock magazine. I bent plenty of P226 feed lips and base plates.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

Pay a bit more and get the Sako in 308 with a metal magazine. I have three in 338wm, 7mm RM and 7mm/08. The two smaller rifles are 1/2moa most of the time and the 338 is about 1moa with the best ammo and all of them have nice metal mags. That is one answer. Or you can by a new Tikka every 10-12 yrs and not worry about it. They are great little rifles.

 

[MacJenkins]

I prefer plastic magazines. Lighter and queiter.