Looking at a new 30 cal hunting rifles yesterday.

I was looking at Ruger and Remington originally but decided I kind of liked the feel of the Tikka T3 stainless synthetic. Also liked the smooth working bolt. Looking at one in 300 WSM. Seemed like a very good value.

Should I buy this one?

I have a T3 lite stainless in 6.5x55 and I realy dont like it at all! Tikka used to make realy good quaility Rifles, now the are cheap and nothing more than average.
2 shooting buddies have a older tikka 695 and sako 75 in 6.5x55 and shoot one hole groups all day long, my T3 on a realy good day can only shoot 1"-1 1/2" groups and has a very tight chamber so I have to full length size all my brass, So I would go for the remmy

/

I bought a 300 WM Tikka T-3 for a friend. It's a fantastic out of the box rifle. Good weight and balance and shoots 1/2 groups with factory ammo.

If you like a detachable magazine the T3s are great. For me, a "clip" fed field gun is just something else to go wrong. Dropped, lost, forgot, moisture collection point, not properly inserted, etc. I'll stick with the closed box mag rifles. Just a consideration for reducing negative probability in the field.

If you're not dead set on the short mag, be aware that all T3s are long action regardless of the chambering, so the WSM doesn't have the short action advantage in a T3. I went thru that last fall, decided on the 338WM instead of the 338 Federal.

I learned all I needed to know in this Tikka forum.

As A balance to 308's post I too had one in 6.5x55 it was oustanding, shot straight and knocked deer flat. Tikka T3's are a very good budget rifle.

Hi Quinault welcome to the forums!

I have a 300WSM in s/s laminate, it is one accurate SOB! 1" grp @ 300 yrds (.3 MOA).
It has a muzzle break, limb saver pad and the trigger is set to 1 lb. Longest kill to date is 605 yrds with 178 AMaxs set to mag length. on top I have a 8.5- 25 VXIII with 30mm low Tikka rings.
These rifles can shoot, and dont belive the BS about the WSMs not feeding,they do it just fine, thats because of the way they stack in the magazine,and the action will be about the smoothest you will ever feel.
If you can, have a look at a laminate, they're not that much heavier than the tupperware, and in WSM a little weight to absorb recoil maybe to your liking, but CHANGE the butt pad,standard ones are like recycled truck tyres!!

If you like, I can post a pic of the rig.

308! my friend had similar problems with a 22-250,give the barrel a good clean, copper solvent etc, check bedding for oil etc make all sure screws are PFT, and if you feel comfortable in doing so try lighting your trigger,contratry to your experience ANY tikka that I have had any thing to do with has been very accurate, eventually, dont give up on it, it will shoot!
I have found that they do prefer handloads but this isnt a rule, just an observation.


IMHO you can not beat price/performance/accuracy of Tikkas.
Happy hunting!

Regards Runas

I have a T3 Lite Stainless in 270 Win, and I love it. It shoots consistently under 1" at 100 yards with federal ammo. I've taken it out of state a few times and it has performed well each time.

I easily have over 700 rounds through it with no problems.

I also have the T3 Lite, SS,300win. 6lbs 15oz with the scope, a pleasure to carry up the mountain and it is also a shooter!! I like it!

compared to a steyr they are junk.
but w/ the value of the dollar vs. the euro you might as well buy american.
or find a used steyr.

A Critical Look at the Tikka T3
(And Other Economy Hunting Rifles)
By Chuck Hawks



Like many old geezers, I bemoan the loss, or lack, of standards in our modern world. And nowhere is this devaluation of quality more evident than in 21st Century hunting rifles. (Actually, the slide started in the 1960's and accelerated toward the end of the 20th Century).

We are, today, reaping the crop of sub-standard rifles previously sown. Most of the blame for this falls squarely on the shoulders of the writers and publishers of the specialty outdoors print magazines. In the quest for advertising dollars they have turned a blind eye to the constant cheapening of our hunting guns. Often they have merely parroted the promotional flack handed to them by the manufacturer's ad agencies.

Thus flimsy, injection molded plastic stocks are praised as "lightweight" or "weather resistant" rather than criticized as the inferior bedding platforms that they actually are. Free floating barrels, introduced simply to minimize the labor cost of precisely bedding a barreled action in a gun stock, are now praised as an asset by those who know nothing else. A perfect example of an economy shortcut becoming the new standard.

The deficiencies of receivers that are simply drilled from bar stock and that substitute heavy washers for integral recoil lugs are never examined in modern rifle reviews. Often the loading/ejection port--merely a slot cut into the tubular receiver--is so small that it is difficult or impossible to load a cartridge directly into the chamber, or manually remove a fired case. But the implication of this drawback at the range and in the field is never mentioned in most rifle reviews.

In many cases, "short actions" are merely long actions with the bolt stop moved to limit bolt travel. The modern gun writers who review these creations likewise never mention that this defeats the fundamental purpose of the short action calibers for which these rifles are chambered.

The receiver holds the bolt, which brings up a salient question: does anyone really believe than a cheap multi-piece, assembled bolt has any possible advantage over a one-piece forged steel bolt except economy of manufacture?

The use of plastic, nearly disposable, detachable magazines and trigger guards is overlooked by the popular print press, or actually praised for their lightweight construction. Talk about spin, these guys could teach the Washington politicians some tricks!

In fact, "lightweight" and "accuracy" are the buzzwords most frequently used to "spin" hunting rifle reviews in a paying advertiser's favor. (Cheap substitute materials are usually lighter--but not stronger--than forged steel, and most production rifles will occasionally shoot a "braggin' group" that can be exploited in a review.) Whenever reviewers start touting either, watch out! There may not be a lot to tout in the critical areas of design, material quality, manufacture, or fit and finish.

A rifle's lines and finish are largely cosmetic, but why should we be condemned to hunt with ugly rifles? Matte finishes on barreled actions are sold as a benefit ("low glare"), but in reality they are simply faster and thus less expensive for the manufacturer to produce than a highly polished finish. And the flat black color touted as a stealth advantage of plastic stocks over walnut is patently absurd. Why would a rational person believe that such stocks are any less visible to animals in the woods than a wooden stock?

Have you noticed how the checkered areas on wood stocked Tikka T3 rifles are divided into several small patches? That is done because it is easier (and therefore cheaper) to cut a small patch of checkering than a larger one. The shorter the individual checkering lines, the easier it is to keep them straight. Once again, manufacturing economy triumphs over aesthetics and function.

The Tikka T3 is certainly not the only modern hunting rifle to adopt some or most of these production shortcuts. I have not chosen it for the lead in this article just to pick on Tikka. I have chosen it as the poster child for cheap rifles because it is one of the few models to incorporate all of these cost and quality reducing shortcuts. If there is a production shortcut out there, the T3 has probably already incorporated it.

Then there is the Tikka 1" 100-yard test. I have yet to see, or even read about, a T3 hunting rifle that will consistently meet Tikka's 3-shots into 1" at 100 yards accuracy claim.

Now, unlike many gun writers today, I try not to over emphasize the importance of accuracy in big game hunting rifles. Big game animals are large and hair-splitting accuracy is almost never required. A rifle that will shoot into 2" at 100 yards (2 MOA) is accurate enough for most purposes. A hunting rifle that will average 1.5 MOA groups is a good one, and most T3 rifles fall into that category.

But the Beretta/Sako/Tikka conglomerate heavily advertises their accuracy guarantee. They market their rifles on that basis. And, in my experience, most Tikka T3 rifles simply will not consistently meet their own accuracy guarantee. If a average T3 will shoot an occasional 1" group with any load it is doing well. (Want a real MOA hunting rifle? Read our review of the Weatherby Vanguard SUB-MOA on the Product Review Page.) Why do none of my fellow gun writers in the popular press call Beretta on its misleading advertising?

That is, of course, a rhetorical question. The answer is simple: Beretta Corp. is a big bucks advertiser in the popular print magazines. But what about the writers' and editors' obligation to their readers, who pay their hard earned dollars to read those reviews? Obviously, the word "integrity" has been deleted from the print mag publishers' spelling checkers.

To add insult to injury, the Tikka T3 is a cheap rifle, but not an inexpensive one. These things cost as much or more than some higher quality, better designed, and better turned-out hunting rifles.

None of this means that a person cannot hunt successfully with a Tikka T3 rifle, or that Tikka owners are a particularly dissatisfied lot. There are many T3 owners who have no complaints, and many who are pleased with the performance of their T3 rifles and satisfied with their purchase. In truth, they are safe, functional rifles and perfectly capable of killing game in the hands of an adequate shot. The same could be said about most other economy models, including the Stevens 200, Remington 710, and NEF rifles.

But I suspect that most satisfied T3 customers are not experienced rifle buyers. A person who has never owned a fine rifle is much more likely to be tolerant (or ignorant) of an economy rifle's shortcomings than an experienced shooter and hunter. The relative newcomer simply has inadequate personal experience upon which to formulate an informed opinion.

To make a crude analogy, all acoustic guitars may feel pretty much alike in the hands of a person who doesn't play, but not to a virtuoso. Similarly, I'll bet that most hunters who use economy rifles don't realize that their rifle's cheap plastic stock is too thick through the wrist and forearm. This is something that comes into play every time they pick up their rifle, yet they don't even know that it is deficient! They have never owned a rifle equipped with a well-designed stock, so they have no frame of reference and simply don't understand how much better a good rifle feels in the hands.

Still, I find it hard to understand how Tikka stays in business offering less rifle for more money. The T3's success is a tribute to the ignorance of the modern American sportsman--and the connivance of the sporting press upon which they rely for information.

A couple of years ago, I saw some photos of Tikka barrels split like bananas. I don't think anyone was killed, but a split barrel can ruin your whole day. I'm guessing they have likely corrected the barrel flaws, but I wouldn't buy one.

/

I have two T3s, a 300 WM in stainless and a 338 Fed in blue. They are ok rifles for the price. Both shoot from .75 to 1.5 moa depending on the loads.

They are light, so be prepared for alittle bite in the mag cals. The 300WM definitely lets you know you are firing a light weight Magnumb rifle

The things I like most about the tikka T3 are the light weight, smooth bolt, and feel of the gun overall. The things I don't like are the poor recoil pad, cheap looking plastic clips, the action does not appear to be as strong as most others, the clip length is ridiculously short(you can forget loading to the lands), the scope mount rail, and the cheap rings that come with the rifle. That said, there are a few things you can do to get by a couple of those problems such as changing the bolt stop on the SA and replacing it with a LA bolt stop and LA clip which will allow you to reach the lands and buying after market scope mounts that utilize the factory drilled and tapped holes in the action.

If I had it to do over, I'd have probably bought Abolts for light weight rigs.

Good Luck

Reloader

http://www.chuckhawks.com/tikka_rifles.htm

Let's Talk Tikka: T3 and Whitetail Hunter Rifles

By Jon Y. Wolfe



Tikka rifles are manufactured by Sako of Finland and distributed by Beretta, USA. One of the most influential features offered by both the T3 and Whitetail Hunter bolt action rifles is an out of the box accuracy guarantee of MOA groups at 100 yards. Combine this with a smooth stainless steel bolt, single-column detachable magazine, and an adjustable single-stage trigger (2-4 lbs.), two position safety, cocking indicator, free-floating barrel, and you have yourself a reasonably priced rifle with some appealing features.

Tikka T3

There are several versions of the T3. There is the Hunter, Lite, Lite Stainless, Laminated Stainless, Varmint Stainless, and the special order Battue. All use a push feed action with a closed-top receiver machined from bar stock. The T3 bolt has a recessed face, two front locking lugs, plunger type ejector, and a shorter than normal 75 degree lift.

The T3 Hunter and Lite models are chambered for most of the popular standard and magnum calibers and also a few European calibers that can be special ordered. The barrels on the Hunter and Lite models are 22.44 inches for standard calibers, and 24.38 inches for magnum calibers. The Hunter weighs 6.63 lbs. in standard calibers, and 6.81 lbs. in magnum calibers. The Lite weighs 6.19 lbs. in standard calibers, while the magnum calibers weigh 6.38 lbs.

The Battue is Tikka's version of a mountain/woods rifle. It has a shortened barrel measuring just 19.25 inches, an adjustable length of pull by use of spacers, a nice oil finished walnut stock, a free floating barrel, scope rails, is drilled and tapped for Weaver style mounts, and comes with open fiber-optic sights. It weighs 6.81 lbs. and is available in .308, .30-06, 7x64, 9.3x62, .300 Win. Mag. and .300 WSM.

The Varmint Stainless is a heavy barrel version of the T3 with a 23.19 inch barrel, and larger capacity magazine. The standard calibers are .223 Rem., .22-250 Rem., .270 Win., and .308 Win. It is available in nearly all major calibers by special order.

I can best comment on the T3 Lite, as that is the T3 model that I own. The T3 Lite comes with a nicely designed, fiber glass reinforced, copolymer polypropylene stock. Basically that is a fiber glass and plastic composite stock. It is a functional and ergonomic stock that has an adjustable length of pull. It is purported that it was designed by Giugiaro industrial design.

The rifle came with Tikka medium rings, swivel studs and swivels. The Tikka rings are very easy to set-up, and as long as the scope's objective is less than 42 mm the supplied medium rings work great. I also own a Tikka Whitetail Hunter, which is essentially similar to the T3, and I had to use Leupold bases and rings because my scope had a 44 mm objective.

The barrel on my gun is blued, while the receiver and scope rails are matte. The forearm is flat and suitable for resting on a branch or shooting rail, while the butt has a symmetrical straight comb design with no raised check piece. The recoil pad is thick and efficiently absorbs recoil.

The T3 features that I really appreciate most are the user adjustable trigger (pre-set at the factory at about 2.5 lbs.), 75 degree bolt lift, easy to use two position safety, and the written accuracy guarantee.

Tikka Whitetial Hunter

A major sporting goods store in my area was discounting old inventory and I ran across a blued/synthetic Tikka Whitetail Hunter in .300 Win. Mag. I enjoy shooting different rifles, so I went for it.

I bought the Tikka Whitetail Hunter because of its adjustable trigger, guaranteed accuracy, smooth operation, very nice two position safety and value. I was excited about my purchase and within a week I had it scoped and bore sighted.

I attempted to use the supplied Tikka medium rings, but the 44 mm objective on the Simmons Aetec 3.8-12x scope was just a bit too large. I ended up with a Leupold base and medium rings. This was the perfect set-up as the front objective was 2 mm from the barrel.

I'm not a big fan of the Whitetail Hunter's synthetic stock; the new T3 synthetic stock is much better. I believe that a good synthetic stock should be ergonomic, durable, resistant to extreme heat and cold, and have an adjustable length of pull. I do not like all synthetic stocks, and there are many that are just plain awful. Ruger and Remington have the worst of the bunch, with Steyr, Sako, and the Tikka T3, in my view, having the best. Browning also makes a decent synthetic stock, but I've never owned one.

This gun has 24.4 inch hammer forged blued barrel, which is free floated. The box magazine is removable. The trigger is user adjustable from 2-4 pounds (set at 2.5 pounds at the factory). The weight of this rifle was 7.5 pounds bare and unloaded, and 8.5 pounds with base, rings and scope. So far the Whitetail Hunter has yet to meet its MOA accuracy guarantee, but the .300 Mag. kicks hard and the error is probably mine.

To me this rifle represents an exceptional value. The Ruger M77 Mark II All Weather, Remington 700 Synthetic, Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic, and Savage 114 are all good rifles, but I prefer the Tikka Whitetail Hunter. All of these rifles are in the same general price range, based on online prices and the prices at the retail establishments in my area.

Summary

I believe that the Tikka Whitetail Hunter and the new T3 are fine guns, and they are economically priced. I do not have a bias for any gun manufacturer or brand, but my bias is heavily weighted towards value.

I have a T3 in 30-06. I have a couple friends who have them as well. In general they appear to like heavy for caliber bullets the best for accuracy. Mine in particular absolutely appears to enjoy 180gr bullets.

The trigger group on my gun is outstanding. And if you are picky about triggers this one will spoil you. If they are all that good I honestly don't know but I can tell you I really like mine. It breaks like an icicle every single time.

I think the stock rings caused a slight action bind because the accuracy of this rifle improved dramatically when I switched to SAKO Optilocks. That was a worthwhile upgrade IMHO.

The Tikka is a player with rifles for similar money and worth considering.

amazing, go over to 24 hr and you will get nothing but positive comments on the t3, IMO the T3 is the best factory rifle under 1k on the market period!!! it is flat out awesome. I have one in 30-06 and its the most accurate gun in the safe, more accurate than HB varminters and the one custom I have. .5" groups with 3 different bullets in a variety of weights. the supplied rings mount very strait on the receiver. the gun does have a lot of plastic, however look closely the metal work on the gun is absolutely put together with flawless precision. dry fire the gun and you will find little to no bolt movement, try that with a new remmy. the stock to barreled action fit is very precise including the clever bedding technique they use. if you buy one be careful you will start to be dissatisfied with your other rifles

I'm for Tikka T3 SS Lite .
I own a couple of them one in 7 Rem Mag the other in .223 . Still developing loads for both . How ever I will say that right out of the box with barrel break in they show outstanding performance. I'm really pleased that the .223 doesn't heat up. No other Rifle I own can take shot after shot after and not heat up the barrel but my Tikka does and the projectiles aren't stringing either they're clustering .
Granted not quite as tight as I would like or will get them to after proper load development .

I also bought a Savage Weather Warrior and it's a hell of a weapon out of the box . The first two down the pipe were in the same hole literally !. Never had that happen EVER no matter what manufactures make .

Tikka is OK by ME for hunting it's an EXCELLENT WEAPON !.

Shoot Straight Know Your Target . ...

Someone is going to have to say it!

Why didnt Mr. Hawks critique a "BUDGET AMERICAN BRAND" rifle, HMMMM!!!

STOP RIGHT THERE!!! Im not American bashing im just making a observation!!

X2 for cumminscowboy! spot on

Regards Runas

The T3 barrels WERE splitting, only in stainless, but they did have a problem, and they knew it. I traded mine off for a new old stock Tikka 695.

The biggest cause of heartburn for me was the difficulty getting information from Beretta U.S.A.

The T3 was my daughters, and I wasn't about to have her face blown off because Beretta was in no hurry to provide information.

The dealer I traded with knew of the issue, supposedly a single batch of improperly alloyed stainless. He held my rifle untill he could check the serial number with his wholesaler, because HE couldn't check it. I understand Beretta did get an 800 line going finally.

I don't have a problem with the T3, it is an inexpensive, accurate, and by all accounts durable rifle. The importer, Beretta, should have been more forthcoming with information on safety.

Hawks obviously has a stick up his backside for Tikka (or maybe beretta). Maybe he didn't get invited to their booth at a trade show?

I call BS on this and Mr Hawks is full of it here.

Is there any steel bottom metal from any tikkas that will fit the t3? I have a left handed friend who bought one for the action to build on and I'm building the stock. It may be a nice budget rifle but the basis for a build it is not But he's a lefty and choices are slim.

Update, Thanks for the input. I went and checked out some more rifles today. I ended up picking up the Tikka T3 in stainless synthetic in a 300 WSM.

I've already adjusted the trigger down to 46 oz. The synthetic stock seems much more ridged than the factory synthetic stocks on my Remingtons. The detachable magazine was actually a selling point for me. Can not legally carry a loaded rifle in a vehicle or on a ATV in most areas I hunt.

Not so trilled about the aluminum rings that came with it may upgrade to some steel Warne scope rings.

You made a good choice.My 3 kids all have T-3's they function and shoot great. Enjoy yours!

quote:

Originally posted by Teat Hound:
Hawks obviously has a stick up his backside for Tikka (or maybe beretta). Maybe he didn't get invited to their booth at a trade show?

I call BS on this and Mr Hawks is full of it here.

Maybe Mr. Hawks has a "bug up his a**" because it took Beretta over three months to even awknowledge there was a problem or get information out about the blow ups.
That my friend, is the definition of BS.

If this had been Ruger, there would have been a full page warning in every gun mag on earth ASAP.

I still see an occasional warning in a magazine from Ruger on their old design (colt clone) single actions about not carrying with a full cylinder and their free factory "fix" for them.

Shame on Beretta.

Not much not to like about Tikka rifles...I have two 595s and three T3s...here's my T3 6.5x55 Swede....

I have had aT3 stainless in 338win mag for nearly 2 years now and it is fantastic other guys in my group have bought them since 338wm 300wsm x2 308.I am currently considering getting another in 308 or 7mm-08 and 223.I have used Tikka rifles for several decades now i still have a 300win mag in a M65 it i my all time favourite,but these T3's are great ,light accurate and built to work and reasonably priced.

I'm getting a T3 Laminate Stainless in 30-06 in the near future. I wanted a light, weather resistant rifle for long hikes in the Pine Ridge area of the state. Of course you can't go wrong with a 30-06. At first I had some trepidations about the recall and a detachable magazine, but I done a little research and quelched my doubts. I will probably take it on this year's sabbatical wandering in search of deer after I develop some handloads for it. Any 165-180gr load suggestions from T-3 owners?

Chuck Hawks
Tikka T3

I have two .308 winchesters; one blue with wood and a weaver grand slam 3.5x10x40; the other a stainless synthetic with a weaver 2x10x38; both have limb savers installed.

They are great rifles for the money. I use the SS one for my ranch rifle; the wood one if my wife's - and it has the most incredible piece of wood on it you have ever seen - how this slipped out (or into) the Tikka factory I don't know.

I shot 150 grain Hornady SSTs. The SS rifle shots a three shot group the size of a dime; the wood/blue about a quarter. Both have taken game up to 300 yards no problem.

The only compliant is muzzle jump due to the lightweight.

Are they an hierloom rifle? No, but to get a better rifle from here, I would go to a Kimber or Cooper - and pass the ones in between.

I haven't had any personal experience but my son bought a stainless T-3 a while back in .338 Win Mag. The rifle shot well but he had a problem with the stock splitting. He traced it down to what looks like a design flaw in how the barrel was anchored to the stock. Just not that stout a mounting system for that much rifle.

Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.

I own a stainless/synthetic Tikka T-3 lite in 300WM.Bought another (bue/synthetic)in 9.3 x 62. Get rid of the pad and have a limbsaver put on and use opti lock mounts. I hate stainless/synthetic 'anything - PERIOD! However, I purchased the .300WM because I hate scratching up expensive rifles and the same for the 9.3. They are the only two synthetics I own. BOTH SHOOT BRILLIANTLY! THE 300 IS A DREAM TO CLEAN. Yes they are ugly in the magazine and trigger guard department. Also, I don't know if anyone else has experienced this but (this happened to me) the plastic bolt shroud can crack and fall off. The gunshop I purchased them from have replacement plastic shrouds just for this. Looks aside, for a cheap and accurate rifle that can take heaps of abuse and be carried all day, I can't speak highly enough (although the bolt shroud is an issue ).

I shot a mates Tikka T3 S/S in 6.5x55 with a Leupy 1.75-6x on it earlier this week using Norma 156 grain Vulcan ammo. Bang bang bang a half inch group.
I think I shall have to buy another T3!

Update; I ended up upgrading scope ring mounts to Warne steel mounts and mounted a 4-12x Leupold scope on it. Not a fan of aluminum scope ring mounts. Had it out twice now and it seems to be doing very well as far as accuracy with factory loads. No regrets buying this rifle. It may not be the best looking rifle around but I won't lose any sleep on it if it gets dinged or scratched up. I am going to start working on some loads with a Barnes TTSX 168 bullets.

Gatsby26 How does your 9.3x62 T3 shoot? I sure wished we could buy the lighter weight T3 in 9.3x62 in the US. I like the 9.3x62 a bunch.

My main shooting budd ownes 3 Tikka,s a 338 Fed, , 300WSM and a 308. All of these shoot as advertised, he has no problems with any of them.

Hi Quinault,
The Tikka T-3 I have in 9.3x62 is my 'Number One' sambar rifle. With a Limbsaver recoil pad on it it's not bad to shoot at all over the benchrest. I use Woodleigh 286 PP projectiles and it will group MOA if I do my bit. Even with the shitty (but affordable) Highland ammo it groups well. A dream to carry all day and without having to worry about the punishment it gets (and all for a cheap price to boot!).

Adrian.

Sorry to say that I can't share the positive views of that Tikka T3 Lite!!!

I bought one last November in 338 Federal. I tried 3 different bullets and 4 different powder charges. The best I got was 1 1/4 to 1 1/2" 3 shot groups. That was enough for me I dumped it. I know they guarentee 3 shot 1 MOA groups but I was just outright disgusted with the T3. I have since bought 3 Ruger Hawkeyes (338 Fed, 358 Win and 257 BOB) all shoot less than 1 MOA for 3 shots.

I prolly got a bad T3.........but it was enough that I won't get another!!!

quote:

Sorry to say that I can't share the positive views of that Tikka T3 Lite!!!
I prolly got a bad T3.........but it was enough that I won't get another!!!

Hard luck my friend spose all manufacturers produce a lemon. Interestingly my lemon was a Ruger in 7x57 There you go.