Originally Posted By: K22If Tikka used the same higher end parts such as a carbon fiber stock, metal bolt shroud, metal trigger guard and at least 2 action lengths, then I would agree that it may be the better deal. Heck, Savage has a great accuracy reputation and low cost also. While it appears that I am, I do not want to get into a Tikka vs ? rifle.
The Barrett and the Kimber have achieved what many companies struggle to do using good high end parts. My hat is off to them. Try building an accurate ultra lightweight rifle with a 22" barrel cheaper than $1600.00 dollars. Good luck.
I have read many accounts of Kimber poor accuracy, but to date I have owned 6 Kimbers and still own 5. Zero accuracy problems with mine. But then again, I don't shoot commercial ammo, nor would I spend the money to find a commercial ammo that each one liked. I do have one Kimber that so far only likes one bullet powder combo, but there's nothing wrong with Barnes bullets. If I was strictly using commercial ammo and found one it liked, I would not be buying up multiples of other brands/combo so I can say it likes this and this and this one, ect.
I've spent way to much time on this subject and to the OP, I would not hesitate to buy a Fieldcraft, but I certainly would look at a Kimber also. If its a wood stock you desire then Kimber is your answer, but if you're patient, soon Barrett will be offering one in wood also.
I have read many threads comparing the Tikka and Kimber and the T3X has already corrected some of the issues you list because shooters have brought them up, something other manufacturers have resisted for decades at any cost.
With great accuracy the action length has never been an issue for me and that extra fraction of a second to work it has not shortened my life.
It does not surprise me then that a Tikka at maybe half the price of a Kimber brings direct competition and reliability with a reputation for out of the box accuracy.
As noted I see the caliber I thought the OP was intersted in for sale in the Sako line with carbon fiber stock discounted to $1700 with more usable features and several years on the market already.
Being a time proven high end production rifle this to me is a better investment than in a rifle design that has fallen on it's face twice and been sold.
A friend who has over a hundred rifles some rare, came by this week. He was interested in the new Barrett also. After checking up on it he is shying away and told me why. He has more info floating in his brain than I have time for.
Now that you mention Kimber wood stocks, a friend that had his own gun store and sold 47,000 guns showed me something one day.
He pulled a newly received Kimber rifle with the stock touching the barrel on one side and a large gap on the other.
He stated it was the worst stock in the store plus embarrassing to display, how could they ship it like this. This is a premium priced rifle with constant problems for me.
I have heard him on the phone many times with Kimber directly.
Subsequently I heard Kimber fired the "wood guy" so the problem hit home.
I am fine with companies ironing out problems or getting the kinks out, just not with me on the short end.
Tikka and Sako are owned by one of the oldest companies in the world. They have treated me very well to date even with a magazine issue.