Why Tikkas are SO Reliable In The Backcountry - EXPLAINED
From Pursuit With Cliff - Cliff Gray by Cliff Gray
February 28, 2026 · 1h 26m
About this episode
This episode explores the reliability of Tikka rifles in challenging hunting conditions with insights from Jared Smethurst of Beretta.
Why do Tikka rifles keep working when others choke in snow, dirt, and real hunting conditions? In this episode, I sit down with Jared Smethurst from Beretta to break down the mechanical and manufacturing reasons behind Tikka and Sako reliability. We cover action design, bolt tolerances, primary extraction, magazine systems, safety design, cold hammer forged barrels, and why some modern cartridges—especially PRCs—can introduce feeding issues. --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com...
People in this episode
Host: Cliff Gray
Guest: Jared Smethurst
Topics covered
- Tikka rifles
- hunting reliability
- mechanical design
- action design
- bolt tolerances
- cartridge feeding issues
Keywords
- Tikka rifles
- hunting
- reliability
- mechanical design
- Beretta
- Sako
- cartridges
- feeding issues
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Beretta
Products: Tikka, Sako, PRCs
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