Turkey has a reputation for affordable shotguns, and ATA Arms is now entering the centrefire rifle market with the Turqua, its first bolt-action rifle. Prices start at £599.99, with walnut and Monte Carlo stock options available at higher prices, writes Bruce Potts.
I tested the sporter and thumbhole versions, both chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. While the stocks differ, the rifles share the same core components, so I’ll focus on the shared features and highlight differences where relevant.
The action and receiver immediately stand out due to their size. At 9 inches long, the receiver offers excellent rigidity and bedding potential but adds some weight. The bolt, measuring 5.25 inches, is polished and features shallow flutes designed to reduce binding during operation. These flutes are largely hidden within the action, unlike on some other rifles where they are visible through the ejection port. The bolt operation uses a three-lug system, sometimes referred to as an ‘A’ arrangement. This configuration provides a 60-degree bolt lift for faster cycling and a solid lock-up. The bolt’s smooth movement is enhanced by a semi-dog-legged handle with a teardrop-shaped knob for added grip.
The action is highly rigid, thanks to a small ejection port and an extended recoil lug that fits securely into a reinforced mortise in the stock. Additionally, a 5.5-inch Picatinny rail on top of the receiver allows flexible scope mounting options.
ATA has paid attention to practical details. The polymer trigger guard and magazine housing resist rust, which is helpful for stalking rifles exposed to wet conditions. The rifle comes with both a flush-fit three-round magazine and a five-round magazine. These polymer, single-stack magazines are reliable and easy to clean, though the £49.99 price for spares feels a little high.
The trigger is a two-stage unit with an adjustable pull weight between 0.8kg and 1.6kg (1.76lbs to 3.52lbs). In testing, the trigger averaged 2lbs 6oz. While this is a safe and suitable weight for stalking, there was some creep in the second stage. Refining this would require professional gunsmithing, but it’s acceptable for a rifle at this price point. The Turqua’s safety system is particularly interesting. A sliding lever on the right side of the action offers three positions: fire, safe with bolt operation, and fully locked. This system is simple and effective, though not entirely silent in operation.
The stock plays a significant role in a rifle’s appeal and handling, and ATA offers multiple options. I tested the sporter and thumbhole variants, both made from grey laminate. This material resists warping in adverse weather, ensuring consistent performance. The sporter stock is ambidextrous and features an adjustable cheekpiece with a soft rubber finish. It’s easy to adjust via a side button and locks solidly in place. The thumbhole version, while lacking an adjustable cheekpiece, offers a well-defined cheek section and a very comfortable grip. Both stocks include laser-cut checkering on the grip and forend for improved handling.
The point of balance differs between the models. The sporter balances at the front stock screw, while the heavier thumbhole stock balances mid-magazine. Both rifles have a length of pull of 14.25 inches, adjustable with included spacers.
Barrel specifications are consistent across the models I tested. Both rifles featured 24-inch, button-rifled barrels with a semi-heavy sporter profile. The 6.5 Creedmoor chambering is one of several options, including .308 Win and .243 Win. While a 20-inch barrel is also available, the 24-inch length felt nose-heavy when paired with a sound moderator. Both barrels are free-floated, ensuring accuracy without interference from the stock.
Field tests
I tested six factory loads, including four lead and two lead-free, at 100 and 200 yards on targets and steel. Most rounds were fired through the Thumbhole version, which I used later for roe buck stalking.
The Winchester 125-grain XP loads delivered a superb 0.32-inch group at 100 yards with 2815fps and 2200 ft/lbs energy. Federal Fusion 140-grain loads, ideal for larger deer, achieved 0.74-inch groups at 2645fps and 2175 ft/lbs. For dual-role users, Federal 95-grain V-Max rounds performed well for foxes and deer, producing 0.84-inch groups at 3217fps and 2184 ft/lbs.
Hornady’s Precision Hunter 143-grain ELD X bullets proved accurate with 0.62-inch groups at 2676fps and 2274 ft/lbs, suitable for longer ranges. Lead-free Barnes TTSX 120-grain loads grouped at 1.03 inches with 2842fps and 2153 ft/lbs, but the Sako PowerHead Blades 120-grain loads excelled, achieving one-hole 0.24-inch groups at 2838fps and 2147 ft/lbs. Average group size across all loads was 0.63 inches.
In the Sporter version, Winchester XP loads shot 0.45-inch groups at 2798fps, while the Sako PowerHead Blades grouped at 0.40 inches at 2822fps. Average group size was 0.47 inches across three factory loads.
In field tests, the Sako Blades hit a life-sized roe buck steel target and a steel crow at 200 yards with consistent accuracy. During the roe buck rut in Surrey, the ATA and Sako Blades performed superbly, harvesting a buck in challenging conditions, proving this setup’s reliability and precision.
In testing, the Turqua performed well for its price. ATA’s experience in shotgun manufacturing has translated effectively to centrefire rifles. This rifle is an excellent choice for beginners, estate use, or anyone seeking an affordable, reliable option. At £599.99 for the synthetic version, the Turqua offers good value for money and demonstrates ATA’s ability to deliver quality and performance at a competitive price.
UK distributor
SGC
01392354870
trade@sportsmanguncentre.com
www.sgctrade.co.uk
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