To cut or not to cut???

M

mike t

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Im looking at cutting between 2 and 3 inches off the barrel of a tikka T3 lite in 30/06 and mounting a bushnell trs25 red dot on it for dogging the woods for deer. Shots will be fairly close and fast. What do you all think???
 
Just had the same thing done to my Tikka in 3006. I had it cut back to 18.5" and had a small two chamber brake installed to take some sting out of it. I think I may have found my new favorite hunting rig.
 
I think it's a good idea.
While I'm not a fan of the T3, if you already have the rifle a shorter barreled version would make for a handy bush rifle. The velocity loss will be negligible, you'll just have a bit more muzzle blast.

I too vote the Ruger Scout for the type of hunting indicated.
 
I like short rifles myself, but I'd be cautious as to the abbreviated barrel's effect on the balance and handling of the rifle. You could be going to a lot of trouble to acquire a clubby feeling rifle, that isn't particularly quick to get into action. A new rifle that is designed as a carbine, and balances well, is better value, than investing in the time and cost necessary to ruin the handling qualities of a good rifle.
 
I'm with the "buy a battue" crowd; not only does it have the short barrel it has an incredible set of high viz sites that cannot run out of batteries.


Always amazed by tikka haters. It is everything a modern rifle should be in a long action; lightweight, fast operating bolt, and I've never heard of one that didn't shoot or have a nice light trigger. The only thing I can find wrong with it is the factory recoil pad; even with a limbsaver if you are recoil sensitive I guess it is not for you.
 
conor_90 said:
Always amazed by tikka haters. It is everything a modern rifle should be in a long action; lightweight, fast operating bolt, and I've never heard of one that didn't shoot or have a nice light trigger. The only thing I can find wrong with it is the factory recoil pad; even with a limbsaver if you are recoil sensitive I guess it is not for you.
Click to expand...

There's not much to be amazed with, it's just about a matter of personal preference. Sure the Tikka T3 is all the things you've listed. But it also has (IMO, you don't have to agree) an action that feels like it's made from recycled pop cans, a ridiculous recoil lug setup, a non stainless firing pin, and plastic plastic plastic.

It's the Honda Civic of the Gun world; Designed well, Reliable, Affordable and many people enjoy/swear by them. There's nothing wrong with that ....... Not everyone wants a Civic though ;)
 

Cut away. I love the way my T3 in 3006 turned out. Barrel measures in at 19 1/8" to the end of the brake. Nordic muzzle brake was reamed out from 223 dia that was a take off from an STI AR and re fitted. Stippling and bolt knob was done by me. Never weighed it as I already know it is light and handy. Just gotta wait for deer season to come around now to try it out. Bark is worse than the bite.
 
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