First Dealings With Tikka T3......Very Unimpressed
- Thread starter c-fbmi
- Start date
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
I bought one this past summer as well. Bought a long action mag for a 7mm-08 because if there was a ballistic tip factory round it wouldn't fit the mag heck even hornady white tail was almost to long. It will shoot the first group of the day pretty good after that it is very random in its grouping. Like I said first group great (usually less then half inch for 3 shots) then unless you get the barrel ice cold it will shoot 1.5-3" groups and not in a consistent manor. One group would be a triangle but at poa the next would be 2" high and a triangle with over an inch spread between shots. Next group either low or left or right of poa and a different pattern then any of the first 2 groups. Doesn't matter if you wait 5 min between groups or 30 min. I haven't really tried now that the temps are cooler.
Overall not overly impressed. Should have bought a winchester for almost the same money.
Overall not overly impressed. Should have bought a winchester for almost the same money.
the spank
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Planet Earth Wearing My Tinfoil Hat
Never could like the ejection port on a Tikka.
Have had exactly one, a Master Sporter that WSS blew out at 50% off. Traded within a week.
My father has a Schultz & Larsen 7x61 which has the milled ejection port.
I call it his "shiny boat paddle"
Have had exactly one, a Master Sporter that WSS blew out at 50% off. Traded within a week.
My father has a Schultz & Larsen 7x61 which has the milled ejection port.
I call it his "shiny boat paddle"
I've owned three Tikka T3 rifles. I still have two of them.
I have kept those rifles for quite a few years now and they shoot true like lasers. One is in 6.5x55 and the other is in 223rem. The 6.5 is stainless and the 223 is blued. The only thing I had to do with both these rifle was to clean them and mount scopes. I bought both of them used. They never give any issues as long as i do my part and the other great thing is neither of them foul easily. That is a blessing in itself.
The other T3 I had was chambered in 308Win and it had a Boyd's laminated stock on it. It was a dreadful rifle as far as accuracy was concerned. I ended up glass bedding the receiver which did absolutely nothing to improve it. I tried a dozen different bullets and loads and it still shot patterns instead of groups. Finally out of desperation, because I didn't want to unload this dog on anyone I cut off the last half inch of the barrel and recrowned it.
The patch always seemed to be a bit tight at the muzzle but I just assumed it was me slowing down the stroke of the rod so I could catch the patch before it fell off.
I don't know if I needed to remove a half inch but it was an approximate measurement and I felt I had nothing to lose. I got lucky. That rifle was a reborn shooter. It now shoots sub moa groups with Federal Blue Box 165 grain bullets. My neighbor's wife borrowed it for a Moose hunt in 2015 and decided she just had to have that rifle. She just about croaked when I told her how much it would cost. So she decided she still wanted it but without the Leupold VxIII. She found an old Tasco somewhere cheap and I put it on the rifle for her. No more sub moa groups but all she really cares about is sub minute of coyote, bear, deer or moose. She's happy. Good thing because she live right next door.
I have kept those rifles for quite a few years now and they shoot true like lasers. One is in 6.5x55 and the other is in 223rem. The 6.5 is stainless and the 223 is blued. The only thing I had to do with both these rifle was to clean them and mount scopes. I bought both of them used. They never give any issues as long as i do my part and the other great thing is neither of them foul easily. That is a blessing in itself.
The other T3 I had was chambered in 308Win and it had a Boyd's laminated stock on it. It was a dreadful rifle as far as accuracy was concerned. I ended up glass bedding the receiver which did absolutely nothing to improve it. I tried a dozen different bullets and loads and it still shot patterns instead of groups. Finally out of desperation, because I didn't want to unload this dog on anyone I cut off the last half inch of the barrel and recrowned it.
The patch always seemed to be a bit tight at the muzzle but I just assumed it was me slowing down the stroke of the rod so I could catch the patch before it fell off.
I don't know if I needed to remove a half inch but it was an approximate measurement and I felt I had nothing to lose. I got lucky. That rifle was a reborn shooter. It now shoots sub moa groups with Federal Blue Box 165 grain bullets. My neighbor's wife borrowed it for a Moose hunt in 2015 and decided she just had to have that rifle. She just about croaked when I told her how much it would cost. So she decided she still wanted it but without the Leupold VxIII. She found an old Tasco somewhere cheap and I put it on the rifle for her. No more sub moa groups but all she really cares about is sub minute of coyote, bear, deer or moose. She's happy. Good thing because she live right next door.
I think they shoot well, at least the Tikkas I have used did. I do agree they are way overpriced for the quality of build as mentioned.
I shot one Wed while trying out my new Savage .260. action. The Tikka was accurate, light and handled well so it would have a large market share that possibly don't care or don't realize the cost cutting nor the consequences.
I could maybe live with the small port, pinned single long action instead of a true short/long action, (they upgraded the polymer bolt shroud on the new T3s) and the plastic magazines if they past those cost cutting manufacturer savings to the buyer rather than the shareholder.
JMHO, but those guns should retail at or shy of 500 USD
I shot one Wed while trying out my new Savage .260. action. The Tikka was accurate, light and handled well so it would have a large market share that possibly don't care or don't realize the cost cutting nor the consequences.
I could maybe live with the small port, pinned single long action instead of a true short/long action, (they upgraded the polymer bolt shroud on the new T3s) and the plastic magazines if they past those cost cutting manufacturer savings to the buyer rather than the shareholder.
JMHO, but those guns should retail at or shy of 500 USD
New Camper
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lurking in the woods near SFRC.
I used to be oblivious to Tikka rifles. In the search for an affordable target shooting rifle, it seemed a T3 SS Varmint in 6.5x55 was ideal. It was, and I still have it with a custom stock. I liked it so much that a 222rem joined the hybrid family (Brand faithfulness is ridiculous).
BUT: Another genuine and objective suggestion to Tikka much like those already in this thread... Would two action lengths incur that much more in tooling costs? The 6.5 is flawless in every way, but that magazine and action length create problems for the shorter 222. My friend has the same model in 223, but putting a 1:8 twist on a rifle whose magazine won't allow seating a heavy bullet shallow enough to be near the rifling doesn't make any sense. I don't have a great issue with the magazine port despite my large hands... I got around the poor feeding of the 222 with a single shot adapter (and clearing by dropping the mag). With some more creative sanding, I hope to bring the magazine to feed 100% reliably.
It's nice having a smooth bolt but provided a bolt doesn't bind then it's not a big deal: m77, 700, 70 bolts... aren't velcro. But if that is a big deal to someone, I'd ask why they aren't shooting a Weatherby Mk V?
BUT: Another genuine and objective suggestion to Tikka much like those already in this thread... Would two action lengths incur that much more in tooling costs? The 6.5 is flawless in every way, but that magazine and action length create problems for the shorter 222. My friend has the same model in 223, but putting a 1:8 twist on a rifle whose magazine won't allow seating a heavy bullet shallow enough to be near the rifling doesn't make any sense. I don't have a great issue with the magazine port despite my large hands... I got around the poor feeding of the 222 with a single shot adapter (and clearing by dropping the mag). With some more creative sanding, I hope to bring the magazine to feed 100% reliably.
It's nice having a smooth bolt but provided a bolt doesn't bind then it's not a big deal: m77, 700, 70 bolts... aren't velcro. But if that is a big deal to someone, I'd ask why they aren't shooting a Weatherby Mk V?
i totally agree on that ... and they do not come in 375 ruger ....
I've had no adverse experiences with the T3, I own four, a 300WM Tactical 0.4 moa, 2 6mm Dashers 0.5moa (still working on those) and a 223 Varmint (one ragged hole at 100m on a good day. Ive got old eyes and just an average marksman so I need all the help I can get.
The stock barreled rifles are loaded to magazine length or long enough to seat the bullet to the base of the neck, the proprietary 'forcing cone' on the T3 precludes fiddling with COL lengths in either direction.
The factory trigger is 'target grade' in function and even more so with a YoDave spring set where you like it (1.1# for me).
The factory stock fits the action very precisely, no need to bed action, barrels are already free floated.
The 'wimpy' recoil lug is part of a 'return to battery' system. Replacing it with a R 700 style just negates this engineering marvel.
The heavy barrel models are lapped at the factory and are at least equal to most aftermarket barrels.
I prefer the smaller ejection port as this adds to the receiver rigidity, I have no issues single loading and extracting at the bench.
The rifle is well engineered for purpose, 21st century accuracy, few parts and machining operations.
The 2 Dashers have traditionally chambered/throated barrels , so I seat bullets 10-15 thou off the lands or jammed ~0.010".
I find these are a bargain for my purposes, action and trigger group ~$800, aftermarket ~$1600. They are slow to load single shot bench rest style but that is the only downside I have.
Remingtons among others require the expertise of a 'smith and aftermarket parts to bring them up to the standard of a stock T3 action and trigger group. This cost can go as high as custom action/trigger group.
The mechanics of the T3 are fairly simple. eg: to install the stock run the screws in ,tap but on floor, torque to 35 in/lbs fire a few check torque adjust if necessary. I interchange stocks of the 4 that I have with no loss in performance or time fiddling with bedding or torque values.
At last years 1000 yard shoot one of the most accurate rifles was a T3 original trigger and stock , 6 Dasher, #6 Benchmark, 0.2-0.3 moa, <10# all up.
Tikka was chosen for the replacement of the 303 for our northern forces, I am sure they were tested in all climatic conditions that part of the world has to offer.
Once the engineering of these is understood , they make a lot of sense, both for accuracy and economy.
Aesthetically, that is in the eye of the beerholder.
For hunting I prefer a Sako M-85 due to the ability to magazine load, top load or top up the magazine. Very beneficial if you find yourself knee deep in a target rich environment.
The stock barreled rifles are loaded to magazine length or long enough to seat the bullet to the base of the neck, the proprietary 'forcing cone' on the T3 precludes fiddling with COL lengths in either direction.
The factory trigger is 'target grade' in function and even more so with a YoDave spring set where you like it (1.1# for me).
The factory stock fits the action very precisely, no need to bed action, barrels are already free floated.
The 'wimpy' recoil lug is part of a 'return to battery' system. Replacing it with a R 700 style just negates this engineering marvel.
The heavy barrel models are lapped at the factory and are at least equal to most aftermarket barrels.
I prefer the smaller ejection port as this adds to the receiver rigidity, I have no issues single loading and extracting at the bench.
The rifle is well engineered for purpose, 21st century accuracy, few parts and machining operations.
The 2 Dashers have traditionally chambered/throated barrels , so I seat bullets 10-15 thou off the lands or jammed ~0.010".
I find these are a bargain for my purposes, action and trigger group ~$800, aftermarket ~$1600. They are slow to load single shot bench rest style but that is the only downside I have.
Remingtons among others require the expertise of a 'smith and aftermarket parts to bring them up to the standard of a stock T3 action and trigger group. This cost can go as high as custom action/trigger group.
The mechanics of the T3 are fairly simple. eg: to install the stock run the screws in ,tap but on floor, torque to 35 in/lbs fire a few check torque adjust if necessary. I interchange stocks of the 4 that I have with no loss in performance or time fiddling with bedding or torque values.
At last years 1000 yard shoot one of the most accurate rifles was a T3 original trigger and stock , 6 Dasher, #6 Benchmark, 0.2-0.3 moa, <10# all up.
Tikka was chosen for the replacement of the 303 for our northern forces, I am sure they were tested in all climatic conditions that part of the world has to offer.
Once the engineering of these is understood , they make a lot of sense, both for accuracy and economy.
Aesthetically, that is in the eye of the beerholder.
For hunting I prefer a Sako M-85 due to the ability to magazine load, top load or top up the magazine. Very beneficial if you find yourself knee deep in a target rich environment.
Brad,
i think for the rangers you are wrong: the fact that there is a transfer of technology was the main factor, durability will be seen after few seasons in boat and komatik not before ...
the barrel are coming from Sako factory but the rest has been made to reduce cost ... what about the little part in plastic on the trigger that is locking the safety ....
i think for the rangers you are wrong: the fact that there is a transfer of technology was the main factor, durability will be seen after few seasons in boat and komatik not before ...
the barrel are coming from Sako factory but the rest has been made to reduce cost ... what about the little part in plastic on the trigger that is locking the safety ....
v
A few years of tough service will certainly tell the story.
In several 1000 rounds I have not have had any issues......became addicted to the easy low cost accuracy though ��
prairie lover
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern MB
The stock barreled rifles are loaded to magazine length or long enough to seat the bullet to the base of the neck, the proprietary 'forcing cone' on the T3 precludes fiddling with COL lengths in either direction. what do you mean with this?
- Location
- Haliburton County, Central Ontario
LOL. When getting back into shooting and hunting about 12 years ago I handled a new Tikka at Epps and was so unimpressed that I handed it back to the sales person and put this make of rifle out of mind for good. It felt like I was handling a Savage Edge/Axis. I left with a Browning BLR which I still have.
thepolinator
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Sudbury, ON
I didn't mean to imply that this thread was tikka hating, but there is allot of tikka hate on the forum. These rifles are not on the level of $1,000+ rifles, but they are good rifles. I have used mine in -30 and never had an issue, but it may very well be that there are QC issues.
Bluedevil25
CGN Regular
- Location
- Saskatoon, Sask.
I own several left hand Tikkas haven't had any issues with them or any with my reloads.
The chamber / throat design is such that COL is not critical to accuracy. The leade is a gentle 11 degrees, best of my knowledge, this allows the bullet to enter the rifling with out causing to much damage, an undamaged bullet will fly better than a damaged one.
So, loading to magazine length is no real consequence to accuracy, loading at max COL will increase the size of the powder space.
In the 300 I have the 208 A-maxes are loaded to a COL of just under 4" (these are single loaded), alternatively a loaded 200gr AccuBond is loaded to 3.34", magazine length, these are two very different loads but accuracy remains vg-excellent.
People who moan about the fact that they can't reach the rifling because of magazine constraints have unfounded concerns in this area.
Here's a read on the subject.
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/11615432/all/Tikka_T-3_grouping
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/11615432/all/Tikka_T-3_grouping
BCBRAD............you are buying into hype.........the standard leade angles are 1.5-3 degrees and I know this because I buy reamers almost monthly......do you? You are trying to justify the short magazine of the Tikka, however you do not know what you are talking about. Jump to rifling is not the end of the world, I agree there, the Mark V has had this all it's years of over 60 now, but it is not desirable unless you are seeking the ultimate in velocity and are willing to sacrifice some level of accuracy to achieve it, in most cases. My observations and issues with the Tikka T3 are what they are, and there are many other rifles out there in the same price range that don't have these issues. It would seem that many others who have posted here have observed the same issues and have had similar problems with Tikka T3s. If they are working for you then all is good, but the many issues I have had with this one T3 tell me I will never need to own one. I'm sorry but your extended diatribe doesn't impress me nor does it negate the problems I have had with this rifle, and some of these problems I deem to be major design flaws. Whether or not you have had issues with the ejection port is not relevant..........I did, and that is all that matters to me. Whether or not yours shoot 1/2" groups is also not relevant to me because this one has yet to do better than 3" groups, and whether or not you single load yours to endeavor to reach the lands is also completely irrelevant to me, as I'm working with this rifle as a hunting rifle which must be able to load shells into the magazine and then into the rifle. I posted on here the issues I had with this rifle not to personally insult you or your choice of firearms, I did it because I was actually surprised at what a POS this T3 is after all the great things I had heard about them. How wonderfully accurate they are, how smooth they are, how great they are...............I have experienced none of the accolades.......OK it is smooth, but it ain't accurate, it ain't reliable and it ain't 1/2 the rifle I was led to believe it was. I have been buying and building and shooting rifles for more than 40 years now, I have hunted over a great portion of the globe and I have used many rifles in this time frame, and I would never recommend anyone to buy a Tikka T3............It is, in my highly experienced opinion based on the 40 years of hunting and shooting and building and fixing guns, a POS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't have to agree with me but I would never take this rifle afield on any hunt that I actually cared whether or not I harvested anything.............let alone a hunt I have paid 60K for.........
