Opinions??TIKKA T3 Lite Rifles

Eagle160

Eagle160

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Greetings Nutz! Because I have to over analize everything I want to hear what you think about Tikka T3 Lite rifles. I have an unfired .308 stainless and a gently used 30-06 stainless on the way and I'm not convinced that either are gonna be my rifle of choice.

Comments, observations, suggestions????
 
I had a stainless synthetic bugger in .338wm, and my roommate had the same in .308. The .338 shot like a brick attached to a lazer. The 308 shot just like a laser. Both put nice holes where the crosshairs were, and the action cycling was that legendary lightness.

Great guns for sure...
 
I have one in 6.5 Swede. I haven't shot it lots yet, but it is light, handy, and quick to the shoulder. I haven't done a lot of load development for it yet either, but it seems to like 140 Partitions and a healthy dose of Reloder 22. All in all a handy quick handling package that isn't hard on the wallet.
 
Best I could make of the opponents of the T3 were that they either didn't like the plastic components for reasons of aesthetics, fit of stock to the user and fears of its lack of durability (the plastic parts, that is). Those who did like the guns said they were accurate, reliable and a pleasure to operate (ball bearing smooth bolt and light, crisp, factory trigger). I figured I'd go down to Wholesale Sports and see for myself. The look and fit of the stock seemed good to me, and the trigger and bolt were excellent. I bought a 308 in stainless and fitted it with Leupold two piece bases and rings. I thought the Tikka one's seemed overpriced, in the neighborhood of $150.00 for rings and bases. I've had it out to the range 2 or 3 times now and I know I made a good choice. It operates smoothly and shoots tight groups with inexpensive Federal 150 or 180 grain ammo. It prints a group at 100 or 200 yards that is more less minute of angle. I'd prefer to shoot is a whole lot more under better conditions before I make any absolute declarations as to exactly how accurate it is, but today was damn windy and my first two shots at 200 yards were an inch apart. For a hunting gun that is all I could desire. I'm also pleased with the overall light weight and dimensions of the gun. The plastic mag seems overpriced to me, but on the other hand I can't see a need to purchase a second mag. I always leave the mag in the gun. Some point out the difficulty of feeding an additional round directly through the small receiver port, but I really can't see a need for more than 3 shots out hunting with a bolt action. I didn't buy the gun for 4 fast follow up shots, I bought it for one good, accurate first shot. That 30-06 will probably make a good big game rifle that you can carry for many hours or miles and not feel the weight so bad.
 
They are

excellent off the shelf guns.

The only thing to consider is that if you are looking at customizing down the road they are the WRONG choice.

Rem and Savage is the way to go then.
 
I just got one in 308. Had some nasty accuracy experiences with Winchester Super-X 180 grain's, but then I tried some hand loads and it's now shooting 1.25-ish inch groups consistently. What I really like is the feel of the gun - it fits me well, shoulders nice, and it's nice and light.
 
I have fired a few,and all shot sub moa.They are a very good off the shelf rifle,if you have no plans to customize them at any point.However they are light and result in a lot of felt recoil in the larger magnum chamberings.
 
As far as the plastic haters' opinions are concerned, the so-called plastic is one of the toughest and lightest polymers made. Be around a lot longer than we will!
The "plastic" read injection-moulded whatever the heck stuff they're all made of, the T3's stock is probably the best out there for recoil absorption and general fit. Great action, legendary smoothness, and a fine adjustable trigger make them a great choice. Have a few, in various stocks and finishes and they'll all do the guaranteed subMOA with the right load - tailor a load for it, and look out. Like any good rifle they can be made to shoot extremely accurately. Best gun for the dollar there is right now IMHO.
 
In my humble opinion, Tikkas have always been a stand up firearm until the T3came along. I would always lean towards a Tikka in M695 or M65 and predecessors but would never purchase a T3 unless in a lighter varminter caliber.
 
I've got the 30-06 and love it. I find Tikka T3 rifles to be very accurate.
I just received a T3 Lite Stainless in .223 Rem as a gift, but I haven't had out at the range yet.
 
I've had 3 of them, don't have any now. They are light, and shoot straight, but the mag length is restrictive if you like heavy-for-caliber bullets.

Only place to get parts is from Finland, and I think Stoeger brings stuff over on a dingy.;)
 
blargon said:
I've had 3 of them, don't have any now. They are light, and shoot straight, but the mag length is restrictive if you like heavy-for-caliber bullets.

Only place to get parts is from Finland, and I think Stoeger brings stuff over on a dingy.;)
Click to expand...

See..........he's had 3 of them and now has NONE. That alone tells a story ;) My feelings in just a few words.
 
I bought Dukeoflawnchairs (second poster) .338 and have had nothing but great experiences so far. The bolt is as slick as snot. It feeds flawlessly, and is VERY light (great for long carry's in the bush). YES recoil is super stout, but tell me of a 6.38 lb rifle in .338 that recoil isn't stout in. I just put a decelerator recoil pad on and it's good to go. I have worked up several good hunting loads, and all are averaging 1 inch at 100. (Not concerned with better than that, although I am sure with some load tweaking, it certainly could be attained). The mag certainly doesn't give much room for shallow seating bullets, it can't take bullets much longer than the stated max OAL.
The stock is fibreglass reinforced plastic, not just plastic, and it feels TOTALLY different than any other synthetic stock I have ever held, its super hard, and has little to no flex at the forearm tip. I definately WONT BE SELLING THIS RIFLE ANY TIME SOON, (I even sold my .300 win mag because I know I wont be using that caliber any time soon, now that this little baby is in my stable) I am gonna bust up some black bear a$$ real soon. Is it normal to get a chubby when holding a Tikka??? If yes, then I am REALLY normal.
 
I had a 300WSM. If you are not recoil sensitive: great rifle. Kicks like a son of a gun. Action smooth as butter. Good value if you choose the correct caliber to match your individual pursuit for accuracy.**Clips expensive**.
 
More or less, all Tikka T3 series rifles are shooters especially when you load your own ammo. I find them good rifles, but if you ever want a good Tikka rifle find M65. IMO, best ever Tika made.

Greetings
 
The one thing that I recalled which some folks have a beef with is that extra magazines are pricey. Seems to be $65-80, depending where you shop. I haven't seen any third party mags for the T3 either.

Not a big deal for me though.
 
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