Tikka T3 Super Varmint: A rare bird in Canada?

[Inoxy]

I'm not expert, but for my advanced amateur use I've been really happy with the crispness of the t3 trigger. If you got it and didn't like it, there's no shortage of options to upgrade..... Coretac is a good source of tikka upgrades, and so is tikkashooters from Montana.....

So. . . if I'm reading between the lines correctly; you have a standard, unmodified T3 trigger, and are "really happy" with its crispness? Like ntn, have you been disappointed with the set trigger sometime in your past?
Your point re: a contingency plan should I NOTlike it & want to upgrade seems like a more than reasonable position to justify not obsessing over that point.
Coretac & tikkashooters from Montana have become part of my database now, too.
Thanks.

 

[ben777lemay]

I just went through their 2016 offerings (to dealers) and they do not even list the Super Varmint models.

In fact, they don't list the blued Varmint models either.

Their only offerings in that line are the T3 Stainless Varmint in either right or left hand (more limited in calibers than the right).

Its very sad we don't see those blued T3 Varmints.

I'm sure if they import a batch in very popular calibers like 6.5X55, .223, .308, etc, they would sell very quickly.

 

[galamb]

I don't do a great deal of business with Stoeger so can't really say if they will special order in anything not on the list (or at least try to get it) I personally find them a "royal pain" to deal with and if you don't make it easy for me to get your product, I will source "something else from someone else".

My Browning rep sent me an email from the Shot Show with a list of exclusive stuff that never would typically ship to Canada and asked me to send him my "shopping list" - it's that kind of service that gets me putting more Browning's in the showcase than Tikka's because their rep can't even bother answering me back when I ask what they have in stock.

And looking at Sako/Tikka's list of distributors there only appears to be one in Canada and one in the US - not aware of anyone else importing them.

And it's unfortunate because there is a crap pile in the T3 line that is just "not available" here.

Sometimes it sucks to be Canadian.

 

[TFunfer]

T3 Tactical: $2219 (223 with 20 or 24" BBL, 308 with 20 or 23 5/8" BBL) $2244 (300 Win Mag) - no left hand versions

And that's all the 2016 listings from Stoeger for the Canadian Market for 2016

OUCH! I was lucky to pick up a T3 Tac in 223 from Reliable on their December sale at $1486.

It now sits in a MDT HS3 chassis and is showing promise. The trigger is good and crisp but a bit too heavy, need to lighten it up. Would prefer a good two stage trigger same as my other precision rifles. The set trigger in my T3 Sporter was fine shooting on the range but I didn't care for it in field use, either too heavy or far too light.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

Yes, unmodified. Been behind 3 T3 lites and my SV, I like em. Considered a trigger upgrade and I came to my senses and put the money to something more useful.

Would be good to find someone in your area that could bed your new toy....and a pillar kit from coretac would be 65$ well spent....

 

[stubblejumper]

There is no way that I would pay for a new Super Varmint. For less money you can purchase a T-3 Varmint Stainless; and bed it into a B&C M40 stock which is what I did last fall. I much prefer the B&C stock over the plastic Super Varmint stock.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

I just looked at the tikka site.....

Both the V and the SV are available in both 1:8 and 1:12 twist in .223.....

I agree with stubbly..... If the only difference is the rail and the stock, just get the V

Now, your next thing to fret about is a bipod!!!!

 

[Crashman]

I have had lots of Tikka rifles over the years and I truly think they are the best value in a factory rifle available today. Currently I have a T3 Tactical in 308 and a standard Varmint also in 308, however I put the Tactical into a Boyds Pro Varmint and the Varmint is now in the Tactical stock. The Varmint is a new rifle, first trip to the range was just a couple of days ago, and with factory Hornady 155 grain Amax Palma match it shot 5 into 0.445" after zeroing. It is going back tomorrow for some drop information out to 400 yards, and confirmation it shoots that good. The Tactical is another story, I bought it used from the EE, it came with a 20 MOA rail and a TRG muzzle brake, it also likes the Hornady ammo previously mentioned, but shoots it into the 0.3"s when I can hold it together. I haven't found a hand load that will out perform that level of accuracy yet. Both rifles are wearing Vortex Razor HD scopes, on EGW 20 and 30 MOA rails, and both will be pillar and Devcon bedded before the warm weather hits. Both rifles have the original factory triggers, the standard single stage trigger tweaked down to 2.5 lbs and I like them very much, I would not bother with the two stage, just too much fiddling in my mind. My shooting partner uses a T3 Sporter in 6.5X55 Swede and it shoots even better than these two 308s, hand loads with the 139 Lapua Scenar has put 5 into 0.118"with he average in the 0.2"s.

So here is my thinking, buy the standard Varmint, save the $700 or what ever it is. Buy a Boyds Pro Varmint laminated stock for $300 and an EGW 30 MOA rail for $100, then put the other $300 into pillar and Devcon bedding. You will end up with a better rifle in the end with a little customized flair to it as well. And once you have it completed, share some pictures on here so we can all drool over it! Good luck!

 

[ntm]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Tikka-T3-12-20-ounce-trigger-return-spring-/161879062356

That's all you need to make the tikka trigger rock !

 

[P of PDent]

Its very sad we don't see those blued T3 Varmints.

I'm sure if they import a batch in very popular calibers like 6.5X55, .223, .308, etc, they would sell very quickly.

In the past several years Stoeger Canada was limited significantly in the number of Sako/Tikka guns they could order from the factory due to world wide demand. Up until recently (embargo against Russia) no extra guns were available. Even though the blued HB guns are manufactured they are not imported by Stoeger Canada as they have felt in the past that the stainless HB were sufficient for the Canadian market. We have tried special orders from items not listed in the catalogue with mostly negative results. Stoeger Canada has recently expanded their warehouse and offices (including an indoor range) so we are getting better served than in the past. Stoeger Canada is owned directly by the Berretta family so they have a significant personal interest in it's continued success. Phil.

 

[albertacoyotecaller]

If they have significant personal interest in its success, get someone to teach them some customer service skills!

 

[TFunfer]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Tikka-T3-12-20-ounce-trigger-return-spring-/161879062356

That's all you need to make the tikka trigger rock !

Thanks for the link, Spring is ordered

 

[Inoxy]

I just looked at the tikka site.....

Both the V and the SV are available in both 1:8 and 1:12 twist in .223.....

I agree with stubbly..... If the only difference is the rail and the stock, just get the V

Now, your next thing to fret about is a bipod!!!!

Funny you should mention Bipod. . . that is exactly my next order of business! What constitutes features to look for? At first blush, absolute rigitity and impervious to the weather seem minimal starting points. Adjustability?, high strength-to-weight ratio, parts availability, product available in Canada (That has become a more than important criteria for me to insist on, as of late)

 

[Inoxy]

OUCH! I was lucky to pick up a T3 Tac in 223 from Reliable on their December sale at $1486.

It now sits in a MDT HS3 chassis and is showing promise. The trigger is good and crisp but a bit too heavy, need to lighten it up. Would prefer a good two stage trigger same as my other precision rifles. The set trigger in my T3 Sporter was fine shooting on the range but I didn't care for it in field use, either too heavy or far too light.

$1486.00. . ? Is that Canadian PESO's or the highly valuable US$? The only T3 Super Varmint I've seen priced to date is hundreds and hundreds more than that (if CDN. $), & its still not the Tactical model.
You may want to consider some lottery ticket purchases in your immediate future as someone/thing appears to be smiling on you!
That's the 3rd vote for NOT spec'ing the Set trigger as a must have option.
Thanks for chiming in.

 

[Inoxy]

There is no way that I would pay for a new Super Varmint. For less money you can purchase a T-3 Varmint Stainless; and bed it into a B&C M40 stock which is what I did last fall. I much prefer the B&C stock over the plastic Super Varmint stock.

When you say "what I did last fall" did you truly do-it-yourself or is that out of the realm of less-than-Gunsmiths?
The way you say "Plastic" instead of "fiber reinforced polymer" hints at some of the disdain I feel toward much of the consumer goods available these days. Solid wood has its limitations for me, granted, however it DOES feel good and it looks better, too! I've been a fan of plywood for many years instead of solid lumber, particle board et al, and the laminated wood stock available for the Sako 85 just does it for me. Since I'm such a lazy SOB, would it be too much to ask, "what material is a B&C M40 stock crafted from?"

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

Funny you should mention Bipod. . . that is exactly my next order of business! What constitutes features to look for? At first blush, absolute rigitity and impervious to the weather seem minimal starting points. Adjustability?, high strength-to-weight ratio, parts availability, product available in Canada (That has become a more than important criteria for me to insist on, as of late)

Well..... There are 3 levels of cost, IMO

You could get a champion pivot traverse for about 80$ and it'll likely be fine. I have one. It's pretty good.

Then, the Harris, at about 120-150$. I think most would agree they're the gold standard and most common. They're really useful, and fairly light. I have several. They look a little utilitarian.

From there it goes stratospheric.... Atlas and LRA are the two that come to mind and you're looking at 4-550$. They are beautiful pieces of machining art, light, and rigid. I'm looking at one of this level for my modern hunter.

Things I've learned are important are:

- the ability to cant/pivot. If you're on uneven ground you'll need it.
- panning is nice, but not needed.
- choice of height: bench is 5-9", prone is 6 (for a little person) and 8-12 if your 6 foot-ish. For hunting i'd suggest a Harris 12-25. It's low enough for prone (barely), but high enough to use kneeling to get you up out of the snow and grass
- get a core-lock lever from coretac. You crank it down and it makes everything solid. It's about 20$.

All of these are available in Canada, at reasonable prices despite the sh!te dollar.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

When you say "what I did last fall" did you truly do-it-yourself or is that out of the realm of less-than-Gunsmiths?
The way you say "Plastic" instead of "fiber reinforced polymer" hints at some of the disdain I feel toward much of the consumer goods available these days. Solid wood has its limitations for me, granted, however it DOES feel good and it looks better, too! I've been a fan of plywood for many years instead of solid lumber, particle board et al, and the laminated wood stock available for the Sako 85 just does it for me. Since I'm such a lazy SOB, would it be too much to ask, "what material is a B&C M40 stock crafted from?"

Bedding can be done at home. I've not done it yet, and I've been fortunate enough to find "a guy" who knows what he's doing..... There are YouTube vids to watch. For me it falls into the "I'm likely better to go to work for two hours and pay someone who knows what their doing and have it done right the first time..."

The tikka plastic stocks are light and functional. They feel like plastic (cause they are), and they're tough as hell. I bought a Boyd's for my .300 cause I wanted something nicer, and heavier, and adjustable. I am keeping the plastic stock for hunting though.

 

[Inoxy]

So here is my thinking, buy the standard Varmint, save the $700 or what ever it is. Buy a Boyds Pro Varmint laminated stock for $300 and an EGW 30 MOA rail for $100, then put the other $300 into pillar and Devcon bedding. You will end up with a better rifle in the end with a little customized flair to it as well. And once you have it completed, share some pictures on here so we can all drool over it! Good luck!

A "brave heart" I see. I also liked "Nobles!. . they could argue the colour of ####e!"
If I may ask, what is involved with the installation of The EGW 30 MOA rail? Is the after-market stock something that needs a gunsmith to fit?
What I particularly find appealing to your well explained approach are the following points: you address my present limitations,ie:a beginner uncertain of how far he will go in the sport, financial responsibility (I do share my space with a Finance Minister that needs to feel I'm responsible!), I'll have some thing reasonably usable right out of the gate, & I'll have options to upgrade as I develop/want to improve myself & my gear in a step wise fashion.
I like it.
Thanks for spending the time to exercise your typing fingers.

 

[Inoxy]

In the past several years Stoeger Canada was limited significantly in the number of Sako/Tikka guns they could order from the factory due to world wide demand. Up until recently (embargo against Russia) no extra guns were available. Even though the blued HB guns are manufactured they are not imported by Stoeger Canada as they have felt in the past that the stainless HB were sufficient for the Canadian market. We have tried special orders from items not listed in the catalogue with mostly negative results. Stoeger Canada has recently expanded their warehouse and offices (including an indoor range) so we are getting better served than in the past. Stoeger Canada is owned directly by the Berretta family so they have a significant personal interest in it's continued success. Phil.

Appreciate the edification. You have my thanks for the time taken to expand my knowledge base.
As a Canadian, I'm keenly aware what happens to cold steel brought inside from a typical Canadian winter day. Sometimes things happen in life to prevent me from carefully maintaining the finely finished workings of a firearm when water starts to condense on/in it. Stainless is my go-to defense against that. As you can guess by the handle "INOXY" I've chosen, (short for French Inoxydable, ie; Stainless) I hold a special place for the stuff. I don't think Stoeger could sell me anything but a stainless barrel. I've heard rumours of Berretta's handling of the Sako 85 Ejector issues and am hopeful I will not feel a need to call upon anyone re. the Tikka I'm considering.
Thank you for your participation.

 

[Inoxy]

Well..... There are 3 levels of cost, IMO

You could get a champion pivot traverse for about 80$ and it'll likely be fine. I have one. It's pretty good.

Then, the Harris, at about 120-150$. I think most would agree they're the gold standard and most common. They're really useful, and fairly light. I have several. They look a little utilitarian.

From there it goes stratospheric.... Atlas and LRA are the two that come to mind and you're looking at 4-550$. They are beautiful pieces of machining art, light, and rigid. I'm looking at one of this level for my modern hunter.

Things I've learned are important are:

- the ability to cant/pivot. If you're on uneven ground you'll need it.
- panning is nice, but not needed.
- choice of height: bench is 5-9", prone is 6 (for a little person) and 8-12 if your 6 foot-ish. For hunting i'd suggest a Harris 12-25. It's low enough for prone (barely), but high enough to use kneeling to get you up out of the snow and grass
- get a core-lock lever from coretac. You crank it down and it makes everything solid. It's about 20$.

All of these are available in Canada, at reasonable prices despite the sh!te dollar.

Are you always this good to strangers? I barely know you & have received more relevant info./ insight from you in a week than anyone in recent memory.
Appreciating the fact-finding and helpful advice.
Sincerely,
INOXYDABLE