Tikka T3 SuperLite...looks good.

[smokeeter]

I've been looking for a lightweight stainless rifle for a bit now. I considered a Kimber, but a couple of bad experiences with Kimber (and no good ones) has soured me on them. I wanted a .300WinMag to replace a couple of older, chunkier ones I've just sold, and the Kimber in that chambering is quite a bit heavier than their short action job. I was on the verge of buying a Vanguard Backcountry, although it is also a bit heavier than I was hoping...and then I spotted the T3 Superlite on Cabela's website. Never heard of the model before that, but I went down to look at one and bought it on the spot. Stainless/synthetic, very shootable hunting trigger right out of the box, 24-inch fluted barrel. No serious accuracy testing yet, but several assorted 180gr loads that I had on hand shot three into less than 1.5MOA, rested off a picnic table @ 100 yards in -20 temperatures but with almost no wind. With a proper rest and more pleasant conditions, 1 MOA or better will be a gimme. And best of all: scoped with a 2-7x33 Leupold in Talley lightweight rings, the unloaded gun weighs 6.8 pounds...much lighter than the specs published on Cabela's site. It's early, but I think this gun has HUGE potential.

Forgot to add: the gun is on sale for $929. Considering that the Vanguard is several hundred more, and the Kimber several hundred more yet, I think the value is excellent.

Do yourself and favor and put a limbsaver pad on it , it'll be that much better. I have the almost identical set up except I have a vortex viper 2-7 on it. The McMillan is a beauty, might go that route in the future, but for now went the expense of just the pad.

 

[jjohnwm]

Do yourself and favor and put a limbsaver pad on it , it'll be that much better. I have the almost identical set up except I have a vortex viper 2-7 on it. The McMillan is a beauty, might go that route in the future, but for now went the expense of just the pad.

Yes, if I decide it's a keeper (pretty sure I will!) I may go that route. If it stays I may put the pad on if I don't upgrade the stock. I like the B&C stocks that Prophet River has, but it looks like they will cost me several ounces. Now that I'm below the magic 7-pounds-all-in mark, I hate the idea of adding any weight.

Pretty silly attitude, considering that my favourite .300 that I've used and carried extensively for almost 25 years weighed at least 2 pounds more!