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Tikka T3X TAC A1

Thrilling Orange Jiangshi

Private
Minuteman
Jun 8, 2025
2
0
US
recently got a T3X TAC A1 with vortex razor optic and Magpul bipod. What can I improve?

Thanks
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First, install the muzzle brake correctly. It's rotated 90 degrees from where it's supposed to be. The ports should be pointed out to the sides.

Next, if this is your first target gun I'd say just buy some good match ammo, a good rear bag, quality cleaning supplies, and shoot it. As you shoot it, you'll learn what you need. You'll probably want to upgrade that bipod fairly quickly (Harris or Atlas would be my suggestion) with something that is a little more solid. The trigger pull weight is adjustable on Tikkas, and you can get it to go even lighter by swapping the trigger spring with one from MCARBO, Yo Dave, or Mountain Tactical. Additionally, if you don't already have one I'd recommend getting a torque wrench that measures in inch-pounds so that you can be sure that everything is torqued to spec.
 
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install your muzzle brake correctly, you can add arca rails, maybe weight too
Better yet, remove the muzzle brake, it's not needed for the calibers this rifle comes in and the total weight is sufficient to keep the recoil down. And oldrifleman is correct, learn to shoot before you start buying upgrades just to look cool.
 
Tikka’s are above average rifles! You will be very happy with this. They are like glass, those actions. If I had to choose a push feed action, it would be the T3 line of some sort or another. I was just at a LGS and they had T3x Lite rifles on the rack for $800 brand new. Get one of those, and drop it into the chassis?? I think maybe you are doing a similar thing.
 
Better yet, remove the muzzle brake, it's not needed for the calibers this rifle comes in and the total weight is sufficient to keep the recoil down. And oldrifleman is correct, learn to shoot before you start buying upgrades just to look cool.
I disagree with your comments about the muzzle brake. He has not said what caliber nor his shooting history. We each also tolerate recoil differently. My son who climbs mountains, works out like crazy, finds the un-Braked recoil of a 6.5 Creedmoor excessive. He does need to time the brake though!
 
I disagree with your comments about the muzzle brake. He has not said what caliber nor his shooting history. We each also tolerate recoil differently. My son who climbs mountains, works out like crazy, finds the un-Braked recoil of a 6.5 Creedmoor excessive. He does need to time the brake though!
On a lite Tikka CTR in 6.5CM for hunting... maybe. On a Tikka TAC A1 in 6.5CM with scope, mount, bipod, etc., ~ 14 - 15lbs, not so much. But we can agree to disagree.