Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

[NoctisReitop]

I'm looking to buy / build a Tikka T3 rifle, but I'm having trouble ironing out all the points I would like. I'm also left handed. Ultimately, I want to emulate the TRG, which is not left handed, more gun, and more cost than I would like at this point in time. Purpose is target shooting.

Points I'd like to hit: Threaded, heavy barrel, left handed, TRG like stock

1: Buy Left handed T3 Sporter 20" (threads included) or 24" (not threaded) from Euro-optic special order. Thread 24" via smith (wary?). Probably the easiest.

2: Buy left handed Tikka T3 lite, replace barrel with either factory Tikka heavy threaded (Sporter, Tactical, or Varmint w/ thread job) or buy custom barrel w/ threads. Get KRG Stock. Might be best bang for the buck. Great if it totals < cost of Sporter.

3: Buy two guns (T3 Lite Left handed and T3 heavy barrel, and swap the actions and barrels. Add KRG and thread job. End up with 1 good rifle, and another pieced rifle that wouldn't have a purpose. Probably not the best idea...

4: I need to shut up and buy a regular right handed gun, settle for a Savage, or bite the bullet and get the TRG.

As far as I know, one can't just buy Tikka actions and / or barrels. I've been banging my head on which route to go. Euro-optic is sold out of the threaded sporter in the caliber I want. Would threading the 24" require the barrel be cut back, or just add the threads to the last inch of the barrel? I'm also having trouble locating another dealer that's participating in the special order of the lefty Sporters. Any input on above options or alternative options is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking a look,
-Noctis

 

[hewlett260]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

If I was you, go the custom route and use the KRG chassis.

 

[skog]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

Left hand t3 lite of proper cartridge family, rebarrel and thread, trg trigger, Krg chassis. TRG stocks, tikka plastic bolt knob = close to a left hand trg that you can get.

 

[NoctisReitop]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

Thanks for the replies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Left hand t3 lite of proper cartridge family, rebarrel and thread, trg trigger, Krg chassis. TRG stocks, tikka plastic bolt knob = close to a left hand trg that you can get. </div></div>

I hadn't considered actually dropping Tikka action in an empty TRG stock. Is that possible? I'm not familiar with the intimate similarities (screw locations etc) between the TRG and Tikka action.

What would be differences between barrel manufacturers? I've tried to do some light research here and the general consensus I've found is to stay within a subset of manufacturers and one's experience would be excellent and similar across the brands. Obviously the wait time would differ. What else?

 

[Joop]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

I think options 1 & 2 are the most logical. For option one, I think you would need to decide if the stock is what you want, or if you would intend to sell the laminate stock and replace with the KRG (or something else), anyway. If you're not digging that stock, you could try to sell it to recover some of the money, but I would really go for option two if that were the case.

I have the Sporter in 6.5x55. I love the way it fits me, but am still having a hard time getting myself to like the color (probably won't ever happen, but since the fit is great, I'll live with it, for now). The local shop where I got mine is one of the few places that have them and they MIGHT have left handed models in stock, as well. They have all the available calibers/lengths in RH. If this is the route you decide to take, PM me for their info.

However, if you're not sure about the stock, or just plain hate the way they look or feel, go with option two. You'll probably spend more in the long run, but you'll have exactly what you want. Also, I have a couple of friends who are lefties, as well as my wife (who has a T3 Lite in .223). Don't "settle" for a right handed gun, if that's not what you want. You'll be much happier with a LH model.

Edit: Forgot that the W3 doesn't come in LH. Sent you a PM with some other possible options.

My .02

John

 

[jwSubMOA]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

Get the Scout and thread it. Put it in a KRG stock and accessorize to your taste. Absolutely awesome guns and set up this way will run with anything. This is mine. I bought a used .338 Federal T3 and rebarreled with an old Douglas barrel off a 700. Turned the muzzle down slightly to eliminate taper and mounted a Sako TRG brake that I bored out to clamp on. I replaced the shroud and bolt handle with HSS parts from KRG. Atlas V8 and monopod. The scope base is EGW 20 MOA and that's a USO SN-3 3.2-17 in ARC rings. I finished it up by Duracoating the forend and grips Sako green and the barreled action in flat black. My buddy HVY700 helped me put it together. My one armed one legged ass can wear the steel out to 700 plus and print bug holes at 100 off my Hog Saddle. You will not be disappointed!

 

[NoctisReitop]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwSubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get the Scout and thread it. Put it in a KRG stock and accessorize to your taste. Absolutely awesome guns and set up this way will run with anything. This is mine. I bought a used .338 Federal T3 and rebarreled with an old Douglas barrel off a 700. Turned the muzzle down slightly to eliminate taper and mounted a Sako TRG brake that I bored out to clamp on. I replaced the shroud and bolt handle with HSS parts from KRG. Atlas V8 and monopod. The scope base is EGW 20 MOA and that's a USO SN-3 3.2-17 in ARC rings. I finished it up by Duracoating the forend and grips Sako green and the barreled action in flat black. My buddy HVY700 helped me put it together. My one armed one legged ass can wear the steel out to 700 plus and print bug holes at 100 off my Hog Saddle. You will not be disappointed!

</div></div>
Very nice. I'm ignorant of typical duracoat and other types of coating. Do these coatings work on stainless? Do you need to rough up the surface for it to adhere? Is it easy to obtain uniform distribution / coating? I figure I'd mess it up and it'd look like a child's fingerpaint job =\



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Joop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Edit: Forgot that the W3 doesn't come in LH. Sent you a PM with some other possible options.

My .02

John</div></div>
I had been in contact with the KRG guy, and he said the KRG Chassis was very easy to modify the krg chassis to accept a left bolt / port action.

 

[jwSubMOA]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

Duracoat is super easy for DIY work. You don't HAVE to blast but it would help. I generally Parkerize any carbon steel items and use Scotchbrite pads on stainless. As far as I know none of the spray on coatings have any issue being applied to stainless. I started with a cheap airbrush but you will get better results with a inexpensive, quality gravity fed spray gun.

 

[Massoud]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

A T3 will not drop into a TRG stock.

The Sporter looks nice but I wish they would have just put it in a walnut Master Sporter stock the same as the 595.

Also, the W3 is easy to modify for LH for someone with a milling machine.
Thanks,
Justin

 

[vimpel]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

My T3 in roedale RCS 2 (1:22 min) very solid quality stock with VIPER side panels...
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[skog]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoctisReitop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the replies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Left hand t3 lite of proper cartridge family, rebarrel and thread, trg trigger, Krg chassis. TRG stocks, tikka plastic bolt knob = close to a left hand trg that you can get. </div></div>

I hadn't considered actually dropping Tikka action in an empty TRG stock. Is that possible? I'm not familiar with the intimate similarities (screw locations etc) between the TRG and Tikka action.

What would be differences between barrel manufacturers? I've tried to do some light research here and the general consensus I've found is to stay within a subset of manufacturers and one's experience would be excellent and similar across the brands. Obviously the wait time would differ. What else? </div></div>

A tikka will not drop in a trg stock but you can drop a tikka into a Krg chassis and then put trg stocks on a Krg chassis.

 

[NoctisReitop]

Re: Interested in Tikka T3 buy / build opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
A tikka will not drop in a trg stock but you can drop a tikka into a Krg chassis and then put trg stocks on a Krg chassis. </div></div>

Hadn't thought of it that way. The aft end (shoulder and grip) of the TRG could bolt directly to the KRG trigger assembly and fore end?? It makes sense from the point of view that the KRG folding stock attaching to the forward chassis of the TRG should also work inversely.