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Tikka T3 Tac vs. SIG SSG 3000

houndog

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
May 6, 2005
552
419
Have just started thinking about getting my first long range bolt action rifle. Goal would be to get a very accurate rifle, probably in .308 for paper punching and maybe to eventually get into long range shooting - although honestly that will probably be down the road, since I currently don't have anyplace nearby where I can do long range shooting.

I'd be willing to spend around $1,500 for the gun (although if an additional $5-600 got me a lot more I'd dig a little deeper to come up with the money).

Some very preliminary research has yielded two possible candidates in my price range - the Tikka and the SIG. Don't have any first hand experience with either and although I own a bunch of semi-auto rifles (an AK, an FAL, a bunch of AR's) and I probably put a hundred rounds a week downrange my only experience with bolt guns is my .22 and a Schmidt Rubin K31. Wondering what people think of the above two rifles and would be interested in any other recommendations you guys have.

Oh, and I shoot lefty and my .22 is a LH model, so in a perfect world it would be nice to have this option - although all my other rifles are right hand.
 
Have just started thinking about getting my first long range bolt action rifle. Goal would be to get a very accurate rifle, probably in .308 for paper punching and maybe to eventually get into long range shooting - although honestly that will probably be down the road, since I currently don't have anyplace nearby where I can do long range shooting.

I'd be willing to spend around $1,500 for the gun (although if an additional $5-600 got me a lot more I'd dig a little deeper to come up with the money).

Some very preliminary research has yielded two possible candidates in my price range - the Tikka and the SIG. Don't have any first hand experience with either and although I own a bunch of semi-auto rifles (an AK, an FAL, a bunch of AR's) and I probably put a hundred rounds a week downrange my only experience with bolt guns is my .22 and a Schmidt Rubin K31. Wondering what people think of the above two rifles and would be interested in any other recommendations you guys have.

Oh, and I shoot lefty and my .22 is a LH model, so in a perfect world it would be nice to have this option - although all my other rifles are right hand.

Coming from a guy named "tikka260", the ssg 3000 patrol is the no-brainer. Shop around, rumour is that you can get it for all of $1200 in your great country.
 
Yep I agree. The Tikka is a FANTASTIC rifle but cant compare with the SSG. The 60 degree lift, super smooth action, user change barrels, and one of the best centerfire triggers on the planet.
 
Quick question - it's my understanding that there are two SIG SSG 3000. One is made in Germany, and comes with a McMillan stock and interchangeable barrels. It costs $3000. The other is a recently released U.S. version (which is what I can afford). No McMillan stock.:( And there appears to be confusion about whether the barrel can be changed out by user. So far, I've heard: (i) yes it can, (ii) no it can't, and (iii) the early ones contain this feature but the later ones do not. So I do want to be clear that you guys are all referring to the new $1,500 U.S. Sig, not the old $3,000 German Sig, which at twice the price should be nicer than the Tikka. Also, does anyone have a definitive answer on whether the barrel is interchangeable.

And thanks for the heads up on a possible SIG 3000 for $1,200. That would be a great price. The cheapest I've seen was around $1,350 or $1,400, so I will definitely keep flylo in mind if and when I eventually scrape the money together to go forward on this - hopefully in the next couple of months.
 
Quick question - it's my understanding that there are two SIG SSG 3000. One is made in Germany, and comes with a McMillan stock and interchangeable barrels. It costs $3000. The other is a recently released U.S. version (which is what I can afford). No McMillan stock.:( And there appears to be confusion about whether the barrel can be changed out by user. So far, I've heard: (i) yes it can, (ii) no it can't, and (iii) the early ones contain this feature but the later ones do not. So I do want to be clear that you guys are all referring to the new $1,500 U.S. Sig, not the old $3,000 German Sig, which at twice the price should be nicer than the Tikka. Also, does anyone have a definitive answer on whether the barrel is interchangeable.

And thanks for the heads up on a possible SIG 3000 for $1,200. That would be a great price. The cheapest I've seen was around $1,350 or $1,400, so I will definitely keep flylo in mind if and when I eventually scrape the money together to go forward on this - hopefully in the next couple of months.


Barrels are user changable. Barreled action made in Germany. Stock and flash hinder are weak points, may be better off getting thcmcmillan version.
 
Being European I never have seen the newer US version,but i can comment on what i do know.
I own a 200 STR and used it for competition for almost 10 years, had a McM SSG stock for it once.
For anyone not familiar with this rifle, the 200 TR is the origin for the SSG 3000.
Same action, triggers, barrels minus Muzzle break or flash hider,and a laminate stock.
JBell pointed out it's stronger points, 60 degree bolt, solid and smooth action, easy barrel changes, Usable with most standard (0.473 bolt face) cartidges as it's mag length is 3,4 (87,5 mm), and they're generally accurate rifles.
The barrel change system is simple and works well, one of it's strongest points is the cheap but accurate barrels that's available in large quantity here. Never seen one that would'nt shoot half moa or better if bedded, with a decent shooter.
There are better and pricier options though S&L of Denmark makes barrels for them that are generally of slightly better quality.
And Border Barrels makes very good prefit barrels for them, and they do make a barrel extension for it.
The triggers are indeed nice, but there are several that are better in my opinion, there is a version available with lighter pull weights then the standard one.
You can also find a few aftermarket accessories if you can shop from Europe.

The Barrel is interchangeable, actions, barrels and triggers is produced by Sauer in Germany.
The action is just slightly modified with a intergal rail.
The new stock honestly looks cheap and not too well made.

If you want one buy the patrol, do so and upgrade the stock later, and buy a new muzzle device.
This will cost you less then a new standard version.

Now the big question really is, does SIG USA import and sell barrels in all the available calibers, lengths and contours, in quantities to supply the US market?
They have not done so previously, someone else can probably answer this, but should be checked out before you buy.
As having a quick change barrel system with no available new barrels, is kind of pointless.
It is possible though to make a barrel extension from a outshot barrel if you know someone with machining skills.
And here barrels is bought through Sauer who produce them witch makes this problem non existent.


Tikka generally makes excellent rifles, and the T3's tend to be very accurate.
As for the Tikka T3 Tac, it's simply a waster of money in my opinion compared to a Varmint or Lite.
The varmint goes for half the price, difference being a picatinny rail and the finish.
The stocks is the real weak points of the Tikkas you will want to change it no matter what.
Same goes for bottom metal and the bolt shroud witch both are plastic and the aluminum recoil lug.
The Sauer is most likely superior out of the box.
But if you buy a Varmint, sell off the stock, mag system, shroud and lug you will get a few hundred dollars.
You have quite a lot of money left for a new stock and DBM or chassis, bedding job, picatinny rail, new trigger spring, recoil lug, shroud and possibly a new bolt handle.

Then the difference between these rifles has shrunken by a large margin.
Shoot out the barrel and get a new custom barrel fitted with a rem style recoil lug, change to a TRG or B&A trigger, and i would favor the T 3 for sure.
The T3 does also have only one standard length action witch means it simple to change to a bigger caliber, and you get bolts with larger bolt faces, something to consider if you wanna change to a new round later on.


If the choice was mine i would not buy the SIG if it has no available parts or aftermarket accessories.
With the available components i have around here a 200 STR would really be a very easy choice though.
The T3's are good rifles and do have more aftermarket support and you have the advantage of being able to upgrade as your funds allow.
 
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Powermac makes a good point about the parts here in the US. It has been rumored that Sig is going to step up and start supporting these rifles properly, but that is just a rumor. I love my Sauer 200STR and would not part with it even without support from SIG...
 
Thanks, really helpful comments. Great write up Powermac. You even anticipated one of my questions. I chose the Tikka Tac as opposed to a varmint/lite model since I wanted to try to compare apples to apples, but I was never really clear what you got for your money other than a more tactical looking stock. One of the less expensive Tikka's might make a lot of sense for me, particularly since this will be my first precision bolt gun and I suspect I have a pretty steep learning curve ahead of me. Might make sense saving some $ at the outset, and then upgrading as I acquire more knowledge/skill and get a better idea of what I want.

Final consideration may be availability of a LH model. I do have a .22 CZ with a left hand bolt and it definitely is faster and more convenient for follow up shots. I know I can get a LH Tikka. Haven't seen any southpaw SIG's.
 
I think a better comparison of the SSG 3000 would be the Tikka T3 Sporter. The only think I did not like about it was the magazine system, but I understand there are a few firms trying to come up with aftermarket mags systems.
 
I have the US version of the SSG 3000, gun shoots great and although I've not pushed it out truly long range I was smacking steel at 525 yards right after I installed the new scope.

I've not found anything lacking on the stock, although its a deal breaker for many for whatever reason. Sure it's not a McMillan, but you're not paying for a McMillan either.

Buy with confidence, mines a shooter. One thing to note, mags at around $90 a pop.
 
Being European I never have seen the newer US version,but i can comment on what i do know.
I own a 200 STR and used it for competition for almost 10 years, had a McM SSG stock for it once.
For anyone not familiar with this rifle, the 200 TR is the origin for the SSG 3000.
Same action, triggers, barrels minus Muzzle break or flash hider,and a laminate stock.
JBell pointed out it's stronger points, 60 degree bolt, solid and smooth action, easy barrel changes, Usable with most standard (0.473 bolt face) cartidges as it's mag length is 3,4 (87,5 mm), and they're generally accurate rifles.
The barrel change system is simple and works well, one of it's strongest points is the cheap but accurate barrels that's available in large quantity here. Never seen one that would'nt shoot half moa or better if bedded, with a decent shooter.
There are better and pricier options though S&L of Denmark makes barrels for them that are generally of slightly better quality.
And Border Barrels makes very good prefit barrels for them, and they do make a barrel extension for it.
The triggers are indeed nice, but there are several that are better in my opinion, there is a version available with lighter pull weights then the standard one.
You can also find a few aftermarket accessories if you can shop from Europe.

The Barrel is interchangeable, actions, barrels and triggers is produced by Sauer in Germany.
The action is just slightly modified with a intergal rail.
The new stock honestly looks cheap and not too well made.

If you want one buy the patrol, do so and upgrade the stock later, and buy a new muzzle device.
This will cost you less then a new standard version.

Now the big question really is, does SIG USA import and sell barrels in all the available calibers, lengths and contours, in quantities to supply the US market?
They have not done so previously, someone else can probably answer this, but should be checked out before you buy.
As having a quick change barrel system with no available new barrels, is kind of pointless.
It is possible though to make a barrel extension from a outshot barrel if you know someone with machining skills.
And here barrels is bought through Sauer who produce them witch makes this problem non existent.


Tikka generally makes excellent rifles, and the T3's tend to be very accurate.
As for the Tikka T3 Tac, it's simply a waster of money in my opinion compared to a Varmint or Lite.
The varmint goes for half the price, difference being a picatinny rail and the finish.
The stocks is the real weak points of the Tikkas you will want to change it no matter what.
Same goes for bottom metal and the bolt shroud witch both are plastic and the aluminum recoil lug.
The Sauer is most likely superior out of the box.
But if you buy a Varmint, sell off the stock, mag system, shroud and lug you will get a few hundred dollars.
You have quite a lot of money left for a new stock and DBM or chassis, bedding job, picatinny rail, new trigger spring, recoil lug, shroud and possibly a new bolt handle.

Then the difference between these rifles has shrunken by a large margin.
Shoot out the barrel and get a new custom barrel fitted with a rem style recoil lug, change to a TRG or B&A trigger, and i would favor the T 3 for sure.
The T3 does also have only one standard length action witch means it simple to change to a bigger caliber, and you get bolts with larger bolt faces, something to consider if you wanna change to a new round later on.


If the choice was mine i would not buy the SIG if it has no available parts or aftermarket accessories.
With the available components i have around here a 200 STR would really be a very easy choice though.
The T3's are good rifles and do have more aftermarket support and you have the advantage of being able to upgrade as your funds allow.




What aftermarket accessories would one require for the sig? The stock is far superior to the tikka's and if you don't like the sig stock McMillan makes one. Borden and a few other companies make an adapter, so you can essentially use the maker of your choice for replacement barrels. The sig has a six lug bolt and 60 degree throw and is buttery smooth. You can order mags out of the eu for the sig for cheaper than the t3. At the end of the day, you can find the sig for cheaper than a tikka tac or sporter and These two rifles aren't even in the same league.
 
What aftermarket accessories would one require for the sig? The stock is far superior to the tikka's and if you don't like the sig stock McMillan makes one. Borden and a few other companies make an adapter, so you can essentially use the maker of your choice for replacement barrels. The sig has a six lug bolt and 60 degree throw and is buttery smooth. You can order mags out of the eu for the sig for cheaper than the t3. At the end of the day, you can find the sig for cheaper than a tikka tac or sporter and These two rifles aren't even in the same league.


Sauer 200 TR/Sig 3000 accessories surely are not as numerous as a R 700 but they do exist.
The obvious first thing is the 22 LR conversion kits, includes bolt, barrel and magazines.
Pre fit quality barrels, barrel extensions, this can be made from a shot out barrel though.
2 types of two stage triggers in different weights, and a single stage set trigger.
Replacement stocks: Mcmillan, GRS, KKC, Bredvold, and there are many more smaller manufacturers. The original black laminate stock with vent holes, STR standard and small size stock, and SIG is supposed to release a chassis for it, some time since i heard more of it.
Firing pin/spring kit.
Picatinny rails, a direct mounting Spuhr is my favorite for the 200 though.
There are a lot of different bolt knobs available.
Modded mags to take wider cases like the 284 fx.
Mirage bands, open sights.
There is also a large amount of small items like buttplates, spacers, stock weights, cheek piece spacers etc, for the STR's.

Yes indeed the Tikka stocks are bad, can't comment on the sporter, but the new SSG stock is also a cheap piece of plastic.
The rifle has the same action, trigger, and barrels made by Sauer in Germany, if you think SIG would sell the rifles with a economical loss your just silly, and the only real difference is the bad flash hider and the new stock, so please enlighten me on where the price difference comes from?

Yes the Sauer action is smooth as butter and has a 60 degree bolt throw, but what real world difference does it really make if using it for normal purposes like hunting, and target shooting? Very little.
If your competing on a timed event then it's a different thing.
Here is a vid of someone who actually knows how to drive his STR, 17 shots and 17 clean hits in 25 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfY899uNOk0

If you read my post, i do mention that out of the box the Sauer is a better weapon.
And i do not think the Tikka Tac or sporter is a ideal choice in the first place.
Now if you do buy a cheaper version and customize it i really can't see where the Tikka is lacking anything, except for the 60 degree bolt, due to the simple reason that the Sauer has zero aftermarket support in the US.
Where i live the 200 STR retails for less then a Remington 700 LTR , gunsmiths are used to work on them, a lot of parts available, and it has aftermarket support. Then the choice is really a lot simpler.

Just gave the OP my opinion on what he asked for.
Does not mean i don't love my 200 STR for what it is, and i have owned one for over 15 years, would not be in my collection if i did'nt think it was a good rifle, as here we do have restrictions on how many rifles one can own..
I do also have a customized T3, and several friends that run them, so i have some experience with them too.
If you do customize a Tikka fully, i do think it's a superior precision rifle to the Sauer, and it can be made to spec depending on what the owner wants.


As for the OP's question, to my knowledge the only left hand rifle from this rifle family is the 200 TR/STR.
Never seen or heard of a lefty SSG 3000.
 
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