Question for Tikka fans (owners)

[yej0001]

Hi, I read a lot about Tikka T3. It seems hard to beat in terms of quality and cost. I am considering getting one, but cannot find source to tell me the difference between Tikka T3 and T3 Lite. What's light about the Lite version? Is the action the same as the standard T3? Or weight of the barrel and stock? Thanks for any info

Also, please share you comments on T3 (good or bad) if you care to!

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

T3 is just the model category. Tikka has basically 5 models:
T3 Lite - sporter barrel with injection molded stock
T3 Hunter - sporter barrel with wood stock
T3 CTR - 20" heavy barrel with injection molded stock with non-adjustable cheek rest and scope rail installed
T3 Varmint - 24" heavy barrel with injection molded stock with non-adjustable cheek rest
Tactical - 20" and 24" heavy barrel with injection molded stock with adjustable cheek rest, scope rail (I think) and threaded barrel.

They all use the same mags.. some my come with a bigger mag than others though. The actions are all the same on every T3 (think they are long actions no matter the caliber you get). The Tacticals may use short actions.. but not 100%. The sporter barrels shoot as good as the heavy barrels.. but you won't be able to shoot as fast/much before you heat up the barrel. They are all good.. just depends on what setup you want.

I have a CTR in .223 and really like the compact/light weight of it. Shoots better than I can and I actually like the stock for a factory.

Hope that helps.

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

I have a T3 Tactical in 223. It may be the only 1 in 8 twist factory gun out there.
I like the smooth action, weight, feel and features of the gun. I did not like the fact that the mag will not accept any round longer than 2.25", which won't let you take full advantage of the fast twist using 75 Amax or 77 SMK. I fixed that by having CDI Precision install his AI mag DBM. It is also plenty accurate, again with the longer mag length of the AI 223 mags.

 

[hill billy]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

Actually, the cheek rest on the Varmint models is adjustable, just not as easily as a thumbwheel. Just back out the screw holding it in and it comes up.

 

[trigger time]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

The T3 varmint in 223 also has the 1-8 twist. So far mine sits in a manners t3, soon to have CDI under it. Come summer I'll be building a 7wsm on one.

 

[hill billy]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

The lit'e weigh @6lbs and the Varmints @8lbs. I have a .223 with CDI that is waiting for a Manners T5A, I sold the 308 in a Manner T4.

 

[McCoy]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

I've got a lite in 308 fully loaded with ammo and optics it tips the scales at just over 8lbs

 

[yej0001]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

Thank you all for the insights. this forum has the most knowledgeable people! Appreciate your help. I plan to get one to shoot out then rebarrel to 260 rem. T3 may be the way to go (cheaper)

 

[jrob300]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yej0001</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I plan to get one to shoot out then rebarrel to 260 rem. </div></div>

I have a Tikka action at Underground Skunkworks awaiting a barrel and then my new .260 will be ready.

John

 

[jagged77]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrob300</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yej0001</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I plan to get one to shoot out then rebarrel to 260 rem. </div></div>

I have a Tikka action at Underground Skunkworks awaiting a barrel and then my new .260 will be ready.

John </div></div>

I'm doing the exact same thing.

 

[Aborigine]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

I don't know for the US , but in Europe, you can buy Tikkas also ready chambered in .260

 

[jagged77]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aborigine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't know for the US , but in Europe, you can buy Tikkas also ready chambered in .260 </div></div>

Yes they are offered in .260 here in the UK as factory standard however they are only available as 'special order' from the factory with an unknown lead time.

Cheaper and quicker to replace a shot out .270 with a custom barrel.

 

[yej0001]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aborigine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't know for the US , but in Europe, you can buy Tikkas also ready chambered in .260 </div></div>

Yes they are offered in .260 here in the UK as factory standard however they are only available as 'special order' from the factory with an unknown lead time.

Cheaper and quicker to replace a shot out .270 with a custom barrel. </div></div>

Not in the US (as of yet). We do not have the T3 Sporter (wood stock) version either

Saw a Tikka 595 Master as used gun in pictures -- that's a beauty!

 

[Bigbrotheretter]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

How does the T3 lite shoot on average?

 

[trigger time]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

I've never seen one that wouldn't hold under MOA with the right load. As to the morons that decide which T3's to import I have no idea wth they are thinking. Tikka offers both the T3 sporter in 260 and the T3 tactical in 300wm. Neither are imported.

 

[Peepaw]

Re: Question for Tikka fans (owners)

I personally think you will be happy with the T3. A year ago, I was looking for a rifle, and came down to the Rem 700 and T3. Basically< iwas gonna go with the T3, based on everyone's recomendations @ here AND the T3 is not as common as the Rem 700.
I wanted to go with teh Rem 700 BECAUSE it's so popular, and anything and everything is made for it.

So, basically flipped a coin, and went Rem 700. Now, I have been extremely happy with my 700, and glad I went that route.

HOWEVER, my next BA rifle will mroe then likely be a T3. Ive been to the local range with some Hide members, one of which has a T3, and let me put a few down range. VERY nice rifle. BA was very smooth, grouped nicely, very light, easy to handle..all in all, nice setup.

You won't be disappointed if you pick one up.