Anyone ever fire a Tikka rifle?

Lopti · October 7, 2014, 10:08 PM

Hey, just curious if anyone has ever fired a Tikka T3 ?

I enjoy trying out tons of different guns and realized I have never fired one of these so anyone have? if so thoughts?

The Tikka T3 TAC looks fun, http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?tac

CarJunkieLS1 · October 7, 2014, 10:57 PM

I have fired and own a Tikka T3 Lite. Its in .270 Winchester it punishes on both ends. Recoil is pretty "sharp" I added a slip-on recoil pad and its much more comfortable to shoot. 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards.

603Country · October 8, 2014, 07:47 AM

I have one in SS in 260 caliber. Shoots great and not much recoil. If you are asking yourself if you should acquire one, yes...it's money well spent. I'll say that it's just about the best rifle you can get at that price level, though the Savage guys might take offense at that statement.

hammie · October 8, 2014, 12:01 PM

I've always liked tikka's. They're known for their accuracy and exceptionally smooth action. Their light weight can cut both ways. As "carjunkie" implied, good for a hunting rifle which will be carried all day, but not so good as a range toy if chambered for a more powerful cartridge.

This may not be an objection to some people, but it's always been a downside for me. Last time I checked, tikka's only come in one action length: long. It seems a waste for the shorter cartridges. All the other rifle makers offer actions to match the cartridge length. Why can't tikka do the same?

I've never been a fan of the plastic magazine, which seems a little flimsy and expensive, although I've never heard of one breaking. Again, because of the single, long action length, a .223 magazine is hugely disproportionate and drastically blocked.

All that being said, a few years ago, a fellow shooter had a wood stocked, hunter model tikka for sale. It was chambered for 6.5x55mm. After wavering for a bit, I turned it down. Than decision quickly became one which I've always regretted.

s3779m · October 8, 2014, 02:31 PM

I have a 223 in tikka lite. When you find ammo that the gun likes, 1/4" groups are common. Good trigger, and good all around gun.

Ske1etor · October 8, 2014, 05:05 PM

Yep, had a T3 Lite in .270 win. Good shooter. My boss is running one in .243 and loves it. Sub MOA, best factory trigger that I've used in a sub 1k rifle, super smooth action.

trigger643 · October 8, 2014, 06:32 PM

The T3 Tac is a real tack driver and one of the smoothest factory actions I've ever owned. Butter smooth, in fact.

I massaged my .308 T3 Tac a bit with a custom bolt handle, metal striker shroud, steel recoil lug and different trigger guard assembly that allows me to use AI magazines. I also recut the European threads at the muzzle to allow the installation of my can. Although the factory trigger is excellent, with a little modification it is adjusted to my 24oz preference, crisp and positive.

Initially I was going to dump the stock, feeling it was kind of ugly and cheap. After shooting it I decided it was a keeper. Very comfortable and durable. I spent an afternoon recently slapping prairie dogs in Colorado with it. Although the rifle is light, it is not punishing.

Lopti, if you're around the Houston area, you're welcome to give mine a whirl.

MarkCO · October 8, 2014, 06:45 PM

Buddy has a T3 LH in .243. Very accurate and a joy to shoot. I took it to the range for him this year to make sure it was on target as he was busy getting married. He gets back Friday and has a Pronghorn tag on Saturday. I am debating about trying to find in in .260 or just go with a Remington Model 7.

Pahoo · October 8, 2014, 06:51 PM

Yes, a 300 WinMag that a friend of mine asked me to scope and check out. Gave me a box of shells to use and found all to be well after six rounds. .... :

Very smooth, very accurate and rough on the shoulder. ...

Be Safe !!!

NHSHOOTER · October 9, 2014, 04:20 AM

I have a Tikka T3 lite in 223 with a boyds thumbhole stock, I dont do it every time but often get 1 hole 3 shot groups at 100 yds and I did shoot a 3/8" 3 shot group @ 200 yds just 2 weeks ago. That is with handloaded ammo.
http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/...psf4b7c298.jpg

Husqvarna · October 9, 2014, 10:40 AM

I am now the owner of 3 tikkas,

and love em. 223, 308 and 9,3x62

GRS rifle stocks on all of them

thinking of trading the 223 and 308 for a 6,5x55 to do the same job and buy a nicer scope for that

Lopti · October 9, 2014, 12:31 PM

Thanks for sharing the pic Trigger, that is a gun to show off for sure. If I were in that area I would take you up on that offer.

Last night I went to Cabellas and held a couple of Tikkas and I do have to say you guys are right about the slide. I held a Remington 700 and slid the slide then did the same with a Tikka right after and I now have zero desire to hold the Remington again haha.

I am looking around for a price on a 24" threaded barrel version of the Tikka T3 Sporter http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?sporter it is in my opinion a very sexy gun and just looks like a gun I would not mind carrying around in the mountains.

Tenguns · October 9, 2014, 09:48 PM

i had the Tikka T3 heavy stainless barrel varmint model in .223, and it's the only gun I ever traded away. In hindsight, idiotic. Highly accurate even with cheap ammo, and the action was the smoothest bolt I've ever experienced. I miss it. Rats!

BIG P · October 9, 2014, 10:42 PM

I have a T-3 Varmint in 22-250,Its one wicked little dude.

Picher · October 10, 2014, 08:50 AM

I have a T3 Lite in .243 Win and it's a great rifle, especially carrying in the woods and fields.

It's very accurate (sub 1/2 min with handloads), and the action is as smooth as I've used. I bought it primarily for the older grandkids to hunt deer with, but I've used it on coyotes, woodchucks, and crows also.

std7mag · October 11, 2014, 07:57 AM

I've been wanting one of the CTR"s for some time now.
Then the latest gun mag i pick up has one on the front cover, and takes great joy in telling all how accurate it is. Again for a gun scribe to get sub MOA is really good.

Last month they were proclaiming how the Ruger Scout with it's 2"+ groups was the gun to have...

jonnyc · October 11, 2014, 09:31 AM

My friend has a T3 Tac. in .308 that I shoot about once a month. I can't say I really 'enjoy' shooting it, but I do get 3-leaf clovers at 100 yds.

precision_shooter · October 13, 2014, 08:11 PM

Every year since I bought my T3 Lite .308 about 10 years ago...
It's my go-to hunting rifle. Not a joy to shoot from the bench, although the Limbsaver recoil pad helps, but it gets shot and carried every year around this time through Dec...

Smoothest bolt, excellent trigger, and accurate!

Picher · October 15, 2014, 08:36 AM

Deleted comment.

(Sorry, I just noticed that I responded earlier.)

Picher · October 17, 2014, 10:02 AM

Quote:

I have a Tikka T3 lite in 223 with a boyds thumbhole stock, I dont do it every time but often get 1 hole 3 shot groups at 100 yds and I did shoot a 3/8" 3 shot group @ 200 yds just 2 weeks ago. That is with handloaded ammo.
http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/...psf4b7c298.jpg

Guess that's not a T3 "Lite" anymore. May be a T3 -NSL (Not So Lite)?

NHSHOOTER · October 17, 2014, 04:20 PM

Its still pretty lite Picher, and it shoots..

IdahoG36 · October 19, 2014, 02:43 AM

I just picked up the new for 2014 Tikka T3 CTR .308 yesterday that I ordered. I am still waiting on my scope, rings, bipod, and muzzle brake to arrive before I take it out. The scope is a Bushnell Elite Tactical illuminated mil-dot ERS 6-24X50mm FFP, and the rings are high heigth Vortex precision matched, made by Seekins. Should be a good setup.

Initial impressions are very good. The teflon coated bolt is very smooth, and the oversized bolt handle is a nice addition. The CTR has an aluminum bottom metal, which uses the 10 round Sako TRG 22 magazines (at $185-$225 a piece

)

I also comes from the factory with a zero MOA picatinny rail on the receiver for mounting optics. I may swap that out later with a 20 MOA rail. I too was worried that the stock would be cheap, but I was surprised at how solid it really is.

I picked up 160 rounds of SSA 175gr OTHP match ammo as well, so I'm excited to see what it can do at the range. I'll post some pics once everything arrives early next week.

EchoM70 · October 19, 2014, 09:59 AM

I have a T3 stainless/laminate in .270 win that is my main go to hunting rifle. Action smooth as glass, good crisp trigger, sub-Moa with just about anything and fully dressed weighs 7.5 pounds. About the ideal hunting rifle in my opinion.

I had a T3 lite in 300 WSM fully dressed weighed just a tad over 7lbs. That thing was no fun at all and went down the road pretty quick.

October 7, 2014, 10:08 PM	#1
Lopti Member Join Date: September 22, 2014 Posts: 19	Anyone ever fire a Tikka rifle? Hey, just curious if anyone has ever fired a Tikka T3 ? I enjoy trying out tons of different guns and realized I have never fired one of these so anyone have? if so thoughts? The Tikka T3 TAC looks fun, http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?tac

October 8, 2014, 06:32 PM	#7
trigger643 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2011 Posts: 322	The T3 Tac is a real tack driver and one of the smoothest factory actions I've ever owned. Butter smooth, in fact. I massaged my .308 T3 Tac a bit with a custom bolt handle, metal striker shroud, steel recoil lug and different trigger guard assembly that allows me to use AI magazines. I also recut the European threads at the muzzle to allow the installation of my can. Although the factory trigger is excellent, with a little modification it is adjusted to my 24oz preference, crisp and positive. Initially I was going to dump the stock, feeling it was kind of ugly and cheap. After shooting it I decided it was a keeper. Very comfortable and durable. I spent an afternoon recently slapping prairie dogs in Colorado with it. Although the rifle is light, it is not punishing. Lopti, if you're around the Houston area, you're welcome to give mine a whirl. Last edited by trigger643; October 8, 2014 at 06:37 PM.

October 8, 2014, 06:45 PM	#8
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,308	Buddy has a T3 LH in .243. Very accurate and a joy to shoot. I took it to the range for him this year to make sure it was on target as he was busy getting married. He gets back Friday and has a Pronghorn tag on Saturday. I am debating about trying to find in in .260 or just go with a Remington Model 7. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

October 8, 2014, 06:51 PM	#9
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Ouch !! Yes, a 300 WinMag that a friend of mine asked me to scope and check out. Gave me a box of shells to use and found all to be well after six rounds. .... : Very smooth, very accurate and rough on the shoulder. ... Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

October 9, 2014, 04:20 AM	#10
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	I have a Tikka T3 lite in 223 with a boyds thumbhole stock, I dont do it every time but often get 1 hole 3 shot groups at 100 yds and I did shoot a 3/8" 3 shot group @ 200 yds just 2 weeks ago. That is with handloaded ammo. http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/...psf4b7c298.jpg Last edited by NHSHOOTER; October 9, 2014 at 02:50 PM. Reason: add picture

October 7, 2014, 10:57 PM	#2
CarJunkieLS1 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2013 Posts: 686	I have fired and own a Tikka T3 Lite. Its in .270 Winchester it punishes on both ends. Recoil is pretty "sharp" I added a slip-on recoil pad and its much more comfortable to shoot. 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards.

October 8, 2014, 07:47 AM	#3
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	I have one in SS in 260 caliber. Shoots great and not much recoil. If you are asking yourself if you should acquire one, yes...it's money well spent. I'll say that it's just about the best rifle you can get at that price level, though the Savage guys might take offense at that statement.

October 8, 2014, 12:01 PM	#4
hammie Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Location: Temple, TX Posts: 959	I've always liked tikka's. They're known for their accuracy and exceptionally smooth action. Their light weight can cut both ways. As "carjunkie" implied, good for a hunting rifle which will be carried all day, but not so good as a range toy if chambered for a more powerful cartridge. This may not be an objection to some people, but it's always been a downside for me. Last time I checked, tikka's only come in one action length: long. It seems a waste for the shorter cartridges. All the other rifle makers offer actions to match the cartridge length. Why can't tikka do the same? I've never been a fan of the plastic magazine, which seems a little flimsy and expensive, although I've never heard of one breaking. Again, because of the single, long action length, a .223 magazine is hugely disproportionate and drastically blocked. All that being said, a few years ago, a fellow shooter had a wood stocked, hunter model tikka for sale. It was chambered for 6.5x55mm. After wavering for a bit, I turned it down. Than decision quickly became one which I've always regretted.

October 8, 2014, 02:31 PM	#5
s3779m Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2012 Location: Lometa, Texas Posts: 341	I have a 223 in tikka lite. When you find ammo that the gun likes, 1/4" groups are common. Good trigger, and good all around gun.

October 8, 2014, 05:05 PM	#6
Ske1etor Junior member Join Date: April 17, 2008 Location: Marrero, Louisiana Posts: 49	Yep, had a T3 Lite in .270 win. Good shooter. My boss is running one in .243 and loves it. Sub MOA, best factory trigger that I've used in a sub 1k rifle, super smooth action.

October 9, 2014, 10:40 AM	#11
Husqvarna Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,000	I am now the owner of 3 tikkas, and love em. 223, 308 and 9,3x62 GRS rifle stocks on all of them thinking of trading the 223 and 308 for a 6,5x55 to do the same job and buy a nicer scope for that

October 9, 2014, 12:31 PM	#12
Lopti Member Join Date: September 22, 2014 Posts: 19	Thanks for sharing the pic Trigger, that is a gun to show off for sure. If I were in that area I would take you up on that offer. Last night I went to Cabellas and held a couple of Tikkas and I do have to say you guys are right about the slide. I held a Remington 700 and slid the slide then did the same with a Tikka right after and I now have zero desire to hold the Remington again haha. I am looking around for a price on a 24" threaded barrel version of the Tikka T3 Sporter http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?sporter it is in my opinion a very sexy gun and just looks like a gun I would not mind carrying around in the mountains.

October 9, 2014, 09:48 PM	#13
Tenguns Member Join Date: October 7, 2014 Posts: 45	i had the Tikka T3 heavy stainless barrel varmint model in .223, and it's the only gun I ever traded away. In hindsight, idiotic. Highly accurate even with cheap ammo, and the action was the smoothest bolt I've ever experienced. I miss it. Rats!

October 9, 2014, 10:42 PM	#14
BIG P Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2010 Location: North Georgia Posts: 1,679	I have a T-3 Varmint in 22-250,Its one wicked little dude.

October 10, 2014, 08:50 AM	#15
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	I have a T3 Lite in .243 Win and it's a great rifle, especially carrying in the woods and fields. It's very accurate (sub 1/2 min with handloads), and the action is as smooth as I've used. I bought it primarily for the older grandkids to hunt deer with, but I've used it on coyotes, woodchucks, and crows also.

October 11, 2014, 07:57 AM	#16
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	I've been wanting one of the CTR"s for some time now. Then the latest gun mag i pick up has one on the front cover, and takes great joy in telling all how accurate it is. Again for a gun scribe to get sub MOA is really good. Last month they were proclaiming how the Ruger Scout with it's 2"+ groups was the gun to have...

October 11, 2014, 09:31 AM	#17
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	My friend has a T3 Tac. in .308 that I shoot about once a month. I can't say I really 'enjoy' shooting it, but I do get 3-leaf clovers at 100 yds. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

October 13, 2014, 08:11 PM	#18
precision_shooter Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 2,475	Ever fire a Tikka? Every year since I bought my T3 Lite .308 about 10 years ago... It's my go-to hunting rifle. Not a joy to shoot from the bench, although the Limbsaver recoil pad helps, but it gets shot and carried every year around this time through Dec... Smoothest bolt, excellent trigger, and accurate! __________________ "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms...disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes...Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." - Thomas Jefferson, 1776

October 15, 2014, 08:36 AM	#19
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	Deleted comment. (Sorry, I just noticed that I responded earlier.)

October 17, 2014, 04:20 PM	#21
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	Its still pretty lite Picher, and it shoots..

October 19, 2014, 02:43 AM	#22
IdahoG36 Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2006 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 2,993	I just picked up the new for 2014 Tikka T3 CTR .308 yesterday that I ordered. I am still waiting on my scope, rings, bipod, and muzzle brake to arrive before I take it out. The scope is a Bushnell Elite Tactical illuminated mil-dot ERS 6-24X50mm FFP, and the rings are high heigth Vortex precision matched, made by Seekins. Should be a good setup. Initial impressions are very good. The teflon coated bolt is very smooth, and the oversized bolt handle is a nice addition. The CTR has an aluminum bottom metal, which uses the 10 round Sako TRG 22 magazines (at $185-$225 a piece ) I also comes from the factory with a zero MOA picatinny rail on the receiver for mounting optics. I may swap that out later with a 20 MOA rail. I too was worried that the stock would be cheap, but I was surprised at how solid it really is. I picked up 160 rounds of SSA 175gr OTHP match ammo as well, so I'm excited to see what it can do at the range. I'll post some pics once everything arrives early next week.

October 19, 2014, 09:59 AM	#23
EchoM70 Member Join Date: April 4, 2012 Posts: 65	I have a T3 stainless/laminate in .270 win that is my main go to hunting rifle. Action smooth as glass, good crisp trigger, sub-Moa with just about anything and fully dressed weighs 7.5 pounds. About the ideal hunting rifle in my opinion. I had a T3 lite in 300 WSM fully dressed weighed just a tad over 7lbs. That thing was no fun at all and went down the road pretty quick.