Intro and question on Tikka T3.

[scala]

New at posting here but longtime browser of the interesting topics on this knowledgeable board.

Recently decided to buy a .223 bolt action for general plinking and occasional target shooting / maybe local competition. I'll be using my old but never before used Redfield Target 8X32X40 made in USA scope.

Looked at Remington, Savage, CZ, Howa, Sako, Tikka and more. I tried to combine a stock with a good comb for optics shooting, a 24"/26" bull barrel, a good adjustable trigger and a drop magazine. Some rifles could satisfy 2 or 3 of my requirements but only the Tikka T3 Tactical would combine all four.

Sako makes a fine TRG but not in .223. I thought of restocking a .223 Sako with a McMillan but the price shot up north of $2,000. Please let me know how you would proceed in my place. Thank you.

 

[KC&97TA]

I'm not schooled on the T3, was just looking at one the other day, in a shooting report.

Remington 700PSS in .223, good out the box rifle, I've done alot with the .308 version and have never heard anything bad about the rifle, great rifle to turn into a recreational or professional sniper rifle. They're about $800.

I've had my eye on a CZ 527 Varmit, comes with a HS stock, another rifle I've heard great things about, build on a mauser action, retailing in at around $760. I like the 5 round single stack mag, but it does have it's draw backs as well.

Howa, Savage and Stevens are great entry level rifles, but they're going to get spendy once you start with new stocks and trigger jobs.

 

[Medusa]

T3 Tactical with longer barrel (600 mm IIRC) and .308 cal is all I need for precision shooting - I've been eyeing one for some time. .223 should be a lot of gun for the prize. So thumbs up.

 

[scala]

The CZ 527 Varmint Kevlar does have a lot of what I'm looking for but the H-S stock's comb is too low for me which puts me back in the McMillan project. Nice gun though.

Yes, I did think about the Tikka T3 Tactical in .308 but for my plinking the low cost of the .223 ammo carried the day. I'm not reloading at this time.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Essex County]

The T-3 is great!

I had a niche to fill between my .223's and the .243. I bought a T-3 in .22-250, topped it with a fixed 6X and I couldn't be happier. An outstanding value. It shoots far better than it is entitled to. Essex gives this a thumbs up. Essex

 

[DogBonz]

I Like Tikka's

you should check out the T3 Varmint:

http://www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor/gear/fieldtested/article/0,20280,rifles-0053,00.html

Its not a TRG type stock, but it should fit your needs pretty well. The Tikkas in general are very accurate, especially so once you find a load that it likes. This guy at my old club had a T3 Laminate in 260 Rem, and that thing was scary accurate. With his hand loads, I’m not sure what exactly, I think Match Kings, one ragged hole at 100 yards was the norm. At 200 they were little clover leafs. The Tikkas use the same barrels as the Sakos, so you know that you are getting a good barrel.

I don’t think that you can go wrong with the Tikka for your intended purpose, especially in 223.

-Fred

 

[scala]

Yes I checked out the T3 Varmint but again the same comb height problem, otherwise great rifle for significantly less money than the T3 tactical. Then there is the T3 Super Varmint, a T3 Tactical stainless by another name and at the same price.

Your collective good comments on the Tikka are reassuring.

 

[Red Mist Effect]

It's about time

I have wondered if they would ever get to guys in the U.S we in Australia have had them for about three years. And i have one in a standard Varmint 243win and now 6 of my mates have them in everything from 222R to 270wsm.The one you want is the super varmint it has and adjustable comb 1in9 twist barrel in 223R. They are so smooth in the action palm swell trigger breaks like glass and is also adjustable but if you are shooting comp get it done a bit lighter by a smith.all Tikka T3's are made in the same factory as Sako's same tools same barrels Barrels are like a great chrome job. The only thing about them is dont lose the mag a 5 shot mag is pretty pricey.if i sold guns for a living i'd sell Tikka T3's.

 

[scala]

The only thing about them is dont lose the mag a 5 shot mag is pretty pricey.

I checked, $58.00 US plus sales tax for the 6 round .223 !

 

[JTW Jr.]

have had a Tikka T3 lite in 308 for awhile now , topped it off with a 10x SS scope. Accurate ( more so than I am ) , but this is my first non mil surp bolt action , and for the initial price ( under $500 for the rifle ) , I have been more than happy with it. May buy a T3 tactical next.

though even at 6 # 3 oz , the T3 Lite in 308 is manageable for follow up shots.

 

[scala]

though even at 6 # 3 oz , the T3 Lite in 308

Comparing weights between the T3 Tactical at 7.75 lbs and the Sako TRG at 10.25 lbs and wondering where Sako packs the extra 2.5 lbs.

 

[Fumbler]

I have wondered if they would ever get to guys in the U.S we in Australia have had them for about three years.

I've had my T3 Lite in 308 for three years. They've been around, but it seems they got more popluar within the last year.....and the price has also jumped up.

Scala, you probably won't have problems with comb height.
I have a 3-9x40mm in medium rings (the ones that came with the rifle) and the comb is perfect.
With a bigger scope the extra comb riser on the Varmit should work.

T3s are great rifles. Using match ammo, mine regularly shoots 1MOA or better with many 0.5MOA groups.
The first time I ever made some reloads with Varget and 168gr Sierra Match Kings I shot 0.75MOA.
With the scope mine weighs in right at 7lbs. Nice and handy in the woods

 

[scala]

you probably won't have problems with comb height

Thanks Fumbler but I am he of the strange cheekbone tribe and had to learn by necessity all about parallax early in life.

Just came back from the dealer who took a lot of my cash for a Tikka T3 Tactical with two extra 6 round mags. Beretta will probably ship on Monday and my CA ten day wait should start sometime next week. After that I'll take it to the range and if you guys are in SoCal it'll be my pleasure to let you try it.

Thanks to all again for the good feedback.

 

[Fumbler]

Two extra mags
That alone will pay for a single stage press, dies, powder, and a few bullets.

You aught to love the new rifle