My new Tikka T3X Super varmint .223 review.

[Sniper66]

Promised I would get back to you guys when I'd had a chance to shoot the new rifle. Lots of pluses and a few minuses....like everything else in life.
Good looking gun and I love the new stock. Glass smooth bolt. Well appointed rifle with everything where it should be. Fit and Finish is very good.

• Biggest minus?....the trigger. I do not understand why people think the two-stage trigger is a good idea. I just need one crisp stage that can be set where I want it and go off when I apply the right pressure. The first stage is a lengthy take up. The second stage is crisp and advertised as adjustable down to 2 lbs. It's easily done with the set screw having a bubba stop that doesn't allow me to over-adjust it. Trouble is it won't adjust below 3 lbs. I'll take that up with Tikka at some point, but may need another Jard trigger. Which jumps the price $150. or pay a smith to work on it. I don't do that kind of work myself. As it sets, it has a crisp 3 lb trigger...a good hunting trigger. I can live with 2 lbs. but not 3 lbs.
• Accuracy is yet to be determined. Factory ammo will shoot 1"-1.5" groups at 100 yds. I'm experimenting with different bullets and powders and have achieved <1" groups with two different powders and believe I can do better with tweaking and a better trigger. My Remington 700 .223 will shoot .5" groups with my reloads. This Tikka is to be my long distance prairie dog/coyote rifle.

 

[I6turbo]

Those of us not capable of abstract thought need to see some pitchers of this gun.

Too bad about the trigger, but fixable even if it takes an aftermarket solution. I'm also extremely picky about triggers on rifles that I'm trying to shoot my best accuracy or groups with. I want the trigger so light that it seems like I only have to think, FIRE, and it fires instantly. My target rifles mostly have single set triggers, and I've gotten to the point that I keep them adjusted down to only a few ounces. Even from about 2 pounds on down, I found that my group sizes continued to shrink with the reduction in pull weight.

 

[Sniper66]

Hey I6turbo, That's good to know and to be reminded that the fix is easy. I prefer 18oz. I like Jard because I can order it shipped at that weight. My newest 17HMR is set at 18oz with a new Jard. My shooting/hunting buddy has his long distance 6mm competition rifle set at 10oz and his hunting rifle, a 6.5CM at 14oz. I have a tremor so have to be mindful of that when I set the weight. An involuntary tremor could discharge the rifle. Another friend has rifles set at 6oz....I'm afraid to even pick those things up!
I have not taken the time to learn how to post photos. Maybe now is the time, eh?

 

[JEBruns]

Sorry you are disappointed with the trigger. I have a T3X Tact A1 in 6.5CM and I like the 2 stage trigger. I have it set at it's lightest setting and it's 2.5lbs. Groups are phenomenal at 100yds. Easy to reload for, actually it's almost hard to find a bad load using Hornady ELD match bullets. I am interested in a .223 bolt, so nice to read your review of this one. Hope you find a great load for it.

 

[hdbiker]

My Tikka T3 LITE in .243 is great, when the trigger moves it fires, lightest trigger of all my rifles

 

[mshootnit]

yep, pitchers or it didn't happen.

 

[BushMaster-15]

Promised I would get back to you guys when I'd had a chance to shoot the new rifle. Lots of pluses and a few minuses....like everything else in life.
Good looking gun and I love the new stock. Glass smooth bolt. Well appointed rifle with everything where it should be. Fit and Finish is very good.

• Biggest minus?....the trigger. I do not understand why people think the two-stage trigger is a good idea. I just need one crisp stage that can be set where I want it and go off when I apply the right pressure. The first stage is a lengthy take up. The second stage is crisp and advertised as adjustable down to 2 lbs. It's easily done with the set screw having a bubba stop that doesn't allow me to over-adjust it. Trouble is it won't adjust below 3 lbs. I'll take that up with Tikka at some point, but may need another Jard trigger. Which jumps the price $150. or pay a smith to work on it. I don't do that kind of work myself. As it sets, it has a crisp 3 lb trigger...a good hunting trigger. I can live with 2 lbs. but not 3 lbs.
• Accuracy is yet to be determined. Factory ammo will shoot 1"-1.5" groups at 100 yds. I'm experimenting with different bullets and powders and have achieved <1" groups with two different powders and believe I can do better with tweaking and a better trigger. My Remington 700 .223 will shoot .5" groups with my reloads. This Tikka is to be my long distance prairie dog/coyote rifle.

IF You know a qualified Smith ,it shouldn't cost all that much to rectify the trigger pull ,the two stage is another issue though .
I never cared for two stage jobs myself ,preferring 2 - 4.5lb. I can live with . Taking up slack to set and then squeezing for release ,ISN'T MY cup of tea either .
I can tell you from experience when it comes to triggers there is an inherit relationship with the Sear Disconnector and Hammer ,that You DON'T want to fool with IF YOU DON'T KNOW ANGLE GEOMETRY . I SPEAK FROM PERSONAL IGNORANCE ,as in filing and polishing INCORRECTLY . Learned that the Hard way , can we say Dbl quadruple tap

 

[Sniper66]

OK...a couple of pics

 

[mshootnit]

Wow thats super nice.

 

[d2wing]

Nice, thanks for the report and pictures

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Thank you for the review