Tell Me About the Tikka T3 Varmint

[DougD]

I have already done a lot of searching (both here and other places) about this rifle. Let's talk about the Tikka T3 Varmint model:

Click HERE for the pdf spec sheet on it.

It looks interesting to me. I have never actually shot a Tikka in .308 but I have handled a friend's Tikka T3 in .223. The bolt on that rifle was super smooth and the T3 rifle appears to be a good compromise between the "tactical" and "carrying" ends of the spectrum. Topped off with a good scope and rings, it looks like it would be a 10 1/2 pound rig.

This rifle is reported to be super accurate for a factory rifle, not too heavy, and priced right. The complaints I have read about it are the plastic magazine and plastic trigger guard.

If you have any real word experience with the Tikka T3 Varmint rifle, can you please share what you know? Please tell us about:
- accuracy
- handling
- availability of spare parts and accessories
- problems or successes with mounting optics
- the bolt throw
- the ammo it likes
- etc.

Gimme all you got! Thanks.

 

[Sunray]

Tikka's are long dollar, but dandy rifles. Nice and very highly thought of, but I don't think I'd part with the money asked for one, up here. $1,075.00Cdn, up here. Shop around.
"...the ammo it likes..." Same as any rifle. If you're not reloading, you'll have to try a box of as many brands as you can to find the ammo it shoots best. If you are reloading, you'll have to work up a load.

 

[interlock]

very, very popular here in the uk. They are relatively cheap here compared to what you guys can pay for them in relation to a remmy 700 or similar. They are a pretty good rifle. all modern rifles are good and accurate and tikkas are no exception. I don't like the plastic bolt shroud, trigger guard and magazine.... but lots of guys use them and they kill lots of deer. The T3 is not quite the rifle the older 595 was. they are part of the SAKO group and are branded and targetted at a lower level in the market. for $1000 usd you could get a lot of rifle in the states.

 

[Will Fennell]

Like'em

I own a T3 hunter in 6.5x55 and its a great shooter. I've set up 3 others for friends, helping them mount scopes and zero the rifles. They have all been great shooters.

The most recent was a LH Stainless .308 varmint. We tried 1 factory load[ Hornady 155 amax Match] and it printed a .64" 5 shot group. He was also going to let a lady friend of his hunt with it over the holidays, so I reloaded some slightly reduced loads for her..... 150 gr WW Silver Tips[ I have a few hundred on the shelf from years ago] @ 2500 fps. They printed a .57".

Universally, the T3's I've worked with have been very smooth feeders, due to their single column mags, and have had GREAT triggers. VERY crisp, and user adjustable for weight. The cheap promotional rings that come with the rifle are trash....throw them immediately in the garbage. EGW makes a great Pictainny rail for the T3, at a very reasonable cost. Get it, and a set of Picatinny rings and you are set.

I have a friend who wants to dabble in LR tactical shooting, and he is ordering a T3 Varmint in .308. He can shoot LR and/or hunt with the same rig.

 

[minnesotagunner]

the only downside i see to tikkas comes in larger calibers. the reports are that they have a very firm recoil pad, this shouldnt effect me as i hope to be getting a super varmint in .223. the reasons i like the super varmint more are the stainless steel barrel and the adjustable cheek piece. normally i wouldnt think about the cheek piece and in fact ive been set on getting a t3 lite stainless for a long time, but ive decided that im going to do it right this time and set it up with a good set of optics so i think the adjustable cheek piece will be a niece perk for the perfect cheek weld on a bushnell elite 4200 6-24x50mm scope.

 

[Wirenut1212]

I have one in 7mag T3 with a buris scope I wouldn't trade it for anything I did have to put a after market pad on it kick was pretty bad with the synthetic but man is it nice to lug around all day. I got mine after reading a write up in Field and Stream calling it the best rifle they have ever shot for under $1000 dollars that was pretty good proof for me.

 

[ricehombre]

Tikka Tactical

I have the Tikka Tactical in 308 with 24" barrel. It shoots tiny groups with factory & handloads. Very smooth action, great trigger, easy cleaning barrel, comfortable stock. Only downside is I wish it had a metal magazine but the 5 round plastic one feeds great. Have about 500 rounds thru it over the last year and wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[Will Fennell]

recoil pad

Limbsaver makes a nice pre-fit recoil pad for the synthetic stock T3's.

 

[Wanta B]

Hmm,good to know on the prefit recoil pad,as I have been thinking of getting a T3 Light SS,in .300WM. for awhile.
Thank you for the info.

 

[bobbytm]

I have a T3 Varmint 22 250rem,modern,accurate and w/ nice trigger.