Tikka T3 and factory rings...

[viking499]

Will the factory rings that come with a T3 handle a 50mm objective without touching?

What is the largest dia. scope you have on your T3 using the factory rings?

 

[BrocLuno]

Yeah, I'd like to know too

 

[Karbon]

I have a 40 ring on my .270WSM SS Lam Tikka. I think a 50 might be close. I'd upgrade rings if I was you. Im not super happy with the factory rings..

 

[Chief RID]

Mine failed the 1st year.

 

[viking499]

I have a set of Warnes on my other Tikka, but don't know if they will work with a 50mm scope.

 

[Waywatcher]

I don't know either, but I know it would be very close. I used the factory rings with a 40mm objective.

I upgraded to the DNZ one piece mounts; they are great, highly recommended. Fit great, easy installation, looks nice too. No lapping since the rings and base are all one piece. 4 bolts hold the mount to the receiver, and 4 bolts hold the scope in place. They really look like they belong on a Tikka.

I use low for my 40mm, so I bet the medium DNZ would be your ticket.

 

[viking499]

I use low for my 40mm, so I bet the medium DNZ would be your ticket.

The medium or high thing can be expensive to try. No one around here carries DNZ(or any other) for a Tikka. So, I would have to order them.

 

[rust collector]

I just held a 50mm Nikon up to the 42mm I had mounted, and think you would have interference unless your scope's objective is shaped differently.

Factory mounts have been no problem on my 308, but others have complained of soft screws. If I were mounting a taller/heavier scope, I believe I would investigate the Sako opti-lock, Talley or DNZ options.

Most sporting goods stores are probably not inclined to invest in a full line of pricey mounts, so you may want to deal with a supplier who will let you return a set that a dry-fit shows will not work.

 

[Birdmang]

The factory tikka rings will only handle a 40mm scope.

If you want the higher ones I think they cost near $90 shipped.

 

[rbernie]

The factory rings are sized for a 40mm-42mm objective bell. The rings are OK but the fasteners in the rings are made from cheese instead of metal and will disintegrate if you try to undo them once tightened. I have had to drill out the fasteners on three rings because the heads gave up the ghost.

I actually prefer my scopes lower than the factory rings provide, and have struggled to find a good setup for my favorite 32mm-33mm objective size scopes. I am currently using Burris Weaver-style two piece mounts and low Leupold Rifleman rings and that's OK for a lower mounting, but I'd prefer (and have clearance for) a mounting system that is another .125" lower....

On the good side, the base/ring combination that I am using is very secure and solid and would work well for a larger objective diameter scope with the appropriately taller Rifleman rings.

 

[BrocLuno]

Thanks, does anyone know what the screws are in the factory rings - ie; thread and pitch (I assume they are metric(?)). Should be able to get better metal from Brownells if we know what they are. Since I don't have the rifle yet, I'm just asking

 

[rbernie]

Be warned that the screws appear to my measures to be metric. The base screws are 5x0.8/16mm long and the ring cap screws are 4x0.7/12mm long.

You might be able to find some 'close enough' SAE equivilants, but I suspect that the time spent in doing so is worth less than the cost of Rifleman rings and the Burris Weaver-style bases.

 

[Horsemany]

I had a 44mm Adjustable obj Nikon on my factory Tikka rings for a while. They were close enough I'd say a 50mm wouldn't work.

Proper replacement screws are available at a good hardware store. Heads on the factory screws are a bit soft.

 

[BrocLuno]

Thanks again

I can get hardened metric screws or SS at my local hardware. Of course I'm out in wine country where we have a LOT of metric equipment, so that's pretty easy. 5mm and 4mm are not a problem