Tikka T3 Compact Tactical (CTR): Worth $945?

[mckchome]

I'm seriously considering getting a T3 CTR as my first .308. I would use it primarily as a PRS-style match rifle. The goal, in a few years, would be to re-barrel it to 6.5 Creedmoor, using the Tikka action as a foundation. I like the match-ready features: Magazine, threaded barrel, tac bolt handle, etc. The stock seems a bit light for my liking, but when my heavy Steiner Military 5-25 is added, along with a bipod, the weight issues should be reduced. I also wish it had an adjustable cheek piece, like its Tactical older brother, but I can obtain an aftermarket riser.

Can anyone with more experience behind this gun offer any feedback on it? Like it? Hate it? Why? Is it worth the $945 I'm going to pay? Thanks in advance.

 

[MrBorland]

I have a CTR in .260 Remington, and have been very impressed with it when used within it's limits. Here's my take:

The Pros:
- Excellent accuracy. On average, I'm getting about 0.4 - 0.5 MOA from mine with my handloads. I made a bunch of keyring fobs at 100 yards with mine (see below).

- Trigger is excellent, and the action feels like it rides on ball bearings. Add a 70° bolt lift and a large tactical knob, and it's a dream to cycle.

- The mag is a 10-round double stack, so it's nice and compact.

- Factory picatinny rail and threaded barrel are nice features.


The Cons:
- It'd be an excellent rifle for mid-range work, but the barrel is kinda short for long range work, though I see you plan on replacing it. BTW, if you're only replacing the barrel for the 6.5CM, maybe just look into getting a CTR in .260Rem.

- Mags are über-expensive.

- AFAIK, there are no CTR-specific aftermarket stocks available for it. If you ever want to replace the stock, you'll likely end up going with AI bottom metal and mags, in which case the extra money spent on the CTR was wasted. If you ever see yourself replacing the stock, then, I'd get a standard T3 if it were me.


Tikka CTR .260 Remington:



Best group to date:



100 yard keyring fobs:

 

[mckchome]

Thanks for this excellent response. You've given me a few things to think about. Where would you normally purchase your mags from?

 

[MrBorland]

I haven't yet bought another mag for it, so I haven't shopped around a lot (I have a bud with a CTR, so I figure I can use his mag when I need an extra. ). I know EuroOptic carries them, but I bet you can find them a bit cheaper if you look around.




EDIT: I looked up the CTR mags on EuroOptic and was pleasantly surprised to see they're cheaper ($149) than I recall ($250ish). AFAIK, the CTR comes with Sako TRG mags (which are expensive), whereas this one isn't apparently compatible with the TRG, though it apparently is with the CTR.

http://www.eurooptic.com/S54065122-Tikka-T3-Compact-Tactical-Rifle-CTR-Magazine-260.aspx

 

[coloradokevin]

The first post pretty much covers it. I have the previous version of this rifle (in .308 Win) and it is an absolute tack driver. But, a 20" barrel has some limitations on ultimate distance, and the aftermarket is weak for this rifle.

But, it is hands down the best out-of-box rifle I've shot that cost less than $4,000. And, I also have a similar collection of coins I've drilled with that rifle! Personally, I wouldn't hesitate in taking one to a PRS match, even if I do feel my AI gives me an edge over the Tikka for that type of competition.

 

[MrBorland]

But, it is hands down the best out-of-box rifle I've shot that cost less than $4,000

Agreed. I just started received a custom rifle I had built for dedicated LR (and possible PRS) work. It's quite a bit heavier than the CTR and has a longer (26") barrel, so it barks less than the CTR. The thing is, despite being a premium action/barrel/stock built by a top F-class rifle builder, costing 4x what the CTR does, the CTR shoots at least as well. And the smoothness of the Tikka's action is still in another league.

The CTR is a terrifically versatile rifle, and I'd agree with coloradokevin that I'd use it in a PRS match, for hunting, and it'd be my choice for something like Steel Safari, but it might start showing it's limits if used as a dedicated LR rifle.

 

[Gtscotty]

My .308 CTR is easily the most accurate rifle I have, really the only one that will repeatedly print 0.5" 5 shot groups. I can usually load my rifles down to 0.8" or so (or they move on down the line), but the CTR started printing fantastic groups with the first bullet and powder I tried. If you're just going to put a 6.5mm barrel on it later, you might as well just get the .260 version, or even buy a basic used Tikka and start building now as opposed to later. I'm glad to see that there are some slightly cheaper magazines available now, last time I looked, $230 TRG mags were all there were

BTW, KYGunco has blued .308 CTR's available at $875.