Tikka T3 Varmint - base/ring setup?

[rbernie]

I have recently acquired a Tikka T3 Varmint in 223 (1:8" twist), and I find the ring setup to be less than confidence-inspiring. Does anyone have a recommendation for non-factory ring and/or base setups for the Tikka?

 

[Snow Dog]

I have a set of one piece Talley Lightweights on my T3 Varmint in 6.5x55 and love them. Another way you might want to go is with a Picatinny rail like the one used on the Tikka Tactical rifles. This rail should be available through your dealer or you can try Ken Farrell Inc - he offers a couple of rails for these rifles.

 

[hoghunting]

I had the same thought of using aftermarket rings on my first Tikka. About 3 years ago I bought a T3 in 300 WSM, and I didn't think the factory rings would hold up. When ordering the Talleys, they were out of stock and would have to wait another 3 to 4 weeks. I mounted the factory rings, and after 3 years and over 500 rounds, the scope or rings haven't moved at all. The factory rings are a lot tougher than they look.

 

[jmr40]

I have been using the factory rings for 4 years with only one minor change. They have worked fine but the screws are made of a soft steel and the hex wrench I used to tighten them slipped and rounded out the screw head on one screw. Spent about $1.50 at the hard ware store to buy better quality screws and they are fine.

I plan to use the factory rings because I like them just fine, but if I were to change I would look hard at the rings made by DNZ. I think they used to go by the name Deadnuts.

 

[MIL-DOT]

I got a stainless T3 in .308 a few months ago, and after considerable research, went with the highly recommended Warne rings. The best price i found was at SWFA, something like $35,IIRC.

 

[627PCFan]

+1 on the deadnutz