Tikka T3

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Bazooka Joe71

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I have been searching around for a long range rifle here for a couple of months, and just cannot decide on what I want. I have not ruled out an autoloader by any means, but I was looking around and the Tikka T3 caught my eye.

First of all, I want preferably a .308win or maybe a .30-06.

My question is what is the difference between the T3 hunter, and the T3 Varmint? Is it the synthetic stock? or do they both have an option for one? What should I be looking to pay for either of them? Anyone have both? Which one is better?

Oh, BTW, this will mainly be a plinker/hole puncher.

thanks
 
I know the 'standard' Tikka T3 has the option for a synthetic stock as well as walnut. The std. Tikka's are selling for about $525 locally, but I haven't seen a varmint T3 around.

Typically a varmint rifle is heavier than a 'hunting' rifle, and I bet most of that weight goes into a heavier barrel profile.

P.S. I have the standard Tikka T3 with a walnut stock if you have any questions.
 
I have only shot groups out to 100 yards, but off a bench I routinely get sub moa groups.

The last time I shot it was 12-17-06 and I shot a 3 shot group measuring 7/8" at 100 yards.

It's a rather light rifle though, great for carrying all day in the woods, but the light weight has a price when it comes to recoil.
 
I have the T3 hunter in .270wsm, it handles and shoots very nicely. My 1 major complaint is the stock finish, Tikka uses oil finish as their standard so the stock scratches VERY easily, 2 days in the bush with normal wear and tear and the stock looks terrible. So if you go with Tikka I suggest getting either a synthetic or laminated model.

The Varmint model runs 150$ or so more than the Hunter; around 700$. It has a heavier barrel and a target style stock with wide flat fore end and optional cheek piece.

It's available in most common calibers unlike most manufactures "Varmint" models.
 
Have only bought two Tikkas. One a .308 Continental Varmiter and the other a T3 Lite in .22-250. Both shoot extremely well and I can't find fault with either..........Essex
 
I have the T3 lite , in 308 , only put about 40 rounds thru it , though that will change here really soon. I didnt find the recoil bad at all , though I am used to shooting my Mausers and Enfields with that soft steel butt plate , so the thin recoil pad on the Tikka is spoiling me :D

No complaints with it so far , only day at the range was cold and very windy , but was under an inch at 100.
 
My 1 major complaint is the stock finish, Tikka uses oil finish as their standard so the stock scratches VERY easily, 2 days in the bush with normal wear and tear and the stock looks terrible. So if you go with Tikka I suggest getting either a synthetic or laminated model.
Click to expand...

I've gone through some really, really thick crap with my Tikka and its hasnt scratched. So thick you cant take one step without moving multiple branches out of the way. Saplings so thick from clear cutting you cant see much more than 10 yards in any direction. I havent had any problems with the finish, though.

It still looks very nice. :)
 
T3

I have a T3 with a synthetic stock in 25-06 and I have produced 3 shot 100 yard groups down to .66" and I am sure the rifle could do better but I can't. I also have a Stevens 200 in .308 with a synthetic stock and there is no comparison...the Stevens cut my fingres where the flash wasn't entirely removed from the mold joints and the edges of the checkering were like razors. The T3, however, is nicely finished. In short...I wish all of my hunting rifles were T3s.
 
I believe the Hunter has a wood stock, the Lite a synthetic stock (a bit lighter), and the Varmint a big target-style synthetic stock (maybe with adjustments?) and heavy barrel, etc.
 
I've been lusting after a T3 Lite ever since they were rumoured to be available with LH bolts.
I want a 7-08, but since they aren't offered in that cartridge, I'll settle for a .243. I want it for a caribou and wolf whacker anyway.
 
I have the Tikka T3 hunter in 22-250. Mine will produce groups under 1" at 100 yards. I love the trigger on these rifles and the action is really sweet too. This rifle is pretty light weight which makes it easy to carry through the hills and hollers while searching for them coyotes. I went out last night and hunted for several hours and it was nice to pack around such a light rifle. I loaned my best friend one of my CZ rifles and I took my Tikka and when I got back home I found that both the Tikka and the CZ had war wounds from all the hiking through the dense brush. I hate it when that happens but it is going to happen and I just try to tell myself that it gives the rifles character.:)

The varminter will have a heavy barrel and these rifles can be very heavy so keep that in mind.

You can't go wrong with a Tikka or a CZ if you ask my opinion.
 
I have the hunter (wood stock) 6 pounds 10 ounces in the 30-06. Shoots 3/4" groups with black hills 165gr BT. It does have quite a bit of recoil being so light though. I also have the Varmint blued (HVY BBL) in the 22-250, shoots amazing groups with 50 gr hornady vmax ammo. I have shot prairie dogs over 400 yards with this rifle, if I do my part it will do its part.
By the way I shot a doe with the hunter last year at 415 yards.
The both have slick actions and great triggers. Go for it! you won't regret it.
 
Boy, sure is nice to hear all these good comments on the Tikka T3. I just ordered a Lite 22-250 and can't wait to get it. A quick question(s) for all of you. Are you using the stock scope rings and what objective dia is your scope? I'd like to get a 50mm obj if it will clear with the stock rings. Thanks.
 
Tikka says that scopes up to 40mm objective will fit with the supplied rings. I put a 3-9x40 on mine and it cleared without a problem.
 
I love my two Tikkas....one in 270 WSM and one in .308....both are tack drivers and the 270 WSM is one fine looking rifle....
 

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WOW Chase, that Tikka sure does have nice wood. I would say that is the nicest looking wood on a Tikka I have ever seen. I bought a CZ that had wood like that.

Here is my Tikka 22-250 nothing fancy but one heck of a shooter.
Tikka2.jpg
 
thanks Simple,
I'm not sure how it happened, but that's how it came from Tikka....I'm not going to ask too many questions either....I love it....I went out and bought the .308 becuase I wanted to be real careful with a stock like that....bean fields only for that one...
 
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