Tikka t3x rifle questions: bottom metal, lite vs superlite

[Martin248]

Hi all, my first post here. Have a question about Tikka rifles that I'm hoping someone can help me with.

I am looking for a light weight bolt action stainless steel rifle in 6.5 creedmore with a detachable magazine and a 20-22" barrel. I saw the t3x Compact Tactical Rifle has basically everything I want, but it's got a heavier barrel and weighs in at just over 8lbs.

The t3x stainless lite and superlite versions on the other hand weigh in at 6.5 lbs, more like what I was thinking, but they lack the detachable magazine, or have a smaller internal one? I actually don't understand the difference between these, they seem identical in specs, including weight, on the Tikka website? But anyway, they both lack the 10rd detachable mag.

My question is whether it's possible to replace the bottom metal on the lite or superlite and/or get a 10 round magazine, and ideally even be able to use AICS magazines (I already have a couple of AICS mags that I use with a big heavy .308 Remington 700 that I put badger bottom metal on). If you have done this, does it impact feeding or accuracy?

If it's not a good idea I guess I will go with the heavier CTR, and proprietary mags but the lighter rifles are almost certainly accurate enough for my needs and the extra 2.6lbs isn't nothing when you're slinging it through rough terrain!

If none of that is going to work I'm also pondering getting another Remington, maybe a 700 mountain or a lightweight model 7, and replacing the bottom metal, or maybe a savage 110 light storm and doing to same.

But I really like the Tikkas otherwise. As a Canadian expat I get a kick out of the CTR being the basis of the C19 Arctic Canadian ranger rifle, and the makes me want a Tikka!

 

[LoonWulf]

https://www.redsnake-tactical.com/

They offer ai bottom metal conversions.

 

[Martin248]

Thanks! Did you try it, and did you have any issues with it?

If you push up on it, does it stop the bolt? Or is it pillared into place like Badger BDM's on a Remington?

 

[LoonWulf]

Thanks! Did you try it, and did you have any issues with it?

If you push up on it, does it stop the bolt? Or is it pillared into place like Badger BDM's on a Remington?

No experience with those kits, and little enough with Tikkas themselves.

I've installed a few Magpul and other dbm kits and what your asking should be taken care of in the installation. What I've found is USUALLY AI bottom metal will need extra material removed from the lower inlet to get the mags high enough to feed properly, and if they bind the bolt it's usually because too much material was removed trying to make them sit flush with the stock.

 

[viking499]

I thought all Tikka T3's had detachable magazines? All the ones I have ever seen do.

Or, are you wanting to just go with a bigger mag than what comes with it?

 

[jmr40]

The Tikka T3 comes with a 3 round detachable magazine that is almost flush fit, they do not offer conventional bottom metal. It only protrudes slightly, not enough to be a problem. They offer 5 round mags that protrude about an inch below the bottom of the rifle. Add one round for 223 rifles

The CTR's are borderline too heavy for hunting and the 10 round steel magazines are close to $100 each for spares. I was able to find one just over $70, so they are out there. The CTR isn't going to be mechanically any more accurate for a few shots in a hunting situation than the T3. But it is heavier and easier to shoot accurately, especially for more than 2-3 shots. You can come in under 10 lbs, under 9 if you choose the scope carefully. For most hunting I can deal with that. Probably not my top pick for a high altitude, steep mountain elk rifle.

On the other hand the T3 is borderline too light, and they come with 24" barrels in the Tikka if that is a problem. Considering the T-3 is 3 lbs lighter, and costs $300 less I'd choose it for an all around rifle.

https://www.swfa.com/tikka-t3-6-5-creedmoor-5rd-magazine.html

Seems they've gone up
https://www.eurooptic.com/S54065122-Tikka-T3-Compact-Tactical-Rifle-CTR-Magazine-260.aspx

I wouldn't mess with a good thing, the detachable magazines are part of the accuracy. Going to conventional bottom metal can hurt accuracy.

If you want another option consider this.

https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/26973.html

Street price is about $400 and it takes Accuracy International magazines. Ruger and Mag-Pul sell less expansive versions in 3, 5, and 10 round versions.

http://shopruger.com/AI-Style-Polymer-308-Win-3-Round-Magazine/productinfo/90560/
http://shopruger.com/AI-Style-Precision-Rifle-308-Win-10-Round-Magazine/productinfo/90563/

Magpul version

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2319152100

The Ruger will come awfully close to the Tikka in accuracy. If it won't match it, it'll be close. 2 weeks ago my brother, his son-in-law and I were shooting at a 600 yard range. My brother was using a Tikka 223, Tanner a Ruger in 6.5 CM. They both shot a 4" 600 yard group that day using both a Tikka and a Ruger.

 

[Martin248]

Wow, thanks for the detailed reply! So I guess if I stay with Tikka I should stick with the 5rd mags or take the heavier CTR.

Guess my last question is what is the difference between "lite" and "superlite" T3x rifles?

https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/code/TFTT63LL103B

https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/code/TFTT63RL103B

They are identical in specs on the Tikka website, 6.5lbs 22.4" barrel 42.6" overall.

And presumably they can both accept the 5rd mag linked above? That's not too bad then.

I would have preferred a 20" barrel that I could thread but I guess if I want that I have to go up to the CTR and carry the extra weight.

 

[viking499]

Wow, thanks for the detailed reply! So I guess if I stay with Tikka I should stick with the 5rd mags or take the heavier CTR.

Guess my last question is what is the difference between "lite" and "superlite" T3x rifles?

https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/code/TFTT63LL103B

https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/code/TFTT63RL103B

They are identical in specs on the Tikka website, 6.5lbs 22.4" barrel 42.6" overall.

And presumably they can both accept the 5rd mag linked above? That's not too bad then.

I would have preferred a 20" barrel that I could thread but I guess if I want that I have to go up to the CTR and carry the extra weight.

Fluted barrel

 

[Martin248]

Fluted barrel

What I don't understand is that the superlite is exactly the same weight as the lite, per the links above: 6.5lbs, same barrel length. So it's a thicker barrel that has been fluted, with some accuracy gain over the lite? Or what am I missing?

 

[MrCleanOK]

What I don't understand is that the superlite is exactly the same weight as the lite, per the links above: 6.5lbs, same barrel length. So it's a thicker barrel that has been fluted, with some accuracy gain over the lite? Or what am I missing?

It's probably a mistake on the spec sheet.
Same barrel profile, fluted on the superlite.

 

[Martin248]

Ok. Well I have learned that the Tikka's are phantom anyway. I spent a good couple of hours pouring over their models finding what I wanted and came up with a couple that looked great.

But they don't exist. No one has them.

Looks like Remington and Savage are the only actual options unless I want to lug around the ten pound CTR, which everyone has.

20" threaded 6.5 creedmoors whether lite or superlite out camo exist only on the Tikka website and not in the real world, at least not in stores that I can find. Closest was a 22" non threaded lite, guess I could chop the barrel and get it thread but that seems like a when I can buy a savage or Remington in the configuration I want.

Tempted by the CTR, it's cool, but I think I would get tired of lugging it around pretty quickly.