Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sako TRG or Tikka T3 X CTR

I'm going back and forth about both these rifles. Obviously want an accurate shooter out of the box. I also want to utilize this for hunting purposes which means the 10rd magazines are a "No Go" in my state.

I want the Sako TRG but after looking at scope mounts and magazine costs, I almost just want to skip it altogether?

How is the recoil on the new T3X? The Tikka's seem to kick more to me than other rifles due to the stock is "short" for me? I was hoping a muzzle brake would help compensate for the stock design in the 308 win or I may look at the 260/6.5 creedmoore, but have all the necessary components for 308 win.

Any suggestions or why I should or shouldn't purchase one or the other?

I have numerous T3s as well as a TRG.

The TRG is a rather heavy rifle, and if planning on steep climbs/long hikes, it may not be the best option.


A standard T3, with a brake,in a McMillan would be about ideal.

Thanks Mackay,

I really want the TRG but having a hard time justifying the cost with the accessories. Not sure if 5 round mags are available for the TRG? I don't mind the weight it will be for stationary shooting or sitting on canyons.

Looking hard at the CTR T3X in either 308 win or 260 rem instead of the TRG, but will probably end up with both rifles sooner or later?

Buy them both then...

TRG!!!!!!!!!

TRG would definitely cause some pains while hunting. Heavy and clunky. The TRG is 10.3lbs bare, while the CTR is only 7.5lbs. Tikka's (3 shot sub MOA 100 meters) out of the box accuracy guarantee isn't quite as good as Sako's( 5 shot sub MOA at 100 meters) but I can tell you whether they are building Sako's or Tikka's the barrels come from the same pile!

Tax season around the corner I'm telling myself to buy once , cry once for the TRG?

Reality kicks in and I wonder how much more accuracy would I acquire out of a TRG vs the CTR T3X?

I imagine I will end up getting them both sooner or later. Looking hard at the 308 Win in both calibers.

Mackay,

What brake are you running?

260 TRG!!!!

I have my mind up for the moment on a Tikka CTR T3X in 260 Rem?

I am tempted to get the 308 Win however since I have dies, brass, bullets, and available powder. I can't say the same about the 260?

I'd go T3x CTR in 6.5 creedmoor

6.5 Creed is another option but need to price the components vs 260. I reload and will need to buy "everything" for this new addition.

I selected the Tikka T3X 6.5 Creedmoor. Can't wait to get it out.

Anyone know of any chasis that would take AI Mags or any other options. Thinking I will get rid of the stock, BM, and Magazine?

Tikka CTR 6.5 is the way to go.

I have one of my CTRs in an MDT LSS XL chassis and really like it. It takes AICS magazines. I use the MDT magazines because they are cheaper.

Thanks Jeremy, it is now!

TheBigSky, I will check them out. I rather purchase AICS mags than factory ones.

Anyone have any suggestions on bullets/powder to start out with for hunting hogs/deer. Thinking a 130-143 grain bullet?

260 brass has been scarce. Lapua and Nosler can be had, but not cheap. Hornady 6.5 brass is inexpensive compared to the two above.

Even though you shoot handloads only, the Hornady Creedmoor ammo is a good place to gather brass. It's good stuff.

Good to know SAS. I could buy 100 rounds and reload from there with the fireformed cases.

Still shopping for dies for it.

Hornady factory 143 will shoot 1/2 groups at 100yds

My buddy bought 1 an it was 1 ragged hole with 5 shots

Good choice! I bought the T3 stainless CTR in 308 from SAS/Whittakers. Only thing I would do different is buy the new one in 6.5 Creedmoor! The PRS matches are dominated by this caliber, for good reason. I was lobbing and drifting 175 SMKs into targets between 600 and 1000, the 6.5 guys were just holding the edge of plates and hitting them. Got frustrating when I asked for wind calls and they would respond "I just held left edge". I would do that and miss 6" right!

MPA makes a chassis for the Tikka. KRG makes the Whiskey 3 chassis also which is sweet. Their X-Ray chassis is more the economy line. I am still running the factory stock, wouldn't mind "upgrading" to the T3x stock. I bought an extra mag from EuroOptics, those things are like hen's teeth and spendy.