Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Tikka T3 Lite Stainless

Hello!

I am seriously concidering buying the Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in 30-06. Before I do so I want to make sure im not making a mistake.

Ok, I know it has a plastic mag. and trigger guard, but that doesn't bother me because the stock itself is plastic. Should it concern me?

Are the rings that come with the good good? I am thinking about putting a leupold 3-9x40 vx II on it.

I know that there was a case where a batch of bad barrels were made, but they recalled that batch right and their production is now good? How good is the Beretta customer service?
What is the overall quality of the gun? How well made is the stock? How does it compare to lets say, a Browning A-Bolt?

If you can think of any other criticisms or compliments to the gun, feel free to tell me exactly what you think!

Thanks, JC [color:"blue"] [/color] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks,

You would be making a great choice by getting a t-3. I have bought 3 of them ss/syn 7mag, hunter .270 and a ss/syn 7mm-08. The only change to make is put a limbsaver recoil pad on it. The barrel issue is over. This gun has: smoothest action around, is very light, detachable mag, awesome trigger shoots very well and overall fit and finish is excellent. The factory rings work fine. I can't say enough good about them.Go for it!

Kotupod - over here now with this question eh? Well looks like I followed you. You would be happy with the Tikka. You would be happy with the A-bolt. Since there are and will be so many Tikka lovers to egg you on I will go on here and make a case for the A-bolt. I like some of the A-bolt features like, the angle on the bolt (it is at the same pitch as your palm is when cycling the bolt), the bolt throw is only 60 degrees which means it is horizontal when open - makes it easy to clear a scope when cycling a round - this helps in particular when wearing gloves. The detachable mag on the A-bolt is very nice. It clips to the floor plate which means it is locked into place when the floor plate is shut. One thing I really didn't like when I examined a Tikka at the range was its clip. You push it and it clicks into a hal way position, then you must push it again all the way - at least that is how it felt to me but there is a second click. I worry I will click it partially then find it is missing when I get to the stand. I have not heard of this happening to anyone - I just like to idiot proof myself and this can't happen with the A-bolt. These are nit picky things and I might still own a tikka one day. It will just probably be a slightly earlier model. just my two cents - be sure to read what I said about weight being a factor on the other forum listing.

Be aware that in a lightweight rifle, the 30-06 will kick, especially if you use bullets heavier than 150 grains. The total force may not be painful, but the recoil will be quicker than you are likely used to.
I have a Tikka T3 6.5X55 Swedish Mauser, and the recoil is quick, but not at all punishing. I've met a man who bought his wife a Tikka T3 25-06, and she gave it back to him, and took his heavier Remington 30-06 instead. She didn't like the sharp (quick) kick of the lighter rifle.
Of course, with an '06, you can use light/managed recoil loads to get accustomed to the quick jab of the recoil.
How do I like my Tikka? I love it.

Norske, Kot had asked this question elsewhere and I mentioned the exact same thing to him. My A-bolt in 260 is lightweight and kicks noticably more than my CZ in 270. Lightweight rifles feel great and are a must if doing a lot of hiking. Most of my hunting is done either squat down amidst some trees or maybe in a stand but not a lot of hiking involved. I love shooting my rifles and practicing at the range. A little weight can make the difference between really enjoying a rifle and just having a deer gun. That difference being the number of boxes of ammo one is likely to put through it.

If bought a limbsaver recoil pad, would that help the recoil on the 30-06?

Yes the limbsaver would help a lot. The pad that comes with the t-3 is too hard, whereas the limbsaver really takes the snap out it, especially my 7 mag. As to the clips, yes there seems to be a secondary click, I am just forcefull with it and have had no problems. I don't like the clip on the abolt. If you ever needed to get your spare in; in a hurry you'd be in trouble with the abolt. Ok I'll come clean, that spare clip held the shell that put my antelope down this year. Boys those things can move!

Kotupod, I have 2 T-3's, both stainless/synthetic......a 7mm-08 and a 7 Mag. I put the limbsaver pads on both and they work great. I have many rifles including Remington, Springfield, Marlin, Steyr-Mannlicher, and Savage. The Tikka is the best bang for the buck out there in my ooinion. You've heard it from others....smoothest bolt around, super accurate, free-floated barrel, comes with rings that work great. The plastic detachable magazine is not an issue. They are super tough. I probably like my Steyr the best, but it is a $1200 gun. You'll be making a great choice with the T-3. All 3 of my Tikkas (I have a Tikka Whitetail also) shoot 1/2 - 3/4" groups with factory ammo. Good Luck

Which limbsaver would you reccomend, and how do you do it? Would the slip on be good enough?

i like TIkka's and had a whitetail hunter but i do not like plastic bolt shrouds and triggerguards. it is tacky and cost-cutting. thye also have been knows to break....... the guns are smooth and accurate though

It is limbsaver #10112, it states it's for remy sm. wood, but it fits just fine. It's about a 2 minute job with a small phillips screwdriver.

I have a T-3 in .308. You will be amased at the quality. Shoots 1/2" groups out of the box w/factory ammo. I am picky about my triggers and this is the only rifle I have NOT had to have trigger work done on. Nuff said.

this may seem like a stupid question, but do you remove the old recoil pad? with a slip on that is...

yes you do,take the old pad off to put the slip on,on.
i have see you posting this over at greybeard,i thought them guys gave you alot of good answers to your quetion.
you would be best buying the tikka in a (hunter) series if you are getting the 30-06,and the mag is not plastic , and is detacable...i wanted one but nobody can get it in a 7mm-08,so i am getting the t3 lite. good luck..

Wait a second, the mag on the tikka hunter isn't plastic? what about the trigger guard?

bought a tikka lite stainless a few weeks ago. mounted a bushnell legend 5-15 using the tikka lite rings. started breaking in barrel. clean,shoot, clean, etc after 10 rounds, went to 3 shot groups. largest was 7/8, best was 5/8 inch. recoil was negligible. a delight to own at total weight less than 7 1/2 lbs will help out mule deer hunting in wyoming next year. on sale gander mountain $540, but think sale is over now.

Plastic mag on my Whitetail Hunter..............

I think the Tikka is an amazing rifle considering the cost and quality. Being a handloader I was concerned that the OAL of the magazine, 3.365" would limit me in "tweaking my handloads". It does in that I like to start at .030" off the rifling. But in most bullet shapes, you are limited because of the magazine. The strange thing about this is that is doesn't seem to matter as the four cartridges I shoot through Tikkas all do incredibly well! I consider the Tikka a "plain jane Sako".
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