New Tikka T3 "Lite"

W

warbirdlover

New member
Just got my latest edition of Rifleshooter magazine and a good article on this rifle. Shoots really tight groups too!

Might be my next rifle...
 
Tikka 3 in 22-250

I have a Tikka 3 with a synthetic stock that is a real tackdriver in .22-250. I only wish that I got to shoot it more often lately. Seems that time is getting tighter and tighter these days.
 
I am considering a T3 lite myself. It shoulders very comfortably. Everybody that I've talked to that owns one speaks very highly of them.
 
Great guns. Easy to carry and a terrific shooter. We currently have 2 at our house. Would not hesitate to add a third one.
 
I've had 2, my brother has one. They are great rifles, shoot great, have excellent triggers, and are probably the lightest rifle you can get for under $1,000. I can highly recommend them if you can live with the unconventional looks and a few other quirks.

Some don't care for the looks, the use of so much plastic and the rather expensive, hard to find magazines. The expense and availibility of magazines was my only real concern. They come with rings that many don't care for. They are functional, but I found that the screw heads were very soft and stripped easily when mounting. I spent less than $3 to buy better quality screws at a hardware store and replaced them with hardened steel screws that fit the wrenches better. Lots of guys just buy different mounts. I would highly recommend a Limbsaver pad because of the weight, especially in any calibers over 243 or so.

I sold both of mine to finance a custom rifle. The new rifle does not really shoot that much better, it is lighter though, but I like it and the more conventional looks better. Like I said if you can live with a few quirks, you won't find a more accurate, lightweight rifle for the money.
 
bought mine last year in 7mm-08. much light than my m77 hawkeye. recoil is not nearly as bad as i thought it would be. very good accuracy.
 
I own two of the Lites' 30/06 and 300win mag. The 06 shoots amazingly well. No issues out to about 450yds and still accurate enough to confidently shoot like that. Bear in mind I have hundreds of rounds down the barrel.

The other is 300. Really kind of brutal on the range so it doesnt get much bag time, however, it's an elk killing machine. Very accurate and dependable at 500yds.
I'm kind of partial to them, and their predecessors. I own 4 70's model Ithaca rifles which were manufactured by Tikka. One of the 06's is new in the box, never fired. elkman06
 
Tika T3 Lite .308

Another proud owner here. Smoothest bolt in any of my rifles (also own Rem 700, Weatherby Vanguard, and Browning X-bolt). More accurate out of the box than I am capable of shooting (sub MOA with Hornady factory loads and reloads).
 
T3 Lite in .270 here. Bolt is extremely smooth and the factory trigger is really nice. Kicks a bit more than you'd expect, but Limbsaver fixed that for me. :)
I'll never sell my Tikka.
My ONLY complaint is that I can't find reasonably priced extra magazines. Also not much in the way of replacement stocks out there. There are some, just not a lot. I wanted to put a really high grade walnut stock on mine, but have not yet found any good options.
 
Like the Tikka just fine, but putting even a plain walnut stock on is a waste of time, money and effort. It will always be a workhorse, not a showhorse and no amount of wood is going to make it purty. Plus you give up the strength, lighter weight and stability of synthetic. You still have the plastic bottom metal.

Bell and Carlson does now offer an aftermarket stock, but I'd pass. The Tikka stock is one of the best factory stocks as is. The B&C will cost you an additional $200+ and offers zero advantages. It is also 1/2 lb heavier, which defeats the Tikkas main advantage, light weight.
 
Yeah, I eventually gave up on that idea and have since been looking for a used Winchester M70 action to build on a nice stock. Not the easiest thing to find. :) Will likely just end up buying a used M70 rifle to yank the action out of.

To stay on topic: The Tikka Lite stock DOES work well. The rifle shoots great as is and I wouldn't worry about scratching anything scrambling through the woods with it.
 
It looks great but I'm not a fan of box magazines. I prefer the opening floor plate over inserting a magazine. That is my only gripe against this rifle and the Venture.
 
I'm happy with mine. Took a brown bear with it last spring. I did make a discovery recently though. It seems to shoot better when it's dirty.

It will always be a workhorse, not a showhorse and no amount of wood is going to make it purty. Plus you give up the strength, lighter weight and stability of synthetic. You still have the plastic bottom metal.
Click to expand...

I agree. Mine is strictly a reliable, accurate utilitarian killer exposed to all sorts of dirt, dust rain, snow, sleet, ice and and even a little salt spray from time to time out here in Aleutian Hell. Although mines blue/syn I don't get too wound up about exposing it to the elements when I'm out. When the bluing finally wears away, I'm going to Duracoat it and call it good.

One of the advantages of the stock is I can rake it through the willows when I'm moose hunting to challenge bulls that may be in the area. :D
 
I read the Rifleshooter article on the T3 the other night and it seems that you get a pretty good rifle for price. I wouldn't mind trying a stainless one in the lite weight version, maybe a .260.
 
I have been very happy with mine in 30-06. It's very accurate and feels great to me. As mentioned... A precision fit limbsaver recoil pad goes wonderfully with it IMO. Sometimes I do wish it had open sights though so I could use it without a scope.

As mentioned.... I have kept my eye out for a spare magazine in the stores after passing one up years ago and have yet to notice another. Where would you guys recommend getting a spare? Can I order them online? I have heard I can get a 5 round factory magazine instead of the 3 round one I have. Is this true?
 
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