Tikka T3X Synthetic - plastic junk or good kit?

[Yorric]

You can always fit a neoprene cover/comb raiser to deaden the plastic buttstock to quieten it down. Then fit a comb raiser pad under it to centre your eye on the scope whilst getting proper cheek "weld".
Tikkas work well & are durable. Simple sound design that works.
Ian

 

[imnotrucknut]

While Tikka T3(x) has probably the best aftermarket support after Rem700 (or better since Tikka is truly bolt-on...) the LH decreases the choices a lot.

A definite plus on Tikka is the trigger, most you will ever need is polishing the surfaces and/or fit cheap aftermarket spring. Most people are satisfied with factory setup. A word of caution, models not using the plastic magazine (and thus the retainer clip) can be adjusted to be non-safe (trigger spring screw doesn't bottom out on the screw holding trigger mechanism to action).

It's obvious Tikka has detachable magazine, but it's not so obvious that while Tikka mag cannot be toploaded some others can (topped up while inserted).

If you want something more substantial you might like Howa 1500 (or other variations like Weatherby Vanguard).

Yes I believe it was one of the improvements made to t3x.having a wider ejection port for top loading
Regards Gary

 

[alberta boy]

I can relate to this , (a side note , I packed a C1A1 , the Canadian SLR , for a few years myself ) I can't say I'm a fan of the current crop of plastic stocks that are becoming standard issue . That being said , Tikka makes a very good synthetic stock . You won't go wrong with a T3 or T3X , excellent rifles .
Someone mentioned the Canadian Rangers have adopted them . I have two old friends who are Rangers , they have nothing but praise for them . The main reason they went with laminated stocks is because of extreme cold , most synthetics don't do well with prolonged cold exposure . These rifles will see more abuse in a month than a sporting rifle will see in it's life , usually on a snow machine . Most synthetic stock failures I've seen usually involve - 30 C , and lower , temps , snowmobiles and hitting solid objects like trees , not a concern for most in the UK lol . As was suggested earlier , low density spray foam really quietens thing down , I've done it on mine , works great .
Another , and last , side note , the Rangers have been given their previous issue Lee Enfield No4 Mrk1* rifles , a nice token of appreciation . I'd love one , but they have been well used to say the least . Most are still going strong though , a testament to the design . I'm not sure if most here are aware of the fact , but the government gives the rifles to the Rangers as a personal weapon while they're in service , ie , they take them home with them ,

AB

 

[ejg]

AB, for such cold temps as you have you'd be better off with a composite stock. Aerospace composites are constantly below -50 C and shortly after often at 50C+. Would be interesting to fit a carbon stock to a Ranger rifle and see if they break it or how it breaks. Long term they should be better regarding water soakage.
The wider injection port was as far as I know not because of top load but more because the opening got very narrow when Dovetail one piece Spuhr mounts were fitted. Spuhr had to mill many older actions. Spuhr was bought by Beretta or?
edi

 

[alberta boy]

Funny enough , higher end composite stocks were suggested , but they went with the laminate instead , cost being the biggest factor . A carbon fiber stock would've been ideal . Moisture isn't really a problem north of 60 , the Arctic receives less precipitation than some parts of the Sahara strangely enough . The strange thing about the Ranger rifles is , they weren't built by Tikka . They were built by Colt Canada , part of the requirement . Their first choice was the Ruger Scout Rifle, but Ruger wouldn't release manufacturing rights to their rifle . Personally , I prefer the Tikka , even though the Ruger is a solid piece of kit .
Just to stir the pot , I'm not giving up my Longbranch LE No4 Mrk1* any time soon , if it ain't broke , don't fix it lol .

AB

 

[jthyttin]

The wider injection port was as far as I know not because of top load but more because the opening got very narrow when Dovetail one piece Spuhr mounts were fitted. Spuhr had to mill many older actions. Spuhr was bought by Beretta or?

Yes there's no way you could top load T3(x) magazine. Of course larger ejection port gives better access but the size difference is like 1mm.

Here's some comparison pictures between T3, Sako A7 and Sako 85 that nicely show the difference in magazine and action. Btw A7 can be toploaded even though it's single column. The metal feed lips are designed to bend.

Sako A7 Review

In the history of hunting rifles, Sako stands out for accurate, quality rifles. However over the years the price for a new Finnish made Sako has continued to climb and today even the least expensi

www.biggamehunt.net

 

[ejg]

Funny enough , higher end composite stocks were suggested , but they went with the laminate instead , cost being the biggest factor . A carbon fiber stock would've been ideal . Moisture isn't really a problem north of 60 , the Arctic receives less precipitation than some parts of the Sahara strangely enough . The strange thing about the Ranger rifles is , they weren't built by Tikka . They were built by Colt Canada , part of the requirement . Their first choice was the Ruger Scout Rifle, but Ruger wouldn't release manufacturing rights to their rifle . Personally , I prefer the Tikka , even though the Ruger is a solid piece of kit .
Just to stir the pot , I'm not giving up my Longbranch LE No4 Mrk1* any time soon , if it ain't broke , don't fix it lol .

AB

Was thinking of freeze drying... which will also put stress on the glued wood and leads to a size change. In the Summer I presume there will be some moisture. The costs are of course an issue. Cheap composite stocks are either not strong or very heavy. Strong and light is mostly more expensive. For the fun of it I would like to make a composite stock as we'd think fit for the purpose. Are scopes fitted to these rifles or only open sights use?
Is Colt Canada still manufacturing these rifles or was it a one off contract?
edi

 

[ejg]

Yes there's no way you could top load T3(x) magazine. Of course larger ejection port gives better access but the size difference is like 1mm.

Here's some comparison pictures between T3, Sako A7 and Sako 85 that nicely show the difference in magazine and action. Btw A7 can be toploaded even though it's single column. The metal feed lips are designed to bend.

Sako A7 Review

In the history of hunting rifles, Sako stands out for accurate, quality rifles. However over the years the price for a new Finnish made Sako has continued to climb and today even the least expensi

www.biggamehunt.net

Nice pic of the actions. Three guesses which is the stiffest action …..
edi

 

[alberta boy]

Was thinking of freeze drying... which will also put stress on the glued wood and leads to a size change. In the Summer I presume there will be some moisture. The costs are of course an issue. Cheap composite stocks are either not strong or very heavy. Strong and light is mostly more expensive. For the fun of it I would like to make a composite stock as we'd think fit for the purpose. Are scopes fitted to these rifles or only open sights use?
Is Colt Canada still manufacturing these rifles or was it a one off contract?
edi

The freeze drying issue is a good point , I have no doubt that they will have to deal with it before long . There is a lot of water about when it's not winter ( about 9 months of sub zero on average ) so it can be a bit of an issue as well . Like most things , the final version of the CRR is a bit of a compromise . It hasn't been in service very long , and , undoubtedly , there will be upgrades and modifications throughout it's service life . Like you , I think they'd have been better off with a higher end carbon synthetic , but in the end it came down to cost .
I think you should do a stock Edi . I have no doubt it would be up to the task . The rifles aren't issued with scopes , but do have a full length rail , with aperture sights . Most will install their own scopes , probably everything from red dots to higher magnification scopes . Actually , Jay , on Canadian Gunnutz , who is a Ranger , did a good write up on his rifle . You're a member on CGN , you should read it , a really informative article .
Colt is only licensed to build rifles for the Canadian military . Tikka was very adamant , understandably , about that in their contract . The exact number of rifles escapes me , at least 6000 units , but they will be manufacturing spare parts and servicing the rifles for the life of it's deployment .There isn't an exact copy of the C-19 available on the market , but it was based on the CTR ( compact tactical rifle ) and a small cottage industry has sprung up here manufacturing parts to convert civilian rifles to the C-19 spec . It doesn't hurt sales when you're rifle is accepted by the Rangers lol .

AB

 

[ejg]

Thanks AB, I will try find the article. The good thing about a wooden stock is that they are easy to fix in the wilderness. Drive a spax screw through etc. Still, once we catch a breather here I'll try make an ultra strong stock for my 20" 308 CTR which could suit that role.
BTW, I don't think it will take too long for the first T3 clone actions to appear on the market. I know one guy in Germany who wanted to start production but got side tracked and another your side of the pond who will hopefully pull through.

edi

 

[alberta boy]

A quick correction , the test is under the sporting rifle forum and his user name is wayupnorth , kinda makes sense lol .

AB

 

[alberta boy]

Thanks AB, I will try find the article. The good thing about a wooden stock is that they are easy to fix in the wilderness. Drive a spax screw through etc. Still, once we catch a breather here I'll try make an ultra strong stock for my 20" 308 CTR which could suit that role.
BTW, I don't think it will take too long for the first T3 clone actions to appear on the market. I know one guy in Germany who wanted to start production but got side tracked and another your side of the pond who will hopefully pull through.

edi

I have heard some rumors myself , one things for sure , they will sell . I'll trade you , a ranger rifle for that cool little Mauser in 308 you built lol .

AB

 

[Big_Sparky]

Yes there's no way you could top load T3(x) magazine. Of course larger ejection port gives better access but the size difference is like 1mm.

Here's some comparison pictures between T3, Sako A7 and Sako 85 that nicely show the difference in magazine and action. Btw A7 can be toploaded even though it's single column. The metal feed lips are designed to bend.

Sako A7 Review

In the history of hunting rifles, Sako stands out for accurate, quality rifles. However over the years the price for a new Finnish made Sako has continued to climb and today even the least expensi

www.biggamehunt.net

The link is certainly an interesting read! And I see from the comments that others agree about the stocks from a “feel” perspective.

All in all, lots of great feedback and information and plenty food for thought for me!

After all - everyday a school day!!

 

[Whitester]

The only issues I had with my Tikka t3x was tha the length of pull was too short, loading a round and putting on the safety was too loud and the angle of the pistol grip was not comfortable. BUT you can change the length of pull with spacers , you don't notice the sound of the bolt and safety when out hunting and the pistol grip can be changed. And also they are accurate, have a good trigger and can't be beaten for the money. There are a few that are good alternative like the sauer 100 xt and the browning x bolt but a sensible mans money would go into a tikka.

 

[jthyttin]

There isn't an exact copy of the C-19 available on the market , but it was based on the CTR ( compact tactical rifle ) and a small cottage industry has sprung up here manufacturing parts to convert civilian rifles to the C-19 spec .

Tikka T3x - The ultimate tool for accuracy

Tikka T3x rifles are built with long-standing gunsmith expertise based on tradition and innovation, allowing you to choose between different models for the given hunting or training purpose.

www.tikka.fi

and

The Tikka T3x Arctic is the commercial version of the C19 with no functional differences. The only differences are the CR crest laser etched on the C19 stock, the red hue of the C19’s laminate stock (versus the T3x Arctic’s orange tones), and the contract requirement that dictates the C19 is manufactured by Colt Canada under license from Sako, Tikka’s parent company. The commercial rifle is manufactured on the Sako/Tikka line in Riihimäki, Finland, and exported initially in limited numbers.

 

[Siggy]

love my Tikka T3 stainless steel in .270 - a real work horse, very accurate, great trigger, hard wearing. light to carry and left handed. I don't like soft coatings so the plastic isn't a problem. I have cheek piece so the hollow plastic butt is not a massive problem and the straight top line of the stock means it is a nice and stable fit. You can always fill the stock if you want to, which is what I think they have done with the T3x. You can't top load the mag which is a pain when you loading and unloading frequently but hey ho.
If the Sako 75 finnlight came in left handed, I'd scrub all the above and buy one in a flash but they don't exist

 

[Big_Sparky]

love my Tikka T3 stainless steel in .270 - a real work horse, very accurate, great trigger, hard wearing. light to carry and left handed. I don't like soft coatings so the plastic isn't a problem. I have cheek piece so the hollow plastic butt is not a massive problem and the straight top line of the stock means it is a nice and stable fit. You can always fill the stock if you want to, which is what I think they have done with the T3x. You can't top load the mag which is a pain when you loading and unloading frequently but hey ho.
If the Sako 75 finnlight came in left handed, I'd scrub all the above and buy one in a flash but they don't exist

Can I be a little thick at this time.... several people have made the comment about not being able to top load a mag - excuse a Sapper’s ignorance.... whether it was an SLR, an SA80 or a 9mm Browning, I’ve only ever loaded a mag in the same way (ok technically either one at a time or with a quick strip but you know what I mean lol) so I don’t understand what’s meant by not being able to top load it? How else would you load a mag?

 

[jthyttin]

Top loading is keeping the (detachable) mag in rifle and topping it up through the ejection port. Same way as using internal magazine.

Sometimes it matters, sometimes not. If you cannot top load, you have to either take the mag out or store the unchambered round somewhere else (buttstock ammo carrier, pocket etc)

 

[Big_Sparky]

Top loading is keeping the (detachable) mag in rifle and topping it up through the ejection port. Same way as using internal magazine.

Sometimes it matters, sometimes not. If you cannot top load, you have to either take the mag out or store the unchambered round somewhere else (buttstock ammo carrier, pocket etc)

Ah, fair one! I know I often repeat the line..... every day’s a school day lol!

So, with a Tikka, could you not load a single round into the chamber by hand as you would with a “normal” bolt action rifle that didn’t have a magazine?

 

[Yorric]

With a Tikka you can single top load by dropping the cartridge into the ejection port on top of the magazine & closing the bolt. Obviously this doesn't work with any rounds in the magazine.

Ian