Opinions on different Tikka T3X models please.

[ForFoxSake]

I’m looking to buy a T3X .243 but there is so much choice and difference between models within the range. Intended purpose is foxing and roe deer stalking.

I’d like to hear opinions from those who have T3Xs as to which model is best suited. I am taken by the super varmint but I wonder if the heavy barrel makes it a bit cumbersome for said job.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Will the chippy]

I've a varmint tikka. Is a lump. But from sticks it's as steady as a steady thing and soaks up the recoil well. Get one of each. A lightweight one for when your walking miles and a heavy one for static shooting.

 

[Ludders]

If you’re carrying it for extended periods, I would go for the lite. I have had a varmint barrel in 243. Now sold and have 2 stainless steel lites in .223 and 6.5cm

 

[Shaun Goss]

The varmint is a weighty rifle, by the time you add a scope and moderator etc it’s not the nicest to carry over long distances. If you’re just static it’s ideal

 

[ForFoxSake]

I've a varmint tikka. Is a lump. But from sticks it's as steady as a steady thing and soaks up the recoil well. Get one of each. A lightweight one for when you’re walking miles and a heavy one for static shooting.

“Get one of each” and a 20 gun cabinet, maybe once my numbers have come up

 

[topscots1]

I have two and one on order, two Supervarmint 308 and 6.5 CM.
I have an Ace target
Always worth having a feel of them in a range or outwith a shop. Am happy with both as stalking rifles. The 6.5 is going to become a dedicated target rifle once the variation for the Ace comes through

 

[Sash]

Unless you are shooting long strings of shots, or a particularly hot calibre, go for the Lite.
It is a good walkabout weight and balance, and just as accurate as the Varmint for that all-important first (and, if needed, follow-up) shot

 

[Demetrius]

When examining before purchase, new or used, try and take a borescope with you.....I looked at one early last year (a 223 T3-TAC) which had very low round count, and a very pitted bore.

D

 

[ForFoxSake]

Unless you are shooting long strings of shots, or a particularly hot calibre, go for the Lite.
It is a good walkabout weight and balance, and just as accurate as the Varmint for that all-important first (and, if needed, follow-up) shot

Thanks, that makes sense.

 

[ForFoxSake]

When examining before purchase, new or used, try and take a borescope with you.....I looked at one early last year (a 223 T3-TAC) which had very low round count, and a very pitted bore.

D

Thanks, I don’t intend on buying second hand so I would hope and highly doubt this would be an issue considering Tikka’s high standards but I will keep it in mind when looking.

 

[topscots1]

Thanks, I don’t intend on buying second hand so I would hope and highly doubt this would be an issue considering Tikka’s high standards but I will keep it in mind when looking.

I wouldn’t rule out second hand, lots of very good rifles out there with very little done. Just be cautious you can make a good saving.

 

[jall55]

Got a varmint and wish it was a lite !

 

[ForFoxSake]

I wouldn’t rule out second hand, lots of very good rifles out there with very little done. Just be cautious you can make a good saving.

No, I wouldn’t rule it out but my local gun shop has a good range of Tikka’s and will most likely stock a new version of what I’m after than a second hand one. I’m a firm believer of supporting local businesses.

 

[ForFoxSake]

Got a varmint and wish it was a lite !

Just how much of a weight difference are we talking about between a varmint and a lite? Must be a noticeable difference.

 

[KimE]

2,8kg Light to 3,9kg Varmint

 

[Mike L]

Got a lite , glad it’s a lite.

 

[ForFoxSake]

2,8kg Light to 3,9kg Varmint

Oh jeez, that is a fair difference.

 

[nun_hunter]

Oh jeez, that is a fair difference.

As it's all in the barrel it'll act like a lever when carrying it and feel even heavier. It's better if you have a good sling with a chest strap but still not as pleasant as a Lite. The CTR barrel is a pretty good compromise though.

 

[ForFoxSake]

As it's all in the barrel it'll act like a lever when carrying it and feel even heavier. It's better if you have a good sling with a chest strap but still not as pleasant as a Lite. The CTR barrel is a pretty good compromise though.

I wondered that, liked the look of the CTR too but also wondered if it might be on the heavy side. I think, sensibly, the lite is more what I should be looking at. Don’t need a 10 round magazine.

 

[Mr Tree]

Varmint barrel is ok if you have a rock solid support. Try shooting freehand, or off the side of a tree etc, nigh on impossible, lugging this behemoth around soon gets to be a chore, with mod & scope, sticks & thermal. Traded mine in for a T3x Forester, with a bipod or bag, covering distance is easy, far more enjoyable & much more productive.