Hi , quick question , new to stalking and finally looks like fac is on way so it’s rifle choice time , can pick up a tikka t3x superlite , going with .243 suits all that Im after , it was one of the anniversary package rifles comes with a Steiner scope , is there anything to look out for with this model ? Problems etc , this doesn’t look to have had too much use and looks good value , thanks
Suitable rifle
- Thread starter spurs14
- Start date
Can you try before you buy? Will the seller give any guaranties, check for general cleanliness, chewed up bolts may suggest its been mucked about with, check the barrel for pitting and the crown for corrosion, if its threaded inspect the condition of the threads, you mention a scope, so look at the mounts and also the condition of the lenses and the tube for crushing or crimping, try the turret adjustment to make sure they work
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
My guess would be that unless you are unlucky it will be just fine. But if you can shoot it before you buy, that would be jolly nice.
Koenig
Well-Known Member
Never known a Tikka not shoot straight out of the box. Sounds to me like you’ve bought a new package, in which case you have comeback if there is a problem (highly unlikely). The T3x is a superb entry level rifle I still have mine after 12 years because I’ve never found anything that outshoots it. I own a Sauer 202 and it doesn’t perform any better despite being a lot more expensive. The T3x has some extra bits added which you had to go aftermarket for on the plain old T3 such as:
Metal bolt shroud
Improved stock
Improved recoil pad
Some sort of butt insert in the stock
I think they used steel for the recoil lug as opposed to the old aluminium ones that would distort especially under hard use / bigger calibres.
There maybe some other tweaks I am unaware of.
Steiner make good quality scopes, you’ll have no problem with it. Try and get a moderator and decent mounts included if they’re not already.
I had a T3 / ASE SL5 moderator / Optilocks (which I didn’t like) and a Burris Four X scope for £1300 - albeit in 2012. Clearly prices have gone up and the Steiner is in a league well above the Burris. But talk to the trader and see what you can strike a deal over.
You have a good package there to get you going, perhaps one you’ll keep for a lot longer than you think when you find it outshoots set-ups 3/4 times the price (as I have with mine).
Anyway, enjoy it by getting out stalking you’re making a good choice!
Metal bolt shroud
Improved stock
Improved recoil pad
Some sort of butt insert in the stock
I think they used steel for the recoil lug as opposed to the old aluminium ones that would distort especially under hard use / bigger calibres.
There maybe some other tweaks I am unaware of.
Steiner make good quality scopes, you’ll have no problem with it. Try and get a moderator and decent mounts included if they’re not already.
I had a T3 / ASE SL5 moderator / Optilocks (which I didn’t like) and a Burris Four X scope for £1300 - albeit in 2012. Clearly prices have gone up and the Steiner is in a league well above the Burris. But talk to the trader and see what you can strike a deal over.
You have a good package there to get you going, perhaps one you’ll keep for a lot longer than you think when you find it outshoots set-ups 3/4 times the price (as I have with mine).
Anyway, enjoy it by getting out stalking you’re making a good choice!
the prowler
Well-Known Member
One on here in sales sako75 243
Get a really good shot to test fire it for you if this is your first rifle.
Assuming this is a new rifle? If so and it fits your budget go for it! If it is second hand then a good barrel inspection would be wise. .243 isn’t known to be kind on barrels, having said that a super lite shouldn’t have seen much range use (hopefully). Apart from that Tikka’s are a great choice and as customisable as a R700. Good luck.
I would say Tikka are the reason the trade in semi custom rifles has declined. Tikka T3X actions are silky smooth out of the box and as already mentioned, they are known to be accurate with there being limited to nil reports of a tikka not shooting well. They are also very weather resistant. Even the blued model I owned showed no signs of corrosion after bad weather. There are a multitude of after market parts to customise the fit and handling. Unless you have specific needs, which as a recreational hunter, I don’t envisage there being anything that the basic factory rifle doesn’t offer.
Secondhand rifles do offer good value, it’s a buyers market. However, there is risk involved when you don’t know what to look for. Barrels are like tyres and wear out with use. Unfortunately unlike modern tyres they don’t come with wear markers. Even with a borescope it’s not an accurate science.
Package deals can look enticing with the apparent savings. But does the package really include what you want. Be mindful that the less expensive Steiner scopes don’t use European glass. There is an advantage at first and last light when using European glass, this being when 99% of deer are shot. As the saying goes, if you can’t see it you can’t shoot it.
Calibre wise there is plenty of history on here discussing the merits of one over another. My personal opinion, deer aren’t armour plated and then you put a hole in the right place they will die. Any legal calibre is the right one and will get the job done.
The reality is, buying the rifle is the cheap part of stalking. Unfortunately there is huge over demand for opportunities with most, but not all, land occupied by a sitting stalker. So be prepared to pay for leases or stalking opportunities.
Have fun with whatever you end up purchasing and practice.
Secondhand rifles do offer good value, it’s a buyers market. However, there is risk involved when you don’t know what to look for. Barrels are like tyres and wear out with use. Unfortunately unlike modern tyres they don’t come with wear markers. Even with a borescope it’s not an accurate science.
Package deals can look enticing with the apparent savings. But does the package really include what you want. Be mindful that the less expensive Steiner scopes don’t use European glass. There is an advantage at first and last light when using European glass, this being when 99% of deer are shot. As the saying goes, if you can’t see it you can’t shoot it.
Calibre wise there is plenty of history on here discussing the merits of one over another. My personal opinion, deer aren’t armour plated and then you put a hole in the right place they will die. Any legal calibre is the right one and will get the job done.
The reality is, buying the rifle is the cheap part of stalking. Unfortunately there is huge over demand for opportunities with most, but not all, land occupied by a sitting stalker. So be prepared to pay for leases or stalking opportunities.
Have fun with whatever you end up purchasing and practice.
Your first rifle is like the first girl friend, hugely exciting but unlikely to be your forever.
You have a deal on an outfit that will work, buy it enjoy and learn. Then you will have a better idea of the criteria that are important to you.
PS when some one says X rifle has lots of aftermarket accessories, ask why. You won't get your money back when you sell. Better to spend the money on a better rifle.
You have a deal on an outfit that will work, buy it enjoy and learn. Then you will have a better idea of the criteria that are important to you.
PS when some one says X rifle has lots of aftermarket accessories, ask why. You won't get your money back when you sell. Better to spend the money on a better rifle.
The only issue you may have is the forend and that is certainly not unique to Tikka. The plastic stocks are inevitably a bit flexible at the front end so if you aren't careful when you are shooting off a bipod the barrel can be free floating on one shot and touching the next. Not great for accuracy.
Good rifle though, it will shoot. As for 243 vs other calibres. It depends what you shoot and therefore what range of bullets weights are appropriate for your target species.
Good rifle though, it will shoot. As for 243 vs other calibres. It depends what you shoot and therefore what range of bullets weights are appropriate for your target species.
SikaSeeker
Well-Known Member
You obviously haven’t look through a Steiner scope at first/last light.
Never used a Steiner scope , would you say they are quality ? Seems to be well made and looks clear and bright
I have and I own one. I specifically said it is the lesser expensive Steiner scopes that don’t use European glass, it is these scope that do not perform as well as European glass. Of which I own several. Just like there is a difference between a zeiss V4 and the V6 range. Other than the zoom range being different the V4 do not use European glass.
That’s good to know if memory serves I think the scope on the rifle was a ranger 4 6-24x56 , seemed a quality unit but as said TIL you get it out at dusk it’s a job to tell ,
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