T3x vs a Sako

[wildfowler.250]

I haven’t handled a T3x but I’ve shot a few deer with various paid day/hire T3s. Thought the T3 had quite a stiff trigger but what I was wondering was how much work would it take to get a tikka up to a sako standard? An aftermarket stock and they’re on par? Accuracy wise I’d expect them to be similar.

Just thinking whether you’re better off with say 1600 T3x with a custom stock of your choosing or an 85 without any modifications

 

[ejg]

I am convinced the T3 is the best action Sako have produced, even compared to early Sako or Tikka actions. Most stocks that are delivered with factory rifles are a compromise, with any rifle manufacturer. Sometimes just too much of a compromise. The aftermarket industries are designing & developing products that focus on exactly the faults/weakness of factory rifles.
The T3 has a few weak points, safety that is not every ones thing however most get on with it (there is an aftermarket fix). The pin holding the bolt stop has failed in the past but that happens only when working the bolt very hard. Trigger it self is very good compared to other factory triggers. If you can't hunt with this trigger get some practice in... not a different trigger. Magazines are down to the shooter, some can't shoot with a mag sticking out the bottom... what a lame excuse. There are a few aftermarket offerings when it comes to floor plates and mag systems.
Only other weak point on a T3 might be the slightly short action length for longer loaded long action cartridges, there is a fix for that also.
I have yet to see a factory rifle that would beat the two T3 CTR's I had/have at 100m grouping with factory ammunition. Even the Muzzle velocity of the two rifles were within 5fps. Say's something about the barrel manufacturing at the Sako plant..

edi

 

[DavyG]

I’ve often heard this said, “a Tikka is a poor man’s Sako” and “There’s no difference between a Sako and a Tikka”. Both untrue.
There were a couple of niggles with the T3 which was addressed by the T3x. Certainly a Sako is more “refined”.
Another...”you can’t get an 85 to group because of the inferior locking lug”.
I own both brands and both will shoot sub moa.
Buy either, you won’t be disappointed.
DG

 

[wildfowler.250]

I’ve often heard this said, “a Tikka is a poor man’s Sako” and “There’s no difference between a Sako and a Tikka”. Both untrue.
There were a couple of niggles with the T3 which was addressed by the T3x. Certainly a Sako is more “refined”.
Another...”you can’t get an 85 to group because of the inferior locking lug”.
I own both brands and both will shoot sub moa.
Buy either, you won’t be disappointed.
DG

But with so many aftermarket options for the tikkas, how or what would you have to change to get it on par? It’s about £600 cheaper and you could customise It as much as you like really

 

[ejg]

But with so many aftermarket options for the tikkas, how or what would you have to change to get it on par? It’s about £600 cheaper and you could customise It as much as you like really

Maybe the other way round, what needs to be done to a 85 to get it level with the T3? Starting with the bedding issue, scope mounting issue. T3 and Sako stocks are virtually made of the same polymer. Apart from ergonomics and looks no quality difference in the plastic stocks.
If one wants to stick with the T3 plastic mags one can upgrade the T3 with an Atlasworx alu floor plate. That can have the advantage of holding action screw torque somewhat better. Then again the T3 plastic mag and floorplate with roughly 73grams is one of the lightest mag systems on any rifle.
edi

 

[I. Farticus]

I'd just buy a Sako 75, personally. Oh, hold on, I did...

 

[wildfowler.250]

Maybe the other way round, what needs to be done to a 85 to get it level with the T3? Starting with the bedding issue, scope mounting issue. T3 and Sako stocks are virtually made of the same polymer. Apart from ergonomics and looks no quality difference in the plastic stocks.
If one wants to stick with the T3 plastic mags one can upgrade the T3 with an Atlasworx alu floor plate. That can have the advantage of holding action screw torque somewhat better. Then again the T3 plastic mag and floorplate with roughly 73grams is one of the lightest mag systems on any rifle.
edi

so really the T3X cracked it then?

 

[wildfowler.250]

I'd just buy a Sako 75, personally. Oh, hold on, I did...

Got one as well but I’ve never fully understood the cult status. It’s decent but if you want to change anything there’s less options than for the tikka

 

[I. Farticus]

Got one as well but I’ve never fully understood the cult status. It’s decent but if you want to change anything there’s less options than for the tikka

Mine just works and I've never felt a "need" to change anything. A lightweight thumb hole stock would be nice just for something different, but that would be on a whim, and if there was anything on the market.
I often think that anything which has a lot of aftermarket kit available, wasn't the best that it could be straight from the factory...

 

[Ranger22]

Go for a Sako. I’m not going to say why ! Do a search

 

[ejg]

so really the T3X cracked it then?

Yes an no,
t3 in my eyes is closer to perfection than most others even if the price were the same however there is room for improvement. Starting with basics such as adjustable cheek raiser or a stock that suits scope eye position better. Most basic factory stocks are set up for open sight use. Saying that every factory rifle I have come across will shoot and one can hunt with them... maybe less comfort or less accuracy as a result.
There are ways of making rifles shoot accurate with less effort from the shooter however this has little to do with Sako/vs Tikka.
edi

 

[DavyG]

But with so many aftermarket options for the tikkas, how or what would you have to change to get it on par? It’s about £600 cheaper and you could customise It as much as you like really

Go for a Sako. I’m not going to say why ! Do a search

Ha...!!!
Ranger 22 aka Tikka hater...!!!

 

[DavyG]

But with so many aftermarket options for the tikkas, how or what would you have to change to get it on par? It’s about £600 cheaper and you could customise It as much as you like really

Horses for courses....the same, but different.

 

[TURNBOLT]

I haven’t handled a T3x but I’ve shot a few deer with various paid day/hire T3s. Thought the T3 had quite a stiff trigger but what I was wondering was how much work would it take to get a tikka up to a sako standard? An aftermarket stock and they’re on par? Accuracy wise I’d expect them to be similar.

Just thinking whether you’re better off with say 1600 T3x with a custom stock of your choosing or an 85 without any modifications

I have said this before.My mate went to a rifle builder in Scotland to enquire about a custom rifle.He was told “ just buy a T3 and put it in a better stock” .He chose a McMillan stock for his t3 and is chuffed to bits with it.

 

[Ranger22]

Price, esp second hand. My 223 was obtained for £400 incl moderator. Needed another mag as spring had gone - probably why it was traded in. Some people know very little.

very accurate, more than enough for deer. Light. Decent but not spectacular trigger.

the t3 lite stock is the worst part- no cheekpiece, and not quite long enough, but it does what it needs to. I dont really care if mud and blood get on the stock whencarrying an animal out.

If I were to change one thing, it would be to go to three lug bolt not two. It would reduce bolt lift.

Most people using them love them. If you dont-sell it and buy what you think you need.
The original post just sounds like a whinge.

Ha...!!!
Ranger 22 aka Tikka hater...!!!

Awe that’s a bit strong, I dislike them in their current form.

 

[Shabz]

My last rifle was a tikka 595 which is similar in function to the T3. Things I didn’t like were,

1, The safety, you have to knock the safety off to open the bolt.
2, The single stack magazine, if you put one up the spout when you’re Lamping, you have to take the mag out to put the live round back into it. It’s a right faff and can put you under pressure if whatever disappeared reappears.​

3, The extractor, I didn’t realise I didn’t like it until I got a sako 85, but it just pings full rounds/empty cases out at the end of the stroke. The 85 has that semi controlled round feed so you can open it slowly and the round will just sit on top of the others in the double stack magazine. This is also why I prefer the 85 over the 75. It’s not mega important, but it’s just nice.​

Other than those things, I loved the tikka. It was hella accurate.

It is a good question though, I always wondered why anyone would buy a new T3 when they can buy a second hand 85 and upgrade it. Mine cost me £400 which left me £1200 on a new price for a rebarrel and McMillan stock.

 

[wildfowler.250]

Interesting replies guys!

The ejector issue / case hitting the scope on the 85 with long actions would worry me a little.

I think I’ll pop in and have a look at the T3Xs. Certainly a lot more options for it compared to the sakos ect. But then is it easier to just get an 85? Got a craving for a new .22-250

 

[Old melv]

Not used a t3 but I do like the flush fitting double stack magazine on my sako 85

 

[Ranger22]

My last rifle was a tikka 595 which is similar in function to the T3. Things I didn’t like were,

1, The safety, you have to knock the safety off to open the bolt.​

2, The single stack magazine, if you put one up the spout when you’re Lamping, you have to take the mag out to put the live round back into it. It’s a right faff and can put you under pressure if whatever disappeared reappears.​

3, The extractor, I didn’t realise I didn’t like it until I got a sako 85, but it just pings full rounds/empty cases out at the end of the stroke. The 85 has that semi controlled round feed so you can open it slowly and the round will just sit on top of the others in the double stack magazine. This is also why I prefer the 85 over the 75. It’s not mega important, but it’s just nice.​

Other than those things, I loved the tikka. It was hella accurate.

It is a good question though, I always wondered why anyone would buy a new T3 when they can buy a second hand 85 and upgrade it. Mine cost me £400 which left me £1200 on a new price for a rebarrel and McMillan stock.

 

[Shabz]

Just after I posted this, I saw your thread about the T3. You must have a great mind!