Tikka T3x or Sako S20

[WTMR]

Hi all,

Have space for a 6.5 Creedmoor on my ticket, budget isn't massive but can probably afford a new rifle/mod/optic and I'm keen to stick a spartan adapter on the front.

I've primarily been looking at the T3X, mostly likely just the standard Lite version, but possible with the adjustable stock if I can source one. However I saw the Sako S20 is often available as part of a deal too which could be a good base from which to swap out a few parts.

I imagine they are both great rifles and the Tikka is covered well enough in these forums. Keen to know if anyone has some first hand experience with the S20 (good or bad) that they'd be happy to share.

Thanks!

 

[swaro79]

ive got a sako s20limited edition
stick with the t3x a well proven platform and save yourself some money for a better scope

 

[WTMR]

ive got a sako s20limited edition
stick with the t3x a well proven platform and save yourself some money for a better scope

Thanks - this does seem the most likely choice!

 

[Border]

Just Get a t3x and a set of Takboks carbonfibre quadstick kits. The lite is a great rifle.

 

[ebeckerlegge]

I have an s20 and can’t fault. The new limited edition “emerald” stock is looks and feels really nice

 

[SimpleSimon]

Hi all,

Have space for a 6.5 Creedmoor on my ticket, budget isn't massive but can probably afford a new rifle/mod/optic and I'm keen to stick a spartan adapter on the front.

I've primarily been looking at the T3X, mostly likely just the standard Lite version, but possible with the adjustable stock if I can source one. However I saw the Sako S20 is often available as part of a deal too which could be a good base from which to swap out a few parts.

I imagine they are both great rifles and the Tikka is covered well enough in these forums. Keen to know if anyone has some first hand experience with the S20 (good or bad) that they'd be happy to share.

Thanks!

If you can't get the adjustable stock in the combination you'd like, have a look at the Kalix Teknik adjustable riser. Installation is idiot-proof and it'll transform the way your rifle fits.

 

[Camdig]

I have both, T3X in 223 and S20 in 6.5CM the nicer rifle for me is the S20, the thumb hole stock just makes it a nicer rifle to mount and hunt with.

 

[West5575]

I just ordered my first Tikka for all the reasons on here. Great out of box with money leftover for upgrades down the road. That would be the easy deciding factor between those two.

 

[Domer]

The standard T3x stock is short and low and would need modifying or replacing if you want to get things perfect, the S20 has a far better stock for fitment. However the S20 is heavier so if you mostly walk when shooting the T3x lite may be a better option.

Having just got a slot for a 6.5 CM I’m in the same boat. At the game show I’ll be looking at the Benelli Lupo, Beretta BRX1 and the Mauser M25 but Tikka will always be in the mix

 

[WTMR]

The standard T3x stock is short and low and would need modifying or replacing if you want to get things perfect, the S20 has a far better stock for fitment. However the S20 is heavier so if you mostly walk when shooting the T3x lite may be a better option.

Having just got a slot for a 6.5 CM I’m in the same boat. At the game show I’ll be looking at the Benelli Lupo, Beretta BRX1 and the Mauser M25 but Tikka will always be in the mix

Thanks for this - helpful points. The Mauser M25 does look pretty smart too, but going with the tikka leaves a little more room for a better optic. I quite like the idea of experimenting with a new stock down the line...

I got hands on with a BRX1 the other day and it seemed alright...I suspect the Mauser would win for a straight pull out of the two of them.

On the Tikka website it seems you can filter for a Lite with adjustable stock which might fit the bill if I can get hold of one. Thanks!

 

[Jon69]

Go to a shop and have a play with both!

I had the same choice and even though they’re very similar in terms of accuracy etc, I personally much preferred the stock, overall fit and tbh the look of the S20.

Winning argument for me was the standard T3 stock would have to go so, allowing for the cost of a new T3 stock added in basically evens the cost out (or so I told myself…!)

I doubt you’ll go far wrong with either both excellent choices

 

[Domer]

These days the price of a Tikka T3x lite isn’t that far off and I think the other offer some advantages of the old faithful now.

Benelli Lupo - possible reduced recoil , a chassis type arrangement potentially offering better accuracy and a customisable stock for fitment.

Beretta BRX1 - straight pull if that’s your thing with the ability to swap from left to right hand, customisable for fitment and the option of a calibre change

Mauser M25 - same as the beretta apart from calibre switch but after handling one , nice and light and feels great

After saying this the Tikka is tried and tested so the choice is yours.

 

[redrbr]

I have an S20 (hunter) in 6.5 Creedmoor. I like it a lot. It handles very well, and is great to shoot.
The thumbhole stock is excellent. It's also fairly unfussy on ammo.
A few people have mentioned the weight, which is fair comment; it's tolerable for me given the stalking I do, but it's by no means a mountain rifle.

 

[d4nny1975]

Hi all,

Have space for a 6.5 Creedmoor on my ticket, budget isn't massive but can probably afford a new rifle/mod/optic and I'm keen to stick a spartan adapter on the front.

I've primarily been looking at the T3X, mostly likely just the standard Lite version, but possible with the adjustable stock if I can source one. However I saw the Sako S20 is often available as part of a deal too which could be a good base from which to swap out a few parts.

I imagine they are both great rifles and the Tikka is covered well enough in these forums. Keen to know if anyone has some first hand experience with the S20 (good or bad) that they'd be happy to share.

Thanks!

Got one in 243 it's fantastic and like a laser beam
But I changed the butt and forend from black to strata , tead up on the torques which are the same for the whole rifle ! 7nm , when I did the two screws up on the each side of the fore end they cross threaded ! **** me right off , I just got the feeling from the plastic around the action , was just
Made really shitty , needs Sako to make in carbon really !

 

[leej]

I've used both extensively. If you want to make after market changes, go with the Tikka as your possibilities are endless, but you could easily end up disappearing down a rabbit hole just for the sake of it like many do. If your happy to take a quality rifle out of the box and just use it then you want be sorry you picked the Sako.
Just check you like the fit and feel of the S20 before you buy.
Don't worry about the fit and feel of the Tikka because you can turn it into anything you want pretty much anyway. Just depends how much money you want to keep spending on your rifle after you've bought it.
I don't know many Tikka owners who don't end up spending more on them after the initial purchase than they would've laid out for a Sako in the first place. That's just my personal experience.

ATB
Lee

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

Hi all,

Have space for a 6.5 Creedmoor on my ticket, budget isn't massive but can probably afford a new rifle/mod/optic and I'm keen to stick a spartan adapter on the front.

I've primarily been looking at the T3X, mostly likely just the standard Lite version, but possible with the adjustable stock if I can source one. However I saw the Sako S20 is often available as part of a deal too which could be a good base from which to swap out a few parts.

I imagine they are both great rifles and the Tikka is covered well enough in these forums. Keen to know if anyone has some first hand experience with the S20 (good or bad) that they'd be happy to share.

Thanks!

Give me a bell
We have spotless versions of both in stock
Boxed S20 sub 200 rounds
Clean T3x in Lite and Lite Stainless

switch the spartan out for a Norne
Better bipod, much better mount using a Pic rail rather than a socket (and it doesnt fall off in the grass...)

 

[WTMR]

Just an FYI for anyone coming across this thread. Went to a test event last week and felt comparing the S20 and T3X was like comparing an Audi A3 to a VW Polo.

Both did the job but S20 felt a step up in fit, finish and general user experience. Lots of jokes about it looking like a toy rifle but I was pretty impressed!