Tikka T3X Synthetic - plastic junk or good kit?
- Thread starter Big_Sparky
- Start date
Tikka T3 bolts are very smooth. I don't know any other factory rifle that has such a smooth bolt. I would not be to critical myself but I know that most use it as a criteria to value the workmanship of a rifle. Yes sometimes it is annoying when you point a rifle down for safety reasons and you can't keep the bolt up when loading unloading.
edi
edi
As ex forces you’ll be well aware of the trials of lugging overweight weapons around! Have a T3X in 22.250 after trading my old Rem 700 VSSF in for it and definately wouldn’t go back! Yes - the stock does appear a bit ‘plasticky’ and it can sound hollow if you clunk it around whilst out and about plus you need a proper grip when using sticks as the lack of weight increases muzzle flip but minor issues easily resolved by good weapon handling. It’s light enough for long carries, consistently accurate and good value for money IMHO.
swaro79
Well-Known Member
Cant go wrong with a tikka t3x synthetic a craicing rifle!(a reliable worktool).the thing about a tikka synthetic in my view is when your out stalking with it you forget about it untill you pull the trigger!all the other guys with there expensive blasers and sako laminated stocks and what not are to scared to get any marks or mud on them?makes me laugh evertime!
stevenedwards
Well-Known Member
Big_Sparky
Well-Known Member
Again, cheers for the input! It’s good to know elements that are “as expected” such as the bolt just being the way it’s designed rather than it being an issue. I guess, like many things, we all know what we’re used to!
To go back to my car analogy - I used to run an older model BMW 735 and a mate had a much newer 750 - from an engineering perspective his was probably the “better” car - but mine “felt” a lot more solid!
More hands on shopping required I think
To go back to my car analogy - I used to run an older model BMW 735 and a mate had a much newer 750 - from an engineering perspective his was probably the “better” car - but mine “felt” a lot more solid!
More hands on shopping required I think
Big_Sparky
Well-Known Member
Indeed!! And, the years on, I often still feel like I’m lugging a GPMG tripod.... only now under my jumper
Always stalked muzzle down with both my tikka.then put grs on my 3006 to suck up a bit of recoil but found it was a pain muzzle down.so one up one down for me
Regards Gary
I'm one of these people. I have five T-3 Lites, one of which is a stainless 308. I hunt afoot in rough terrain, usually, and the t-3's are never a burden to carry nor to they ever fail to deliver accuracy. They are some of the most accurate sporting rifles I own.~MuirThe very large numbers of people who have bought Tikka T3/X rifles with synthetic stocks all over the world for many years and seem more than happy with them, would seem to fly in the face of your "long winded meanderings"
Cheers
Bruce
Highlandsjohn
Well-Known Member
Bought a LH T3 light for my son in 243, great stalking rifle out of the box.
I put a Zeiss duralyt 3-12x50 on it, my worse decision ever was selling it.
Everything positive said above I agree with,plastic stock included..
jthyttin
Well-Known Member
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).
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).
Highlandsjohn
Well-Known Member
Last edited:
Donnachaidh
Well-Known Member
I bought a Tikka T3X stainless / synthetic last year. It's accurate and reliable. My previous rifles include Sako, Heym, and Schultz & Larsen. The Tikka performs as well as any of those, and is an excellent working rifle.
jthyttin
Well-Known Member
Fixed the quote for you... I don't have a dog in this fight actually own T3 and no Howa
Just realized there's no LH option on Howa so no point discussing further. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, depending on preference.
Big_Sparky
Well-Known Member
All appreciated and many thanks for all the input! And I’m pleased that it’s all been sensible and constructive and no one thought I was just trashing their choice of motor lol!
I genuinely now think it’s simply been a case of learned expectations from a service rifle and sadly there’s no way I’m gonna be able to misspell SLR on my FAC & expect no one to notice......
I genuinely now think it’s simply been a case of learned expectations from a service rifle and sadly there’s no way I’m gonna be able to misspell SLR on my FAC & expect no one to notice......
Have a look at the bell and carlson medalist - a slightly more robust synthetic stock for the tikka. Mike
Koenig
Well-Known Member
Mate, you won’t go wrong with a T3/X. Thousands of them are out there with minimal problems reported. I know they can feel light and a bit plasticky, that’s because they are built to be a ‘mountain’ or lightweight rifle to be lugged about. You can take the edge off the ‘plastic effect’ by filling the hollow stock with expanding foam or expoxy if you like (see YouTube). You can also add some bits and bobs like bolt handles/bottom metals if the plastic parts bother you. Remember the Canadian Ranger Force use T3’s, they wouldn’t accept rubbish (albeit the stock is laminate). I get where you’re coming from but try and put fond (or not so fond) memories of being the GPMG man in the past....you’re shooting for sport now. Enjoy it.
Big_Sparky
Well-Known Member
Appreciate that - and the fact it’s been some years since I ran anywhere with a rifle.... most of the later years were sat in the passenger seat of a Landy for a start
Totally take everyone’s comments on board - for me it’s just a case of making sure that whatever I spend a lump of my hard earned pennies on lasts and does the job. So I’m pleased I made the OP and have now put my mind at rest.
Similar threads
