Tikka T3 Lite Scope Bases/Rings

[klt1986]

After ordering a new scope for my new Tikka T3 Lite(.25-06),  I've got a few questions about rings and bases for this gun.

1.  Are the factory rings as bad as some claim on the net?

2.  I've seen the Talley's recommended several times....does anyone have a part number for the ones I would need?   

3.  Will the aluminum Talley's hold up?  I have always preferred steel when it comes to mounting scopes.

4.  Any other ideas?  I have always used Leupold bases and rings in the past but Leupold does not list bases for the T3 on their website.  Anyone know if Leupold makes bases for the T3?

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

For my latest T3---I got the Burris Weaver/Picatinny style bases and used the Leupold QRW rings that I picked up on sale a few months ago----they were marked down so much I got several sets of rings for future uses.

The bases were like $17 from Midway.

[Buckfever]

I have gone to the Warne Vertical rings which fit the rail system.  They are not cheap but I need maximun hold for the 1 hour ride each way on an ATV.  This ride is a lot of bumps and logs.  The Warne mounts have been perfect and they have also have survived the baggage handlers on multiple flights.  I have total confidence in them.

I also have the mounts that came with the T3 on my 6.5-55 which has worked perfectly.  So I have no problems with either.  However the Warne's on my bread and butter 30-06 with maximum loads and an enduro ATV ride are the ticket.   Buckfever

[Zachary]

I also have Warnes on many rifles, and yes, they are heavy duty.  On my Kimber, I decided to use the Talley mounts because they are light.  In .300WSM, the Talley aluminums have help up perfectly, so I'm sure that they would hold up just fine on your .25-06.

As for the factory Tikka mounts, I have them on one Tikka, but I forgot which one.  Plus, I don't think that I have shot it yet, so I can't give you any feedback on it.

Zachary

[usherj]

This season I noticed that my scope slipped forward about 1/8" in my T3 in 6.5 x 55. The tube slid in the front ring and the rear ring slid forward on the dovetail (the recoil stop pin is only in the front ring). I had tightened them the same way with Warne and Leupold QRW - which have never slipped with harder recoiling rifles. So I don't a lot of confidence with them. Does anyone make a decent ring with a recoil pin for the front receiver hole, or should I just use weaver style bases?

[Rev Buck]

I have the Talley rings on my T3.  I believe the stock number for Midway is 390528 for the medium rings.  I was not crazy about the factory rings although a lot of people are very happy with them.  The Talley rings are not as heavy as the Warne but seem to be plenty strong.  Rev

[usherj]

Thanks, RevBuck. They look good. Good deal too. Where else can you get decent rings and bases for $40? I have a Sightron 3-9x42 on mine with the factory rings, and the clearance is just right. Which height is closest to the factory rings?

[jason burns]

I have an extra set of Warne Tikka rings for the t3 new in package if ya want them.  I bought one pair too many. ($30 shipped)  I ya want em, shoot me an email.

[Rev Buck]

The medium height would be closest to the height of the factory rings and should give you enough clearance for your 3-9X42.  The low rings would probably be too low IMO.  Rev

[usherj]

Thanks.

[Sigma]

Would NOT recommend the factory rings on the Tikka. Unless you don't mind scope pinch. The top clamshell is over 180 deg. and bites into the sope when clamped down. Poor design. I went with the Optilocks from Sako. A bit pricey, but IMO worth it.

Regards

[lilabner]

I just bought a new T3. The owner's manual refers to the bases as "optilock". The instructions refer to using a 4mm allen to install the bases and a 2.5mm allen to attach the top rings to the bases. However, the bases and rings take the same size allen wrench. The screws are beefy and look like 4mm to me. The interior of the rings and bases is coated with a substance that is apparently intended to grip the scope tube tightly. The recoil stop pin in the front base is fixed, not moveable as indicated in the manual. Has Tikka changed the scope mounts or are these the same type mounts that have been slipping?

[Luckyducker]

I guess I am just to stupid to know any better but I have used the mount and rings that came with my Tikka T3 Lite and the scope hasn't moved one bit in over 100 rounds from 300WSM.  It will cloverleaf 4(and probably more) shots at 100 yds anytime I want to do it.  I didn't even consider buying aftermarket mounts or rings when I put my Leupold scope on it.