Tikka T3 Lite Stainless Questions

[bigmac_au85]

I'm very interested in adding a Tikka T3 to my gun safe, in hopes that it will become my "go to" deer and predator hunting rifle.  I've already decided on 7mm-08.

I'm only interested in a weather-resistant setup, such as the T3 Lite Stainless, or the laminated/stainless version.

I'd prefer the T3 Lite Stainless, but I'm concerned about the light weight (6 lbs, 3 oz).  The laminated/stainless version weighs about  6 lbs 10 oz.

The reason I'm concerned about weight is because I'm not a very accomplished rifle shot.  I'm a shotgunner who is just getting into rifle shooting.  And I know higher weight means a steadier shot, at least to a certain point.

But, I'll only be shooting (in the field) from a rest on my tree stand, unless it's at point-blank range.

My question is, is the T3 Lite stainless so light that a novice like me would find it difficult to shoot it accurately from a rest?  I'm willing to put in the practice required to become proficient.

Or should I be considering the laminated/stainless version, which weighs about 6 lbs 10 oz?

Are both offered in left-hand version?

Thanks,

BigMac

[monkey]

Hey BigMac,

A guy here in New Zealand recently did a write up on the T3 Lite SS 7mm08 in one of our premier mags. He is a gun shop owner and has been for years with a preference to heavier rifles.

He tested the rifle with Remington core lock factory load (140grn) and 2 home loads - 140grn Seirra and 140 grn Nosler Accubond. the remmington load shot .75" and the Seirra and Nosler shot .98" and 1" respectively at what i assume was 100yards.

He said the rifle had been fired only 10 times and wasn't even cleaned, so he cleaned it before doing the testing, but still with a barrel that was pretty much straight out of the box.

He was a bit concerned about the lack of weight in the rifle and thought it may increase the chances of pulling the shot, mismanaging the recoil and of cause the extra stability you get from a heavier rifle. But overall he said it was a delight to shoot. Especially when he considered the fact that most NZ hunting is usually in steep terrain.


He even went as far as to say that he will be ordering more of them for his store - as he has no regrets in selling the rifle to punters after using it.
From his results and his comments and the history of Tikka I think it would be a true winner. Plus is looks like sex on wheels

For extra info added this info

yards and drop in moa

100 yards   0.00
200 yards   1.7
300 yards   4.1
400 yards   6.9

Energy in ft-lbs

0      2385
100  2074
200  1797
300  1549
400  1330

These aren't factory specs

***Note information and stats from New Zealand Rod and Rifle Magazine - jul/aug 2007****

[Graybeard]

Your shoulder will NOT know the difference that 7 oz makes.

[379 Peterbilt]

I have the stainless/laminate in 338 Win Mag, and felt recoil is nothing (to me) With a belly full of ammo, stock sleeve with 9 additional rounds, rings, bases and a scope it is flirting the 10 pound range.

Personaly, I just cant stand the injection molded plastic stocks, they feel too cheapy, but that's just me.

Accuracy should be the last thing to worry about.

[A.J.]

Monkey, you're right...those are nowhere NEAR factory specs. Fusion ammo have a pretty high BC, and is one of the flattest shooting factory ammo available. According to their ballistics, a 7mm-08  140 grain bullet will drop 13.3 inches at 300 yards if sighted in dead on at 100 yards. Sighted in at 200 yards dead on, the bullet drops 23.2 inches at 400 yards. While I didn't bother to look close at the energy readings, I don't believe they're any closer either.

[wild willy]

I think the fiqures are moa 2x for the 200 3x for the 300 etc gets them a lot closer to right I didn't check the energy