Author Topic: Tikka T3 (Read 2585 times)

mrmabry · « **on:** August 10, 2003, 06:57:44 AM »

As a new forum member I'd like to say hi to all,
I am hoping you can help me with this. I'm an old shotgunner who just joined my first hunt club for deer. Now I've got to get a rifle. I'm set on getting a Tikka and Zeiss Conquest setup. After scanning all the recent posts I see everyone seems to lean hard to the WhiteTail series of rifles. I recently held both a Whittail syn .270 and a T3 syn .270 and am leaning toward the lighter T3, but I think in wood. Is there any reason any Tikka people out there know of as why the T3 should not be just as good of a rifle as the WhiteTail has proven to be. I appreciate any input as this will be my first (of many hopefully)rifle and want it to be a good 'un. Thanks

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2003, 08:54:27 AM »

I think the T3 is an improvement over the Whitetail------the only way I would buy a Whitetail is if it was deeply discounted.

longwinters · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2003, 09:09:07 AM »

I love the Whitetail Hunters, but the only negative I have heard about the t-3 is a question on if you go with a shorter cartridge the chamber is not actually made for it but jury-rigged to make it work. This is only what I have heard on here, I have not actually seen one. Sounds like the longer cartridge rifles are looking very good . . . the 270 being one. If I were to buy another Whitetail I would only get the deluxe a/c of the much nicer wood. But of course this is just my 2 cents.

long

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2003, 12:05:25 PM »

As to whether the T3 is an actual "improvement" over the WH remains to be seen. However, so far, from those who have experience with both, it appears that the WH is still the standard by which all of the Tikkas are judged.

Of interesting note, I believe that the WH are STILL AVAILABLE FOR 2003! No, the Stainless Synthetic models are no longer available, but the Stainless Laminated, Deluxe, and Hunter models ARE available.

If you really want a Tikka, I'd definately stick with the WHs. I own three of them, and I couldn't be happier.

Zachary

dbuck · « **Reply #4 on:** August 10, 2003, 12:14:05 PM »

First of all, welcome to the forum. I own a WH 270 with syn. stock and it shoots 1 5/8" groups at 200 yards. I go along with Zachary and would stick with the WH for just the weight if nothing else. What impacts recoil is weight of rifle, bullet lighter or heavy, velocity. I think you will like the Conquest scope, I don't have one, I have a Nikon Monarch on mine, but I understand they are very good scopes.

Welcome again to the forum.

dbuck

308TIKKA · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2003, 11:58:30 AM »

Go with the WH.
THE T3 was created as a way to reintroduce Tikka to the United States. The T3 is marketing hype. Beretta recently bought SAKO who owned TIKKA and wanted Tikka's to become more popular in the U.S. They decided the best way to do this was launch a New model.

Now if you want a one size fits all action then a T3 is for you. Why would they make that? It's cheaper. The WH has been around and has a reputation for being accurate, dependable, and a trigger that is adjustable but comes from FInalnd at 3 pounds or so. The bolt is smooth, but thats not important for much. I guess it shows good craftsmanship.

The T3's trigger is easier to adjust, I think the action can stay in the stock, sort of like Savage's accu-trigger. I might be wrong on this. However, unless you really need a LITE gun, I see no benefit of getting a T3.

Is there any specific upgrade the T3 has over the WH? the stock was redigned but I could care less.

mrmabry · « **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2003, 01:28:22 PM »

Thanks for all the good advice! I went back today and looked again. In the end I plunked $450 down on a syn/blue .270 WH. It just felt like a higher quality firearm. The T3 stock was not as nice overall. Did I do alright on the price? Next on the list is the scope. From what I have learned on this forum and after looking I think it will be a Nikon Monarch 3-9x40. If you guys would help me out once more could you point me in the right direction for mounting the scope. I'm not sure what I need(base/rings?).

308TIKKA · « **Reply #7 on:** August 11, 2003, 02:19:33 PM »

I got a zeiss conquest scope for my Tikka and I really like it. I would recommend them in a heartbeat. Now the nikon has good glass but I am not sure it is in the same league as the Zeiss and Bushnell Elite 4200. I think the Elite 4200's are the best value on the market right now.

If you are going to buya Leupold, please dont buy a vari-x III. The VX-2's and even the new VX-1's have almost the same light transmission figures and the same waaranty. They have MC4 on the exterior lens only but at dusk it is hard to tell the difference between them and a vx-III.

The Leupold warranty is now matched by Zeiss. You can call Zeiss and get a real human on the phone. It is a lifetime transferable warranty. Nikon and Bushnell have these as well although i have not heard the customer service was as good as leupold and zeiss. You can get an ELite 4200 for a few dollars more than a monarch 3x9.

On Ebay, you buy a zeiss 3x9 for 360$ new.

Zachary · « **Reply #8 on:** August 11, 2003, 04:59:55 PM »

I have 3 Tikkas. 2 have Nikon Monarchs, and the other has an Elite 4200. I recommend them both.

Zachary

longwinters · « **Reply #9 on:** August 13, 2003, 04:54:33 PM »

MRM, I think you got a good price. I suppose someone could do a few dollars better if they got real lucky, but you paid a relatively small amount for a quality rifle. Enjoy your good fortune! :-D

long

mrmabry · « **Reply #10 on:** August 14, 2003, 04:31:27 AM »

Thanks longwinters. Just ordered the Warne rings, thanks for the advice Zachary. Now looking for a good deal on the Conquest or Monarch and I'll get it sighted in and give a report on how it shoots. The important stuff. Thanks again all for the advice on my first rifle.

tominboise · « **Reply #11 on:** August 14, 2003, 05:18:08 AM »

Bearbasin.com will sell you a new Zeiss Conquest 3X9 for $399 delivered to your door by Fed Ex. I have bought 4 scopes and 1 binocular from them and couldn't be happier with the service or prices.

Zachary · « **Reply #12 on:** August 14, 2003, 08:25:33 AM »

I bought a Nikon Monarch 3x-9x-40mm from Jon at www.theopticzone.com for only $255! That's cheaper than bearbasin.

If you call Jon, tell him that you are a member at GBO and he'll take EXTRA care of you!! :grin:

Zachary

Power · « **Reply #13 on:** August 14, 2003, 07:25:29 PM »

Here's my WH w/ a Conquest 4.5-14x44. I absolutely love it and wouldn't trade it for anything;

'nough said.

Bill R · « **Reply #14 on:** August 30, 2003, 01:42:04 AM »

mrmabry

I recently bought a Tikka T3 Lite Synthetic/Blue in .308 and topped it with a Zeiss Conquest 3x9x40. It will see use this upcoming season in Texas, Penna. & Michigan. I have a number of rifles in various calibers in the safe and they are topped with a variety of scopes--the Zeiss, Nikon Monarch, B&L 3200, Leupold (2 dating back to early 70s), Redfield, Weaver, etc. I like all of them and you certainly CAN NOT go wrong with any of those I have mentioned. (Guess I'm easily pleased.)

I decided on the T3 over the Whitetail because it felt good in my small hands and came up nice to the shoulder. At the range, during the mounting and sighting in of the Conquest, it felt good--nice crisp trigger, slick bolt action, mild recoil. I was pleased all the way around, especially when my last three shots were touching. I am looking forward to using this setup during deer season.

If I had it to do over again, I probably would reconsider getting the synthetic stock and go with wood. I'm sure I'll get used to the plastic, especially during foul weather. As mentioned, I am very pleased with the way the T3/Conquest rig performed at the range. Looking forward to the season.

Happy hunting.

Bill R.

308TIKKA · « **Reply #15 on:** August 30, 2003, 04:42:10 AM »

I think the T3 is a good gun and almost the same gun as the whitetail. Basically they made it look dofferent with a new stock and changed the way the bolt handle looks. They also offer it in a "LITE" version for all the people who get tired of carrying a 7.25 pound rifle.

they also ONLY OFFER IT WITH A 1 size action! This is a cost cutting move in my opinion. WHy buy a 308 when its a long action? If you are going to buy a long action then fine but it makes no sense if you are going to buy a short action cartridge.

I think the T3 was made to reintroduce TIKKA to the USa with Beretta's marketing muscle. Lord knows Stoeger kept these things a real good secret! :lol:

In reality, the T3 and WH are more close to being the same than different but there are some differences that make me a WHitetail fan.

Zachary · « **Reply #16 on:** August 30, 2003, 03:33:02 PM »

I finally got to see a T3 first hand today. It was a synthetic/blue in .300WSM.

As soon as I picked it up and mounted it on my shoulder, I knew that it wasn't a WH - but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Truth be told, I didn't particularly love the gun, but then again I didn't hate it either.

The gun was definately lighter, and it felt slimmer - kinda like a Remington Mountain rifle of sorts with a synthetic stock. One thing that I particularly noticed was that there is a full length bar on top of the receiver on the T3, whereas on the WH the top of the receiver is much more open. The top part of the T3 receiver is kinda like the Nesika Bay design.

The T3 synthetic stock felt cheaper than the WH stock. In fact, I think that the WH synthetic stock is one of the best factory synthetic stocks. The T3 synthetic stock, on the other hand, is much more "plastiky" - like the Remchesters.

My overall opinion is that I like the WH better than the T3, but the T3 isn't as bad as I thought. Good thing is - WH or T3 - you're still getting a rifle that shot 1" groups at 100 yards before it left the factory in Finland. :wink:

Zachary

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #17 on:** August 31, 2003, 05:20:03 AM »

Finally got around to shooting my stainless T3 Lite .243 yesterday---after bore sighting--getting on paper---moving my shots to POA.

I shot a 5 shot group----4 touching with one flyer(shooter's fault---oooppps that would be me).

This was with less than one box of ammo----and the first time out---no trying different loads or anything------load was 100gn Federal Classic(blue and silver box)---Hi-Shok bullet or something to that effect.

My buddy has a T3 .300Win mag-----all shots touching---3 shot groups.

We got rid of the hollow butt stocks by filling them with spray insulation foam---a Dow product IIRC. Adds little to no weight to the gun.

After we went shooting----did some gun trading---got rid of S&W .357 that I had no particular fondness for----and got a blued T3 Lite in .223----I can't wait to go shoot this one--because I'm completely confident this will drive tacks also. Had a Burris Fullfield II laying around that I mounted on the .223--------4.5x14x40AO Ballistic-plex reticle.

Once I locate a stainless T3 in .338win mag--that WILL be my next rifle---I totally sold on these----and I doubt I'll ever buy anything else. Talley rings for the .338----I don't think the factory rings will hold a .338.

Talley is now making one piece aluminum rings for the Tikka---Midway has them for like $35----my buddy put those on his .300----very nice.

longwinters · « **Reply #18 on:** August 31, 2003, 10:50:39 AM »

Wow! sounds like a great time. Always glad to hear another narrative about the Tikka rifles. Omaha, What do you think of the receiver design? Some have told me it is not the way to go and others say this is a major breakthrough in rifle design and that other manufacturers will be following suit.

long

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #19 on:** August 31, 2003, 09:03:33 PM »

I like the solid top design better myself---seems to me that it would lend itself to being more rigid and solid----though I don't know of any scientific tests proving such.

It also seems to me that it would keep out debris a little better---sort of like an AR-15-----though I haven't hunted with it yet.

Went down to the local emporium looking for the elusive .338----wound up putting a Browning Citori 525 Field 20ga on lay-a-way---VERY NICE---anyway its half paid for and they gave me a long lay-a-way term---so eventually she'll be mine.

Guess that .338 is going to have to wait a while longer--which I would have to anyway---I asked about ordering one in---they said its just a crap shoot what can get from their distributor------because there is such a high demand for them.

Guess everybody else is finding out Tikka's are the real deal.

Bill R · « **Reply #20 on:** September 06, 2003, 01:06:23 AM »

For those straddling the fence on the Tikka T3, maybe this will help. It was named the "Rifle of the Year" by the NRA's American Hunter magazine. If you can, reference the February 2003 issue of American Hunter. Check out Page 74 and then the full feature article on Pages 82 & 83.

I do have a problem with the photo on Page 82, however. The rifle in photo sure looks like a Sako, not the Tikka T3.

Happy hunting.

longwinters · « **Reply #21 on:** September 07, 2003, 10:33:22 AM »

Like I said ( and I suppose it goes with all new rifle designs ) some call it cheap junk and others call it a masterpiece. The only way to know is to shoot it and make up your own mind. :gun4: :-)

long

mrmabry · « **Reply #22 on:** September 17, 2003, 05:00:02 PM »

I finally shot my WH last week. Synthetic .270 with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40. Let me say I have never shot a rifle before. I was using the new hornady interbond ammo and out of the box, bore sighted only, shot a 1.5" group at 100 yards. Using kitty litter as a rest :grin: This was a blast. My best was a 1" group just left of the bullseye. Seems my buddy is thinking bout a new Tikka now. Too bad for his abolt.

Power · « **Reply #23 on:** September 17, 2003, 07:00:24 PM »

This month's NRA Rifleman magazine has a nice write up about the T3. Really good read.

brigsby · « **Reply #24 on:** September 29, 2003, 03:02:34 PM »

Hey Guys,
Just signed up and wanted to tell everyone how much I have enjoyed reading all the comments . I have a question that I would like all your feedback on. I am about to buy a tikka t3 lite in 25-06. I have never held the t3 lite but after reading everything you guys have written I am sure I will like it. I live in middle Ga and deer hunt only. I already have a 270 and 308 but really do love the 25-06 round. Just wanted to see what everyone thought about this setup and is 450.00 a good price? Thanks agian, Brandon

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #25 on:** September 29, 2003, 03:53:11 PM »

Problem with the T3 .25-06 is they don't put a long enough barrel on it. Should have put the 24in pipe on there instead of the 22in one.

Bill R · « **Reply #26 on:** October 11, 2003, 04:05:46 AM »

Want to know more about the T3? The NRA's American Rifleman magazine features the T3 and Leupold's new Rifleman scope in the October 2003 issue. Also, there is a feature on the history of Sako. Makes for interesting reading. It also reinforces the feeling that I made a good choice in selecting the T3 as my latest acquisition.

Happy hunting!

Power · « **Reply #27 on:** October 14, 2003, 06:12:58 PM »

One of my hunting mags just proclaimed the T3 as "Rifle of the Year". That says a lot too.