Tikka T3 Tactical questions...

[hyena74]

Can anyone give me the run down on the Tikka T3 Tactical as it compares to the regular T3? The only difference I'm seeing is the stock is slightly different, the barrel is med threaded, and it has a pic rail.

On the stock, it looks like it has that bulky adjustment knob. Does anyone have any experience with one...does it hold its adjustment well, solid, durable, etc?

It costs about 3 times as much as a regular T3. I'm wondering if it is worth the price. I really like my T3 and could buy another for a little over 500 bucks, have a new barrel installed, a pic rail, and a manners stock for about the same price as the Tactical model.

One other question, is the T3 Tacticals pic rail the 0 MOA style like in the short barreled TRG's.

Thanks

 

[Delta4-3]

I've always felt that you get more for you're money by rebarreling a T3 lite and adding a stock of you're choice.

 

[117D-RTO]

It has a bull barrel that comes threaded and an adjustable stock. I ended up taking my stock off and putting it in a KRG, the original stock was fine though and stayed in position. I think it was made to be an off the shelf precision rifle for LEO that would not customize it, in that role I think they did a good job and it is at a decent price point for what you get. If you are thinking of shooting a different caliber and are going to rebarrel, then just save the money and get a T3 lite IMHO.

 

[117D-RTO]

Missed the rail question, it is 0 MOA and mine was glued to the action...was a PITA to take off.

 

[hyena74]

Missed the rail question, it is 0 MOA and mine was glued to the action...was a PITA to take off.

what do you guys do with a 0 MOA rail if you decide to leave it on, just put regular rings on it and hope your scope has a lot of adjustment...or buy something like a 1 piece spuhr or near mount that has some angle built into it?

 

[Joop]

I have a little time with the T3 Tac in .308. I would agree with what some others have said on buying a cheaper T3 Lite for the action and building how you want it, unless you like the lightweight stock and don't mind paying the price. Don't get the wrong idea, however. They shoot great in the OEM stock and it's comfortable (at least, to me it was), but most people nowadays prefer something a little less traditional in ergonomics. My only real complaints about the Tac are the barrel jump (in .308. The .223 wouldn't be an issue, of course) that makes having the brake almost a necessity and the long throat/short mag problem that's pretty much inherent to most Tikkas, depending on caliber. I think to get the absolute best out of them, a new stock is a plus and a better DBM helps, too.

I'm currently building a rifle based off the of T3 Sporter in 6.5x55 and waiting for my McMillan stock to arrive. If I had to do it over, I would probably go a different (slightly cheaper) route by getting a used Lite model and building off of that by swapping barrels.

John

 

[117D-RTO]

what do you guys do with a 0 MOA rail if you decide to leave it on, just put regular rings on it and hope your scope has a lot of adjustment...or buy something like a 1 piece spuhr or near mount that has some angle built into it?

I replaced it with a 20MOA EGW rail. If you are dead set on leaving the 0MOA you would probably be fine with just about any decent scope out to 600yds, after that you may want a quick detach or one-piece ring setup with an incline in them.

 

[Randoman5]

What would it cost to rebarrel a T3? One of the main reasons I would buy a Tikka is because they come with good barrels out of the box. Screw Beretta for not importing the T3 varmint to the US anymore.

 

[Travis224]

It really shouldnt cost any more than a remington rebarrel.

 

[calling4life]

Look at eurooptics for the new sporter, I went with the Talley 20moa base, badger rings, can't complain, but I knew I loved the stock. I came from an adjustable McMillan A5 and don't miss it at all.

Might be worth a look for you

 

[rancilio]

I think your OP questions have been answered. I will add my take on the Tactical... I have experience with both the .308 and the .223. Straight out of the box, they do everything I need out to ~600 and 400y respectively. Some folks have issues with the stock, while I found it quite acceptable. The butt comb is built well and stays puts. Add a brake or better yet, a can to the muzzle, and I found a very pleasurable shooting session. The smooth Tikka action is wonderful of course. Compared to a gun three times the cost, I would say the Tac is a bargain. Speaking for myself and friends, I think we get caught up with some extravagance that we might not need... Not that that will stop my pursuit!

 

[rancilio]

I should have added to be aware of the 18-1 threaded barrel. I will likely have it rethreaded 5/8-24 sometime. Even though I have thread adapters, it proves to be a hassle to switch devices around. In the end, will buying a factory threaded muzzle be worth the cost when if I have it rethreaded? Nope. Something to consider.