Action Discussion: T3 vs TRG

[B.A.C.]

First, lets keep this conversation on the topic of the actions only. I've seen several TRGs and T3s floating around with aftermarket barrels which distorts the discussion about which is more accurate. Out of the box TRG > T3.

I want to know what makes the TRG action so great and if the T3 is any less reliable. I'm looking for a purpose built weapon designed to withstand adverse conditions, but question if the T3 would survive. It will be used for hunting and some range work. I've disqualified the AI rifles due to weight. One of the qualms I have about the T3 is the recoil lug, which I've heard ought to be replaced with a steel lug if not updated to a 700 style lug.

Here's what I know:
The TRG has one more locking lug and a 10 degree difference in bolt lift compared to the T3. Both have a side bolt release and accept external magazines. The TRG bolt handle is threaded into the bolt. The T3 handle utilizes a dovetail design which is probalby strong enough that I wouldn't need to be worried about it breaking off as 700s are notorious for. 10 round TRG mags can be had for the bargain price of $225 and 5 round T3 mags are $68 (Euro Optic prices). You could literally sell one of the TRG mags and buy the KRG conversion in order to use the reputable AICS mags.

Opinions are greatly appreciated from those who have experience with either system.

 

[XOR]

IMO having owned both, I think the T3 dovetail is probably stronger than the TRG screwed in bolt. Heresy I know, but just looking at it and working the bolt I think it just is stronger and is a clever design.

Other than the extra lug, the trg and t3 bolts look very similar even down to the enclosed action, ejectors, etc. I didn't look at the internal firing pin to see the differences though. The plastic stock on the t3 lite is very stiff for the material it uses and significantly lighter than the TRG if you are carrying it around for any distance. The extra bolt throw on the t3 gives it more camming action over the trg I suspect if you have a fussy round in the chamber as well.

On the lug issue, the t3 shoots very well out of the box. So although I think the trg recoil lug is better, I can't say the t3 is any worse in that it seems to work and has a very competitive price point.

I think the t3 magazines are junky. The trg is much nicer in that area. Sometimes the t3 I had would not feed well and the magazine catch liked to come loose potentially leaving the magazine ready to drop free. It could have been the particular rifle I was using though. But clearly the trg magazines and feeding is more reliable in my experience. The stock on the trg was also significantly better, but also heavier. The trg trigger is much better than the t3, but the t3 trigger was very nice for a hunting rifle setup and I had no real complaints about it in that task.

I still prefer my TRG over the t3, but for the weight and price the t3 is a really good package and I suspect pretty durable overall. I'd much rather carry a t3 around hunting all day than a trg (and double that for an AI)...

 

[Smooth_87]

The lug is okay for non magnum calibres, it's made of aluminium but could be swapped out very cheap to a stainless steel one.


The bolt handle will never come off on a tikka from failure, the dovetail setup is superior to the Trg

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I'm looking for a purpose built weapon designed to withstand adverse conditions

The TRG is that one. Built from the ground up.

The T3 is purpose built as well but it's purpose is a economy grade hunting rifle. By time you get a good barrel installed, and a good stock or chassis you're at the cost of the TRG and you have the down time of sending it to a smith.

I'd get the TRG. Tikka this or Sako that, one thing you WON'T get on the tikka is the TRG trigger. The trigger is one of the finest ever put on a rifle.

 

[darrenk75b]

But, if you really want that trigger, you can put a trg trigger on a t3. It will cost a pretty penny, but it can be done.

Buy a t3 for 600
Trg trigger for 400
Krg chassis for 1200
Barrel install in the caliber of your choice for 600

Price will be close to a trg, but in the caliber/twist you want. Forgo the trg trigger and save yourself a bit, and the custom t3 looks pretty nice, plus you will be using mags in the w3 that are more reasonably priced than the trg mags.

 

[Adam B]

But, if you really want that trigger, you can put a trg trigger on a t3. It will cost a pretty penny, but it can be done.

Buy a t3 for 600
Trg trigger for 400
Krg chassis for 1200
Barrel install in the caliber of your choice for 600

Price will be close to a trg, but in the caliber/twist you want. Forgo the trg trigger and save yourself a bit, and the custom t3 looks pretty nice, plus you will be using mags in the w3 that are more reasonably priced than the trg mags.

^^^^^ this for the win. I did the same things a few years back and it was a great gun. Built it on a KRG folder and It gave up nothing up to my TRG and was half the cost of a TRG with the factory folding stock.

 

[Vagrantdan]

If I wanted to put a barrel on my t-3 lite and put it in a Manners stock, where would be a good place to get it done?