Is a Tikka T3X worth $150 more than a T3

[vitalemj]

I'm buying a Tikka and sending it to Josh and Patriot Valley. So the stock mods and recoil lug changes on the T3X aren't really a consideration. It seems the only difference then is the ejection port on the T3X being opened up and an extra scope base mounting screw. Is this larger ejection port worth the $150 in upcharge? I'd like to hear from anyone here that has looked into this lately to hear if they wish they had the larger port and if there are any other aspects between the two I missed and should be aware of. Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

 

[spife7980]

Only if you have to have a factory metal bolt shroud come installed already. Otherwise since youre stripping it down then it wouldnt be for me.

 

[roggom]

For larger cartridges like -06 300 and 7 mags yes. In the T3 if you have a larger windage knob on your scope, the spent case would hit the windage knob and bounce right back into the action. The larger port helped to change the ejection angle. Other than that the only difference is the top of the action is flat on the t3x and the extra screw hole. The older acton had small grooves on the top.

 

[vitalemj]

Thanks, for the info Spife7980 and roggom. Not liking the idea of the ejection port causing that much trouble. Sounds Like I may want to keep watch on Gunbroker for a used T3X that is running the same price as the NOS T3 they are trying to move for cheap?

 

[260284]

I would ask Josh how much he would charge to open up the ejection port. I would imagine it would be less than the $150. I have not had any ejection issues with mt CTR in 260 and I run a LRSTi in medium rings. I had an LRHS in low rings before that with no issues. If I ever decide to cerakote my action, I might have the opening milled a little larger.

 

[vitalemj]

I would ask Josh how much he would charge to open up the ejection port. I would imagine it would be less than the $150. I have not had any ejection issues with mt CTR in 260 and I run a LRSTi in medium rings. I had an LRHS in low rings before that with no issues. If I ever decide to cerakote my action, I might have the opening milled a little larger.

That's not bad idea, I'll see what he says.

 

[roggom]

if your rifle will be a 6.5, 308 etc you should be fine with the T3

 

[vitalemj]

if your rifle will be a 6.5, 308 etc you should be fine with the T3

6 Creed. So short actions are in the clear? Is it the long actions that sometime run into the issues above?

 

[roggom]

I have 5 Tikkas, 4 T3 one T3X. the only one that was affected was the 7 mag with a Leupold with M1 knobs. 6.5 should be fine.

 

[vitalemj]

Awesome, that info will make the decision a little easier. Thanks Roggom.

 

[vitalemj]

I have 5 Tikkas, 4 T3 one T3X. the only one that was affected was the 7 mag with a Leupold with M1 knobs. 6.5 should be fine.

In your opinion does the finish stainless or blued make any noticeable different in the action? Not ascetically but functionally, as far as how smooth they usually are?

 

[roggom]

They both function the same and are very smooth.