T3 Lite?

[Addicted]

I have shot shotguns my whole life, but never got into shooting rifles much until recently. I have recently aquired the long range shooting bug, and would like to get my first bolt gun. I started with the online course here last week and realized I have much to learn. My thinking is that I need to buy a realatively cheap rifle and shoot the fool out of it while learning the fundamentals. I know I want a .308, but not sure which kind.

I went to a local shop today and found a Tikka T3 Lite. I like the feel better than the Remington 700 SPS, and it is priced right. My concern from googling the gun is that it is too light for range shooting and that it would be better to find a Varmit instead.

My question is whether the critisism is correct or is this a good starter gun for my needs? 300 yards is about as far as I can go out at a local range here. A fun show here is just three weeks away as well.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

 

[Red_SC]

Re: Another newb needing an education.

The Tikka is a pretty nice rifle, it would be a great deer rifle but a heavier rifle might be better for range shooting IMO. A .308 isn't exactly a thumper even in a lighter rifle, but a little more weight makes it steadier.

IIRC, you posted that you have an AR10, if I were you I'd put a good scope on that instead of buying another rifle, and shoot that for a while until you have a better idea what you want in a bolt rifle. You're welcome to come down here and shoot my .308, it's a Rem 700.

 

[Addicted]

Re: Another newb needing an education.

Yea, I do have a really nice AR-10, and I think it is much better than I am at the moment. I think I would rather learn the fundamentals, before I foul the barrel of that rifle during the learning curve. A nice T3 or Rem 700 is a lot cheaper than the barrel on the AR-10.

 

[Red_SC]

Re: Another newb needing an education.

I wouldn't worry too much about that. Learn how to clean it correctly and use good cleaning gear, and don't overclean it, and that barrel will be superb for a very long time. By the time you shoot that barrel out, you will have spent many, many times the replacement cost on ammo or components. I wish I'd kept up with the round count on my .308, just going by empty primer boxes it's easily around 4K - 5K, and it's just broken in good.

But, if you're looking for an excuse to buy a rifle, I'd say get a varmint weight Rem 700 with a good stock, or a cheaper one and buy a PSS, VS, or similar stock for it. Savage makes a good rifle too, but I prefer the smoothness of a Remington.

 

[robert60446]

Re: Another newb needing an education.

Hi,
I have Tikka T3 Lite in .270 Win and it is a great range gun - after i have installed muzzle brake and limbsaver recoil pad. You can fine tune trigger on it without any special mods and accuracy right of the box is great. Bolt action is one of the best i ever had on bolt rifle...i think for the price Tikka is hard to beat package...here is mine...;-)

 

[desertHK]

Re: T3 Lite?

Can't go wrong with a Tikka. Smooth action. Accurate out of the box. Yes, it may not have all the bells and whistles to make it look "tacti-cool". But I wouldn't exclude it. I have the 223 version and am very happy with it.

 

[Addicted]

Re: Another newb needing an education.

Yea, I think you are correct. I'm just looking for an excuse to buy another rifle.

I will probably wait and see what they have at the gun show in a couple weeks. I think you are correct on the light being more of a hunting gun and too light for the range.