Tikka T3X Tac A1 versus Accuracy International AT

[stephewc]

First off, I recognize there is a huge price difference between the Tikka T3X Tac A1 and the AI AT. Apples and oranges.

I currently have a 700 in a chassis and am looking for something new. While at a local shop, I got a chance to take a look at the new Tikka Tac A1. It has a smooth action, 70 degree bolt lift, aluminum chassis with folding stock, 3 mags, etc. In short, everything looks and feels better than my factory 700 in a chassis.

Just out of curiosity, and in hopes of ending this perpetual cycle of looking for something better, would there be any benefit on skipping the Tikka and continuing to save money for the AI AT? Unfortunately there are no shops around with the AI AT to look at. Any feedback on those with personal experiences would be terrific. Thanks!

 

[HoustonB77]

I have a Tikka TSR-1 and the action, trigger, and chassis is awesome. The gun however is only about a 1 MOA gun. Yes I can shoot the occasional .5 5 shot group but if you want a solid .5 MOA gun I would skip the Tikka unless you plan on replacing the barrel.

 

[lash]

I also have a TSR-1 in .260, but my experience is better than HoustonB77's. Mine shoots factory Prime ammo into nice small ragged holes. After shooting up a case of that, I found that it shoots FGMM with SDs of less than 10, albeit pretty slow from a 20" barrel. I am just now working to find a hand load that will do as well, because I'm cheap.

Having said that, the Tikka and the AT are two different beasts. The Tikka is going to be lighter and is a great option. The AIAT is a solid, never break duty rifle and is also a great option, but It's not really a comparison. I still want one someday.

The best question right now is, what is your expected use? How much do you shoot? How often? Matches? Sniper competitions? You should ask and answer these questions yourself.

 

[NateVA]

Just from the phrasing of your question I'd say keep saving and just get the AI. If you're like me you'll never be happy unless you go to the top of the line. That's not to say the Tikka would be much different accuracy-wise but the AI is just in an entirely different league. If I could deal with pistol-grip ergonomics I'd have an AI right now.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I have a Tikka Varmint in 22-250 that I love, and earlier this year I bought a AI AT. A few of the features on the AT are the ability to changes barrels, to adjust the position of the trigger fore and aft to better fit your finger position, and the ability to remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt without any tools.

The bolt lift is a bit harder on the AT because of the shorter 60 degree throw but both are really smooth.

 

[cruze5]

i would buy the Tikka and use the money you saved on reloading supplies/ ammo

if i get a new rifle the Tac will be my 3rd Tikka

 

[blbennett1288]

I have to agree with lash, I have a Tikka with 24" barrel that consistently shoots sub MOA. Most of the time in the. 5-0.75 ballpark, but sometimes smaller. I wouldn't say it is picky, as that spread has been over four different types of factory ammo, but they definitely shoot some ammo better than others.

I would say get what you want, buy once cry once. The AT will be superior in every way, but do you really need it? Is it something you are going to regret not getting? Sure, I could afford a Mausingfield, Bighorn Arms, or AI but the Tikka gets the job done.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

I have really been looking into getting an AI AX but i love my tikka so much, i could build the tikka i want, and another NF ATACR F1 to go with it for the same price as the AI rifle alone. I haven't had any failures from my CTR and it is a lights out gun with whatever ammo i shoot through it. The AI is probably the most complete factory rifle built ever, but if money is a factor, the tikka will hit targets, kill game, and feel good doing it all while allowing you to spend more money on things you need i.e. reloading products, glass, etc. Just my humble .02

 

[Backspace]

OP,. Where are you located?

 

[hollowoutadime]

I have an AT and AX (short actions), and AW long action. I have not had a Tikka, sorry. Also had three AE's and have a nice Rem 40X. That said, the AT has been my "go-to" of the group, to the point that I rarely shoot the others. Most of my shooting is off a bench and 11 - western states prairie dog hunts in 3 years with my AT, and AE and 40x before that. (no competition shooting, can't do anything organized). Add an S&B 5x25 and a Thunderbeast can, and you are done.

 

[shamir]

I have the Tikka, and posted about it here - https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...es/6448410-tikka-t3x-tac-a1-first-impressions. It shoots factory Prime into about 0.5" - 0.6" groups, and usually with an SD of less than 10. Just worked up a load of 48 grains of Reloder 26 and the Nosler RDF 140 which was a 0.375" group. ATs are awesome rifles, and I've lusted after one for a long time, but unless you really want the switch-barrel capability, the Tikka should work fine for you.

 

[stephewc]

Thanks for response guys. All the personal experiences shared is helpful for me since there are no shops around for me to physically compare the two. To answer some questions above, I already have a full reloading setup and the rifle will primarily be used for paper punching. I don't compete or hunt at the moment so weight is a non-issue for me. Lately I've been shifting more to the quality (versus quantity) game and have been selling off my collection to fund nicer things.

As mentioned in my first post, I am really just trying to understand the added benefits of the AI AT over the Tikka. @blbennett1288 brought up a good point, I'll have to ask myself if the AI AT is something I'll regret not getting.

Backspace. I'm located in Southern California near Pasadena.

 

[stephewc]

shamir, Thanks for the link to your Tikka impressions/review. I'll be sure to take a look.

 

[lash]

....Lately I've been shifting more to the quality (versus quantity) game and have been selling off my collection to fund nicer things.

As mentioned in my first post, I am really just trying to understand the added benefits of the AI AT over the Tikka. @blbennett1288 brought up a good point, I'll have to ask myself if the AI AT is something I'll regret not getting.
....

Based upon this post, I think that you will be disappointed if you don't get the AT. Plus, I can't imagine that you would ever be disappointed if you did get the AT.

 

[jlow]

I have both a Tikka T3x .223 Varmint and an AI AT in .308 and 260 Rem. The two rifles both shoot extremely well and I would actually say shoot equally well. However, they are very different rifles.

My Tikka is sitting in a MBA Lite chassis and it is my practice rifle. The two things I like most about the Tikka is its accuracy and light weight ~13 lbs which makes it easy to carry.

My AT has the factory 24" .308 barrel for tactical shoots, a 30" .308 barrel to shoot FTR and a 26" .260 Rem barrel is for PRS. The best thing about this rifle apart from its accuracy is the ability to change barrel - literally in a couple of minutes. So this rifle can change role very quickly. To me, the biggest weakness of the AT is it's weight ~18 lb with either a NF Beast or NF Competition. For PRS, it is heavy (at least for me), but for FTR, the weight is an advantage for shooting the heavy 200 grain Berger.

Which one is best for you depends on what you will use it for, since you are mostly paper punching, the AT will give you more versatility due to its barrel switching ability.

 

[stephewc]

I have both a Tikka T3x .223 Varmint and an AI AT in .308 and 260 Rem. The two rifles both shoot extremely well and I would actually say shoot equally well. However, they are very different rifles.

My Tikka is sitting in a MBA Lite chassis and it is my practice rifle. The two things I like most about the Tikka is its accuracy and light weight ~13 lbs which makes it easy to carry.

My AT has the factory 24" .308 barrel for tactical shoots, a 30" .308 barrel to shoot FTR and a 26" .260 Rem barrel is for PRS. The best thing about this rifle apart from its accuracy is the ability to change barrel - literally in a couple of minutes. So this rifle can change role very quickly. To me, the biggest weakness of the AT is it's weight ~18 lb with either a NF Beast or NF Competition. For PRS, it is heavy (at least for me), but for FTR, the weight is an advantage for shooting the heavy 200 grain Berger.

Which one is best for you depends on what you will use it for, since you are mostly paper punching, the AT will give you more versatility due to its barrel switching ability.

Thanks jlow for the direct comparison between both of the rifles. I am leaning more towards just saving for the AT now.

Thanks again everyone for your feedback.

 

[Backspace]

There might be a member nearby with an AI. If you were in SC, I'd let you shoot mine some.

 

[GUNNER10]

I dont have either but like you i find myself asking similar questions. As much as i can afford and want an AI i just dont think its a very practical rifle for what it would how i would use it. is it probably the best designed bolt gun out there, I would probably say yes. I love the ability to change a barrel whenever i choose, but for what an AT and spare barrel cost, i could have two purpose built Tikka, or Remingtons.

I can have a compact 308 folder to shoot primary with a can, and a 26 inch 260/6.5 and both would be awesome in their roles.

Are they going to be as reliable at -60 or 140? Are they going to perform as well when its 140? No but i live in the Northeast and they are fine.

 

[shamir]

I dont have either but like you i find myself asking similar questions. As much as i can afford and want an AI i just dont think its a very practical rifle for what it would how i would use it. is it probably the best designed bolt gun out there, I would probably say yes. I love the ability to change a barrel whenever i choose, but for what an AT and spare barrel cost, i could have two purpose built Tikka, or Remingtons.

I can have a compact 308 folder to shoot primary with a can, and a 26 inch 260/6.5 and both would be awesome in their roles.

Are they going to be as reliable at -60 or 140? Are they going to perform as well when its 140? No but i live in the Northeast and they are fine.

This was my thinking as well. I run Tikkas and KRG chassis on all my guns (except the TAC A1), so for me spigot mounts, bipods, slings, etc are interchangeable. And given that the AT is too heavy for PRS shooting for me, I've decided to stick with Tikka. Still lust after it though.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

The AT is a good value for those of us who were paying 4500 for an AW a decade ago. AT's pop up for 3-3500 often on here.

I feel the Tac A1 is more comparable to the AE not AT. I say this due to the bonded chassis.

Btw I have owned AW,AWM and 2 AE' (mk 2&3). Its simply me being a picky bitch but the AI's just never felt right ergonomic wise in positions other than prone. I admire and respect the engineering and design but they just are not for me. I too fell into the logic of they are the best of the best and for a working military sniper I still think its the best system around. Thats not me either lol so what difference does it make to me, not much.

Accuracy on AI I beleive is stated conservativly at 1 moa. Just as with Tikka the vast number do MUCH better. 1/2 seems a reasonable expectation with both in 308 and a bit better with 6.5/260. There are occasional reports of Tikkas that are dogs but for the most part they shoot well. So imo the cost delta with AI is in the intangibles like high QA standards, consistancy and durability. Maybe not intangible as all those could be measured but probably lost points to a hobby shooter.

Saving for glass and have not shot my Tac A1 it might suck I donno. I will say last month I put a lot of rounds down a pair of matching 6.5 24" ctr's and with same ammo they were neck and neck with my custom rifle which was on par with my AE mk3 so by that measure they all seem to be about the same. Fingers crossed so will my Tikka.

As others have implied if you have the AI itch the Tikka will leave you wanting. I have gradualy dowgraded and applied the cost difference to more gear, ammo and components. I dont feel like I gave up anything in so far as the rifle itself is concerned but to be fair I have scratched the hell out of the AI itch a few times.

 

[mrtoyz]

Well said Anchor. Agree

 

[Kevin1]

AIAT works all the time, is very accurate (I'm getting 1/3 MOA with 260 custom barrel) and the quick-change barrel is a big deal to me. You can practice, do specific matches (like those reserved for 308) use a shot out barrel to fire form, order online a new barrel. When you take out and put back the same barrel your POI won't change.

All the above with one single rifle and one single scope.

If you think about it, that's a big saving that could more than offset the additional cost of an AIAT.

I shot my first PRS style club match with an AIAT. With scope and an empty mag it weighs right at 17 lbs. I’m not goanna lie…It was pretty tough to shoot that beast off hand. Now when I go to the gym, I have one additional motivation.

 

[blbennett1288]

I agree that you should get what you want and not regret your purchase. Case in point, I always wanted a spec MK12MOD1. I have had a mil spec MK12MOD1 for a couple years that could easily fund other projects. I even have one of the surplus Pelican cases from the Dobbin AF Base Sale that saw action and a clone bore guide (AR15 MK12 thread doesn't mess around). I always wanted a MK12, I have had it since 2013, and how much do I shoot it? Maybe once a quarter. Would I get rid of it? Never.

I agree that a bolt gun with a interchangeable barrel is a lot different. But, my point is get what you want and will USE! I have had my Tikka since June and I am about 1/2 through the barrel life.

There is no doubt in my mind that you will absolutely love the AT and never want to sell it (same scenario as me and the MK12).

 

[FatBoy]

I've gone through this exercise several times. At an earlier age, logic won out and I shot what I could afford. Now, I have a few rifles I like so if I have an itch for something I save for it realizing nothing else with scratch that itch. I understand you haven't used/handled the AT. Best thing for you is to find one and handle it before you lay any money down. Until you KNOW you don't want it you'll likely ways be wondering/searching and it is almost always cheaper to buy what you want the first time.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Well said Anchor. Agree

With the being a picky bitch part I assume...

 

[mrtoyz]

With the being a picky bitch part I assume...

Well duh.....

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Tikka will be a noticable step up from a stock 700 for sure.

Tikka is a more nimble rifle than the AT so what you plan to do with it does factor in.

Should you wait and save for AT, thats on you. Like I said if its a matter of scratching an itch the Tikka is not an AI. If AI didnt exist would you be happy with the Tikka for what it is, does it check all boxes for what you are looking for? Flip side if you got AI will you regret spending 2k more wishing you would have put that money into other gear or optics.

Mrtoyz is running his and hers T3x 24" 6.5CM in KRG stocks. He has less than 2k in each rifle. He also has matching SB PM2's on both in Spur mounts. The glass and mounts were way more than the rifle and stocks. So thats another point to consider as most would suggest getting great glass and a sub moa rifle that dosnt mean most expensive rifle simply a capable rifle.

I should also disclose I chose the TA1 specificly to shoot production class which has a $2k cap on rifle cost so its a specific tool for me.

 

[SRSDriver]

I sold off my DTA, and have been shooting Tikkas for several years in matches. They are good guns.

But I'm still saving for an AI.

 

[stephewc]

Thanks everyone for your input. I appreciate the feedback given so far.