Tikka T3 and T3x — Value, Performance, Upgradability
In a recent Forum thread, one member asked for recommendations for a factory rifle with a good action and trigger, under $600.00. Many respondents recommended a Tikka T3 (or newer T3X), and we concur. These won’t run with a $2500 custom, but for a hunting or varminting rig, they offer good bang for the buck with a very nice action. The last Tikka T3 we tried, a .308 Win with 24″ barrel, easily shot sub-MOA groups with factory ammo.
The original Tikka T3 and newer T3x actions are rigid, robust, and well-crafted. They cycle smoothly and have a short 75° bolt lift. The bolt features a Sako-style extractor, with angled-leading-edge bolt lugs for smooth lock-up. These T3/T3x rifles offer smooth-running actions, easy sub-MOA accuracy with good ammo, crisp triggers, and ultra-reliable detachable box magazines. The Tupperware stocks aren’t super-rigid, but they are comfortable and easy to handle.
If you are looking for a hunting rifle, the Tikka T3/T3x is a smart choice, offering good performance for the price (which starts at $569.00 for the T3X Lite version). The current T3x series is offered in a wide selection of chamberings, from .204 Ruger up to the large magnums.
We were impressed with the new Tikka T3x UPR rifle we saw at SHOT Show 2020 We liked the stock very much, and thought this was a very versatile gun that could be used for target shooting off bipod, hunting, even PRS, given its detachable magazine. The stock is very ergonomic and feels good. Tikka states the UPR’s stock “features an extra layer of carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass for increased rigidity and accuracy.”
Video Owner’s Review of standard model T3X with polymer stock:
Tikka T3 Upgrades — Barrels, Stocks, and Chassis Systems
Once you acquire a Tikka T3 there are many interesting upgrades available. First, you can improve accuracy and consistency with a pre-fit barrel from Criterion. There are also many chassis systems that fit Tikkas. In fact you can even get an Eliseo Chassis so you can shoot Palma matches F-TR competitions, or tactical/practical matches.
Criterion Pre-Fit Barrels for Tikka T3/T3x
We have always liked Tikka actions, and now there is a great re-barreling option for Tikka T3/T3x owners. Criterion Barrels Inc. (CBI), makers of “pre-fit” barrels for Savage, Remington, and Rem-clone actions, also crafts Tikka pre-fits. These pre-chambered barrels for Tikka T3 actions will be headspaced with a barrel nut, just like a Savage.
Click image for full-screen version
Tikka T3/T3x pre-fit barrels are sold through Solid Accuracy, a respected Texas-based outfit that sells high-end scopes, stocks, barrels and other rifle components. Price is $461-$485 with various contours and lengths available. Order HERE.
Competition Machine Chassis for Tikka T3
At SHOT Show, we saw some tactical shooters admiring the smooth Tikka T3 action and crisp trigger. They liked the action but they told us they wished they could get the T3 action in a configuration similar to the Ruger Precision Rifle. Well folks, there is a way to build a Tikka T3-based tactical/practical rig.
Gary Eliseo of Competition Machine offers a tubegun chassis for Tikka T3 actions in both Target and Tactical versions. The T3 kit is set up for AICS short action magazines. This is a “no gunsmithing” installation — no modifications to the action are required and the chassis kit works with the factory T3 trigger and safety. Along with the new Target and Tactical versions, a lower-cost Light-Weight Hunter T3 Chassis is also offered which accepts most AR-type buttstock assemblies.
Full Tactical Upgrade for Tikka T3
Tikkas are boring, nondescript hunting rifles right? Wrong. Check out this Tikka T3 tactical with “attitude”. For the British Shooting Show a while back, the folks at Osprey Rifles placed a Tikka T3 action into a modern modular chassis: “A standard factory Tikka T3 was fully Cerakoted and dropped into a Third Eye Tactical chassis stock which also had the Cerakote treatment.”
Click Photos to see full-screen version.
This T3 Chassis can be ordered through Osprey Rifles in the UK. The latest chassis stock system from Third Eye Tactical is currently available for both the Rem 700 short action and the Tikka T3.
Similar Posts:
- Brits Build Wicked Tikka T3 Tactical Rifle
- Tikka T3 Upgrades with Criterion Pre-Fit Barrels
- Upgrade Your Tikka T3 with Criterion Pre-Fit Barrel
- T-Riffic: Tikka T3 Modular Tubegun Chassis from Gary Eliseo
- Eliseo Tubegun Chassis for Tikka T3 Now Available
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Tags: Competition Machine, Criterion Pre-Fit, Eliseo Chassis, T3 Tubegun, Tikka Pre-fit Barrel, Tikka T3x
Shhhhhhh. The prices are already going up. I liked it when I could easily get a used one for $400.
Tikka’s are boringly accurate! But that’s the only boring thing about them.
I got three of them, one CTR in 308 Win, for the hunting, a .260 in a MDT HS3 chassis for PRS and a 6,5-284 in a HS3 too, for LR work.
And they are doing their job, just flawlessly, with no issues at all, everything are just working, as it’s should.
I guess, that Remington wil have a hard time to keep up with them, in the future
M T3X varmint .223 patterns like a shotgun with cheap 55gr. I know it takes good ammo to make small groups but I mean like more than 4moa. its ok with black hills. I want to change the caliber but I dont think I can easily change the bolt face can I?
Recently acquired tikka t3x ctr 6.5 creed w/20″ barrel. Although haven’t been doing a lot of shooting rifles for years, (basically a bow hunter) this weapon is incredible. Able to maintain 2 1/2″- 3 shot groups at 500 yds. Was hoping to keep on paper, not punching the black
My 1 in 8 twist 223 also shot cheap 55gr badly while shooting the 69gr amazingly accurately. I like shooting a lot, and I am cheap/poor so I wanted to shoot 55gr well (I reload and had bought 2000 cheap 55gr projectiles). I swapped to a 1 in 12 twist Tikka varmint and it shoots the 55gr very well, 1/2″ groups at 100m
I got T3x in 6.5x55mm, 1/8″ twist which shoots extremely well with bullets range from 100 to 140 grain, groups are within 0.75 MOA.