The Tikka T3x Lite vs...EVERYTHING!

[@michaelnelson1911]

My two sons and I all bought Tikka rifles. We have really liked them, but I would like to pass on one easy fix that we found. They all shot over an inch at 100 yards with different ammunition. We couldn't find any ammunition to shoot a 5 shot group under an inch. I checked the free-float of all of the barrels and found that I couldn't slide a dollar bill more than an inch down any of the barrels. We took the stock off of the barrel and with about an hours' worth of work on each stock we were about to side the dollar bill down the barrel almost down to the chamber. After this fix we re-shot each rifle, and we were able to shoot all 3 rifles under an inch with a 5 shot group. An easy fix, with just a little bit of sandpaper and time. Remember to tighten the stock to Tikka's standards. Pretty easy with a torque-driver. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@pens87668]

I bought a t3x lite in .308 at the beginning of last year. Bought it with a blued barrel, and I’m very happy with it. I shot two doe this past season, one inside of 100, and one at 170 yards. Each dropped immediately. It shoots 1/2” groups at 100 yards using 168 grain Barnes TTSX. I also swapped out the butt pad with a limbsaver since the stock pad is junk. The scope I run on mine is a Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 with Leupold STD rings. Money well spent as it’s now my main hunting rifle.

[@dominicjohnson8427]

Treat yourself to a Swarovski scope it’s worth the extra money, no need to upgrade the tikka though they’re awesome

[@mot0rhe4d40]

The feeding and cycling of the bolt on my T3X Hunter is flawless. Do not even have to think on it. It just happens effortlessly, allowing you to remain focused on the task at hand.

[@MichaelSpence-q1b]

The guy behind the counter handed me a T3X. I cycled it twice and bought it on the spot.

[@DernRern]

I didn't know how good they actually were until i tried a couple of other options.. i almost laughed and was like, why dont they just make them all like Tikkas??

[@mot0rhe4d40]

@@DernRern Them Finnish folks know how to make a smooth bolt action.

[@DernRern]

@@mot0rhe4d40 so true! I like em ..

[@vpsmitty]

One thing seldom mentioned is the availability of Tikkas in left handed models. They have a much wider selection of left hand rifles than most other manufacturers. I have used Tikkas since the 1990s and will find them to be the best rifle for the money. Super accurate and reliable.

[@taylormcgarrigle4631]

Spot on. It’s the best production rifle widely produced in left hand in a variety of calibers

[@kenkracko9303]

I have a left hand T3 in 300WSM with the spiral brake. Hands down the best rifle I've ever had. It's super accurate and always dependable.

[@dominicjohnson8427]

That’s one of the reasons my first rifle is a tikka, a good variety of left handed guns

[@douglash.8862]

Yup,.. Plain ole' T3X, Left Handed in, the NON -Fluted Version,.. for Me ! All 3 of, mine, shoot exceptionally,.. WELL !

[@Spanishfutbol2010]

And in 300 win mag at that. That’s why I bought one

[@RMM--uv7uk]

Did anyone else notice Jim has a DRINKING FOUNTAIN in his house. 😂😂

[@JimHarmer]

Haha. Necessary add-on for families with kids.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

@@JimHarmer Why?

[@newerest1]

​@@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595 people with money justify the shit they have spent money on

[@cwestoutdoors]

The summer temps where he lives are really high. Running in the door and getting a drink when it’s 120 outside is nice. After seeing it I kind of wish I had one.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

@@cwestoutdoors That’s what hoses are for

[@audieladd2476]

Nothing wrong with the Tikka synthetic stocks because they have a high percentage of fibreglass. I had a Remington plastic stock that had huge point of impact changes if you left it out in the sunlight, no such issues with the Tikka's. They shoot tiny groups to the same POI every time I pick them up, and I have three.

[@douglash.8862]

Amen, as the Stocks ARE,.. a BIG,.. NON issue !! Add, a Kydex Cheek Riser, ( or, Canvas/ Nylon riser ) Check Barrel, Free Float,..."Clearance" and Go shoot with, REPEATABLE, "Cold Bore",. "Accuracy" !

[@craigholland2274]

I have one in 7 rem mag. I put a limbsaver on it and it made a huge difference. 1st handload w barnes bullets was a half moa. Never been that easy for me .

[@phild9813]

Yeah the Limbsaver is huge for the Tikka. Not sure who Tikka has a rubber contract with, but they perhaps ought to reevaluate it.

[@MrCordedebois]

Same set up for me!

[@subaru4wd1]

I have a T3X lite in 6.5 PRC. Absolutely beast of a round and this rifle just cycles it so flawlessly

[@GunsAndGrenache]

Thank you so much, Jim, for your excellent and thorough reviews! I bought a T3x Lite in .270 partially based on many of your past comparisons/recommendation of the T3x rifles on Backfire, and with only a couple minor nitpicks, I'm 100% happy with my purchase/lightweight set-up and now want even more Tikkas. Here's the current set-up for my new #1 hunting rifle for North America (deer, elk, bear, wild pig, etc.): Rifle: Tikka T3x Veil Alpine in .270 Win, 22.4" fluted barrel, Cerakote Desert Verde (6.77 lbs.) Optic: Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x40 TR20-1G (only 13.4 oz.) Base: Mountain Tactical 0 MOA Pic Rail Trigger: stock Tikka trigger = awesomeness, crisp break, 3.3 lb. pull, never once had to adjust it. Upgrades: Limbsaver Airtech (precision fit for T3x). THIS IS PROBABLY NECESSARY for anything .270 and up with a Lite stock. Bipod: Magpul QD/Sling Stud Bipod. My favorite hunting bipod. Love the QD. No tools to quickly attach/detach. + collapsible shooting sticks Pros: Buttery-smooth action satisfies my OCD. Zero feeding issues. 100% reliable. Cold hammer-forged fluted barrel saves a tiny bit of weight, just as accurate as the non-fluted. Factory "Desert Verde" Cerakote on the barrel/receiver blends so well into the California/Nevada/Arizona deserts, high deserts, rocky/snowy alpine environments. It's my new favorite color. Cons: As you mentioned, the cruel joke known as the stock Tikka "recoil pad". That thing might fly for .223 or .22-250 or .243/6.5 Creed/.308, but starting at about .270 Win, the first time I shot this thing to sight it in, without putting on the included brake and the Limbsaver, I was treated to a few nasty bruises in the shoulder pocket with the snappy kick of the .270 and not enough weight/mass in Tikka's Lite stock + my Trijicon 3-9x AccuPoint barely weighs anything. Limbsaver on. Lesson learned. Fix: Adding the included Sako/Tikka brake + Limbsaver tamed the felt recoil and actually made this thing a pleasant, soft-shooting set-up, although obnoxiously loud at the range. I hate muzzle brakes, but with ear pro, it's not a problem. Next Tikka rifles on my radar: T3x Roughtech Ember in .308 T3x Super Varmint in 22-250 (I'm feeling the need for a dedicated 'Yote gun for South Dakota + Kansas) Previous hunting rifles: Savage 110 in .308 Ruger American Predator .308 Remington 700 BDL .270 Ruger 10/22 takedown, stainless

[@lessforloans]

How do you add a break when it’s not threaded?

[@royjohnson465]

~Good report. I would like to see a Tikka ‘vs’ Sako stainless steel with a flush magazine. ~I own an older Tikka T3 stainless steel and my only complaints are the single stack 3 & 5 shot magazines stick out way too far and also the magazine release trigger is poorly positioned for a branch or twig to hit it in the bush and lose the magazine on the ground.

[@brettb4452]

I vote tikka 260 rem varmint for the coyote gun!

[@dallasddunn]

Thanks for the video. I have a pair of Tikka T3 Forest models in 6.5x55 and 9.3x62. Nice satin finished wood. Replaced the stock recoil pads with Limbsavers. Best actions and triggers in a non custom rifle. Both shoot sub MOA with almost any factory ammo. 3/8” to 1/2” MOA with hand loads. Agree that the standard Lite stock is cheap. Much easier to upgrade the stock than triggers, barrels etc on other brands. Begaras are very nice; equal to Remington Custom Shop rifles, but with better quality control. Thanks again, always enjoy your videos.

[@jeffartz4754]

Just started hunting a year ago and all my research said get a tikka after watching some of your videos I ended up with a tikka t3x superlite in 6.5 creedmoor. Was able to get 5/8 inch groups at 100 yards love the rifle thank you for all the time and effort you put into making your videos. Already looking at my next tikka in 7 mm rem mag

[@johnbodman4504]

I have a Tikka 7mm rem mag, it is a very versatile caliber, much less recoil than the 30 cal magnums.

[@grantcallegari]

A great video as always! Tikka t3x is still the best bang for buck rifle out there. I actually like the stock. It’s tough and just plain works. If it affected accuracy so much then why do they shoot so dam well!? The recoil pad always gets swapped out for a Limbsaver on all of mine and that really helps with the harder recoiling cartridges. I don’t care about a having a stock muzzle brake as the Limbsaver fixes muzzle jump. If all those tweaks bumped the price it wouldn’t be as popular. Oh and what about all the aftermarket upgrades. It has the most aftermarket parts of any rifle or at least up there with Rem 700. Just a frickin’ wicked rifle!!

[@1RobHunter1]

I've owned a fair bit of rifles and best bang for the buck goes to Tikka. It feeds flawlessly, cycles smooth, accurate under 1 MOA with Winchester ammo, and the trigger breaks clean. I was very skeptical using a lightweight polymer magazine; it has worked flawlessly.

[@yz8096]

Great video. I just got a T3X Ember in 6.5 Creed. Very happy with it and I have it shooting .25 MOA (suppressed) with a 123 Hornady SST over 41.7 grains of H4350. These are very long throated rifles. CBTO is 2.174".

[@tlloyd9325]

When I worked at BPS, as a firearm specialist, I got to handle all the different brands. I was amazed at the Tikka. When I got caught behind the counter, I steered people to the Tikka. They usually always bought them instead of the others. Personally I own Tikkas and other than my custom, it’s my go to rifle. I had to look long and hard to find one in 6.5x55. My Swede is amazing. The first thing I did was replace my butt pad with a Limb Saver, the best recoil pad that I’m aware of.

[@TheDoctorbob12]

your lucky I could not find on in 6.5 x 55 so I bought a Sako Finn light

[@TonicTonio]

Just saw Academy carries a T3x Hunter in 6.5 Swede. I was very surprised.

[@RagingOatmeal]

Im about to buy one of those myself! Any tips on how I can put a peep site on it?

[@tlloyd9325]

@@RagingOatmeal not sure how that would work. They use std Remington scope bases. No front sight at all.

[@RagingOatmeal]

@@tlloyd9325 interesting. I am probably going to chop the barrel down to 20" and put a williams streamline hooded ramp on it.

[@hawkcheese3494]

Thread the dang barrel and add $75 to the price please Tikka

[@4NaturesStory]

Thank you!!

[@montuckyman4982]

First cut em to 18" max tho

[@wesleyturner1979]

Eh. They’re hunting rifles with standard twist rates that are relatively easy to pull with tons of aftermarket barrels available. Just pull the barrel and put on what you want.

[@vincetytler6175]

Self admitted Tikka fan boy here, love my Tikka rifles and when I am looking for my next rifle Tikka will he the first place I look

[@CDinNC]

Put a limbsaver on it. Stock is foam filled to quiet it and impervious to weather. Big improvement over first polymer stocks. Love my Superlite 30-06. Great videos.

[@jaydunbar7538]

My 25 year old savage 110 has foam in it, it’s not filled completely but it’s probably 50% down the center doing most of the work

[@FishHuntFreedom]

One of the best gun channels on YT. Straight to the point info that’s honest and fair.

[@cbwelch4]

I have a walnut stock on my Tikka. Thanks for making me glad I went for that option.

[@PROutdoors94]

Own a Tikka CTR .308 and MTR 22LR, phenomenal rifles. Not a single complaint

[@77dragraceRT]

I have 3 Tikka's and pleased with all of them. 270 Hunter, 300 WM Wideland, and just recently a .223 Roughtech Ember which is my favourite to just get out and shoot.

[@paulbernitt4280]

As a hunter, theTikka t3 is a nail driver at 500 yards with 6.5 Hornady 143 grain Precision Hunter ammo. I got the 22 inch mon fluted floating barrel and wood grain version. I slapped a bullet-specific Leopold scope with yard reticle on it. The bolt action feels sloppy when open, but is flawless. The tikka trigger is perfect for me. I put a cheap cloth cheek riser on the stock with bullet storage with a tall bipod and comfortable sling. BEASTY! I wish it had a threaded barrel, but I can do this at some point in the future.

[@neiljohnson8647]

I own 3 Tikkas. 223, 6.5CM and 308. All have been threaded 1/2x28 and I only shoot them suppressed. A bushing added to the suppressor makes it easy to neck down from 5/8x24 to 1/2x28. I don't shoot factory ammo but I find all 3 rifles easy to make shoot multiple combos of bullets and powders very accurately. I frequently get 3 shot groups at 200yds at 1" and under.

[@dgambrel9241]

My regular t3 light is a pretty substantial rifle. Especially when they were $550. I bought a t3 x ultralight in 7 mag, they are as good as my 6k customs as far as accuracy, repeatability and usability. The plastic stuff used to through me off, but 10 years later I’m over that

[@hackmedia7755]

same model for 100$ more comes with a wood stock.

[@davidhood2705]

I don't have a T3 or a T3x, I discovered Tikka before their mass popularity. I have a M695 in 6.5x55 in a wood stock and a M695 in the 300 Win Mag in synthetic stock and stainless barrel. Both are excellent shooters. Looking at the Veil Wideland and the T3x ember in a 6.5 PRC, I have the Tikka bug big time right now. I've just inherited a Tikka m695 in Grey laminated 7mm mag, I had suggested a Tikka to my brother in law shortly after I bought my 2 and he recently passed, RIP. Really the only negative is that they seem a bit heavier but they also feel more solid.

[@yo2stix]

I own a few. Love them. I dremel out the stock to free float it a little bit better. I like the stock. Add a limbsaver and your pretty set. You can also adjust the trigger down to about 1.75#. I do wish more models came treaded. I add a bunch of the mountain tactical after market parts. I wish they had a 3 stage saftey.

[@ryancaugust]

The T3x range is by far the highest selling rifle here in New Zealand too - Scoped and surpressed packages at most stores for the 2k NZD mark (about $1200USD) you can't go wrong

[@danielreizinger548]

Got my first high calibre rifle last year as the Tikka strata in 270 and it's beautiful

[@stevecooper8121]

Shooting half inch groups at 100 yards with Federal Fusion, Winchester PowerPoint and Norma Whitetail. Really nice when taking head shots to not waste any venison. The stock may feel cheap but fits me perfect. The 270 is the perfect whitetail gun in my opinion of course.

[@jasonmcgill3904]

My Tikka absolutely loves the Ferderal Fusion 140 grain. Just dead on balls accurate.

[@oldtimer7979]

In 2021 I special ordered a new Tikka T3x stainless light 270 win with factory threaded barrel and muzzle break. Cost was an additional $100.00 I use a fixed power 6x42 Schmitt and Bender and shoot with confidence out to 300 yards using Hornady 140gr superformance SST ammo.

[@jamesjams5085]

The biggest con for Tikka is Beretta's customer service. It's not even less-than-stellar it's abysmal God forbid you have to utilize your warranty

[@romans6two338]

So what happened in your experience?

[@Accuracy1st]

My Tikka T3x would not come close to MOA with anything, factory or tedious handloads and I've been doing that for 33 years. I didn't bother contacting Beretta/Tikka. Instead it's getting an AGStock and a Brux barrel

[@keithprinn720]

massive factor

[@danielmcginnis2503]

Agreed... warranty service is non existent.

[@AdamBrz9]

A good friend of mine had rust on and inside t3x’s cerakoted fluted barrel, always cleaned it after every hunt, and still it began rusting, beretta literally turned around and said yes it’s rusting but we’re not covering it, this was 3 weeks ago btw

[@kingwiththeax6880]

I own a Tikka T3. Purchased it new about 10-12 years ago for under $500. It is my favorite hunting rifle. I too, was put off by the cheap and slippery feel of the stock. I tossed the recoil pad and trimmed the butt square. I filled the hollow buttstock with expanding spray foam, and installed a Limbsaver recoil pad. Lastly, I got a can of brown spray paint that has grit in it from Brownells and I coated the entire stock. It really cut down on the shine and has an awesomely grippy feel to it. The coating has not peeled at all and it actually looks and feels like an expensive aftermarket stock. The only gripe I have with this gun is that the blueing is vey thin. It will rust in the rain, so I have to wipe it down after any exposure to moisture. The accuracy, trigger, smoothness of the action, and the light weight keep it at the top of my list.

[@douglaskurka5874]

Have you had the opportunity to test the HOWA SUPERLITE rifle ? Purchased mine in 6.5 CM, and love it. The rifle itself weighs in at 4 lbs 7 ozs., and is extremely accurate. Cost was right at $900 !

[@danielbutcher5836]

Thanks to Mrs. Backfire for taking it in stride.

[@kenorrah8072]

Good Review I’ll give an example of my experience. I’ve owned four Tikka’s , Three have produced Three shot groups with factory ammo sub 3/4 inch at 100 yrds and the Fourth was hovering around One Inch . I’ve also gone down the Howa path and Three out of Five have gone Sub Inch with factory ammo . Handloads have evened up the odds a little , but for “ out of the box “ with factory ammo . Tikka all day long 👍

[@ed5042]

Been loving my Tikka t3 lite since 08. I owned, own Sigs Sako Remington Ruger Mossberg etc. I have not owned anything that pulls all the attributes of all rifles listed into one rifle that is not a custom rifle. I now own the T3x hunter in Swede. Using its favorite load of Fiocchi 142 Sierra's I ALWAYS get less than .4 inch groups off sandbags at 100 yards for three round groups. Almost cosmic accuracy and consistency. My first Tikka lite in 308 could not shoot larger than 1 inch groups same setup. Oh. I should mention that the first test group of the 142 was a hot barrel after 10 rounds in the summer, 0.25" I thought it was a mistake, so , I did it again. I am just fine with hunting accuracy of 1.0-1.5 three round groups. My longest expected hunting shot here in NC is maybe 175 yards.

[@seanbrown4920]

When I bought my Tikka T3x Lite I tried about 10 different kinds of hunting ammo. The Hornady Precision Hunter was the best in mine too and is all I use now.

[@jonhall7188]

Hornady makes awesome ammo. Especially their lever action series. They work flawlessly with my model 94

[@kross1261]

Bought a Tikka T3 lite 22.250 quite a few years ago. I went through a bunch of 250’s trying to find a nice, super accurate yet light coyote rifle. It was Buttery smooth great rifle. Couldn’t quite get the groups I wanted, seem to get a few flyers. Ended up with a Cooper which has been amazing especially for accuracy. But it’s over 3 times the cost of the Tikka at the time. But overall I’d say the tikka was the best rifle I’ve ever owned for the $ and I’ve owned quite a few.

[@rogerw71]

I agree with most of what you say, but would add a couple notes. I bought mine in 30-06 which you recommended not doing in a previous video(which I agree with if using factory recoil pad). My stock has an excellent fit, so maybe it is more of a quality control issue than a bad design. I swapped out the original grip with their optional vertical grip and added the limbsaver recoil pad. I have some aftermarket stocks on other guns, but the shape of this one is my favorite now and the new recoil pad really tamed the recoil and I don’t get muzzle lift. I was planning to replace the stock at some point, but it shoots so well, and feels so good, that I just can’t find a good reason to spend the extra money.

[@lycheeznuts]

replace with Limbasver air tech pad, vertical grip, and new trigger spring and you've got a phenomenal rifle for under $100 more bucks

[@raystephens2078]

I used a Limbsaver Nitro recoil pad on my hard kicking 30-06. It was the best money I’ve ever spent on an improvement. Feels almost like shooting a.243 now.

[@phild9813]

I don’t believe most people will need a trigger spring on a hunting rifle. I run my Tikkas at about 3.5 pounds for hunting purposes.

[@pastorjosh44]

What a great test for actions. Never seen this before.

[@dannylake4357]

I have a tikka T3 X6.5 Creedmoor absolutely love it drop to deer never took a step accurate beyond belief no recoil one of the best guns I’ve ever had the action is silky smooth can’t be beat.

[@dondinning6010]

I liked this before it got to the shooting. I just laughed when you told your wife youre gonna review all the guns. Love the spirit of it. Love the content

[@flipzen7187]

i have a tikka t3x lite in 308 with a 16.5 inch barrel for driven hunt on moose and wildboar in norway the best gun iv used as a dog handler

[@mattwami]

I would love to see a comparison of 22lr bolt action rifles. Bergara BMR vs CZ 457 vs Ruger vs Tikka vs Savage.

[@won8204]

If a tikka stock is "flimsy" what do call the stocks on the Savage Axis and Ruger american? While I agree the stock sounds cheap and hollow and is not the best part of the rifle. I have never had an issue with flex or touching the barrel. The stock on the Savage Axis I had was way less rigid and constantly touching the barrel even if it was just resting on a sand bag.

[@texas_stone_lets_go_brandon]

Thank you. I’ve been debating about this rifle. About to order one now. 😊

[@johnbodman4504]

Most of my shooting is competition, rather than hunting and I believe that Tikka is the best of the best, apart for the stock. I converted a Tikka 6.5--55 to a 6.5--284 and replaced the stock with a very good benchrest model. With the new stock, it was the most accurate rifle, I have ever owned. I have had a few 6.5--284s and have had to reduce the powder load by two grains of powder, or the cases would stretch and be unusable for further reloads. This only applied to the Tikka, the other rifles handled the higher load. In spite of less powder, the Tikka out shot everything else. I was able to group .30 moa with ten shots, which is much harder to do, than three or five shot groups. The other surprising thing was the ability to shoot such groups, with a varitity of different loads, providing I kept the powder to fifty grains, it would shoot sub MOA groups all day. The actions must be very good, but the barrels are fantastic. I think they must have their own recipey for the steel of the barrels, because the barrels would always last longer than barrels made by different producers. The rifles are so cheap, that it is not an expensive project to replace the stock. The 6.5--284 is a real barrel burner, as are 7mm magnums. I prefer the .284 win for long range shooting, over the 7mm magnums.

[@dvskane1808]

My tikka veil will shoot 1/2 moa….with Berger vld’s, which I won’t hunt with. 3/4 with terminal ascent. Good enough for me. Veil comes with threaded barrel and cerakote. Worth the extra money.

[@kylemurr5251]

I'm an owner and operator of a tikka t3x lite 270. I am beyond proud of the tikka. The trigger is great, the weight is low, kick is to be expected, the groups are under 1" at 100 everytime no bs, the action is amazingly smooth way smoother than any other rifle, i will bet on it.

[@erinoconnor9306]

When I went to get my first quality rifle I have serious consideration to the t3x but I fell in love with the Winchester model 70. I still wouldn’t mind adding a t3x to the gun cabinet however.

[@RifleRiverProductions]

A few hundred dollar MDT chassis upgrade solves the stock issue and keeps the price around what a Sig Cross costs. Just some food for thought. Tikka also has numerous barrel upgrades available.

[@mainewoods1862]

I have a Tika T3X lite in 7mm 08. I wanted a lighter rifle and to try the 7mm 08. Mine shoots very well and I am as happy as I can be.

[@KHtally]

Have a Tikka M695 in 30/06 with Leupold 3.5 x 10 and shoot sub moa all day with Federal Ammo 150 or 165 grain. Solid rifle.

[@Rob-j4x]

I bought a Tikka T3X light in a 243 lefthand for Deer hunting. I love my rifle very much one of the most accurate rifles I own by far. I usually go to the range with a few buddies and put them to shame with the accuracy. I'm hitting bullseye all the time. I can't say anything bad about my rifle. Finland made and it's top notch. Thanks for your videos. I watch you all the time. Happy hunting everyone.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

I have wanted a Tikka for 10 years now and back in 2019 I was going to buy one in 300 WSM in left hand. But I heard about the sharpness of the recoil on the stock especially with the magnum cartridges. I couldn’t test one out for myself. I still was going to get one, but then I saw a new Savage m110 Long Range Hunter in 300 WSM on Bud’s GunShop for $565 saving me $400 from MSRP and jumped on it. It’s 8.4 lbs bare. I like it except for the adjustable brake that is stuck on open and hurts my ears when hunting in the thick woods of West Virginia and I don’t have time to pop in ear protection. I still wouldn’t mind getting a Tikka in a different cartridge like a 7mm 08 to fit in between my .270 Win and 300 WSM.

[@thews9237]

I have the 7mm-08. Put a Limbsaver on it. Love it. So accurate.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

@@thews9237 I’m glad to hear that. I just might have to get one someday soon. Thank you 🙏

[@jaydunbar7538]

@@TheWVgoodguy22 absolutely go with the limbsaver, I put one on my old 110 in 270win and it made it a whole different rifle to shoot. Absolutely a phenomenal upgrade. As far as the open brake hurting your ears you can get decent electronic hearing protection for under $100 and it’s a game changer. You can turn up the quite sounds and listen to the mice walk around if you want and still have 20+ decibel reduction. I’ve got a few different designs of electric walker ear pro and all of them work good, obviously the more expensive ones are better but even the $50 ones are a good starting point if you haven’t used electronic muffs before. Ear bud versions are also available with great reviews but I haven’t used any so can’t give any specific recommendations. We have other brands as well of ear pro but walker has turned into our go to as it seems that all of them at any price point just simply work.

[@jaydunbar7538]

I stared buying the electric ear pro for working with my kids, being able to communicate with them clearly while earpro is on is a huge safety bonus.

[@williamyarbrough594]

7-08 is about same as 270. For something between your looking at 280 ai or 7 rem mag

[@sweetteaoutdoors]

A good old timer has always told me, "Good triggers don't make you a better shooter, but a not so good trigger will expose a less competent shooter. Good shooters can over come a sub par trigger" He always said, weight was the least important characteristic of the trigger. Makes sense, doesn't mean a 7 pound trigger won't make a difference vs a 1.5 pound trigger, but people that complain about a crisp 3 pound trigger on a hunting gun, just need to learn how to shoot better fundamentally.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

I got a weatherby vanguard weather guard bronze that's just as good feeding shooting and weight is 8lbs w scope.

[@BCvictoria]

I've got a Tikka T3x coming in 300 win mag. Pretty excited to be honest 😄

[@shperax]

As far as grip goes on guns. I absolutely love the grip on fully rubberized stocks. Nothing beats that feeling on a rubberized stock. It's even amazing on handguns. There is nothing on the market that feels better to hold.

[@marvinbrock960]

My Tikka T3x Lite in 7mm Rem Mag is an absolute laser! 162 ELD-X at 3060 fps… 3/4” Moa all day long.. it’s so impressive…

[@sixtomidnight1492]

I have a T3x lite stainless. Hand loaded about a dozen different round variations to sight it in. The round that the rifle liked the best shot 1/4 MOA consistently. I'd say that's pretty good for a $650 rifle (at the time of purchase) 😂

[@440capnhook]

So your saying they are all pretty much in one hole?

[@sixtomidnight1492]

@@440capnhook Yep, 0.268 MOA to be exact.

[@M.H357]

“The people need the videos” We the people, thank you

[@joztunes69]

I've had the older T3 lite and will put it up against any rifle in the market, even custom brands

[@royjohnson465]

~I would like to see a Tikka ‘vs’ Sako stainless steel with a flush magazine. ~I also own an older Tikka T3 stainless steel which I love but my only complaints are the single stack 3 & 5 shot magazines stick out way too far and also the magazine release trigger is poorly positioned for a branch or twig to hit it in the bush and lose the magazine on the ground.

[@genericyoutubeuser1700]

Your videos on the T3X were one of the reasons I chose it as my first rifle. Keep up the good work!

[@jamesclark4]

He never even fired it

[@genericyoutubeuser1700]

@@jamesclark4 ok

[@huntsimple9527]

I have lost track of all of the Tikka rifles I have had. I still have several of them. I only recall 2 of them that were very picky and hard to find loads they liked. The rest, amazing right out of the box and not picky at all. The latest one is the T3x Compact in 308. After 2 shots at 50 yards to dial in my bore sight, I moved to 100 yards. Shots 3, 4, and 5 were hand loaded 178 ELD-X and they were right at 1 inch. Then I shot two groups of factory Hornady Superformance 150 Interbonds, both groups were about .75 inch. In the first 11 shots I had 3 groups under an inch with two completely different bullet weights. So much for break in! Oh, forgot to mention, the Superformance 150s were at 2935 from the 20" barrel - Superformance is not a gimmick from Hornady.

[@markbucher7609]

I shoot a Tikka M55 Deluxe in .308. I bought the rifle in 1984 at the Rhein-Main AB Rod and Gun club. It's the only rifle I'll ever need in my lifetime. I don't miss with this rifle if I do my part. I bought it with a SeeAdler 3x9 scope, all who've shot it marvel at it's accuracy, build quality, and pure beauty.

[@00skeletor00]

Drop that Tikka into a after market stock/chassis, it will out shoot almost any factory rifle, and some custom rifles.

[@romans6two338]

Which after market stock do you recommend for hunting?

[@thews9237]

Was thinking Bravo Chassis?? What do you recommend. TIA ..

[@stevecoad1]

@@romans6two338 I put mine into a Mesa Precision Arms stock and love it. The stock only saves a half ounce but has a much wider forearm and a higher comb, plus it is a composite stock so it doesn't feel "cheap". It shoots a lot better off the bench and carries about the same.

[@Rockjock007]

@@romans6two338 best stock is the german gun stock, shoots as good as the factory stock which is sub moa.. no grinding, sanding filling or bedding needed.

[@lycheeznuts]

​@@stevecoad1 mesa is poorly designed. You want a comb in line with the barrel vs below it. Mesa makes spotting impacts harder and increases perceived recoil

[@timsuko]

I love my t3x superlite in 6.5 creed. I bought a KRG X ray stock for it and man is it sweet. It takes it from 5.9lbs to 7lbs. Still lighter than most with a ton of customization and features. It's topped with a vortex diamondback tactical ffp 4-16x44. I won't be changing anytime soon (unless I get a proof research barrel that's threaded)

[@Daywalkerbmz1188]

Considered a Tikka t3x or a Mauser m18 a while back in .308 for a all around hunting rig. VERY glad i Talked myself out of it and spent a little more for a Sauer 100 classic xt and wow does it feel good and shoot phenomenally.

[@terryv.d.s.51]

The Mauser M18 is almost the same gun as the Sauer 100. I bought the M18 and couldn't be happier.

[@brianmilosevic8400]

The Sauer 100 is an incredible rifle for the price, it gives tikka a run for its money

[@Derbixrace]

thanbk you for staying with the people

[@slewy1311]

I put the removable magazine conversion in my bergara ridge and now it feeds like the tikka! I wish that bergara made a little bit higher capacity mag for their conversion kit though.

[@erikleirmo9147]

I absolutely love my T3X superlite in 6.5 Creedmoor. Trigger from the factory is exceptional bolt is like butter follow up shots if ever needed will happen super fast.

[@kalaallstar19]

I have the Tikka T3X Lite Polyfade Special Edition and it is by far best shooting gun I have ever shot. Rifle shoots factory cheap ammo under a MOA, anything Match Grade it shoots under a half MOA, got reloads to shoot under 0.3 Inch at 100yards. To be fair it has a way better stock on it and its 1500$ so thats what I expect from a rifle costing that much. Rifle is in 308 as well.

[@BradRichardson-r9t]

Would love to see a comparison with the Sauer 100 Classic. I've shouldered both at the store and I think the Sauer might be a little better build quality in the same price range. Better accuracy guarantee too. Keep up the good work Jim!

[@garyh1449]

I went for the Sauer over the Tikka. Double stack mag, easier to top load, 3 pos. safety, holds an extra round, better stock, and Magazine fits flush to the bottom on stock.

[@BradRichardson-r9t]

@@garyh1449 Thanks, that’s the way I’m leaning too. For all the reasons you mentioned plus like the 5 shot sub MOA guarantee vs 3 shot for most other rifles in that price range

[@southerntriplej8061]

@@BradRichardson-r9t I have the sauer its a nice rig stock is kinda long I have the cerakote with the synthetic stock Im going to have to cut it down because in winter that 14+" lop stock sucks when you hang up on your jacket. its a real job to cut and re anchor point the recoil pad. lots of devcon. the Tika fits much better with bulky clothes on. and my sauer is a fair shooter does moa. but its picky. mine is 708 and loves the barnes 120s ttsx will shoot those same hole. but most other are around moa.

[@royjohnson465]

@@garyh1449 ~Good report. I would like to see a Sauer vs against a Sako stainless steel with a flush magazine. ~I own a Tikka T3 stainless steel and my only complaints are the single stack 5 shot magazine sticks out way too far and also the magazine release trigger is poorly positioned for a branch or twig to hit it in the bush and lose the magazine on the ground.

[@garyh1449]

@@southerntriplej8061 That was my only complaint. Not so much catching on clothes, but Mounting a scope back close enough to get proper eye relief. I had to use extended rings on a picatinny rail. Then I had to cut the front of the rail so as not to interfere with the scope bell.

[@matti7045]

I love my tikka t3x superlite but like you said stock is cheap and it's not free floated. I free floated it my self and now it shoot better than ever 😍

[@ghostriderskulls]

I think you need to get your hands on a CZ 600. I have the Alpha in 300 win mag. This rifle cycles rounds like butter. The trigger is amazing. Zero creep and it’s easily adjustable. The mag is a double stack double feed so you can even load rounds without removing the mag. It has no problems cycling rounds. It does however have a polymer stock and on mine the fore end flexes enough that it touches the barrel when laying on a rest. (The vortex strike eagle 5-25 and leupold super high steel rings definitely doesn’t help) I filled the handguard with JB weld to stiffen it and sanded the front end enough that it doesn’t touch anymore

[@royjohnson465]

Good report! Does the CZ 600 Alpha come in “stainless steel”.??

[@brentlywhite1191]

I just bought my First Tikka. It is the T3X Lite D-18. It meets two of your criteria creakote and treaded muzzle. Of course, the best action, lite and great trigger. I may need to buy your recoil pad for it.

[@AM-sj9gy]

The only bad thing of tikka is his stock!! Really cheaper plastic, for me it’s too light … but with for example grs stock, you can to have stock for all calibers of tikka!! Great video!!!

[@Jacobs2188]

Personally I love my browning hells canyon speed I love the fluted barrel with the cerakote finish

[@dawwlo]

The Forest model is a sweet heart when it comes to pushfeed, especialy on (very rare) duscount! Just keep it in low recoil calib🤞

[@timberlark32]

Surprised to not see the Cva cascade in this video in comparison

[@ricardoalves9589]

Thanks for one mor vídeo for us.. Up from Brazil

[@aldocella4947]

Replaced my T3x (308 win) factory stock for a pillar bedded Boyd's laminate. $300 and worth every penny. To produce such a good platform at that price, Tikka controls costs several ways. First is the inexpensive stock. A good aftermarket stock will bring your T3x to a whole new level. Regardless of caliber, all Tikka actions are machined to the same length, only the bolt stop is moved to accommodate the various cartridge lengths offered. Since the receiver itself is fully enclosed, this makes for a very rigid action and aids in consistent accuracy.

[@hemo_8992]

u always doing such great reviews thank you man

[@deserteagle.44]

I have to say that they're definitely the best value for money rifle you can buy. I own 8 of them in the superlite and varmint version and they're all either hole in hole or half inch able with home loads. Even though the stock flexes, the accuracy is still there. If you change out the trigger spring to a lighter one, the trigger can come down to 400grams making it an effortless pull. (Just corrected gms to grams)

[@renaissanceman7145]

"400 gms" What does "gms" stand for? Thanks

[@aldocella4947]

@@renaissanceman7145 Grams. There about 27 grams per ounce. Don't ask me how I know.

[@brettstewart8765]

​@@aldocella4947 your ripping people off by a G bro hahaha

[@renaissanceman7145]

@@aldocella4947 it's 28 grams to the oz. You probably know for the same reasons I know. Regardless, 400 grams ÷ 28 = 14.2.. 400 ÷ 27 = 14.8.. Either way 14+ ounces for a trigger pull is EXTREMELY light. If it's a factory trigger (even with a "lighter spring"), despite the quality of Sako/Tikka triggers, I, personally, would be hesitant to trust it. But hey, if it works and you're good with it, who tf am I to tell you any different?

[@royjohnson465]

I own an older Tikka T3 stainless steel and my only complaints are the single stack 3 & 5 shot magazines stick out way too far and also the magazine release trigger is poorly positioned for a branch or twig to hit it in the bush and lose the magazine on the ground.

[@JACKBLACKTOSE]

Really can't say enough about the aftermarket support for the Tikka action. You can definitely build out a T3x that's comparable to a Sig Cross while staying under MSRP. KRG makes some excellent chassis, Proof Research does great pre-fit barrels, not to mention the half dozen companies making bolt accessories.

[@lycheeznuts]

You don't have to deal with shitty triggers either like you do when you build off the 700 platform

[@camonly849]

Sig cross is horrible imo

[@JACKBLACKTOSE]

@@camonly849 100% agree. I was speaking more to the modularity of the Sig's chassis

[@camonly849]

@T9TOI ya from that stance I see what you're saying. That would be nice. I thought about other chassis's or stocks for my tikka upr... but it shoots so good I don't want to mess with it lol

[@wheelguns4wheelmen802]

That was my first deer rifle. A T3x lite .243 Win. Never had a feeding issue. Action is basically frictionless. Amazing. Only got rid of it to acquire a Langdon Tactical Beretta 92G.

[@michaelkraus4135]

Slide is LIKE RUBBING A ICE CUBE ON GLASS !

[@aldocella4947]

For southpaws the T3x is the best possible option in the sub $1k price range. Neither Vanguard/Howa, Bergara, Franchi, Sauer, M18, or Benelli offer a LH version.

[@carlparisi9749]

We need a comparison to the Tikka UPR! Looking like that will be my next hunting rifle. They are going to offer it in 6.5 prc as well which I’m excited to try.

[@kerrycashio6551]

I bought my Tika T3 Lite 270 in 2005 and I'll pick it up before any of my other rifles. I haven't changed a thing just adjusted the trigger and been putting meat in the freezer ever since with it. I recently went look at a Tika 300mag and for 1200 you can get a better stock, cerakote and threaded barrel. Only issue is watch Magnum rounds with it being so light you will feel the recoil if your a light weight. That don't bother me.

[@dylanschannel6275]

Love my tikka t3x superlite

[@chrisevansgunshorsesranchi699]

Great video Jim I have working with a 1960's Sako finbear in 30-338 win mag. I call it the Ferrari of bolt actions. The new Tikka's are awesome

[@Ben_Jones]

About 10 years ago, I bought a Savage model 10 in .308 at Cabela's for $525 (Canadian dollars. So $400 for you Yankees). It has an adjustable trigger which feels fantastic. It hits everything, spot on. Accuracacy is something that Savage is known for. People like to complain about Savage stocks, but it is fairly stiff and free floating. However I will be getting a hardwood stock for it in the future. Recoil was shockingly bad, so i got a bolt on muzzle brake and it's transformed the gun into something that is truely enjoyable to shoot. I've fired over 1000 rounds through it and have never had a single feeding or ejection issue. The only real complaint that I have is that it's a Savage, so the barrel blueing is done poorly and it's already looking pretty rough. So as far as i can tell, it does everything that your Tikka does but with an uglier barrel and around half of the cost.

[@danmuffley6418]

Great review, I do question why to put a huge sized scope on a rifle designed for backcountry hunting? Yes I like lots of magnification for testing purposes

[@lessforloans]

Huh. Mountains make for some long shots…

[@noahhorinek]

My first custom was a 25-06 fast twist on a Tikka. It’s the perfect action for builds.

[@Nifilheimur]

Hugely popular rifle here in Norway. slap a GRS stock on it, supressor and a scope and you have one hell of a beast!

[@twysted_catalyst9096]

Got my 7 PRC barrel on the way for a T3x action. Really excited to use this action to build out my dream gun

[@minutesandmils3466]

I have 7x Ruger Precision Rifles (which have a similar trigger to the Ruger American), and the various triggers range from the best factory trigger I have ever owned - to the worst. As mentioned, the inner blade has a lot to answer for, they can be super jerky - it's like shooting a rifle with a 5-stage trigger. They look to be simple stamped metal parts, but some of them are dished instead of being flat, so they scrape against the edge of the slot they are located in. Ruger's QC is notoriously patchy, so I always recommend getting your hands on any Ruger you are thinking about purchasing, just so that you can satisfy yourself that the rifle meets your expectations before you part with your hard-earned! I've yet to meet a Tikka T3x I didn't love. My only reservation is that the T3x metalwork (receiver & barrel) are absolute pigs for rusting. You really have to cover it in oil before taking it out. Every single one of my shooting buddies has a Tikka of some description, and every single one of them has rust somewhere! Even the ones that look pristine, if you look hard enough in the various nooks and crannies you'll find rust (usually under the Picatinny rail for instance).

[@royjohnson465]

I see, then a Tikka in “stainless steel” which I have.

[@sneww4282]

I recently was looking to purchase a new rifle in a similar price range. I looked at the tikka, but ended up deciding to go with a weatherby vanguard (weatherguard burnt bronze) in 300 win mag. its just a howa action but for 750 bucks you get a threaded barrel, fluted bolt, cerakote so no need to worry about rust when out in the rain, and I liked the feel and shape of the stock much more. the brake that weatherby sells that is cerakoted to match the barrel is only 60 bucks, but i'm probably going to get a more aggressive one. the only down side is that they thread it for 1/2x28 and nearly all the 30 cal brakes out there are 5/8x24. they even sell talley scope rings that are cerakoted to match (in standard sizes), but i ended up going with black ones since i wanted the extended front to give my scope more room to adjust.

[@brettstewart8765]

Check out Mark and Sam after work channel they have awesome chokes in any thread size

[@DanielGuillette]

I sold all my Remingtons, cheap handguns. And bought a Sako and a Tikka T3X. My next rifle will be a Tikka T3X, and the next one after that would be a Tikka as well. I’m getting .5 moa out of my sako, and .5-.8 moa out of my Tikka. One thing Jim didn’t discuss is the Tikka integrated rail on top. If you look around there are some really nice ring mounts that use that system, easy to check torque compared to typical tally / Leupold / pic rail optic mounts.