The Tikka T3x Review Stainless Lite 243, Best factory rifle for less than $1,000!

[@JACKBLACKTOSE]

You sold me on picking up a T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor. I picked it up with a Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP scope on Vortex rings and an EGW Pic Rail. For a budget build I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you for the quality content!

[@laytonaschauer3675]

The most in depth review I’ve seen on a bolt gun yet!

[@WestDesertShooter]

Thanks man, I appreciate the compliment

[@EagleEyeShooting]

It's been a blast seeing ya take that T3 out to its limits. Defiantly a great deadly accurate rifle. And now its just gonna get better Tikka T3 2.0. Great review on this system brother!

[@WestDesertShooter]

Thanks Kenny! She has taught me a bunch and I’m ready for some really long shots!

[@dgunnut6550]

Wow, great review with tons of info! Well done! I’ve always admired the Tikkas and maybe one day I’ll pick one up!

[@WestDesertShooter]

Thanks man you have done some great videos as well. I would definitely recommend one I think you would be a fan!

[@timboss-is8fw]

I love my tikka t3x hunter 243 , it shoots half inch groups at 100 yds with hornady whitetail 100 grn factory ammo , 1 in 8 twist , I also changed the trigger spring its 1.5 lbs , great review

[@strat1080]

Totally agree. I tell anybody looking for a rifle that a Tikka is the best they’ll find under $1000. It’s amazing how consistently accurate they are and how stable the point of impact is across a variety of different loads and shooting positions.

[@richardt.4224]

I have just started to watch your videos and they are great (THANKS). Hi, I'm 67 year young and have bought a 243 Tikka 3X recently mainly for hunting and I have also started hand loading too. I would love to see one trying the Hornady 90grn ELD-X bullet with a variaty of powders and loads! As there is not a lot of load data on this relatively new bullet! Keep up the good work and thanks again.

[@BK3411]

Great video. Very good explanations and honest review. Liked how you showed the patterning with the different rounds to include the not so good. Keep up the good work.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Thanks man hope it helped! They are worth buying!

[@ZombieHeadHunters]

Great review man! Tikka makes a good rig. Can’t wait to see it as a wsm.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Yes sir! I’m wondering if I should shoot these zombies with the 224 Valkyrie instead 🤔 and maybe I’ll need a few more for 1 mile and 2,000 haha for the WSM

[@ZombieHeadHunters]

Don't know why you couldn't shoot a set with both. We could probably hook you up with more heads. Plus if you get the 1000,1200.1500,1760 and 2000 all with the same gun you get the honor of saying that you "Stopped the Horde".

[@WestDesertShooter]

I think I need that title!

[@ZombieHeadHunters]

For sure man.

[@Wheat777]

First video of yours I have ever watched. I was searching .243 win vids and it popped up. Nice presentation and evolution of the rifle as this is where I am now. Great tempo to your speech and cadence whilst speaking. I have clicked on your channel and your newer vids, you have gone very far with the long range stuff congratulations! However I’m just a 0-400 yard hunter so you are now at ranges I have no interest in being. Excellent video tho. Thank you! Keep on keepin on bro! GOD bless you and your family and GOD bless America!✝️💪🏽🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ugglebo1198]

Lots of hunters here in Sweden use the Tikka T3/T3X. Its super popular. Its my first moose/boar etc rifle and it works just perfect (got one in 308w). I too was sold on the smooth action, haha.

[@quiquecruz6203]

Hello friend... your video is very good, I congratulate you... I tell you that I have always modified the Trigger on my tikkas, installing a pen or lighter stone spring, which is more sensitive than the original, which is very rigid, apart from changing the screw that presses the trigger into action, The one that makes the regulating screw stop, I changed it for another one that has a smaller head diameter, making it come out further and also being even more sensitive, in these cases I have been left with a weight of one pound (half a kilo). A hug, good shots and blessings..

[@ezzyfish]

Deffinately agree with you on Tikka qalitty. Bin hunting for last 15 years and have come across many rifles via my hunting budies. Little Tikka is hard to beet for value to money! It will perform the same or better whay up the scale with the much more expenssive guns.

[@243Outdoors]

Good Review. Ready to see the 7mm.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Thanks man! I don’t often do reviews I more or less just talk about products but I thought I had enough experience to do a real review on this. I’m definitely excited as well

[@kylelusk8994]

Sweet bud! Sad to see it going away. But, bigger and better things to come! And a whole lot of really useful info!

[@WestDesertShooter]

Thanks brother, I’m excited and once you see how it turned out you won’t be sad anymore!

[@bobcatethan8919]

Between this video and a couple other's I've seen Im pretty much sold on picking up a tikka as my go to bolt gun

[@rahulthorat4029]

Great shot Perfection Confident

[@DD-mg9rf]

Saturday I picked up a tikka T3x lite roughtech in 308 topped it with a vortex viper HS 4-14x44 I sure hope it shoots well

[@erichuntter2437]

Good video on your Tikka t3x 👍 I am shooting a Tikka t3x in 243 aswell really good rilfe, am using the federal 80grain at 100 yards and getting a 3/4 group

[@fmt5327]

I just picked up a T3x Lite .308 and a KRG Bravo.

[@SocialRegressive]

+1 the 87-grain V-Max. My twist rate is kinda slow, so I can't stabilize anything heavier than 100 grains. Those 87s are my go-to.

[@levlev.1028]

shot those out of a buddies 25-06 (obviously 25 cal not 243), they got sub moa and went out at I think 3450 fps, they could blow a pop can up at 100 yards before the scope washed out lol

[@philippefrater2000]

My 1/10 twist 24 inches barrel stabilise everything up to 105grs. Browning X-Bolt SFT GRS Laminated Wood Stock Heavy Fluted and threaded bore... Yep, it's expensive. But it's worth it.

[@philippefrater2000]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3XUoWStmseSY5Y

[@billharvey9959]

Can't wait to see the new rig

[@WestDesertShooter]

It’s 90% there, we had an issue with the reamer but the barrel is in the receiver and the stock is inlet, it looks like a beast now! I think you will like it.

[@lukeonderko8696]

I will attest to this, my tikka T3 Lite 243 is an absolute beast. It is a legitament sub 1/2 moa 6 lb rifle. most accurate lightweight rifle i have ever seen

[@WestDesertShooter]

Awesome to hear man! And funny enough I’m not surprised to hear that! Are you reloading for yours or did you find a factory load it likes?

[@lukeonderko8696]

West Desert Shooter shooting 95 tmk with 44 gr h4350!

[@ajfam871]

Great channel and videos. I love Tikkas. I plan on dropping mine in an MDT chassis. I also love the Tikka bolt feels Like 1911 slide. If I reloaded I would get a 7-08 or a 243. But since I know I don’t plan on hand loading. I’m debating on a 6.5 or 308. I also recently stumbled across the 25-06. I like something that had goo power and decent BC bullets. I plan on getting a Super lite version Tikka.

[@zorandjekic7441]

Tikka is perfect rifle!

[@michaelogden5093]

Moving the shoulder pad up... smart.

[@clintjohnson7023]

Yea I like that best under a $1000.00 that was 3 years ago. I went to a gun store 4 weeks ago looked at a gun they just took out the box and put on the shelf. Price $750.00 is. Went back yesterday same gun on same shelf $1398.00

[@rusty728]

The link doesn’t work for the muzzle brake . Could you pass on that info again. Please and thank you

[@cameronf2758]

Btw, a company called outlier makes a micro chassis for the t3x. Its only 250 and works with ar stocks and has 2 forend options

[@OzarkSpirit]

Nice detail, great job.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Thanks Ozark! I am curious to see some follow up videos on your satterlee method!

[@OzarkSpirit]

West Desert Shooter I have the info and video. I went down with the flu and the hog hunt was just the next week. I wasn’t happy with the velocities, but the info is there. Mopar Madman has done some vids. And ultimate Reloader seems to be copying my vids...lol. I guess he will go hog hunting next, or do a tannerite vid.

[@kobebryant2420]

I have 2 Tikka rifles! One chambered in .270 win and the other is 22-250 rem. The 270 is the standard T3 and the 22-250 is the T3x. I am planning on putting a Boyds stock on my 22-250 cant wait!! Awesome rifles IMO. Also planning on getting a T1x rimfire 17HMR.

[@WestDesertShooter]

The Boyd’s stocks fit great! Definitely a great upgrade! I’m telling you though get the pad upgrade! You will be glad you did

[@SocialRegressive]

That bolt throw is nuts, man. I think I need to try one of these.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Legitimately the smoothest Action I’ve run and when my gun smith chucked the bolt up on his lathe it had less than a half thousandth run out just clamping it first try. He mentioned Remington actions with have multiple thousandths of runout and they are hard to true up. I definitely love the Vmax, I wish I had an opportunity with a coyote and the 87s they are crazy accurate and would drop a dog in a flash

[@robboat6269]

There is a spring you can buy for that trigger. I was watching a differnt video. Guy said he ordered it from canada. Spring was under 20 bucks plus shipping. Droped the trigger pull to ounces. And still adjustable. You cant back that one off enuff it will hit the bolt head holding the trigger in. The spring is made of smaller gauge wire with more coils. Its a cheep upgrade for the trigger. Might be nice for long rang. Yo dave is the company name You can drop the trigger pull down to 12 ounces. Thats a nice package.

[@dill5500]

Yea 10 bucks on ebay

[@grantdavies4282]

Great clip, Very interested to see your review on the Tikka T3X lite Veil Alpine. Also keen to have your input for big game more So a do it all rifle caliber, on the fence between the .308, 7mm magnum and the .300 win mag.

[@toycollector2611]

Good review, thanks! My R700 VLS 243 loves 65g VMAX, .5 MOA. Does not like anything over 90g even with a 1:9 1/8 twist.Just got a Savage 110 Tac in 308. Great rifle with accufit stock and good price.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Thanks for watching dude! Interesting your rifle doesn’t like the heavier bullets with that twist

[@christinahenderson386]

Depends on the remington I have way more money in it but I have custom barrel 26 inch threaded fluted with a defiance action its free floated magpul stock barrel is stainless cut rifling aluminum bedding heavy Palma in 300 win mag I worked hard to get what I wanted

[@dross1492]

I understand using the heaviest bullets in the 243 dramatically lessens barrel life? Are you seeing this? One could have a gunsmith cut the barrel and rechamber however.

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Tikkas 3x are relatively inexpensive because of plastic components....plastic stock with no aluminum bed, plastic trigger guard, plastic magazine, plastic bolt release, etc. They originally had aluminum recoil lug and plastic bolt shroud...they are now improved to steel recoil lug and aluminum bolt shroud as well as foam filled stock. I purchased a stainless steel Tika T3x lite in .270 Win and it is shooting subMOA with my handloads....muzzle velocity standard deviation of 4.6 fps shooting 130 gr TTSX and 4350 powder for hunting up here in Alaska. I like it because it is accurate and a lightweight all-weather mountain rifle.

[@tacticplanner7188]

There's a company out of Australia that makes alloy parts for tikka.

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

As a suggestion, anytime you find an issue with the rifle, as described with the magazine, we would be the first to let the manufacture know about it...or any other discovered flaws!

[@johnganshow5536]

It may not be true, but I've heard that stainless bores will take longer to wear out than a standard steel rifle. Stainless is more wear resistant? Yes, Bang for the buck, Tikka is one of the best!!!

[@WestDesertShooter]

Hmmm I don’t believe I’ve heard Stainless is supposed to last longer, I know chrome lined barrels are supposed to last a long time. Not saying you’re wrong I just haven’t heard that stated before

[@randymoore32]

What is the new stock and what does it weigh and cost?

[@capt.america6296]

I was thinking about building a rifle with a 6.8 western chamber and resizing the neck up to 7mm. It would be somewhat similar to a 7SAUM. he only reason is because the brass availability for the 6.8 Western and it probably wouldn’t be a barrel burner like the Winchester short mag‘s. It’s pretty tough to find seven short action ultra mag brass also. Would this be crazy?

[@Letsroll000]

Didn't catch the brand of the stock or a link?

[@jake_kwekwek1474]

nice vid. is the barrel threated 5/8x24?

[@williammcnear4248]

Thinking about buying one of these, but only things that keep me away are tiny 3 round mags and the short action calibers are in a long action rifle and modified magazine

[@ezzyfish]

William McNear you can bay aftermarket 5 round magazines too

[@scrider5493]

Good vid. I am interested in a TIkka 243 with a bull barrel for range and white tail hunting, but would be stand hunting not prone. Does the pistol grip on varmint stock throw off stand hunting or any position when not prone?

[@رضااحمد-ر7ح]

Hi,how is it against remington 700 long range stainless and browning x bolt pro long range???thanks for your opinion

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Excellent review! Nice to know the stock compares well...I feared it might be a cheap flexible plastic stock, since plastic trigger guard and plastic magazine seems cheap. Nice to know stock is foamed and you drilled for your cheek riser. I just ordered a stainless steel Tikka T3 lite in .270Win since I already hand load for hunting with .270s up here in Alaska. For hunting, I hand load my .270 Win rifles with Barnes TTSX in 110 and 130 gr using 4350 or RL22. Question: Why a muzzle brake on your .243? Does the muzzle brake substantially reduce muzzle rise or jump? Also your Amazon muzzle brake link no longer works. Thanks.

[@feed_defend_evolve]

Well... he did say the recoil of the 243 was bruising his shoulder really bad

[@strat1080]

The Tikka synthetic stock is pretty rigid and highly functional

[@troybelanger974]

Did the barrel brake help with the barrel harmonics?

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

*I'VE HAD BOTH THE .243 AND THE .270 BOLT ACTION RIFLES EACH HAD A 7 OR 8 TWIST, THREE GOVES ONLY TO STABILIZE THE BULLET LIKE A TRIPOD WITH A THREE-THOUSANDTHS OF AN INCH BEFORE TOUCH THE LANDS, WITH A 26.5 INCH BARREL BOTH AT 100 YARDS WITH MORE THEN THREE ROUNDS ALL FIRED WERE TOUCHING THE CENTER OF THE PAPER.*.*MY SCOPE WAS THE LEUPOLD 3.5 TO 10 X50. THE BOLT ACTION WAS THE FN MAUSER BY INTERARMS AND THE STOCK WAS A CUSTOM ROBERTS WITH A HIGH ROLL OVER COMB.* *ALTHOUGH, I DID HAVE THE NEXT LEVEL HEAVER FROM A SPORTER BARREL, HAVING NO HARMONICS. * *LOOKING CAREFULLY AT BALLISTICS TABLES, THE .270 IS NEXT TO THE 300 WIN MAG; HOWEVER, THE .270 IS MUCH CHEAPER TO SHOOT EASIER TO SHOOT AND HAS THE BETTER PERFORMANCE THAN MOST 30 CALIBERS WITH GREATER PERFORMANCE AND KINETIC ENERGY AND VELOCITIES WITH A 130GR!!* *THESE TWO CALIBERS ARE THE BEST FOR NORTH AMERICA HUNTING AND COMPETITION SHOOTING, IN MY RESEARCH AND HUMBLE OPINION!!*

[@carlabrowne3163]

Really enjoyed all your comments with your Tikka. I just picked my mine in .300 WSM.... Just wondering.... how do you like your Witt muzzle brake? My dealer thinks I should have the barrel threaded... he's heard that they can throw off your shots. Thanks.

[@jamespollard3066]

I hope you're new project gun work's for you . Some barrels shoot better then others for unknown reasons .

[@WestDesertShooter]

The new one should it is a select match barrel that is hand lapped so it should be ready to rock. I’ll load some mild rounds for it and get it fouled up then start with load development!

[@digitalballistics]

It looks like a nice rifle but holy scope height Batman. Why is your scope mounted so high?

[@WestDesertShooter]

Because this is not the mount I bought for this rifle. It is for my AR but by mounting it on the scope I have a 40moa base to shoot really far

[@henryknoetze9579]

If you rechamber to 7mm WSM, what will you do about the bolt?

[@WestDesertShooter]

I opened the bolt face to magnum. Exactly what Tikka does. Same bolt design kjust a larger face

[@TheStewmagoo]

Great video. I have a bone stock T3 in 243. I believe its a lite or a hunter. It has the black barrel. I am going to work on some modifications with it. I was amazed with the mod you done on the factory stock. You would not still have it and possibly sell it for my development and experiments? I think I am going to go away from the factory ring set up and go with a base set up like a 20 MOA. SUSBSCRIBED to your channel.

[@zakattack467]

You used a .243 on elk?

[@oreopuppydawg1564]

The Inuits in the Arctic say a 243 is a magnum cartridge. They kill polar bear with 22 hornet.

[@Reloadingfromthehotpot]

What is your opinion on the Thompson rifles ? curious I am

[@WestDesertShooter]

Haha well I haven’t had the chance to shoot one but from what I’ve seen on a few other channels they are actually pretty good shooters with the right ammo and for the crazy prices you can get them for I don’t think you can go wrong

[@michaelmuzzy8401]

@@WestDesertShooter got them both,I like the Tikka

[@MrZola1234]

Thanks for the video on the Tikka. I'm leaning toward this rifle for my first bolt-centerfire rifle. I am going to use it for a hog hunt later this year in an open field type setting rather than brush hunting. My plan though was to also try out some bench shooting too. My plan would be to use the synthetic stock for hunting and buy a heavier wider stock for bench shooting. Do you think that would be a practical strategy for the Tikka? Also, do you think one could avoid your cheek hight issues if they used low scope rings?

[@WestDesertShooter]

I think the Tikka would do great for both those applications but I would use the same stock for both just to make the rifle feel the same. Now when you say bench gun it will shoot good groups but not exactly same hole type groups unless you really know how to reload. For the hog hunt I guess it just depends on the chambering you choose but I’m sure most rounds Tikka offers it would do great. For scope height yes buy the correct rings and it would help bud I’d have to say it may still seem low.

[@philippefrater2000]

Really need to check the one below...

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

Oh no! Keep the .243 but get an expert on the twist rate for the barrel length. There are few calibers that can match the .243 other then a greater expense in ammo. I have a .243 and I'm putting bullets in bullet holes at 100 yards using only three twists or groves with a 1 in 7 twist and its incredibly accurate with full velocities, nothing wasted with powder burn. with a 1 in 7 twist rate, you get 3.3 twists (a three inch tail) and the 3 groves like a tripod that stabilizes the bullet much more efficient and the results are truly astounding!! I love my .243! ;-)

[@oso1165]

any caliber can shoot accurately...

[@devenzang9550]

Cost too much to shoot 300wm... bought the gun in 243 to shoot more affordable, so I’m going to rebarrel it to 7mm wsm... love the tikka though!

[@WestDesertShooter]

I now have a 223 224 Valkyrie and creedmoor to shoot more affordable ammo. Also I didn’t reload when I had the win mag. Thanks man it will soon be back up and running

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

IT WOULD HAVE HELPED IF YOU WOULD HAVE RESEARCHED CUSTOM RIFLE TWISTS GOING ALONG WITH BARREL LENGTH... THREE LANDS AND GROVES IS ALL YOU NEED IN A .20 CALIBER, UP TO THE .270. AND I'VE FOUND THAT A 7 IN 1 TWIST WITH A 22 INCH BARREL IF NOT LONGER PUTS ROUNDS NEARLY IN THE SAME HOLE, MAYBE A 32nd to a 16th APART. ALSO, IF YOU LOOKED AT THE BALLISTIC TABLES, THE .270's PERFORMANCE IN DISTANCE W/KINETIC ENERGY IS JUST UNDER THE 300 WIN MAG AT LONG RANGE AT 1500 YARDS. THE .243 WILL EASILY REACH OUT TO 1000 YARDS..WITHOUT TEARING UP YOUR SHOULDER AS WITH THE .270. THESE TWO CALIBERS REMAIN THE WISER CHOICE OF 98% OF NEWER ROUNDS WITHOUT GOING INTO MAGNUM CALIBERS!!...REMEMBER, IT'S ALL ABOUT BULLET PLACEMENT!!

[@WestDesertShooter]

Lol the future is now old man. 270 is a dead cartridge there are no high performance bullets for it. 6.5 7mm and 30 cal all have way better offerings that will flat out-perform a 30-06 based cartridge

[@giulianovalentini7370]

A cuanto lo.vendes

[@markio2010]

I appreciate the info. But really I was expecting a fair review for what the rifle is, not what you made it to be. I'm looking for a hunting rifle in that price range. The high of the scope is key for a good fit. I wouldn't want to have to add anything to it.

[@WestDesertShooter]

It’s a fair review, I can only speak to what I’ve used it for. It wouldn’t be a fair review if i only talked about it as a hunting rifle. Which I don’t have nearly the experience with compared to target shooting.

[@MatthewsFabrication]

Where are you located in the West Desert of Utah? I'm in St George. Maybe we can go shooting some time.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Shoot me an email man, I’m close by

[@tylerfarley545]

What muzzle break is that?

[@TheCFN007]

Cool Video, makes me want to go out and buy my Wife a 243 Rifle & a 300 Win Mag for myself lol :) Cheers

[@WestDesertShooter]

Hey now there’s an idea! 243 would make an excellent gun for women definitely light recoil even with the light weight rifle which again is a good thing for a woman if she wants to go hunting with it.

[@fridolfmane1063]

6,5 !!!!!

[@oddmunddale806]

Tikka have better lock time than any other low price rifles. WTF are lock time, youtube experts? ;)

[@oddmunddale806]

Muzzle brake for hunting? I have a muzzle brake on a 378 Wbm 30 years ago. Cut the shit of after my left ear started screaming day and night, its still screaming. Muzzle brakes are for heavy artillery not for hunting rifles.

[@edwardabrahamiii3742]

Maybe the best 243 on paper, and on the steel plates at long range. But i dont think it be any good for hunting.

[@napalmnige7498]

Why not I use mine for hunting and have never missed a shot yet😋

[@edwardabrahamiii3742]

@@napalmnige7498 good for you 1 day youll miss every hunter misses a few times but everyshot you dont take you miss

[@ashman0071]

Who cares if the stock moves a bit when you squeeze it or flex it ? If the barrel/action has been free floated then you need the stock to have room to do this if it needs to..........right ? .243 for ELK ? You have no idea what you are talking about......for the money and time you spent, and the fact that you are already going to re-barrel it in 7mm WSM - I don't understand this review at all..........

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

WHAT ADVANTAGE IN ACCURACY COULD THE TIKKA T3x HAVE OVER A BLUED BARREL IF ANYTHING?...WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT STAINLESS WHEN THEY'RE 3 TIMES HARDER TO CLEAN?!!

[@shitsngiggles8371]

What world did you grow up in stainless is way easier to clean. Stainless is harder than carbon so the life of the Barrel is longer. Stainless cools down faster. Stainless is weather resistant. No accuracy difference.

[@018132]

That rifle is definitely not fully free floated. Why you misinforming your viewers?

[@Rundu1987]

Nope the Howa is even cheaper and just as accurate and rugged.

[@WestDesertShooter]

Their actions are not nearly as smooth or as precision made

[@Rundu1987]

@@WestDesertShooter True, but comparing the price R8000 to R18 000 I can live with that action and its super strong.

[@Thomas-zh4dy]

Bootleg