Tikka T3x Arctic / Canadian C19 Ranger Rifle vs. Lee-Enfield No.4 on the 300m range

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Bloke takes his shiny new Tikka T3x Arctic out to 300m and tests it against his trusty 1943 Long Branch Lee Enfield No.4 off the bag, and offhand standing, kneeling and prone.
There's a little disappointment in places...
FOLLOWUP VIDEO: • Tikka T3x Arctic / C19...
Extra keywords:
smle, 303, 308 winchester, 7.62x51, 7.62 NATO, mark 4, mark iv, mk4, accuracy, c19, canadian, rifle,

[@antongrahn1499]

I think the fact you personally paid for it brings your perspective closer to that of regular people, as opposed to rewiewers who get everything as part of the job. Good show.

[@BlokeontheRange]

Thanks. It was Patreon money, but it was indeed money that could have been otherwise used...

[@5000rgb]

Yeah, if someone handed me a rifle to review and there were problems I would say I expect more from a $3000 rifle. If I drop a month's take home pay on a rifle and there are problems I will be unhappy.

[@colinanderson2799]

I'm getting 1 moa with the ammunition they issued me using a 300$ variable power scope. I've shot it out to 600 yards with excellent results. I've ran about 400 rounds through it this winter.

[@Bill23799]

Accuracy aside......it was a thing of beauty to see the #4 speed cocking so fast.

[@eiclanlan2854]

The Tika needs that top hand guard!

[@easyfiveOsink]

@@eiclanlan2854 Agreed. Even a metal perforated upper hand guard would a least be something. An upper hand guard allows you to shoot and scoot without fear of searing your hand as to grab and run.

[@easyfiveOsink]

@Ian That's a great hat! You're just too insecure in your own masculinity to wear a hat like that. As to the flier, yeah it did look a little like he rushed it.

[@kevinstafford4475]

The Tikka was a bit disappointing in my opinion. From the video it appears that the Tikka POI was shifting initially as it warmed up, might be the sights or maybe a bedding issue. Overall a so-so initial outing and hopefully with some rounds down the barrel it will settle in one you get the sights sorted out.The #4 gave a very good accounting for itself, kudos to that old warhorse.

[@slaughterround643]

You can't beat 100s of years of imperial expertise

[@jeroylenkins1745]

Personally I'd like to have seen the grouping after 2 rounds warming to get a better feel for how consistent it is.

[@australianmade2659]

Ian nonsense. Size has nothing to do with anything. Your just looking for a pissing contest.

[@danielaramburo7648]

Just because it’s modern it doesn’t mean it’s always better. Sometimes the old war horse is still better.

[@cs-rj8ru]

Probably the hammer forged barrel. It's a pretty common problem as soon as they warm a bit.

[@leighrate]

That's Brit Speak for comprehensively disappointed and pissed off.

[@amorembalming]

Can confirm.

[@MrPotatochips4]

Ah

[@ericmathis7740]

Ok #1 bloke that was some damn fine work. Excellent! Trigger and body control. I wish more of us yank's could do that standing 👍 #2 looked like you were anticipating with the win 168 for some reason? #3 please keep up the good work. Singed A desert rat in Arizona with his garand.

[@killcancer6499]

I agree. His technique from the prone supported and field positions was far superior to what I usually see at the range here. His bolt manipulation was positive and smooth as well as fast. There are some here criticizing his performance who either don't shoot or use large moon scopes from a bench rest. BTW, I have experienced excellent accuracy with Federal Gold Medal Match in .308.

[@RyanLackey]

Thanks for saving me $3k.

[@anthonyhayes1267]

That's a few goodish mil surps.

[@HerrGesetz]

Maybe Tikka just can't make decent rugged iron sights? Would be interesting to put a scope on it temporarily and shoot it with the same ammo again to see what that shows ?

[@slaughterround643]

Maybe just some No. 4 sights?

[@danieldalessandro96]

I'd like to see a comparison of this rifle compared to the cz 557 ranger rifle that came in second against the tikka during the trials. I own the cz 557 and it's an absolute pleasure to shoot for literally half the cost of the tikka.

[@tays8306]

@@danieldalessandro96 Cz has sold me. I only have a 455 in 22lr, but man do i want a 527 in 7.62x39

[@dobypilgrim6160]

@@danieldalessandro96 I have a mint condition CZ550 in .30-06. It literally shoots hundred yard half inch five shot groups from a folding plastic table and a bag. Anytime I take it out. That one was $450 used. And it has a Mauser type action. Sorry but I wouldn't be interested in going against polar bears with a push feed bolt action and cold hands.

[@jeroylenkins1745]

@@slaughterround643 son of Frankenrifle?

[@tomselleck623]

My experience is that Tikka makes very high quality and accurate rifles, like the T3 lite and M695 that I have in 6,5x55. This was an unexpected disappointment.

[@davebell4917]

Any production process can turn out something a little off-spec, but it should be very rare. What looks off is the way the screwdrivers didn't seem quite right for the screws. For me it adds up to something that needs checking. And then the Bloke discovers it. It should be rare, but for it to happen to somebody such as the Bloke, somewhere the Gods are laughing at Tikka

[@Crashryding]

I’ve a T3 lite in 6.5x55, a T3x in 7mm-08 and a full length overbarrel surpressed .270 Ruger American. All 3 of these shoot tight groups up to 5 rounds out to 300yrds. (Obviously the Ruger starts to spread to hem after 200. The Tikkas will shoot sub MOA using basically any factory ammo pretty much put to 100 - 300yards all day everyday. I use the 270 for bush stalking with shots up to 200

[@bubberstone628]

The Canadian Rangers were also issued the EAL rifle in 303Br. It was effectively a sporterized No 4 with a 200/400 express sight. Would be interesting to see a comparison with the EAL and Tikka being that they are both a half-stock rifle.

[@GreenKnight1979]

Exactly right. The lightened and shortened EAL is an ideal arctic/survival/battle rifle.

[@314299]

EAL rifles are not noted for their accuracy. I have one and it's nothing to brag about in the accuracy department, it is sufficient for the intended purpose but not as good as a properly stocked No 4.

[@GreenKnight1979]

314299 Shooting Channel I believe you can say that for any Lee Enfield. Sniper variants were only expected to shoot 2.5 moa, and open leaf sights as a rule shoot around 4 moa due to human vision. Enfields were made to be battle rifles, not benchrest guns. It would be interesting to see what a scoped EAL tweaked for accuracy would do.

[@davethompson1532]

They were not sporterized in any way. The ranger smle. 303 rifles were bone stock. I shoot with rangers in the western arctic regularly for the last decade

[@vancemarin8022]

My father was a master armourer with Canadian armed forces for 30 years. He put together a hunting rifle made up of All the best features of every mark of Lee Enfield rifles. With his own design of a cut down custom stock it was more accurate than this new gun. As an aside he was a shooter for Canada at Bisley competitions.

[@CAPNMAC82]

One of the things I have noticed is that most arms wind up with a "favorite" ammo. And, that ammo is not necessarily "match."

[@shonny61]

Lord Mountbatten following Operation Jubilee; "All in all I'm... slightly disappointed."

[@Bennyer]

He was also a child rapping scum bag

[@rohawaha]

From my experience , each brand of ammo will shoot in a different area of the target, better to sight in and stick with one particular manufacturers load until break in and re tightening. Even then manufacturers will change powders in a particular cartridge , changing point of impact. I assure you a hand loader/ re loader can easily develop a load that will shoot sub MOA. If you don't re load there are plenty of guys who will help you if you buy the components. Also, I believe if you use a rear stock support " sandbag" for sighting in you will reduce your groups by half. Once you are confident where the rifle groups , any deviance after that is you . Enjoyed the video , keep on the firing line !

[@CodeyMcewen]

I'm up in northern Ontario and there are smle variants of every kind floating around. People still use them for moose, bear and deer hunting up here. I'm not surprised they were still in use by the rangers, the rifle is for hunting and discouraging polar bears more than anything.

[@stevestruthers6180]

What's interesting is that the Enfield, despite being conceived as a battle rifle, also works as a good hunting rifle, while the C19 (AKA Tikka T3x) functions as a hunting rifle but not as a battle rifle. Not that you would expect the Rangers to be advancing to contact and engaging an enemy. They're more of a tripwire/recce kind of force anyway.

[@CodeyMcewen]

@@stevestruthers6180 I hadn't thought of it like that. Good ol' smle.

[@frankorandl8660]

GGG shoting better than Winchester... if only I could say I am suprised! Bloke try the Match ammo from GGG its 28 SF so still cheaper then the Winchester. 168/175/180/190gr are in there line up. Most TRGs in my club handle them rather excellent. Good video, thanks for being one of the first to acutly make a indepth review on this rifle, highly appriciated!

[@vf19blue]

Thank you for the review and saving me AUD $4115! I have a brand new Savage two groove that is a safe queen, but this video has encouraged me to show her the light of day 😁. I have been looking for a full bore iron sights rifle and I think like many of us, it presents a great opportunity to buy something new. $4000 in ammo should get me pretty handy with the No4. Subbed

[@Kman31ca]

I find in my Tikka rifles it comes down to ammo. And expensive isn't always more consistent. Hornandy, and Federal (blue box and fusion) always seem to be very accurate out of my Tikka's.

[@zzz7zzz9]

agree completely. every rifle has a preferred ammo, and you don't know what it is until you try them all. luckily mine performs best with a middle of the road selection.

[@IanDinBC]

The issued version of these guns are made by Colt Canada, which means they should have a better barrel, and should be more carefully tested and assembled (ColtCan is famous for OCD even by machinist standards). These guns will have a rough life, they will be used as paddles, hammers and jack handles - that's just part of life in the bush, so perhaps they went with durability over accuracy.

[@BlokeontheRange]

They give a 1 MOA guarantee with Sako cartridges.

[@IanDinBC]

The issue ones will see nothing but IVI (General Dynamics owned) issue stuff even if it gave 4 MOA - it's free, and that's the right price and it'll take caribou, deer and moose easily at 1-300 m

[@rayray9620]

The tikka has a shorter barrel and lighter barrel, so on a bench test your going to have to hold the rifle differently. The enfield is a heavy gun and you will get less movement from the front of the gun with 10lbs of wood on it. I have a tikka .308 and I can hit an 18pt buck running at 75 yards thru the heart. Have the mount to prove it and the saw the heart, that was with a scope though. :)

[@tedbower685]

i think it's bad when a 70 year old rifle shoots as well as a brand new rifle that cost 10 times as much

[@Surfisup64]

i agree ! i am shooting with an old swedish M96 in 6.5x55 1902 open sight and it does better than many modern rifle at 300m... it' s always funny to see them with rifle and scope they cost a crate of my rifle...

[@malcolmdort3465]

it's likely that the accuracy issues result from it being the first time he fired that weapon, compared to his loads of experience with the No. 4

[@2010GT500]

Winchester ammo is absolutely horrible. Inaccurate, unreliable, and inconsistent. Sad. They used to be such a great company.

[@Bill23799]

When I built my first AR-15 almost 20 years ago I ended up using an Olympic Arms lower and a DPMS A2 upper with a 20" HBAR barrel. I had some issues with some rounds failing to extract. I tried several remedies but in the end it was a suggestion on AR-15.com that did the trick for me. I knocked out the primer of an expended 5.56 cartridge case. I shoved a USGI steel cleaning rod up the case's back side. Applied a small bit of lapping compound to the exterior of the case then put the other end of the cleaning rod in my electric drill. Using medium speed I gave the chamber a good spin. I used a mop on end of the rod to clean out the lapping compound then used a bit of Flitz metal polisher to polish the chamber. My chamber was tight but slick as snot after that. The only ammo my very accurate AR-15A2 still did NOT like though was Winchester White Box. Solution to problem.....DON'T use Winchester White Box Ammo.

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

federal seems to be good enough for law enforcement all across the US including the FBI, and, even some police agencies here in canadurp use federal as well. they seem to have gotten their QC shit together. may I ask why it is you do not like feddy's ammo??@chris mclaughlin

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

thats isn't really the explanation I was looking for but, okay. @chris mclaughlin

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

like, I'm genuinely curious as to why I shouldn't purchase & use federal? or is it, you've simply had negative experiences with them and have now, just given up on them entirely? "the only way to go was up" so you admit that they're actually making good shooty-shoots or, what exactly? I've never gotten such a non answer from somebody that *wasn't* a politician before. I am so confused. @chris mclaughlin

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

again, why?@chris mclaughlin

[@easyfiveOsink]

The Tikka was very disapointing! Granted it was his first time out with it, but Bloke is no novice. For three grand it should have cleaned the clocks off a WW2 battle rifle. Testament to how good the Mk 4 really was. Testament to "they don't make them like they used too."

[@gobangs1117]

I'm not sure how feeding any rifle with crap ammo proves anything other than that it's still crap ammo.

[@aaronwilcox5673]

You saved me a lot of time and money. Thanks so much. I'm sticking with my Ruger GSR. It does more for less.

[@DeepseaSteve]

Love the review but to improve your groups ,between shots just glance toward the monitor rather than taking the rifle from your shoulder. The more you move about the more your point of aim will shift. Just a thought but it works for me

[@edwardnigma6568]

@Bloke on the Range I dont know if you reload or not but Ive worked out a load for my standard Tikka T3x in .308Win that will shoot damn near 1-hole groups at 100m; consistently. If you reload, my recipe is 42 grains of IMR 4064 under a 168 grain Barnes TSX or TTSX. I seat them in Lapua brass at the Barnes recommended COAL with standard Winchester LR primers and I use it for hunting as well not just target shooting. Never had it shoot less than dead on and I believe the two rifles are similar enough that you should get the same, or close to the same performance if you use that load. As long as you make sure that each powder charge is identical (some guys even weigh each bullet and throw out the non-concentric ones) it should be good to go. Solid copper bullets are the best anyway because they are CNC machined and are monometal for no inconsistencies.

[@DevNullCyber]

Had one of these myself and had the same problems you experienced. I tried a variety of ammunition and had flyers or wandering rounds in most groups while using the iron sights as well. The front sight appeared to be the weak link for me as once I scoped the rifle the groups got better with optics as you would expect.

[@guyzents7206]

Maybe you should use a unfired 4 mark 2 to get a closer comparison. I'll still use my 303.

[@marcogram1216]

Shit. There would have been no center of the target left. The Bloke is very impressive with the Enfield. I would also like to see what he could do with one of those just out of the wrap Fazakerlys.

[@jeroylenkins1745]

8:33 The split grouping with #5 as a spoiler was probably from changing position slightly between each group of 2 shots. 1 and 2 are together, then you moved and 3 and 4 are together, then you loaded a round and 5 was off by itself. When we teach troops we always try to get them in a stable position because invariably if they adjust their position partway through they'll shoot a split group. Brilliant head to head comparison of the rifles though. However I can't help but think that a lot of the Enfields in Canadian service were probably a lot more worn than the one you have.

[@BlokeontheRange]

You're seeing patterns where none exist based on 2 or 3 rounds... And btw I've cleaned a Queen's 1 course on 2 separate occasions back in the day (i.e. shot it clean at all 3 distances), putting the rifle down between shots and resting the back of the left hand on it. So I think I can manage to build my position back up correctly each time ;)

[@jeroylenkins1745]

@@BlokeontheRange Perhaps, perhaps not. I have Aspergers so I do in fact see patterns or trends that many people do not. You are right that it is difficult to judge from a single application. It might have been interesting to see a couple of warming rounds then a series of 5 round groupings from the same position to get a feel for how the rifle shoots. I've worked extensively as range staff over nearly 3 decades in the military. This is something that I have seen troops of all ranks do with some regularity. I couldn't begin to guess how many times I've seen a soldier adjust position, clear a stoppage or what have you and end up with a split grouping. I'd be interested in seeing the basic inherent accuracy of the rifle to be able to judge. My shooting involves 5.56mm, .22 LR and .243 more than anything. The 7.62mm I've shot and been range/coaching staff for has been almost entirely through a GPMG. I'm certain with these rifles there are other variables in play that I'm unaware of. Do you have any thoughts on what some of them might be?

[@BlokeontheRange]

@@jeroylenkins1745 We are pre-programmed to see patterns where none exist - "statistical clustering" is just a function of probabilities, but people read too much into it. As for re-building positions, I used to shoot Target Rifle very seriously, prone sling-supported. We would put the rifle down between shots and rest the left hand on it, then when our turn came to fire again we'd put the hand back between sling and rifle, remount the rifle in the shoulder at exactly the right point, and fire again. All without moving the left elbow or body. You have to get VERY good at being consistent like that to avoid vertical stringing on the target. Here's my targets from yesterday, which was a K31 sling supported, no sighters (hence the first shot being high and left), dismounting the rifle and re-mounting it correctly between strings: facebook.com/Blokeontherange/posts/849928175390012

[@jimf1964]

Thanks for the review. Haven't seen many, and as a Canadian, I'm interested in buying one...if I ever win a lottery. One suggestion though, I think you should avoid the temptation to check every shot for groups. Apart from taking your attention and focus away after each shot, I believe there is a tendency, even if it's subconscious, to try to compensate, and possibly throw the following shot the other way. Groups should be 100% focused on the bullseye. And yes, even great ammo can perform poorly in a given gun, though you'd think a heavy barrel would at least help, but as you said, the sights don't seem to be as good as they look. The sights are a big selling point for me, so them being of poor quality, is a big issue.

[@BlokeontheRange]

In 1999 I cleaned all 3 distances of Stage 1 of the Governor General's Prize at Connaught Ranges, Ottawa. Did it again with Queen's 1 at Bisley a couple of years later. So I think I can safely say that I don't fall into the traps you're mentioning there ;)

[@Deenz17]

Lee Enfield best rifle 21st century

[@SonJWri]

More like the 20th century

[@dobypilgrim6160]

@@SonJWri Or even 19th century!

[@Paranomasia12]

I would say it is the 'best standard issue bolt-action service rifle' rather than just 'best rifle'

[@159355478]

Naw, '03 Springfield 30/06..a man's bolt gun.

[@nathanadrian7797]

@@159355478 I love my Springfield, but as a sporting arm it lags way behind a Winchester m 70, or a Mauser 98! As a military arm it lags behind a LE No 4 Mk..., a LE No 1 mk3, Enfield P 14/M 17 and Mauser 98.

[@mattberry4457]

the tikka is starting to break in. it should be around 1 minute at round 125. scoped and benched. a remington pss settled in at .75 and a steyr ssg settled in at .5. it'll get better.

[@lancerd4934]

Tikka has a guarantee of sub-MOA out of the box.

[@survivalcomms]

That was a cool comparison. Your No4 gave a excellent account of itself. I'm not a factory ammo fan personally . I have a few of my loads I would like to try in that Tikka . Thanks for doing the comparison and sharing your results.

[@juanmanuelmarchioli]

Nothing can beat the good old No.4 … ;-)))))

[@seankeaney823]

I have always been more of a fan of the No.5 for hunting, but that is what my father owned. The No.4 just seemed to get caught up on brush more and was slower to get on target... and the two extra pounds adds up by the end of the day.

[@BigEddie1970]

I have one its one of my favs!

[@juanmanuelmarchioli]

@Lilac Tortoise is simple... track record... the No.4 ( and the Lee-Enfield family) have many wars and they work... you can fine tune them to become a fine DMR... at the end of day... years matters... and Tikka is the new boy in the town...

[@azypk]

K31.

[@John1911]

It was interesting. Personally, I’d have to play loads and or makes to dial in potential accuracy. And you weren’t shooting the greatest ammo either. But the front sight adjustments failing? That suuuuucks! Regards, Marky

[@Gab_Gar_Sed]

This a frustrating range outing. I hope that the Tikka gets sorted out...

[@jimf3932]

Shows that they actually knew how to build consistently accurate rifles en masse back in the days before all our newfangled whizbang CNC multi-plane techy methods... Great video, Bloke!

[@aynjeleyes]

I am so glad I bought the 308 Ruger gunsite it is as good as my old jungle carbine. And for a personal preference never use winchester ammo sad to say, it's not what it once was. Try Prvi 308 in that not a sako rifle

[@ddyoder]

I also love my original 308 Ruger gunsite scout rifle - this tikka looks like it but darn if that Ruger isn’t built like a tank and shoots great for 1/3 the price

[@CodeyMcewen]

Thank you for covering something that, as a Canadian, I should have known, but didn't. Also, thanks again for the work you do on this channel. Much love from northern Ontario.

[@aus71383]

Excellent and honest review. I would not be surprised if Tikka makes it right, but still they should have done better quality control. I will be having a look around your channel - I was surprised not to see you using the sling for your kneeling and sitting positions.

[@ogaugeclockwork4407]

Can you imagine what that No.4 shot like when it was new and just run in!

[@loganholmberg2295]

What's really disappointing is that I've seen some vids of the Rangers using the old rifle for hunting and it looked like a very good accurate rifle. One vid had the ranger turning his rifle over to his wife to shoot the caribou cause she was a better shot! lol. I was looking forward to getting this (if I could find it for a decent price) because of the 10 shot magazine and (supposedly) good open sites for Deer hunting. They're everywhere in my part of Saskatchewan so your usually close enough that scopes are not necessary all the time. My Dad's favorite lazy tactic is just to drive around the country side till you find one so you need to get out of the truck fast and I've always banged the scope up doing that. Also I think it looks cool and it's a Canadian service rifle so. :) Guess I'll wait to see if the vid series on this rifle continues or not and if Bloke on the Range gets good customer service.

[@titanscerw]

CZ 557 Range Rifle will perform better for you purpose and for better price and better quality materials/workmanship. Just give it look, you might like it.

[@JoshtheBackwoodsStoryteller]

Bloke when shooting the Tikka - * works the bolt rather slowly with every shot * Bloke when shooting the Lee-Enfield - * works the bolt more faster with every shot * Conclusion: whenever a Lee-Enfield is put in the hands of a British citizen, they somehow manage to bring out the best in that rifle at the range.

[@BlokeontheRange]

The Tikka really is slower, and the bolt binds a little unless it's pulled straight back.

[@roadpanzir]

Tikka needs a trip to the chaps shed...

[@nicholaspatton5590]

Uncle Chap's Cabin?

[@Danceswithempties]

At that price point, it's a p.o.s.! Thanks for the vid & I'm glad I went with the Ruger scout rifle in 308.

[@garenosborn]

2 moa at 300m with irons is some pretty fine shooting. Very nice

[@kw9849]

For an in-box inclusion on a $3000 rifle, those screwdrivers are appalling. That said, that screw on the front sight seems awfully soft to be marred so easily and so soon.

[@sstorholm]

The problem isn't the quality of the screwdrivers (Wera is probably the best brand of screwdrivers around), it's just not the right ones. :)

[@TheJVI1]

I was going to get t3x Arctic, even had a nice discount on it.. I couldn't do it. I got worried that the sights might not work on this one, too many reports about it. Got Sako Bavarian Carbine instead, slapped a Leupold vx3 on it and I'm ready to hunt. With backup iron sights. In Finland Sako Carbine is cheaper than Arctic. Very nice shooting Bloke!

[@dandaly7305]

You seem to be in a hurry to check where the shots fall on the monitor; breathing on the last shot with the Tikka at times was different than the others... Shoot the group, then check the monitor. Nice video.

[@Batistuta61]

Open sights att 300 meters, I think you shoot really well sir, even if the ammo was crap!

[@Sedan57Chevy]

I'm a little Tikka short and stout, here is my barrel, here is my bolt....

[@jagvillani338]

... when I get all warmed up see me throw, shoot something else while I cool off.

[@kenjackson4177]

Loved the honest review!

[@MrElementleader]

thank you for these reviews and tests!

[@14goldmedals]

Great job and excellent shooting from Canada!

[@andrewvanveen1804]

I have both the no 4 and no 5. The first is a superb long gun and the second is my preferred bush/canoe rifle. My friends in the Rangers are very split on the C19. Is it part of the innate conservatism we have inthe military? Perhaps we need a bit more shooting experience with the new piece.

[@steamboatmodel]

What ammo are the Rangers using?

[@MoparNewport]

Hm. Interesting results, albeit a couple years out now. I always find it mildly annoying when a gun manufacturer that is otherwise very stellar cheaps out on something like sights; particularly when in this case they are a key feature. Henry Repeating Arms in the USA is another example; gorgeous lever action rifles with silky smooth actions that, in my experience, rival an Enfield for buttery action and they place cheap buckhorns on them. Past that, the groupings ARE concerning, though in fairness its rare youll find a firearm that will be perfectly accurate with any ammunition you feed it. That all said, as a Yukoner (Northwestern Canada for those unaware), given the immense coin for a rifle whose caliber is...arguably insufficient for my region, I think Ill stay with my Enfield. Sad that my government chose to outfit our Rangers with this specific calibre - 308 up against irate polar/grizzly bears, while not the *worst* choice, is certainly not in my top five. Sure, i understand why - logistics, use of a very cheap NATO round - but we could have done much better, calibre selection wise. Anywho, new subscriber, gonna check out what you have.

[@John.VanSwearingen]

That massive flier with the Tikka from the bench may have been caused by handfeeding that round into the chamber. The other four slid up under the extractor out of the magazine... the extractor had to force itself over the base of that final round. That can absolutely make a difference.

[@BlokeontheRange]

Mate, it's a push-feed, there's no sliding up under the extractor out of the magazine at all. The extractor always has to force itself over.

[@John.VanSwearingen]

@@BlokeontheRange Fair enough! Just trying to identify a variable. However, there definitely looked to be other problems with that Tikka. Shame.

[@Sir_Godz]

3k for a bad $500 dollar rifle is sad. order a savage or 6 savages for that matter

[@borkwoof696]

Sir_Godz savages don’t come close to any other tikka

[@marcogram1216]

What's sad is that a set of $150 commercial irons beats those dinky factory irons.

[@dbmail545]

But when you spend that much on a gun you tell yourself the gun is not the problem. Shame to see a gun with such a great pedigree not hang in with that old war horse.

[@praetorxian]

No.

[@Sir_Godz]

@@borkwoof696 oh im pretty sure a $500 dollar rifle can shoot just as bad as that one

[@sstorholm]

Even though I'm extremely disappointed that you found a rifle from Finland flawed, might I suggest Lapua Scenar ammunition? It knocks a solid inch of the groups at 100 yards in my Swedish Mauser compared to S&B and the other cheap stuff, and around half an inch compared to Norma Jaktmatch. I've never tried Sako ammunition, but I suspect it's made by Lapua, so it should be good as well. I'm also wondering if the iron sights might be a bit shoddy due to the fact that Tikka has very few iron sighted models, and Sako doesn't make many as well, so it might also be a general lack of experience, but considering their otherwise quite high standards I'd be surprised if they'd consider that good enough.

[@Arcwelder12]

I have been told that the Tikka likes the round heavy. 180 grain or similar seems to be where it works best.

[@tdawg7327]

Great, honest review. Thanks so much for taking the time to make and post this video. 3,000 CHF is waaaaayyy too much to pay for a rifle that is in a league with comparables that are less than half the price. I am eager to see how you fare with the importer and Sako ammo. True to form, the acquisition doctrine of the Canadian Armed Forces for the last 30-40 years has been to buy the worst quality for the most money possible. The prime directive is to have "Unit X" manufactured in country and "create jobs" at the complete disregard of all other considerations. You will see this in everything from boots, and gas masks to ships and aircraft. BTW, where is this range? After nearly 3 years, I have yet to find a Schiessstand that will allow me to shoot anything other than my PE90 or Stgw 57.

[@ndenise3460]

kindo fo like our new type 26? ships that cost 750m to be made by Irving for 4Bn each

[@SuperTelecom]

Honestly I think the Tikka is just scared of the Lee Enfield

[@nicholaspatton5590]

Never heard of GGG before, in the US anyway. Man you're the O.G.! No, the triple G!

[@Foche_T._Schitt]

A trick for competition shooting with those type of rear sights is to use orthodontic rubber bands to keep the sight tensioned to one side.

[@theslingandjacket2337]

Scope it and bench it with good ammo and see what it does. Try some Lapua or Norma. I’ve done ammo testing the 4 different Tikka T3 308’s (3 wood stocks and 1 synthetic) and all of them have been capable of 1/2 MOA with the right ammo. Trying to meet the 1 MOA Tikka claim with a front post and that short sight radius would be quite the feat. That would be a sub-10 ring sized group on the 300m target. I will say the play in the sights is quite unacceptable and should be repaired or replaced by Tikka.

[@vincetytler6175]

I am very interested in seeing how this works out, I read somewhere the rangers are issued a locally produced equivalent to the sako ammo .. I can’t find that reference so take that with a grain of salt I will be looking to see any other reviews on this rifle .. thanks for the informative post, I will keep watching

[@johnsexsmith9298]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHbKq4aMhp6aj80

[@CobraMustang]

In the U.S. the same rifle is called the CTR if you chaps can't that version of course. Lacks the irons and wood stock. However they're threaded at the muzzle. So I'd actually go with a 1-8x scope with brake at the end. Different approach but similar role for a scout like rifle.

[@dchil15]

CTR is a different rifle as mentioned in the previous video.

[@MrBirdonawire]

You look so stressed shooting my friend. I hope you are having fun and not as stressed as you look.

[@MrAtlas40]

The sight issue is disappointing but don't lose faith in the rifle yet. I have a Tikka T3X TAC A1 in 6.5 CM. I was also disappointed with this rifle initially. It did take longer to break in than other Tikkas on our range. It also had a big shift from a cold bore. However, after finding the right ammo recipe it has shot a number of sub 0.5MOA 5 shot groups at 200m (bench). I have a No4 Mk2 and it is a lot of fun too.

[@australian3308]

I am yet to be impressed by ANY Tikka firearm in all honesty. Really are "Poor Man's Sako" (though with still a price tag reflecting a hyped name). The amount of fart-arsing around my mate had to go through to get his T3 to shoot even semi-decently was shocking - he abandoned it in the end and sold for a significant loss and ended up buying a Ruger Model 1 instead (which in and of irself says a LOT LOLOL). Lemons from Tikka are not uncommon (unlike how they used to be). CZ-Brno makes a MUCH better, more consistent and typically more accurate product IN MY OPINION - been solidly favoured in Australia for decades. Makes you wonder what really happened behind the scenes in the decision making in Canada. I had to chuckle when you mentioned Winchester "Match" ammo even before you shot it - I said to myself "This is going to be funny"...and it was. I got MUCH better results in my DCRA conversion 7.62 NATO No4 with Australian and Malaysian milsurp than any of the Yank commercial brandings.

[@CiGambino]

CZ actually produced an offering for the rangers as well I believe

[@CAPNMAC82]

And, of course, being BotR, at least one thing goes sideways in a vid.

[@garywinters2282]

My Ruger Gunsite Scout shoots better groups at those ranges and costs $800 US. I'm a happy camper. USMC 82-88.

[@jrothenburg1]

I live in Canada so I am interested in this rifle . I've been looking for a good Lee Enfield mk. 4 without much luck . This looks very promising

[@tiputipu777]

I think you sum up everything when saying you couldnt focus on the tikka iron sights. So, this test doesnt test the rifles accuracy, but your ability to shoot the rifle accurately, and from a support, you can shoot the enfield better.

[@briansmithwins]

Winchester ammo has been disappointing me since I started shooting in the late 80s.

[@fredfordham574]

Enjoyed the video... are you going to test it with a scope with decent magnification and some 180g nosler accubonds or similar projectile? This way we can determine if it's the open sights stuffing up.

[@iac4357]

I do like that Tikka castle rear sight. Something like that would be great on an AR.

[@Sontrop87]

Great video! I've been searching for someone to review this rifle. Spot on. Have you shot the Tikka T3X Battue? I'm interested to see how the iro sights perform out to longer distances.

[@fredfordham574]

I came across a utuber mathew Paul who turned a 308 Ruger American into a practical rifle with some modifications. The result looks like the T3 Arctic concept for way less money... but you need some time and machining skills. Interestingly he was able to add a H&K G3 rotary drum aperture sight to the receiver. Check out his video on his modification.

[@ajtaylor560]

You know the Rangers will be issued IVI or some Cdn mfr ammo, there should be a gazzilian 7.62 in the supply system to issue northward. Whatever they use in the rifle for day to day will come from the Cabela's in the south and be extremely expensive so they will use ball ammo more than likely. Supposition on my part as to the hunting ammo but you can bet if it comes north from Cabela's it will be Federal or Remington in as big as they can get. Probably 180 gr. I was one of the few guys in my hunting group that ever shot 150 gr. out of my .303 most shot 180 because it put animals down, lots shot 220 gr believe it or not. So as a rule when going after seal, walrus, bears they will want a big stout bullet. All the IVI 7.62 I bullets I pulled weighed 147 gr. so that's what is in the Canadian army inventory. Make your own judgements on ammo selection for next testing. I'd try some Federal 180 gr just for shits and giggles if I were you.

[@LeonardoFSI]

Is that schiessplatz Thun? That's the biggest range in Europe ;-) I hope they fix the lady, so you can go back at hitting bullseye :D

[@BlokeontheRange]

Yes, it is Thun. But Bisley is FAR bigger with 108 lanes at 200-600 yds, 50 at 800-1200 yds, 10 or so at 100, another 10 or so at 200, and something approaching 80 or 100 at 25 or 50m. Not including the smallbore ranges of the NSRA, which adds another 50+ lanes IIRC.

[@LeonardoFSI]

@@BlokeontheRange Oh, learning something new every day I suppose, they told me Thun was the biggest in the army... Bisley sounds a lot of fun to shoot at as well... I stand corrected, thank you have a nice day!

[@rickansell661]

Maybe a video on Bisley the next time you are in Blighty? Totally off the topic: Only time I have ever shot live was 'near Bisley', courtesy of the Guards who were very accommodating to a bunch of MOD Boffins. We paid the RSM back by having a 'Ringer' in our midst who shot regularly and all of us having more knowledge of firearms than most outside the Services. This meant we gave him opportunity for 'Had a bunch of Civvies here last week and some/most of them shot better than you lot' and similar.

[@loyp4328]

GGG is pretty good ammo, we use a lot of them in 7.62 and 5.6mm without any issue and very little difference in accuracy and consistency when comparing 5.6mm GGG and recent GP90

[@welinder01]

i believe tikka picked the 180 grain nosler spitzers as the preferred load. i've anecdotally heard of some very impressive grouping with that load and this rifle.

[@Rupan-rx]

Hopefully that scope rail has loctite on it. I redid my keltec rdb rail preemptively. I get pissed when a buffer tube castle nut comes loose on a $700 rifle 😂. Going to take my new to me ruger precision 6.5 Creed out Sunday. Hopefully it isn’t garbage. Sucks that you’re getting split groups with a gucci priced rifle. Thanks!

[@TheMagicSaltine]

I have a ruger precision in 6.5 and it's been good to me. Mine likes hornandy 140 match and 129 American whitetail. Always get solid groups with those.

[@Rupan-rx]

TheMagicSaltine thanks Magic Saltine. I’ve heard some bad and some good reports. I’m super excited for Sunday 👍.

[@cheesenoodles8316]

Ye old No 4 again holds up well. A good standard for comparison.

[@zawzawaung6789]

GGG makes the best .308 I've shot in a long time.

[@j.sagiechode]

80 Yr old Lee enfield FTW!

[@Gravel47]

Maybe it is just that model of t3x?. I have a t3x CTR 308w in regular steel, and with s&b 9.55g it shoots ½moa accuracy on 200m.

[@thesheepman220]

Great review, Some of my rifles are the older Sako , and are much better than the 85 I had , so perhaps the brand is slipping a bit ,probably trying to cut costs , just like Remington , my Enfield no 4 is a sweet shooter , my mates tikka 690 is a absolute surperb shooter , I was looking at the Cz rifle that was entered these Canadian trials, looks a sweet rifle and cz accuracy i have always found surperb best regards Steve

[@Thermopylae2007]

If I had a new rifle like that I would have broken in the barrel with a regime of shooting and cleaning to polish out the bore (possible improving accuracy and slowing down copper build up) before doing any comparison testing with another rifle. I appreciate the video but must confess that I think it hard to compare two rifles shooting different ammunition, given the variables that that adds. That said, I will definitely have to look at the rear sights on one of the Tikka's at the store to see if yours was representative.

[@sweetbarry]

It is a beautiful rifle. I love the iron sights. I agree with your disappointment. I wonder how the 6.5 would do?

[@Bob_Keen]

Very interesting and informative. Thank you very much.

[@essehahn7798]

Hahahaha ... your frustration while shooting so badly .... It could have been me !!! I al so get so f*ck*ng frustrated when I miss :-)

[@cleophusA]

Disappointing in the extreme! I was expecting great things from this rifle. If this is what is to be expected from this rifle, I will happily stick to my Enfield!

[@c.m.7692]

That's pretty disappointing considering the price of these iron sights...

[@larryclare5677]

Give you a tip , don't look!!the shot is gone ,your sighted in you don't have to correct just use good form

[@sarahwatson7692]

Larry Clare What do you mean? Translate.

[@robertstallard7836]

I think he means not to keep looking at the screen to see the fall of each shot. Once a rifle is sighted in at a particular range, to trust that and concentrate on position, hold, trigger release etc. rather than worry about making small corrections as you would in a comp.@@sarahwatson7692

[@brianlee6849]

I read a review that said this rifle prefers 180 grain or more. They got the best groups with the heavy bullets. I never read what the rifling twist is do you know what it is ? Maybe 1 in 10? I think the military lighter rounds prefer the 1 in 12. It's a beautiful rifle I love that aperture sight. I would like to buy one but I want it and a 24-inch Barrel. Even more velocity and accuracy for hunting. Thanks for sharing

[@killcancer6499]

Nicely done review. I liked the testing from field positions although I do disagree with you about the sling. The wandering POI was disappointing. Did you check to see if the barrel was properly free floated as advertised by Tikka? It looks to me the advantages of the Tikka over the Enfield are significantly lighter weight, greater flexibility in sighting systems, and the fact that it uses the more widely available .308 Winchester. .303 British just isn't available off the shelf in every Walmart here in the states. On another note, I have read that the Canadian government intends to destroy the remaining Lee-Enfields in service. That is a real shame. They are important pieces of history that would be important to collectors-especially in the Commonwealth.

[@BlokeontheRange]

1. Of course I checked it was free-floated, otherwise it would have gone straight back to the importer as faulty before I'd fired a shot. 2. 100g-ish is not "significantly lighter weight". It's a couple of %. 3. Rangers will be allowed to keep their L-E rifles if they want to.

[@killcancer6499]

@@BlokeontheRange 1. No need to be testy. 2. I have read the reported weight of the C19 as just over 8 1bs. The average weight of Mk5 Jungle Carbine was supposedly about 7 llbs. and 1 kilo lighter than the Mk4. That would make the Mk4 roughly a pound heavier than the C19. Even a half a pound is significant when carrying for long periods. In my experience battle rifles of that era are more than 100 grams heavier than 8 pounds. Of course weights vary-as do reports... 3. Will Rangers be allowed to keep their L-E's in lieu of transitioning to the C-19, or will they be allowed to keep/purchase them as private property. If they are allowed to keep them as private property some will find their way on to the civilian market. What about the rest?

[@clangerbasher]

I so wanted the Tikka to be ace. Perhaps it needs a few boxes to settle down?