I had a gift certificate from last Christmas that I hadn't spent yet from Gander Mountain as the store is not close to where I live. Bought some socks, bore brushes and .22 CCIs with it.

What caught my eye was a .308 Tikka T3 rifle, left handed. Since I'm left handed, I had to pick it up and shoulder it. It fit me nice. Only downside was my aged, boney shoulder started have anticipatory recoil twinges with the T-shirt I had on as this rifle weighs 6.5 lbs. My shooting vest has a big, homemade recoil pad so I should be able to keep my shoulder happy.

I've never heard of Tikka rifles before. I'm still a bit taken with it. It came with scope rings. I'd have to get the barrel threaded for my can though. I don't suppose there are issues with threading stainless barrels.

No issues threading a stainless barrel at all. The Tikka is a best buy rifle.

Tikka T3 rifles are one of the best bang for your buck you can get in a hunting rifle. They are made by Sako, are normally extremely accurate, light, and easy to care for.

As for the factory rings, buy something better. DNZ comes to mind.

Some people knock the Tikka product for their plastic parts such as magazine, bolt shroud, etc. The fact is they seldom if ever break. If they do, there are cheap metal replacements available online at such places as Ebay.

You can spend a heck of a lot more for a lot less rifle than a Tikka.

A bit unrelated to the Tikka rifle but noteworthy with my Gander Mt trip.

.22s have been hard to find this last year. This retail establishment even had them behind the counter while other ammo was on shelves amongst the isles.

The .22s they had were CCI packed 300 to a box with the picture of a reality TV character known for alligator hunting, like he was endorsing the product. The price worked out to about $2.00 per hundred more than the usual pack of 100 for CCI LR. This just seemed like a way to get more money, i.e. scalp the buying public, for inadequate supplies of .22s. I don't think it was a retail establishment promotion but a factory gouge. I felt like passing on the deal but since I can't reload .22s, I just bent over and took it like I have had to do for reloading supplies this last 3-4 years.

In sweden,finland tikkas are sold both with factory tread and some in package with a can.
If its sako/tikkas own rings they are good.

Good news!

There is a new Tikka T3 CTR available. It comes with a picatinny rail, a 10 round magazine AND has standard threads for a U.S.A. can. You should be able to pick one up for the $900 range or a bit less.

quote:

Originally posted by boliep:
Tikka T3 rifles are one of the best bang for your buck you can get in a hunting rifle. ... Some people knock the Tikka product for their plastic parts such as magazine, bolt shroud, etc. The fact is they seldom if ever break. If they do, there are cheap metal replacements available online at such places as Ebay.

You can spend a heck of a lot more for a lot less rifle than a Tikka.

I just bought a LH T3 Hunter in 9.3 x 62 and I am planning to use it in Africa on a PG hunt. Extremely light, at least compared to my CZ 550 .375. I am in the process of replacing the wooden factory stock. It just doesn't feel right in my hands ... a bit too slim (probably to save weight) and the LOP is too short for my long arms. I have ordered a new custom walnut stock, metal bolt shroud and a Picatinny rail from Mountain Tactical / Tikka Performance. I will let you know how it goes.

quote:

Originally posted by Grumulkin:
Good news!

There is a new Tikka T3 CTR available. It comes with a picatinny rail, a 10 round magazine AND has standard threads for a U.S.A. can. You should be able to pick one up for the $900 range or a bit less.

Any idea where one of these can be found? I looked on Bud's and Davidsons.

I just picked up a Tikka Boar Hunter in 30-06 from Cabela's.

http://www.cabelas.com/product...ER-RIFLE/1722997.uts

I haven't had a chance to fire it yet but I expect it will shoot great like all Tikka rifles. It has all of the features I was looking for in a rough weather/terrain rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by ftbt:

quote:

Originally posted by boliep:
Tikka T3 rifles are one of the best bang for your buck you can get in a hunting rifle. ... Some people knock the Tikka product for their plastic parts such as magazine, bolt shroud, etc. The fact is they seldom if ever break. If they do, there are cheap metal replacements available online at such places as Ebay.

You can spend a heck of a lot more for a lot less rifle than a Tikka.

I just bought a LH T3 Hunter in 9.3 x 62 and I am planning to use it in Africa on a PG hunt. Extremely light, at least compared to my CZ 550 .375. I am in the process of replacing the wooden factory stock. It just doesn't feel right in my hands ... a bit too slim (probably to save weight) and the LOP is too short for my long arms. I have ordered a new custom walnut stock, metal bolt shroud and a Picatinny rail from Mountain Tactical / Tikka Performance. I will let you know how it goes.

We have a Tikka Performance walnut stock on a 338WM in Tanzania. It is a great rifle and great stock, though on the short side. The stock comes with a new, steel recoil spacer lug. That is a good thing since the factory original aluminum had developed a slight cut/indentation already.

We thought about putting a spacer on the butt but a little short will fit my wife better if she wants to borrow it sometime before her 375Ruger makes the trip to TZ.

We've owned three Tikka's and they have all been shooters and very easy to carry. They are push-feed and limited to non-Dangerous Game, but are excellent rifles. Plus, in a pinch, a 338WM or 9.3x62 will handle buffalo.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan: We have a Tikka Performance walnut stock on a 338WM in Tanzania. It is a great rifle and great stock, though on the short side. The stock comes with a new, steel recoil spacer lug. That is a good thing since the factory original aluminum had developed a slight cut/indentation already.

Hmm ... the stock I ordered allowed me to customize the LOP with a longer LOP for my long arms. I understand that the stock comes with the steel recoil spacer lug, so that saves a few dollars. It should be good rifle for PG in Africa, and just about anything that walks in North America.