Range Report:

Link w/photos:
http://andysgunthoughts.wordpress.com/test-tikka-t3/

Tikka T3 30.06 (wood stock)

This gun was picked up as a “model” for my new line of walnut bridle leather slings, shown with the optional duracoat quick adjust buckle! The wood looks GREAT with the new leather. I mounted a 2 point sling on this to show off that I make normal carry straps as well as the Ching Sling. ( www.shottist.com to see more slings)

Pre-Shoot thoughts and opines.

-Affordable gun, look for street pricing in the mid-6’s. Before you cheapskates balk, note that this gun comes with 1″ scope mounts (foremount has a vertical pin to stop fore/aft movement, wise idea), a set of 1″ quick detach swivels (ingenous design too!). A trigger lock is added in box as well as an allen wrench to mount the scope.

-Easy to work on. The action is held in place with 2 straight tipped screws, I popped the action out, dabbed some oil on the screws, action and trigger for corrosion control/lube/ease of maintenance. Trigger guard is a rugged plastic.

-Single stack mag. A pricey item but it seems durable, holds 3 rounds and works. It inserts easily and stays put.

-Wood stock: not a bad stick of wood. Checkered with a decent buttpad.

-Sights: Scope only, no open sights.

-Action: Sako style extractor with push feed. Slick…VERY VERY slick and smooth to work.

-Trigger: A tad heavy, but user adjustable and good instructions in the manual to adjust

I mounted a Leupold 2-7 on it as an all around scope. This scope in 2 power is FAST on target acquisition, is clear and has lengthy eye relief making it suffice for a practical-rifle for me. Much of my shooting is done with dot sights, scout scopes or wicked cool long range glass, this is a departure from the norm for me and useful for this rifle and it’s mission.

Shooting: It shoots well. Certainly better than I ever well. A few rounds went sub-MOA (sheerly by accident, not by skill!), the rest grouped nicely. Recoil was ever-present (I despise bench shooting). I ran 180’s, I plan on snagging some the Black Hills offerings to wring it out.

Post Shooting Cleaning: I used the Copper Remover from SLIP2000, good stuff. A couple of wet patches got it squeaky clean. A quick patch of lube sealed the rifling from the humidity here in the moist northeast.

Overall thoughts: I really like the rifle, a good combo of a Finnish rifle, a decent American cartridge and an acceptable glass atop it. Light enough to carry, looks good, shoots fine. Two thumbs up. Oh yeah, the sling on it is AWESOME!

Tikka T3 Page http://www.tikka.fi/

Nice report Andy. I have a T3 Lite in .243 that I haven't even done barrel break-in on yet, but I expect 1/2-inch or better with handloads.

Bill/O,

So far I am very impressed.

I would like to do a side by side comparison with a Sako to see what is similar. (Vermont/NH Sako owners, PM me!) Or....perhaps post photos.

Andy

quote:

, a good combo of a eurotrash rifle, a decent American cartridge and an acceptable glass atop it.

Ahem!!

quote:

quote:
, a good combo of a eurotrash rifle, a decent American cartridge and an acceptable glass atop it.



Ahem!! Mad

As always..... I offend SOMEONE with my posts!



Andy

Well, this is the internet after all!

Here are the first two groups I fired with my bit of trash







They do shoot well, those Tikkas.

Regards,

GH