gents/ looked at a t3 in 25-06 today ? need input re 3 concerns. (a) 22 1/2 inch barrel adequate for this round? (b) ring mounting system to grooved top of receiver- is it adequate to prevent rings moving parallel to barrel; solution needed? (c) material rings made of? looked like anodized aluminum, but store was closing & no time to verify they were stainless steel. any thoughts greatly appreciated/ chaz

Chaz,

As far as a 22 1/2" tube goes in the 25-06 I believe that 24" is touted as being the ideal. As is often stated I doubt that the deer will tell the difference.

I wouldn't worry about the dovetail mounting system. I have had two 595 models in the past and now have two T3s. The system is more than adequate. However, if you prefer the receiver is drilled and tapped for screw fixed bases.

The rings supplied with the T3 are aluminium. I suspect thay are good enough, however, I have always used the Optilock type rings on my Tikkas. The aluminium ones supplied stay in my cleaning box.

I hope that helps you out.

Best wishes.

Throw away the rings that come with the T3 rifle, and buy Tikka Optilock Rings & Bases. They are a much superior bases and rings. For in Canada, Tikka does not supply the rings that come with the rifle. Only in the USA. Must be a BerettaUSA perc.

As to the T3 rifle, I have 2 270WSM that are laminate stainless. LOve them. Wife shoots one, so I had to get another for me.

I keep hearing people bashing the Tikka rings that come with the T3. For the life of me I can't imagine why. They are a direct mount to the receiver, have a recoil lug and are made of aircraft aluminum, which is strong as all get out. I've never had a problem with most of the better made aluminum rings. Why on earth would you pay over $100 for optiloks, when they're heavy, ugly and unneeded??? I'll admit they're better made, but are they really needed. I'm not talking about which is stronger, I'm wondering which is more than adequate.

The Tikka T3 is a grand light rifle, mine in 6.5x55, shoots as well as anyone could want such a rifle to shoot.
When I first saw the T3, my initial impression was that I did not like the bolt, but now that I know how it disassembles I think it's a clever bit of engineering.
The use of plastic might not apeal to some but I don't mind it.
With Optilock mounts and a 3-9x Swarovski the rifle weighs 7lbs 5 ozs, that just about spot on as far as I'm concerned. The Aloy rings were not offered at the time I bought my rifle. I did consider buying a pair of alloys but plumped for the steele Optilocks. The Optilocks are very good, can't comment on the free alloys.

I have had a couple Tikka's for about eight years. One is a 595 in 22-250 and the other a 695 in 30-06. One friend quickly bought one in 300 Win and another friend recently got a T3 Lite in 300 WIn Short to replace his Browning A bolt 300 WM . We use Millet rings which I believe are the same as those supplied on US imports. No problem as I have not needed to adjust the rings or scope except scope adjustment when changing loads.
I have taken a numberof elk, moose and perhaps 15 deer with the 30-06 at ranges to 440 yds.
For scope mounting systems it seems to me the fewer parts the better. Why add several screws and a base when the built in base is already there.

gents/ thanks for the input. bought the tikka t3 in 25-06 yesterday for $540 at gander mountain. mounted a 5x15 scope today with the included mounting system. off to the range tomarrow. anybody have any loads for 87 gr bullet they are proud of?? thanks. chaz