I have been contemplating purchasing one of the new Tikka T3s in Stainless Steel, laminated stock. They are new for 2004 and I have not had the opportunity to look at or hold one. We do not have any dealers within 500 kms so I probably won't get a chance to do so any time soon. I do own a Tikka with a synthetic stock in 223 and really enjoy it. I don't mind the little bit of plastic on it. I am looking at it in 7mm Rem Magnum as that is what I presently own and I like the caliber. My question is; does anyone own one of these and what are your opinions of the rifle? I understand they have changed the style a little from previous models.

Hello Jumper.
I do not own a T3 but the Whitetail in 7mmRM (the all weather one with a synthetic stock). Previous to bedding it was no fun at all to shoot. After bedding it shoots 0.7 MOA with handloads. I�ve heard many complaints about the lack of rigidity in Tikka�s synthetic stocks, but as I say, after bedding it�s great to shoot.

The T3 has a bit different look from the Whitetail but my feeling from this board and elsewhere is that people like them. The action is as smooth as before and precision seems to be good. The "Lite" version would make a good mountain rifle and now they have a "Varmint" version with a heavier barrel available.

Regards

Most of the reports I hear at the gun shop I work at, are positive about the T3's. I haven't seen a laminated stainless version yet. We've had the synthetic and wood versions only. The laminated version should be a good shooter. I would like to see them offer some of the newer calibers as well.

Bob257