14 February 2006, 07:00
ColtchrisTikka T3 Varmint ?
I just ordered the subject rifle in 22-250. The supplied rings are only good for objectives up to 40mm with the heavy barrel. I have a 6.5-20x50 Zeiss Conquest to mount on it. I'm familiar with ring manufacturers for the slotted receiver, but don't know what height I need; want to keep it as low as possible. Anybody have this set-up that can help with ring make and height???
15 February 2006, 04:01
ColtchrisNobody out there with this or similar set-up?
15 February 2006, 04:29
A/C guyI have the same gun, using the factory mounts and 40mm Leupold. This leaves only about 0.004†clearance with the barrel.
Check the mounts at
http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/. They have drawings with dimensions posted for various mounts that show the height above the top of the receiver.
Shim your factory mounts up until you have enough height, then measure.
15 February 2006, 18:17
ColtchrisThanks A/C guy. I won't receive the gun for a couple days, so can't do any actual measuring yet! I ordered a set of Warne "high" rings; hope they're not too high; if so, they will be in "Classifieds" soon!
15 February 2006, 19:19
squeezeColtchris,
I have a T-3, with a 4-16x50mm Mueller on
this rifle, with high Warne rings. It will be close.
I was able to to get a few thousandths clearance,
by positioning the scope about an inch forward
of my usual scope position. The eye relief
allowed for the move forward, so it is not an
issue. Without that adjustment, the scope
touched the barrel. Incidentally, this is a
sporter T-3, so those Warne Rings may be in
the classified, because they are not high enough!
About the only recourse I see, for the 50mm
scope, is to buy Weaver bases, and put some
quality Weaver style rings on, with the additional
clearance for large objective scopes. That
really defeats the advantage of the grooved
receiver.
Too bad that Warne doesn't make "Extra
High" rings for the Tikka. I would have a pair
on the rifle, if they did. As it stands, this
setup is very low profile, for a 50mm scope.

Squeeze
15 February 2006, 22:47
ColtchrisSqueeze: I was afraid of that!!! May just put another scope on it; I have a Zeiss 4.5-14x44 that I think will fit. Will know in a couple days!!! Thanks for the input.
18 February 2006, 18:06
ColtchrisWell, got the gun and the mounts. Ended up using the Warne high mounts (much better rings than the supplied) and mounted a 4.4-14x44 Zeiss from another gun. Plenty of clearance (approx. 3/16") from the heavy barrel; but don't think the 50mm Zeiss will make it!! At some later date, may try and find a little higher mounts for it.
21 February 2006, 19:45
Danny Boyquote:
Coltchris
Any updates how your new toy shoots? I am in the market for a T3 Varmint in 223.
Thanks...
Danny Boy
25 February 2006, 17:25
groundhog devastationOr you could order one of those ugly front new model Leupolds......it's supposed to be for this kind of problem!!

GHD
26 February 2006, 04:01
xb40DJM-I have the T3 varmint heavy barrel 223. I have ordered the Optilocs base, but not the rings. I could not figure out which rings would let a 56mm objective be mounted. You say low rings let you mount a 56mm with clearance? If it works for I will go with low rings also. Thanks.
XB40
27 February 2006, 03:43
Robert ChildersHow accurate oare thes rifles? I am looking at one in .223.
27 February 2006, 06:12
Danny BoyRobert:
Thay are tested for 1 MOA or better before leaviung the factory.
I just got my Varmint in .223 yesterday and will try it out next weekend.
Danny