The Tikka T3x rifles are produced in Finland by a well-known rifle manufacturing company known as Sako. In the hundred years or so that the Tikka has been around, they’ve built themselves a reputation as one of the most accurate, high-quality hunting rifles.
Tikka rifles are high-quality and come with many useful features. The T3x series focuses on functionality while maintaining the accuracy and reliability that shooters expect from Tikka.
The Tikka T3x series has a vast range of rifles that come in different calibres and variations. The most popular rifles from this series are the T3x Lite, the T3x Hunter and the T3x Tact A1.
Some other models in the T3 series are the Tikka T3x Arctic, T3x Laminated Stainless, T3x Compact, T3x Bautte, T3x Bautte Lite, T3x Varmint, T3x Varmint Stainless, T3x Super Varmint, T3x Compact Tactile Rifle and T3x Sporter.
As you can see, the T3x series has a vast assortment of models. I’ll mostly stick to the T3x Lite, the T3x Lite Stainless, and the T3x Hunter in my review and analysis of the Tikka T3 series.
Everything you need to know about the Tikka T3x range
Stock
The Tikka T3x series comes with a variety of stocks based on the model and purpose of design.
The Tikka T3x Lite is sturdy but light. The stock features a fiberglass-reinforced all-black polymer. It will withstand wear and tear as well as extreme weather conditions that hunters stalking on foot usually have to endure. There are grip patterns designed on the stock for better grip. There’s also a rubber butt pad on the back of this rifle. It also comes with a standard sling swivel.
The stock for the Tikka T3x hunter includes high-grade walnut wood. The design is the same as the T3x Lite’s polymer stock. The stock is traditional-looking and fits all sizes. If you are a traditionalist, this rifle is the one for you. It has a classic vibe that a lot of shooters look for in rifles.
Safety
The Tikka T3x series comes with a two-stage safety feature. It locks both the bolt and the trigger. If you happen to be walking around and stalking with a loaded gun, this ensures you will not accidentally fire.
Action
Each model of the T3x is built with the same action length. Nonetheless, the case length is matched to bolt throw with bolt stop. The T3x is reliable with its push feed bolt action and Sako-style ejector.
The ejection port on these rifles is comparatively small but wider than the original T3 series, which is good for action rigidity and accuracy. The bolt handling is smooth and can easily be slid without friction. It is also removable. The bolt comes with a 70-degree opening angle and plenty of room for handling the bolt.
The action has integral scope rails. It comes with scope rings designed for direct scope mounting. Tikka T3xs are also drilled and tapped if you want to purchase aftermarket rails to go with your rifle.
The advantage of buying a Tikka rifle is that there are wide ranges of aftermarket adjustments you can make to customise your rifle to your liking.
Magazine
The T3 comes with 3-round (or 4 in some calibres) polymer magazines, which are easy to load. You can also purchase additional 5, 6 or 10 round magazines. It features the same fiberglass-reinforced copolymer polypropylene material that the T3x Lite stock uses. To load cartridges, you have to slip them through the front.
The magazine feeds effortlessly and will not give you any problems. Its performance is top-notch. Although most people prefer steel magazines, Tikka knows what they’re doing with this one. The flush release prevents you from misfiring the rifle.
Trigger
The single-stage steel trigger has vertical grooves on it for a firm grip. The trigger is adjustable from two to four pounds. We found the factory settings of the trigger quite comfortable and didn’t feel the need for adjustment. The trigger is crisp and reliable.
The trigger on the Tikka T3x is better than most other single-stage triggers on any entry-level bolt action rifle. There isn’t much room for improvement when it comes to the trigger.
An optional single-set trigger is available for all rifles in the T3x series.
Barrel
The Tikka T3x lite offers a 23-inch cold hammer-forged light hunting contour barrel. The barrel is blue and features a sturdy thread that fastens it to the receiver. The crown is hand-crafted for cleaner shots.
Models such as the Tikka T3x Hunter, Tikka T3x Hunter Stainless and Tikka T3x Forest that come with a wooden stock have free-floating barrels. There are variations of the Tikka T3x Hunter that have fluted barrels such as Tikka T3x Hunter Fluted Barrel, Tikka T3x Hunter Stainless Fluted.
The company’s cold-hammer-forged barrels are great for precision hunting. These barrels provide:
- Longer barrel life: This process increases the toughness of steel and gives it a longer lifespan.
- Better Accuracy: They also have increased accuracy.
- High tolerance: These barrels can withstand bad weather and rough conditions due to their hardness.
Accuracy
Sako has a reputation for making accurate rifles. Shooters have come to expect high-performing, precision shooting rifles when they hear the name Tikka. Does the T3x series hold up to the standards?
At a 100 yards range, the Tikka rifles perform consistently between 25mm to 30 mm. Each Tikka T3 rifle is tested for this level of accuracy before it leaves the factory. At this price point, you will be hard-pressed to find any rifle that will outperform Tikka T3 in regards to accuracy.
If you want to hunt for pests, the Tikka T3x Super Varmint is a good option for you to use.
For game hunting, the Tikka T3x Hunter is amazing. You can take down deer from medium to long ranges easily. The Lite model is a better choice if you’ll be walking around a lot. It will be easier on your back and help you keep up your stamina.
T3x Price
The T3x range varies from $1300 for the entry level models up to over $3000 for the top of the range and custom models on the market.
In the used gun market the T3x models maintain their prices well, with entry level models selling generally around the $900 mark without scope, right through to the mid 2’s for custom setups or mid to high range models with minimal shots fired and otherwise new condition.
Summary of the T3x’s Features
Action: The action on this rifle is as smooth as it gets.
Firing: The trigger is crisp and feels right under your finger. The Tikka T3x Lite kicks back a lot, but is still manageable and understandable considerable the lighter weight reducing the absorption from each round fired.
Accuracy: This is as good as it gets for a mid-level bolt action rifle and plenty of options for further improvement on the system
Customisation: Whilst there isn’t much need for customisation with the Tikka T3x series rifles to hit consistent results, the T3x series of rifle is an excellent system to build upon an can be easily customised for its intended role – whether that is hunting, target shooting or long range shooting.
Related: check out our review on the Ruger Precision Rifle.
Final Verdict on the Tikka T3x
The Tikka T3x is undoubtedly a step-up from all the generic entry-level bolt action rifles available in the market. If you’d like to improve your game and shift to a well-known brand known for quality, this is the one for you.
We don’t recommend this only for the performance but also for the high-quality materials the Tikka T3 is built with, ensuring that is lasts you for years to come.
