Considering getting a Tikka T3X…

[Q_Sertorius]

I don’t need it, but I am thinking about getting a Tikka T3X as a new deer rifle. I’ll be hunting on my farm in SW Virginia. While longer shots are possible, most shots will be under 200 yards. I’m an experienced hunter and this won’t be my first rifle. I already have several bolt action hunting rifles (including .243, .257 Roberts, .25-06, 6.5 Grendel, .270, .30-06, and 8x57). If I like the Tikka enough, I might thin the herd a bit, but I’ll probably just get another gun safe.

I want the wooden stock, so I am currently only looking at the Hunter or Forester. I haven’t handled either of these models yet, because the LGS doesn’t have them in stock. I will almost certainly try to get hands on one or both models before I make a decision. Anything hidden I might need to know?

I understand that the action is the same length, but the bolt stop and magazine follower are different lengths. Is there anything else I need to know about the Tikka T3X that isn’t obvious?

I am trying to decide between 6.5x55, 7mm-08, 6.5 CM, and .308. Those are listed in order of current preference. I reload. I don’t care about the availability of factory ammo.

Whichever one I get, I intend to get it cut down to 20” and threaded for a suppressor. I already have a Scythe Ti for it (yes, I read the threads about the failures with the Scythe Ti).

The alternatives I am considering to the T3X are a CZ 550 FS, BRNO 22, and Sako L579 Forester in something like 6.5x55, 7x57, or .308. As those are not new rifles, they would require a bit more shopping.


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[Tahoe1305]

Huge fan of the tikka 6.5Cs. They have longer than saami throats so if you handload you can load to lands and get some extra oomph (100fps).

That said if you don’t handload it takes away about as much as it gives.

with a 20” barrel you can likely achieve 2800fps with 143s and handloads (probably 2500fps with factory though . )

Edit. I’ll add. That a hopped up 6.5C tikka will do everything those other rifles will with a good placed bullet. Not that I’m recommending replacing all of them….but you could.