Considering getting a Tikka T3X…

[pacoalcracker]

<2 grand is cheap...I've paid a lot more than that for figured and finely hand checkered hand-built and hand fitted wooden stocks....properly laid out figured blanks are expensive and so is talented labor.

 

[Macintosh]

Apparently its true…opinions are like assholes, everyone has them.

Opinion aside, I did not see your question answered straight on.

As I said in the OP, I reload. So, within safe limits, I can get the most I want out of any chambering.

What I am really trying to determine is what advantage(s) I gain from 6.5 CM in the T3X versus another chambering in the T3X. I’m not interested in theoretical 6.5 CM vs another chambering in “any rifle.”

All these chamberings have 1:8 twist barrels in the T3X. That’s a constant. My assumption is that all will shoot “current” bullets equally well. Is that a valid assumption?

This is a hunting rifle. Max COAL is limited by the magazine and what will chamber. Single feeding is not an option.

The action length is the same no matter the chambering. The difference is in the magazine block and bolt stop.

Presumably, if I went with the 6.5x55, I would have the long action bolt stop and no magazine block. The case length for the 6.5x55 is 2.165” (55mm). The 6.5x55 lists 3.150” (80mm) as max length, but my Google Fu tells me that I can get 3.34” out of the T3X magazine. So, my max COAL would be limited my the magazine. And I could load whatever “current” bullets I want in it and have them perform just as well as in any other 1:8 twist barrel (up to the 3.34 COAL).

Likewise, if I went with the 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, or .308, I would have the medium action bolt stop and a magazine block. The case length for the 6.5 CM is 1.92” (48.8mm) The 6.5 CM’s max length is listed as 2.825” (71.8 mm). The 6.5 CM would have a small advantage in length vs the 7mm-08 (2.035” (51.7mm)) or .308 (2.015” (51.2mm)). So, presumably, with the same magazine block, the 6.5 CM can seat a longer bullet out a bit further than the other two in an unmodified T3X.

But, can the T3X be easily modified to take full advantage of the longer action by changing the bolt stop and magazine? What, if any, other modifications would be required to ensure reliable feeding? If that works, that might allow me to get the absolute most practical COAL out of one of the shorter cartridges, right?


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Yes, a tikka can easily be modified to take advantage of the full action length.
7mm-08, 308 will have a short action bolt stop, and a M magazine. As you found the bolt stop is designed a touch long, which could be good or bad depending on length you want. If you loaded a short-action cartridge long, you can go up in length simply by moving to M+ mags designed for 6.5cm. At some point you need to step up to a LA bolt stop and L magazines. Those are the ONLY modifications needed, and are as easy as taking the action out of the stock and pulling the drift pin holding the bolt stop on—super easy. A short or la bolt stop is $35. Factory mags are plentiful. So for a few dollars to gain whatever flexibility you want, there is zero down side to any of those chamberings as far as a starting point really limiting you.
I dont reload and dont know exact lengths that will fit, but I do have M+ and L mags here I could measure internal length if you want—I believe that will be the only real limitation.

 

[wind gypsy]

I would love to see a 10 round 1/2 minute group from a stock tikka. They dont exist.

Likely a bunch of ctrs out there that would beg to differ.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Apparently its true…opinions are like assholes, everyone has them.

Opinion aside, I did not see your question answered straight on.

Yes, a tikka can easily be modified to take advantage of the full action length.
7mm-08, 308 will have a short action bolt stop, and a M magazine. As you found the bolt stop is designed a touch long, which could be good or bad depending on length you want. If you loaded a short-action cartridge long, you can go up in length simply by moving to M+ mags designed for 6.5cm. At some point you need to step up to a LA bolt stop and L magazines. Those are the ONLY modifications needed, and are as easy as taking the action out of the stock and pulling the drift pin holding the bolt stop on—super easy. A short or la bolt stop is $35. Factory mags are plentiful. So for a few dollars to gain whatever flexibility you want, there is zero down side to any of those chamberings as far as a starting point really limiting you.
I dont reload and dont know exact lengths that will fit, but I do have M+ and L mags here I could measure internal length if you want—I believe that will be the only real limitation.

Thank you! This is helpful!


“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[Macintosh]

For what its worth I believe the forest model is a slightly higher comb designed for 50 and 56mm scope objectives. I personally think the standard lite stock (which is identical fit to the wood hunter stock) is a bit too low even with low rings. If you go with a tikka I might choose the model based on your intended scope and mounts, to wind up with a fit you like. Ive now replaced my plastic stocks, but I found the ctr cheek riser was the right height even with low rings. Others find differently, but maybe worth testing if youre going to pay extra for a wood stock.

That wood rockstock is actually a laminate, he rips the blank lengthwise down the middle and laminates the nice wood on either side of a central piece, in order to strengthen the grain flow around that vertical wrist. $2kish is a pretty standard price for a one-off custom fitted stock, in this case for a standard stock and standard inlet that can be done 97% on a machine its pretty high if it doesnt include wood, but thats to pay for the laminating to strengthen it. Not cheap nonetheless.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

If I was to get the Rokstok, one advantage might be that I could more easily get the 20” threaded barrel I want. And possibly some other desirable features. But it certainly is an expensive addition.

If the dude(s) who keep suggesting that extra cost is well worth it, want to contribute to the “get me a new rifle fund”, I won’t object.


“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[Marbles]

If I was to get the Rokstok, one advantage might be that I could more easily get the 20” threaded barrel I want. And possibly some other desirable features. But it certainly is an expensive addition.

If the dude(s) who keep suggesting that extra cost is well worth it, want to contribute to the “get me a new rifle fund”, I won’t object.


“Keep on keepin’ on…”

Get a T3x Lite in plastic. Go shoot it. You decide you agree with coal stockings, then sell it any you will not be out much. You decide you like it, then get the stock rather than another rifle next time money comes around.

Tikka T3x Lite .308 Win Rifle JRTXE316

Tikka T3x Lite .308 Win Rifle JRTXE316 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

My two Tikkas are almost how I want them, and I've just gone about it slowly over the past 18 months, but had workable rifles at the start.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

If the Sakos had after market stocks, I would get one. I just don’t like any of their stocks that I have held. I really wanted their carbon hunter, but their carbon stock had forearm flex. Until that day, I will just go with the Tikka even though after I do the mods I want it ends up close in cost.

 

[peterk123]

I have been hunting a t3x in 308 for four years. I use factory and my own loads. It's just an accurate gun. I kept the synthetic stock on it because it is light. I have a limbsaver recoil pad on it. I don't feel any recoil. I'm not kind to her. She gets bumped and dragged all over the place. It never let's me down. And it gets shot a lot because I practice with it quite a bit.

I purchased the t3x in 308 because you have so many loading options, especially with a 165 to 168 grain bullet

 

[Rich M]

Im looking at getting a 308 BAR.

Enjoy your Tikka!

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

If the Sakos had after market stocks, I would get one. I just don’t like any of their stocks that I have held. I really wanted their carbon hunter, but their carbon stock had forearm flex. Until that day, I will just go with the Tikka even though after I do the mods I want it ends up close in cost.

The quest and quest ultra offer an improved version of the carbon wolf stock which is a pretty good field stock.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Im looking at getting a 308 BAR.

Enjoy your Tikka!

Assuming you saw the cat on here selling 6 of them right?

 

[Swamp Fox]

I think that’s a rather unkind way to describe the Tikkas I saw today, but, as my grandfather used to say, “De gustibus non est disputandem.”*

* - “Do not argue in matters of taste.”


“Keep on keepin’ on…”

Rather, your grandfather prolly said "disputandum" if he was a Roman senator or legionnaire, but a lot of times spellings got changed once those guys came over and landed in New Amsterdam, Philadelphia, or Myrtle Beach.

So who nos?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Rather, your grandfather prolly said "disputandum" if he was a Roman senator or legionnaire, but a lot of times spellings got changed once those guys came over and landed in New Amsterdam, Philadelphia, or Myrtle Beach.

So who nos?

******* autocorrect.


“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[mrkronyak]

.257 Roberts is one of my all time favorites. I personally like being different so I'd choose the less popular.

 

[Rich M]

Assuming you saw the cat on here selling 6 of them right?

No. Usualky whem someone says they want sumthing, they usually get one.

That cat offering at fair prices or does he think they made of gold?

 

[Tahoe1305]

No. Usualky whem someone says they want sumthing, they usually get one.

That cat offering at fair prices or does he think they made of gold?

$1300. On here posted a few hours ago.

 

[KenLee]

Im looking at getting a 308 BAR.

Enjoy your Tikka!

Do it. I have no experience with the MK3, but the MKIIs are sweet.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

It really does suck living in the age of information when it is easy to get fact checked. Nobody cares that you visited their factory a few years ago. Call them like I did. I called twice and was told the same thing buy two different employees because I was trying to decide if paying the extra $$ for the Sako was worth it.

So I made it home and was curious and pulled a few newer and older Tikka barrels out of my stashes.

It does appear that at some point in the last maybe 2 years or so? They’ve started stamping the Tikka barrels with a “Tikka XXXXXXXXX”. Before there was no such stamp saying Tikka and serial number above the chambering stamp. There was also no barrel twist rates stamped on the barrels and now there are on the newer ones.

I can’t distinguish any differences between the unstamped and stamped Tikka barrels, and it was likely added in the manufacturing process as an extra quality step or more likely a compliance requirement from a certain country that they import to… But, there COULD have been a change in manufacturing as well, however, not likely.

Appreciate the info and I’ll find out more next week.




Old style Tikka barrel…



New style Tikka barrel…

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

To add to the above. I noticed on an older Sako 85 they also did not have the Sako XXXXXXX stamp on the barrels just like the older Tikkas.



On the newer Sako 85s they made the change just like they did with the Tikkas.