Tikka t3 better than t3x

[Dioni A]

Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that T3’s are much smoother and seem to shoot a little bit better than T3xs. My sample size isn’t big enough to be conclusive, but I’ve probably shot somewhere north of 30 T3x’s and maybe 10 T3’s.
Most of the X’s are plenty smooth and shoot well. But I’ve never handled a T3 that didn’t shoot among the best rifles I’ve ever seen and they’re all noticeably smoother than most of the X’s.

Is it Just a coincidence or does this track for anybody else?

 

[The Harbor Master]

Limited sample size, but I got better accuracy more often with less difficulty, with my T3 than my T3Xs.

The T3 had its own hardships and went down the road... to a worthy owner lol.

 

[ReddingArcher]

I haven’t noticed that the T3 is smoother but I do think the trigger is slightly better on my T3 than my T3x’s. The T3 didn’t need a trigger spring and just feels better. Sample of 1 though.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Next time I’m down south I’ll compare them. I have a few t3 stainless rifles I got back around 2009-10, my dad has a few as well and a few t3x. I only have t3x here.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

I’ve only shot 2 T3 and 6 T3x’s so very small sample size. Been around a few more. I haven’t noticed a smoother bolt expect 3 blued steel ones seemed better than any stainless steel one T3 or X.

The ones I’ve been around have all shot great. Nothing stood out accuracy wise between them.

 

[HighUintas]

Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that T3’s are much smoother and seem to shoot a little bit better than T3xs. My sample size isn’t big enough to be conclusive, but I’ve probably shot somewhere north of 30 T3x’s and maybe 10 T3’s.
Most of the X’s are plenty smooth and shoot well. But I’ve never handled a T3 that didn’t shoot among the best rifles I’ve ever seen and they’re all noticeably smoother than most of the X’s.

Is it Just a coincidence or does this track for anybody else?

We're all of them the original factory barrel? Did the t3 have the aluminum or steel recoil lug?

That is an interesting observation and wonder if it's tighter tolerance on action, barrel, or maybe different barrel rifling that is the difference for accuracy, if there is one.

 

[JGRaider]

With multiple T3's and T3X over the years, I"ve not noticed any of those things, and none of them need a special trigger spring.

 

[cal30_sniper]

The big difference I’ve noticed is how much smoother the blued T3x action is compared to a stainless one. I’ve never messed with a T3.

 

[Braaap]

The big difference I’ve noticed is how much smoother the blued T3x action is compared to a stainless one. I’ve never messed with a T3.

I’ve noticed this as well. I only have one blued and two SS but the blued one is noticeably smoother.

 

[willfrye027]

I’ve got a t3 in 30-06, my first big game rifle. Action is smoother than any of the t3x I’ve tried. The barrel is the most accurate factory tikka barrel I’ve used. The action also for some reason “hides” pressure better. I can go from smooth extraction and no ejector mark to blowing primers .5 gr higher.

Oh and the bore gets rusty from the crap I’ve put it through but the thing still hammers

Sample of 1 but yeah my T3 is the shiz

 

[Reloader]

I will have to keep my eyes out for a T3 to try.

 

[Dioni A]

We're all of them the original factory barrel? Did the t3 have the aluminum or steel recoil lug?

That is an interesting observation and wonder if it's tighter tolerance on action, barrel, or maybe different barrel rifling that is the difference for accuracy, if there is one.

Comparing factory to factory. Some may have had a stock or recoil lug swapped out but those aren’t really my comparison points. I think the aluminum recoil lugs issues were way over exaggerated too but that’s a different conversation. (Not saying they didn’t happen just not that common on anything other than higher round count magnum’s)

 

[WormSportsman]

Small sample size as well but my one T3 in .25-06 is my most accurate Tikka. 3 other T3X’s in .260, .243 and .223 are no slouches either but If I was picking one for best accuracy it is for sure the T3. I haven’t noticed the bolt being smoother as they all are very smooth.

 

[Castle Rock]

There is no doubt that the earlier rifles were better finished, including the earlier Xs, and they have gone to a heavier trigger spring

 

[Dioni A]

There is no doubt that the earlier rifles were better finished, including the earlier Xs, and they have gone to a heavier trigger spring

Now that you mention it, it does seem like the more recent rifles have had slightly heavier trigger springs. Still totally usable, but that seems to be true.

 

[mustelid_master]

I have a 30-06 t3 and a 223 t3x, can't tell a difference honestly in any aspect except the ejection port size.

 

[mt100gr.]

Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that T3’s are much smoother and seem to shoot a little bit better than T3xs. My sample size isn’t big enough to be conclusive, but I’ve probably shot somewhere north of 30 T3x’s and maybe 10 T3’s.
Most of the X’s are plenty smooth and shoot well. But I’ve never handled a T3 that didn’t shoot among the best rifles I’ve ever seen and they’re all noticeably smoother than most of the X’s.

Is it Just a coincidence or does this track for anybody else?

The good news is: That 30-06 barrel you bought from me was off an older T3!!

 

[max-x]

Quality seems to have peaked around the mid to late 90s

Stepping back two gens to the 59x and the 558/658 and the same comparison could be made to the 'old' T3

 

[Dioni A]

The good news is: That 30-06 barrel you bought from me was off an older T3!!

It shoots great!!!!!!

 

[Harronek]

Personally I like the older T3 over the T3x can’t really say why or prove a difference in on target results .
I have 4 Tikkas - 3 blued , 1 stainless and I don’t see a difference in smoothness between them , but….. the stainless is an older T3 and maybe time and use has slicked it up ?