Tikka T3 vs T3X is it worth the 200-250 difference?

[13bonatter69]

I recently decided to just brake down and sell some of my rifles that don't get shot and replace them with guns that will get shot. I was wanting to get 4 Tikka's. 223, 243, 6.5x55, and 300wsm. I was looking around at various dealers that are closing out inventory on their older model T3 to make room for the T3X. As it turns out gun for gun, I have found as much as 200-250 dollar savings if I was to go with the older T3.
Two of the guns will be the stainless laminated version so there will be NO advantage to the T3X stock anyways, and the other two will have an after market stock ordered for them, so once again, no advantage to the new T3X stock at all. I will also be doing the bolt handle and shroud upgrade, so there is NO benefit there as well. HOWEVER, the scope mount and wider ejection port differences MAY be worth it. My question to you Tikka fans is would it be worth the extra money to you for these options? Thanks very much for the opinions.

 

[badkneesbro]

Im an old backpack hunter with bad knees, so weight is very important to me & the newer Tikkas have gained weight. I wouldn't want one of the newer t3s unless I was going to restock it with something like a McMillan Edge, but that's me. Very happy with my old model.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I don't see that value in it at that differential. Keep in mind the T3 is getting clearance pricing thus making it attractive. Unless you really want the T3x stock I don't see the point personally. The other items (if you think they are needed) can be done for cheaper. I never had issue with the port for my 7-08. Just shot a buddies in 300wsm and no issues with that either.

 

[GKPrice]

Roger that - the only usable upgrades appear to be the metal bolt shroud, steel recoil lug and the recoil pad (IF it's in a light kicker and, like me, you won't tolerate one of those nasty muzzle brakes) The stock's stippeling is profound I'll admit - What I haven't noticed is any weight "gain" in the new superlight, mine weighs nuts on the same as the older superlights in magnum chamberings

 

[badkneesbro]

Roger that - the only usable upgrades appear to be the metal bolt shroud, steel recoil lug and the recoil pad (IF it's in a light kicker and, like me, you won't tolerate one of those nasty muzzle brakes) The stock's stippeling is profound I'll admit - What I haven't noticed is any weight "gain" in the new superlight, mine weighs nuts on the same as the older superlights in magnum chamberings

I must apologize to anyone who read the disinformation I wrote about the new tikkas being heavier than the old ones. I don't know where I got that from. Must have read the magnum specs & somehow compared it to my .270? I will verify things before I run my mouth from now on.

 

[KoolBreeze]

I must apologize to anyone who read the disinformation I wrote about the new tikkas being heavier than the old ones. I don't know where I got that from. Must have read the magnum specs & somehow compared it to my .270? I will verify things before I run my mouth from now on.

According to the specs on Tikka's website, the T3 Lite Stainless weighs 5.95 lb - 6.39 lb (2.7 kg - 2.8 kg) whereas the new T3x weighs 6.61 lb - 7.05 lb (3 kg - 3.2 kg). Maybe someone will weigh one on an accurate scale to confirm.

 

[badkneesbro]

According to the specs on Tikka's website, the T3 Lite Stainless weighs 5.95 lb - 6.39 lb (2.7 kg - 2.8 kg) whereas the new T3x weighs 6.61 lb - 7.05 lb (3 kg - 3.2 kg). Maybe someone will weigh one on an accurate scale to confirm.

So earlier, before I apologized, I went to tikka website & coudnt find any t3 lites, not even in the older model section. But after reading the above post by "KoolBreeze" I dug a little deeper & found the same info that he did, hence my statement that the new tikkas are heavier. If I new how to post a link I would. Cabelas lists the old & new superlites as the same in weight, but I don't see where the op mentioned any superlites. Im not trying to be "right" or start an argument, but somebody needs to weigh these guns so we can know. I had almost talked myself into a new t3x until KoolBreeze verified my findings.

 

[Trial153]

I have a t3x lite I can weight up for you guys on weds when I am home from work.

 

[7mag.]

This is far from scientific, but when I bought a T3x lite a couple weeks ago, I compared the two in the store and couldn't tell a difference in weight.

I compared a T3 Lite in 300 win mag, to a T3x Lite in 7mm rem mag.

 

[KoolBreeze]

So earlier, before I apologized, I went to tikka website & coudnt find any t3 lites, not even in the older model section. But after reading the above post by "KoolBreeze" I dug a little deeper & found the same info that he did, hence my statement that the new tikkas are heavier. If I new how to post a link I would. Cabelas lists the old & new superlites as the same in weight, but I don't see where the op mentioned any superlites. Im not trying to be "right" or start an argument, but somebody needs to weigh these guns so we can know. I had almost talked myself into a new t3x until KoolBreeze verified my findings.

Ha! I'm right the opposite and would rather have a little more weight, but I'm a stand hunter and don't lug them around all over mountains. It will be interesting to see some real numbers on one.

 

[badkneesbro]

Ha! I'm right the opposite and would rather have a little more weight, but I'm a stand hunter and don't lug them around all over mountains. It will be interesting to see some real numbers on one.

Im pretty sure if I was hunting from a stationary position I would appreciate a heavier gun as well. When I first started backpack hunting, I had a ruger hawkeye that weighed 9 lbs. all up in .270 w. It was a dream to shoot except for the lousy trigger. Hardly any recoil at all. Definitely a good gun for sitting in a blind or a stand I suppose. I sold that heavy bastard cuz I thought a backpack hunter should carry a backpack rifle, so I bought the t3. As much as I would like to buy an even lighter rifle, I think I would rather invest in a McMillan edge. Largely for the same reason people like the stocks on the t3x, but I get to cut a couple or 3 oz. I figure I may as well make an already great rifle even better.(& lighter)

 

[GKPrice]

I don't have the means to inject pictures onto the computer but I had to take the scope and mounts off my new T3X 7mm Mag anyway so I double checked this morning 6 lbs near exactly - With everything attached it should tip the scale at 7 lb give or take an ounce - I have Kimbers which I do appreciate and like very much but to lose another lb or so only "works" for me if all conditions are just right, which some times happens but I really like the feel and balance of the Tikka too and my T3 30.06 AI superlight with 22" barrel balances so well I sometimes forget that it's not one of the Kimbers but I personally would call the T3X (I don't own a Tikka that's not a superlight) perfect (for me) no matter if I was sitting in a tree stand or standing on a flat rock at 45 degrees, if I decide to take a long poke it settles in atop a pack or in sticks quite well too - I am curious about this new T3X stock with the removable pistol grip and what the options feel like as well - A bit more vertical pistol grip might not be so bad - For the record my Kimber Montana 325 WSM and 270 WSM both weigh in at 6lb 4oz naked

 

[cocky84]

I recently bought a t3x blued in 300wm. Im extremely happy with it but if i could of got the t3 superlite in stainless fluted for the same money i would of gone that wAy. I never had a regular t3 so unfortunately i cant give you a comparison. If you could save $200 and put that extra money is a good scope, thats what I would do.

 

[badkneesbro]

I don't have the means to inject pictures onto the computer but I had to take the scope and mounts off my new T3X 7mm Mag anyway so I double checked this morning 6 lbs near exactly - With everything attached it should tip the scale at 7 lb give or take an ounce - I have Kimbers which I do appreciate and like very much but to lose another lb or so only "works" for me if all conditions are just right, which some times happens but I really like the feel and balance of the Tikka too and my T3 30.06 AI superlight with 22" barrel balances so well I sometimes forget that it's not one of the Kimbers but I personally would call the T3X (I don't own a Tikka that's not a superlight) perfect (for me) no matter if I was sitting in a tree stand or standing on a flat rock at 45 degrees, if I decide to take a long poke it settles in atop a pack or in sticks quite well too - I am curious about this new T3X stock with the removable pistol grip and what the options feel like as well - A bit more vertical pistol grip might not be so bad - For the record my Kimber Montana 325 WSM and 270 WSM both weigh in at 6lb 4oz naked

So you own the older t3 superlite as well as the t3x superlite? Since apparently the t3x superlite doesn't have all of the new stock modifications as the t3x, is the stock on your t3x as noisy as your t3 stock?

 

[Ross]

I have one of the original tikkas chambered in 7mm bought in 2003. All I will say is that baby has been to hell and back with me over the last 13 seasons. I took it to the range to check things and first shot at 220 over plane ole sand bags with guns blazing around me and pin wheeled the bullseye on the first shot Not sure how many boxes of shells I have run through that gun but it is a lot and still a tack driver. Have done nothing to the gun and only had leupold install ballistic dots for my load and distance I wanted to shoot at. 154 gr ssts dialed in to 220, 330, 440 and 550. I spent on the gun and scope vxII about 750$ and was $$ well spent. They will serve you well for decades to come. ,

 

[Ndbowhunter]

In my opinion the new t3x is only worth it if you wanted a more vertical grip. And that's it. I think the factory comb is too low for most guys running 30mm tubes scopes or greater then 44mm eyepiece on either stock.If you can find a superlite in t3 buy it! Best bang for your buck. Vx3i 3-10 an Airlite pad and start killing shit!