Tikka T3X Hunter (walnut stock) questions

[Skydog]

Considering one of these in .243 Win. and have a few questions. All of these questions are specific to the Hunter model with the walnut stock:

• Is the stock sealed inside/outside to help make it more water/humidity/weatherproof? I fully realize it won't be as stable as a synthetic stock, but just wondering if it has any type of coating (polyurethane, etc.) to provide some protection.
• I know that the plastic Tikka stocks are not fully free floated but have some type of tab/pressure point that a lot of folks remove. Do the wood stocks also have this pressure point or are they fully free floated?
• Is the barrel contour on the Hunter the same as the T3X Lite, or does the Hunter have a heavier barrel?
• What is the length of pull? I do not see this listed in the specs on the Tikka website, and a Google search turned up a variety of answers from 13.2 to 14.
• Are there any aftermarket options to replace the plastic bottom piece/trigger guard and magazine with metal?
• Are there any aftermarket options for a flush mount magazine?
• Those of you who have these, have you been happy with them? Any complaints?

Also, would love to see some photos from folks who have these...there is only one picture on the Tikka website.

Thank you!

 

[medvedyt]

hello,

do not have anymore a tikka t3/t3x with a wooden stock but here is my findings in the past.

there is a like coat on the outside of nothing on the inside coated.
same as the plastic/synthetic stock:

• for not being fully free floated.
• same barrel contour
• same Lop
• same accessories will fit as for the synthetic stock

i prefer plastic or laminate stock due to the hunt im doing in skidoo or boat mostly and i ve seen some disasters with wooden stocks in the past.

you can have a lot of differences in the grain and you can have a beautiful grade wood for the same price ...

hope this help.

 

[Macintosh]

Hunter stock is exactly the same measurements as the lite stock. The inside of barrel channel is finished, but only marginally so and will absorb some water without further sealing if you are in a particularly wet environment. If I recall, the magazine cutout is unfinshed, but its been a few years. The barrel was fully floated. Barrel contour is exactly the same as a lite. There are several aftermarket bottom metals if you dont like the oem one, high desert is one lots of people like.
There are no truly flush mags that Im aware of if you dont consider the factory lite mags to be flush. Functionally its a non-issue though.

I had one. There was no issue with the stock. If you like tikkas and you like wood stocks, you’ll like the hunter model.

 

[Skydog]

Hunter stock is exactly the same measurements as the lite stock.

I don't see the LOP listed in the specs on either the Tikka website or the EuroOptic website. I have an older T3 (without the X) that I inherited from my father-in-law. I measured the LOP on it and it comes to 13 and 7/8" to the end of the recoil pad. Is the LOP still the same on the T3Xs?

Thank you.

 

[medvedyt]

I don't see the LOP listed in the specs on either the Tikka website or the EuroOptic website. I have an older T3 (without the X) that I inherited from my father-in-law. I measured the LOP on it and it comes to 13 and 7/8" to the end of the recoil pad. Is the LOP still the same on the T3Xs?

Thank you.

yes.

 

[xebadir]

I have both a T3x hunter and a lite in 6.5x55SE and 270 Win respectively. Both a LH which normally cause my options to be limited.

• Is the stock sealed inside/outside to help make it more water/humidity/weatherproof? I fully realize it won't be as stable as a synthetic stock, but just wondering if it has any type of coating (polyurethane, etc.) to provide some protection.

There is a matte poly over the wood. I've used it in the wet and had no problems. Medv is correct that the interior coating is lighter than that exterior coating.

• I know that the plastic Tikka stocks are not fully free floated but have some type of tab/pressure point that a lot of folks remove. Do the wood stocks also have this pressure point or are they fully free floated?

Not sure on this element. Its at least a partially free floated barrel.

• Is the barrel contour on the Hunter the same as the T3X Lite, or does the Hunter have a heavier barrel?

The hunter does have a marginally heavier barrel comparing them for thickness at end point and contour. Its probably #1 step.

• What is the length of pull? I do not see this listed in the specs on the Tikka website, and a Google search turned up a variety of answers from 13.2 to 14.

Both models have a stock 13.75 inch.

• Are there any aftermarket options to replace the plastic bottom piece/trigger guard and magazine with metal?

Yes, there are a few options out there. High Desert rifle works is one of them.

• Are there any aftermarket options for a flush mount magazine?

I haven't looked into this in detail, but also haven't found the stock magazines to be a problem in terms of how flush they are. I believe there are a few bottom metals designed to take the Sako TRG mags which are flush and metal.

• Those of you who have these, have you been happy with them? Any complaints?

Incredibly happy with both, with a few minor modifications. The two that I'd strongly consider: replace the recoil pad, and install a pic rail. The Tikka recoil pad is poorly designed and because of its shape tends to force the rifle to rise in recoil, which can make it harder to get back down on target. Backfire makes a nice one, as does Limbsaver. Its a really really easy mod that makes a massive difference to felt recoil and shootability, and gives you the option to adjust LOP if necessary. In the hunter, its a little less of an issue, as the rifle has some heft, but in the lite - you are going to want this, depending on caliber choices. Pic rail wise, I've got 20 MOA on mine, Area 419s, and have been happy with them. I wouldn't change anything else about the action or factory build (which is fantastic).

I'm exceedingly happy with the accuracy, both of mine shoot sub-MOA, and the 6.5x55SE shoots sub-MOA with factory ammo out to 200yd. I'd say I'm a pretty average shot as well. The hunter is used by both my wife and I, we've taken it out west antelope hunting, and used it regularly for whitetail here in dry, wet and snowy conditions. I'm actually looking at buying another one in the 6.5x55SE. The 270 has grown on me - once I replaced the pad on it, it became alot more comfortable to shoot - given the choice again, I'd probably go for a slightly heavier rifle in that caliber - maybe even the hunter. Its my elk rifle, and while it hasn't taken an elk yet, Its been great in the backcountry.

The downsides in either of these is that they don't come threaded stock, which may or may not be a consideration. That is supposedly changing with the next generation release later this year. The other point I'd note is that you only have the sling lugs, rather than a clean mounting option for a bipod. If that isn't a factor, don't sweat it.

 

[Skydog]

I have both a T3x hunter and a lite in 6.5x55SE and 270 Win respectively. Both a LH which normally cause my options to be limited.

• Is the stock sealed inside/outside to help make it more water/humidity/weatherproof? I fully realize it won't be as stable as a synthetic stock, but just wondering if it has any type of coating (polyurethane, etc.) to provide some protection.

There is a matte poly over the wood. I've used it in the wet and had no problems. Medv is correct that the interior coating is lighter than that exterior coating.

• I know that the plastic Tikka stocks are not fully free floated but have some type of tab/pressure point that a lot of folks remove. Do the wood stocks also have this pressure point or are they fully free floated?

Not sure on this element. Its at least a partially free floated barrel.

• Is the barrel contour on the Hunter the same as the T3X Lite, or does the Hunter have a heavier barrel?

The hunter does have a marginally heavier barrel comparing them for thickness at end point and contour. Its probably #1 step.

• What is the length of pull? I do not see this listed in the specs on the Tikka website, and a Google search turned up a variety of answers from 13.2 to 14.

Both models have a stock 13.75 inch.

• Are there any aftermarket options to replace the plastic bottom piece/trigger guard and magazine with metal?

Yes, there are a few options out there. High Desert rifle works is one of them.

• Are there any aftermarket options for a flush mount magazine?

I haven't looked into this in detail, but also haven't found the stock magazines to be a problem in terms of how flush they are. I believe there are a few bottom metals designed to take the Sako TRG mags which are flush and metal.

• Those of you who have these, have you been happy with them? Any complaints?

Incredibly happy with both, with a few minor modifications. The two that I'd strongly consider: replace the recoil pad, and install a pic rail. The Tikka recoil pad is poorly designed and because of its shape tends to force the rifle to rise in recoil, which can make it harder to get back down on target. Backfire makes a nice one, as does Limbsaver. Its a really really easy mod that makes a massive difference to felt recoil and shootability, and gives you the option to adjust LOP if necessary. In the hunter, its a little less of an issue, as the rifle has some heft, but in the lite - you are going to want this, depending on caliber choices. Pic rail wise, I've got 20 MOA on mine, Area 419s, and have been happy with them. I wouldn't change anything else about the action or factory build (which is fantastic).

I'm exceedingly happy with the accuracy, both of mine shoot sub-MOA, and the 6.5x55SE shoots sub-MOA with factory ammo out to 200yd. I'd say I'm a pretty average shot as well. The hunter is used by both my wife and I, we've taken it out west antelope hunting, and used it regularly for whitetail here in dry, wet and snowy conditions. I'm actually looking at buying another one in the 6.5x55SE. The 270 has grown on me - once I replaced the pad on it, it became alot more comfortable to shoot - given the choice again, I'd probably go for a slightly heavier rifle in that caliber - maybe even the hunter. Its my elk rifle, and while it hasn't taken an elk yet, Its been great in the backcountry.

The downsides in either of these is that they don't come threaded stock, which may or may not be a consideration. That is supposedly changing with the next generation release later this year. The other point I'd note is that you only have the sling lugs, rather than a clean mounting option for a bipod. If that isn't a factor, don't sweat it.

Thank you so much for your detailed post! This is very helpful information.

Incredibly happy with both, with a few minor modifications. The two that I'd strongly consider: replace the recoil pad, and install a pic rail.

I will definitely be replacing the recoil pad. However, I was considering just using the integrated dovetail that comes on the rifle and using the UM rings. I plan on using a Trijicon Huron 3-9 X 40 scope (1" tube). Why would you recommend the pic rail over the Tikka dovetail?

I'm exceedingly happy with the accuracy, both of mine shoot sub-MOA

Is this "out of the box" accuracy with factory ammo, or did you do anything to enhance the accuracy such as glass bedding or pillar bedding, hand loading, etc.?

The downsides in either of these is that they don't come threaded stock, which may or may not be a consideration. That is supposedly changing with the next generation release later this year. The other point I'd note is that you only have the sling lugs, rather than a clean mounting option for a bipod.

I don't need a threaded barrel and won't be using a bipod. This gun will be used for deer hunting out of tree stands...most shots within 100 yards, max out to 300.

Thank you again for the detailed review of your guns.

 

[xebadir]

Thank you so much for your detailed post! This is very helpful information.

I will definitely be replacing the recoil pad. However, I was considering just using the integrated dovetail that comes on the rifle and using the UM rings. I plan on using a Trijicon Huron 3-9 X 40 scope (1" tube). Why would you recommend the pic rail over the Tikka dovetail?

Is this "out of the box" accuracy with factory ammo, or did you do anything to enhance the accuracy such as glass bedding or pillar bedding, hand loading, etc.?

I don't need a threaded barrel and won't be using a bipod. This gun will be used for deer hunting out of tree stands...most shots within 100 yards, max out to 300.

Thank you again for the detailed review of your guns.

No worries.

I found the dovetail mounts didn't seem to hold the best. That may be due to operator error. I know others who never had an issue so its probably me. I like the way the rail sits. I've got mine mounted with a VX5HD 3-15x44 at the moment.


This is out of the box accuracy, nothing enhanced. Mine really loves the old 140gr Sako Super Hammerheads, but they are hard to find (I bought a bunch and still have about 10 boxes left). I'm actually curious to see what hand loading might be able do. I've only started reloading more recently, trying to work up something that behaves similarly.

If that is the use case, you are going to love this rifle. I've taken 10 deer with it, some from the ground, some from a saddle, some from a treestand. All but one shot inside 100, had only one make it more than 50 yards.

 

[Skydog]

No worries.

I found the dovetail mounts didn't seem to hold the best. That may be due to operator error. I know others who never had an issue so its probably me. I like the way the rail sits. I've got mine mounted with a VX5HD 3-15x44 at the moment.
View attachment 836107

This is out of the box accuracy, nothing enhanced. Mine really loves the old 140gr Sako Super Hammerheads, but they are hard to find (I bought a bunch and still have about 10 boxes left). I'm actually curious to see what hand loading might be able do. I've only started reloading more recently, trying to work up something that behaves similarly.

If that is the use case, you are going to love this rifle. I've taken 10 deer with it, some from the ground, some from a saddle, some from a treestand. All but one shot inside 100, had only one make it more than 50 yards.
View attachment 836109

How do you like the Backfire recoil pad?

 

[xebadir]

Really like it. Prefer it to a limbsaver which I tried first. Took this rifle from pleasant to shoot to 'but wheres the recoil'.