Tikka T3X Superlite 7mm RM - PROs and CONs?

[KitShickers]

Im getting close to pulling the trigger on a 7mm RM mountain rifle, and the Tikka T3X superlite is leading the pack. I was hoping some that own one could chime in and tell me the good and the bad before I buy. For example, I have heard some complain about the barrel twist, and I love to hear someone elaborate on that. Any other rifles in the price range that are better? Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[CApighunter]

I’ve got a superlite in 300 win mag and over all it’s a great rifle, my only two complaints are that it’s not twisted fast enough for the heavier bullets and the mag length limits you to saami spec, I’m well over .200 off the lands. I also didn’t like the factory stock or plastic bottom metal so I swapped those out for a B&C stock and mountain tactical aluminum bottom metal. Those however are personal preference, many are happy with the rifles as they come out of the box.

 

[howl]

7mm RM resale ain't the greatest

 

[16Bore]

Recoil for 30-06 was all I wanted, 7mag should be similar
Load development takes 5 minutes, so you’ll have to find something else to do.

 

[tyeager2964]

I put a limb saver pad on mine and dont have any recoil concerns. It definitely lets you know it's there but it's fine to me. I can shoot as much as I want at the range with no issues.

I have no problems with the barrel twist at 160 grain partitions. That is the heaviest I have gone with it and it holds 3/4 MOA for 5 shot groups. The 162 elds are longer and don't shoot quite as well but they were usually 1 to 1.5 MOA. I cant confirm this as a twist issue and they are stable to 400 yrs so it likely isnt.

My handloads with Sierra 160 grain game kings run about 1/2 to 3/4 MOA but it does suffer from a shorter mag box. I didnt measure COAL I just know that I am .015 thousands shorter than mag length and set my comparator to that. This keeps the tips from getting beat up to bad with recoil.

I have nothing bad to say about it at all. If I had to pick something I wish the comb on the stock was slightly higher but that is personel preference and fit.

If you want to reload heavy for caliber bullets to the lands in a Tikka then the 300 wsm is the answer.

 

[Trr15]

I have the 7mm superlite and its been a great mountain rifle. Like CApighunter, I swapped out the stock and bottom metal. I also fluted the bolt and added a metal shroud and metal mag. Aside from swapping the stock, none of the other mods were "necessary" as far as I'm concerned. I do feel the B&C stock was a significant upgrade over the factory one.

 

[KitShickers]

I put a limb saver pad on mine and dont have any recoil concerns. It definitely lets you know it's there but it's fine to me. I can shoot as much as I want at the range with no issues.

I have no problems with the barrel twist at 160 grain partitions. That is the heaviest I have gone with it and it holds 3/4 MOA for 5 shot groups. The 162 elds are longer and don't shoot quite as well but they were usually 1 to 1.5 MOA. I cant confirm this as a twist issue and they are stable to 400 yrs so it likely isnt.

My handloads with Sierra 160 grain game kings run about 1/2 to 3/4 MOA but it does suffer from a shorter mag box. I didnt measure COAL I just know that I am .015 thousands shorter than mag length and set my comparator to that. This keeps the tips from getting beat up to bad with recoil.

I have nothing bad to say about it at all. If I had to pick something I wish the comb on the stock was slightly higher but that is personel preference and fit.

If you want to reload heavy for caliber bullets to the lands in a Tikka then the 300 wsm is the answer.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have also considered a 300wsm, but wonder how bad the recoil is on a <7lb rifle.

 

[Trr15]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have also considered a 300wsm, but wonder how bad the recoil is on a <7lb rifle.

In addition to the 7mm I also have a T3 lite in .338 win mag (Tikka no longer makes the T3 in this caliber). The recoil is stout, but manageable. I swapped the stock and added a limbsaver pad and that helped quite a bit. Not something I'd want to shoot all day on the bench, but if you can tolerate recoil its not that bad. I don't have a brake on any of my guns, but that's always an option if you don't mind noise and muzzle blast.

 

[Trial153]

I bought my dad a T3X lite in 7rm, it's a nice shooting gun recoil is manageable, not bad at all.

 

[yeti14]

I dislike the single stack mag design. I use the 5 round mags and they stick out pretty far. The balance point on the rifle is right in front of the trigger guard so the magazine is awkward to grip with one handed carry. It's a bit petty, but it annoys me every time. I prefer double stack, flush.

 

[JollyRoger]

I’ve got a T3X Lite and it’s a great rifle. Pros: Accurate, consistent, lightweight, smooth action, clean trigger. Cons: maybe the low cheek on the stock? Other than that I don’t really know unless you’re looking for a heavyweight rifle.

Mine shot 168gr VLDs really well


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[KitShickers]

I dislike the single stack mag design. I use the 5 round mags and they stick out pretty far. The balance point on the rifle is right in front of the trigger guard so the magazine is awkward to grip with one handed carry. It's a bit petty, but it annoys me every time. I prefer double stack, flush.

Does the Mountain Tactical bottom metal fix this?

 

[Sled]

I had a SL 7mm mag and sold it in favor of my 270wsm in a t3 lite. Nothing bad about it but it duplicated my 270 with more recoil. The lower weight wasn't much of a concern at the time. If I recall the super lites are 6.3lbs dry.


If you're a heavy stock gripper then you'll notice errant shots with either t3. And I agree with the previous poster about the balance point. It can be difficult to carry in hand or shoulder with a heavier scope. I prefer in hand to shoulder.

 

[eod.tek]

I have a t3x lite in 7mm rem mag. Its a fantastic rifle. Shooting 162gr hornady eld-x bullets in precision hunter factory ammo and Im easily sub moa as long as I do my part. I hit a 10 inch by 18 inch steel target from a seated position at 534 yards on the first shot, which is a testament to its accuracy and weight. I do have the limb saver airtech recoil pad on it, but that change made all the difference in felt recoil. I can shoot it all day long with no pain or discomfort. I have also managed to make first round hits all the way to 775 with good environmental estimates. I cannot say enough about these rifles!

 

[mt100gr.]

I have had excellent service and results from my SL 7mmRM. Both with factory ammo and handloads. Mine weighs 97.15 ozs making it pretty easy to put together a very capable hunting rifle at or just under 8lbs.

I have around 650 rounds thru mine and really enjoy shooting it. Mine has the factory T3 recoil pad, upgraded recoil lug and a trigger adjustment. It's been my go to rifle for 4 seasons now and I have never hesitated to reach for it at go time. It will put 10 rounds into right around an inch and has accounted for 1 shot kills at 200, 375 and 475 for elk, 250 and 501 yards for deer, and a bighorn ram at 614 yards.

I just don't think a Tikka can be beat for the price. I drag mine around the mountains without a care and have come to know it will get the job done when I need it to.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I have a T3 SL not the T3x SL in 7RM. It is bad medicine on Whitetails and Elk shooting 150 gr CoreLokts at MOA. I also put the LimbSaver kick pad on. Recoil has not been an issue at all. It is presently my go to rifle.

 

[brushape]

I talked my dad into one and it’s a beast of a rifle he took a hard fall with it in Idaho and didn’t believe it was still zeroed. I showed him by making a first round hit on a rock at 705 yards and blew his mind lol


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[lyle_destroys]

I put a limb saver pad on mine and dont have any recoil concerns. It definitely lets you know it's there but it's fine to me. I can shoot as much as I want at the range with no issues.

I have no problems with the barrel twist at 160 grain partitions. That is the heaviest I have gone with it and it holds 3/4 MOA for 5 shot groups. The 162 elds are longer and don't shoot quite as well but they were usually 1 to 1.5 MOA. I cant confirm this as a twist issue and they are stable to 400 yrs so it likely isnt.

My handloads with Sierra 160 grain game kings run about 1/2 to 3/4 MOA but it does suffer from a shorter mag box. I didnt measure COAL I just know that I am .015 thousands shorter than mag length and set my comparator to that. This keeps the tips from getting beat up to bad with recoil.

I have nothing bad to say about it at all. If I had to pick something I wish the comb on the stock was slightly higher but that is personel preference and fit.

If you want to reload heavy for caliber bullets to the lands in a Tikka then the 300 wsm is the answer.

Being a tallee guy I agree with you on wanting a taller comb. I will probably end up putting a cheek riser on mine. Razor rest makes some nice ones for the price.