Tikka T3X

[Rio]

I am going to buy a Tikka T3X in 6.5 prc. I would like to buy the upgraded Super varmit but it weighs over 8 lbs. Add a scope, rings, strap, bipod and it's over 10. Im 64 years old and 5-9. That's starting to get a little on the heavy side. The Roughtech model is over a pound lighter at 7 lbs but has a pencil barrel . The superlite is 6.4 pounds.
I am a spot and stalk hunter so I walk a lot and like to carry my gun so I can have access to it immediately, Tough to do with a ten pound gun. An extra pound or 2 on the shoulder starts to add up after 3 or more miles.
I thought about buying the superlite and buying a better barrel to increase accuracy but they are about 6.5 pounds.

Ideas? I really like the Tikka T3X

 

[WeiserBucks]

Buy a lighter one and enjoy.

 

[EastHumboldt]

You won’t notice a difference in accuracy out to 400 yards. All my Tikkas are lite or XL. If you wanna save some weight, skip the 24” barrel and get something with a 22”, like a .243 or a 7-08. (My personal favorite)

Edit: They all have a 22” barrel and come in around 7.5 lbs with a 50mm scope, sling, and a loaded 5 round magazine.

 

[ShakoMako]

The ones on sale for 699 at Europtic are 6.5 lbs in 6.5 PRC.

I also agree that there is likely very little chance you’ll experience poor accuracy with the super lite barrel.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Superlite is an easy button. I don’t “think” they are making the old ones anymore (#2 ish profile flutted barrel about 2lbs ish). But if you can find one discounted I’d grab one for sure. The new threaded lite barrels are only a few oz (3-6) heavier as well.

 

[ShakoMako]

Europtic superlite 6.5 PRC

Not affiliated with Europtic, just a very happy repeat customer, but here’s the link to superlite.

 

[rookieforever33]

The thinner barrel will not affect accuracy. It will heat up faster but by most accounts that does not bother tikka barrels at regular practice rates. Even if your range time is slower its worth the less weight carryong on hunts.

 

[mtnbound]

I am going to buy a Tikka T3X in 6.5 prc. I would like to buy the upgraded Super varmit but it weighs over 8 lbs. Add a scope, rings, strap, bipod and it's over 10. Im 64 years old and 5-9. That's starting to get a little on the heavy side. The Roughtech model is over a pound lighter at 7 lbs but has a pencil barrel . The superlite is 6.4 pounds.
I am a spot and stalk hunter so I walk a lot and like to carry my gun so I can have access to it immediately, Tough to do with a ten pound gun. An extra pound or 2 on the shoulder starts to add up after 3 or more miles.
I thought about buying the superlite and buying a better barrel to increase accuracy but they are about 6.5 pounds.

Ideas? I really like the Tikka T3X

Go with the Superlite, you will not lose any accuracy.

 

[krhuntin]

Run with the super lite. There won’t be any accuracy difference. Enjoy the extra weight savings. Just don’t get used to shooting 5 consecutive rounds without letting it cool a bit. You will get some fliers with the lighter barrel when it gets hot. Otherwise, I have shot three rounds groups and let it cool even for a couple minutes and reshot and it was good. Enjoy.

 

[Ringbill27]

I thought about buying the superlite and buying a better barrel to increase accuracy

Seems like a waste of a perfectly good barrel and the money on the “better” barrel. As for the thin barrel warming up. It’s doubtful you’d be able to get enough rounds off in a hunting situation for that to happen.

Get the super lite and enjoy.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I don’t want to cast aspersions at the experience of anyone else who has posted here, but I have not experienced any reason to expect the super lite barrel to be less accurate. These are properly made barrels, they don’t really get “worse” as they heat up.

 

[wind gypsy]

A super varmint is going to be easy to shoot well because it's heavy but the lite should shoot fine. I see no reason to spend a penny more for a superlite over a lite and actually would prefer a lite.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

A super varmint is going to be easy to shoot well because it's heavy but the lite should shoot fine. I see no reason to spend a penny more for a superlite over a lite and actually would prefer a lite.

I prefer the lite as well, but only because I don’t like the flutes (aesthetically).

 

[Kaleb]

If I had super varmint money and wanted it slightly lighter Id get the lite that's on sale and add a good stock. Manners did have their lrh tikka stocks on sale and ready to ship. The rokstok is nice but I don't know when they would be available? Other nice looking high quality stocks are also mentioned I just haven't used one yet.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Well do you want the reduced felt recoil of the heavier gun or lighter weight when carrying? If you answer that it should answer which one to get. I’ve seen no difference in accuracy between tikka models only shootability for different shooters.

 

[Grassymike]

I have a T3x "compact". 7mm-08. The compacts have 20" barrels from the factory.

 

[Grassymike]

I switched out my stock to a Bell& Carlson and my gun weighs 7.5 pounds scoped. It was at 7 pounds 2 Oz. With the factory stock. Light with a medium thick barrel.

 

[benconfused]

I have a roughtech 65prc, also have a 65creedmoor with the lite (and shorter) barrel. Love the prc but I definitely notice the weight balance shift with the longer barrel (and the fact I have a Maven on top of it).

If you want to go lighter weight, get the 65cm. Damage done to animals will still get it done.