Tikka T3 Varmint SS .308

[bigjeepman]

Can anyone tell me if they have stopped making this model? I have searched the internet and can now only find this same model except with a blue finished barrel instead of the stainless. The model I am trying to price is TIKKA JRTF316 T3 VARMINT SS 308. The reason I am interested is I have a trade working for one of my bolts for a Tikka T3 Varmint SS .308 that is still new in the box as the guy won it a year or so ago and never shot it. This model is not on Beretta's website yet on other sites that sell firearms, it says "out of stock."

Does anyone here own the Varmint model and if so, how do you like it? Anything negative to say?

Thank you for any info or opinions you might have.

bjm

[Old English]

Hi, I have two T3 Lites and also one varmint model, none of them stainless. The varmint model is clearly heavier, not too heavy but heavier. The stock has an extra part added on to it, better for shooting off bags. The stock also has a nice monte carlo kinda thing on the stock as well, does give consistent cheek weld. I cannot honestly say it is more accurate than the lite models, but it is certainly not less accurate. My varmint is 223 and the lites are 243 and 308. I love the 243 as a lite but I still regret not getting the 308 in varmint, no particular reason, I just think it would have been better to shoot the 308 with the little extras that the varmint brings to the table.

[bigjeepman]

Old English ...
I appreciate the reply. Three Tikkas ... you're doing pretty good. This will be my first as I have been wanting a 7mm-08 but not been able to find one here to trade for.

bjm

[bigjeepman]

Well, it took a while but I got my Tikka Varmint SS .308 lined out and took it to the range. I put a Sightron 4-16x42mm MD scope on it with Talley Lightweight mounts and it appears to be pretty solid. First, pictures of the setup ... I had adjusted the trigger down to 2.25 lbs ...





I have a Remington 788 .308 and my brother has a Savage 10FP LE .308 that I have been reloading for so I tried a favorite load ... Varget with the Sierra MK 168gr ...


I tried 6 different 3 shot groups for my first day out ... the largest group was a little over 1.25" and that was with Nosler BT. The pictured groups were the two best. I'm happy and will now continue my search for a T3 in 7mm-08.

bjm

[kansas45]

I have a Tikka .223 Varmint SS & wanted the same in .308. Couldn't get one in the U.S. anymore & ended up with the blued model. This is a very good rifle. Very smooth action & good out to 850yds. That's a far as I've shot it so far.
 

[bigjeepman]

kansas45 ...
Really nice looking setup. If you don't mind, what scope and mounts are you using? What bullet are you using in your .308 for your long range work?

bjm

[kansas45]

Warne scope mounts. I'm thinking about changing to a DedNutz mount. Baraska scope. Not bad, but it isnt as clear as I would like. I can't aford a US Optics or another high-end scope  like that. I use 155 HPBT Scenar Luppy bullets & RL15.

[kansas45]

To update, I did change to a DedNutz mount & a Wonder Optics scope. Now to get to the range & sight it in. I am very impressed with this scope. It is a 4-14X50 with side focus. Good reviews over at Sniper's Hide. Check the scope out here http://www.sightwonders.com/home.html

[stever]

They are still listed on the Tikka site.  Nothing negative to say at all.  This was shot using military surplus brass during load work ups. The load was not tweaked or adjusted.  The brass was not prepped except that the primer crimp was removed. The group was shot using a 155 gr. Sierra Palma and Win 748 at 100 yd.



In my rifle, Hornady's performed even better. Of the ten powders used to confirm min/max loads, all ten grouped less than an inch at 100 yd.  Out to three hundred yards, they all shot tiny groups. Only half of the Sierra loads could keep it under an inch.

I cannot wait to try them out past 300.

[bigjeepman]

Nice group ...

bjm