Grandson checking out rifles..

[ironglow]

  Just how good is the Tikka T3 ?

[Swampman]

They are very accurate but mostly plastic.

[ironglow]

Thanks Swampy;
  They do have some with walnut stocks..that may help some.  Accuracy of course is the primary criteria, so he may just go that way.  He's looking for a varminter in caliber Ruger .204

[Brithunter]

Tikka like Sako are owned now by Berretta ................................................. hence the plastic bits.


They use the same barrels for both Tikka and Sako but Tikka T3 comes in one action length the Sako has different lengths.


The T3's I have shot do perform very well a friend has one in 222 Rem and a T3 tactical in .308.


The plastic bits seem to be popular with the younger crown as does matte bead blasted finishes rather than proper polish and bluing    and of course this cheaper blasted finish is very popular with the makers  because it's quick and cheap to do.


Like with the Rem 700 there are companies making steel parts to replace some of the plastic bits like bolt shrouds for the Tikka T3.


The Tikka T3 is very popular here in the UK despite the price being way higher than you will pay in the US  .

[Swampman]

I don't like plastic fire control parts.  That's where the Tikka differs from a quality American made rifle.  There are so many good ones to choose from.

[oberhaz]

I owned a Tikka T3 lite for a short time. It was accurate. I agree with Swampman, too much plastic.


I would encourage him to look elsewhere.

[wareagleguy]

Don't let the plastic make your choice.  You said that accuracy was the most important and for that reason you will love the Tikka as I do.  While I do enjoy to look of a beautiful stocked rifle I find myself getting rid of the last wood stocked guns I own.  I see a rifle as a tool and one that will hold up to life in the field.  Buy it, sight it in and hunt, hunt, hunt!!!


Another rifle to consider is the Savage, which is another tack driver.  You can get a fully scoped model 11 for around $550.

[ironglow]

Don't let the plastic make your choice.  You said that accuracy was the most important and for that reason you will love the Tikka as I do.  While I do enjoy to look of a beautiful stocked rifle I find myself getting rid of the last wood stocked guns I own.  I see a rifle as a tool and one that will hold up to life in the field.  Buy it, sight it in and hunt, hunt, hunt!!!


Another rifle to consider is the Savage, which is another tack driver.  You can get a fully scoped model 11 for around $550.

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  Curiously, I am very much like you Wareagle..I tend to opt for function..the synthetic stocks suit me just fine..weatherproof, warp proof and light.  Talk about plastic..I recently bought a Ruger American .308..(even though I am a Savage fan) which  I haven't yet scoped or fired.  It has a plastic clip/magazine..which seems to work very well, but would probably be difficult to fit to an aftermarket wood stock.
   My grandson is at the stage where he likes to "show' his guns..so he wants wood (walnut).

[wareagleguy]

Let us know how that Ruger shoots.  I am a sucker for those cheap tack drivers!!!

[ironglow]

  I just ordered a couple scopes from Natchez this morning. I am staying low power either 2.5X or 4X, since my area where i hunt is eastern woodlands with hills/mountains and small fields.  Rarely would one get a 250-300 yard shot, and almost all big game I have shot were within 100 yds. I have several varmint/predator rifles so this one is dedicated for deer/black bear.  I'll see how it goes..although in the research I did do, all testers got at least MOA.. with most getting sub-MOA.
   http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/all-american-ruger-american-rifle-review/