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You asked — we listened. Tikka rifles have to be one of the most requested rifles on our channel, and we finally took the T3x Lite out for a spin. Check out our first impressions and see if it really deserves all the praise it gets from hunters everywhere.
If you’ve watched any of our rifle videos, you know one name kept popping up in the comments: Tikka T3x. You’ve been asking us to get our hands on one and see what it’s all about—and we finally made it happen!
In this article, we’re breaking down what makes the Tikka T3x Lite one of the most talked-about bolt-action rifles on the market. From its lightweight feel to that smooth bolt and clean trigger, we’re giving you our honest first impressions and letting you know if it lives up to the hype.
So, if you’ve been thinking about adding a Tikka to your lineup or are just curious about all the fuss, you’re in the right place.
The most challenging part of the purchasing process for a Tikka T3x is deciding which one you want! Their website offers so many options, from the T3x Lite to the T3x Sporter and even a T3x Super Varmint. Choosing a caliber slightly decreases the possibilities, but deciding will take more than that.
Even though making that decision can be difficult, if you’re looking for specific options, their website makes it easy to narrow your search. Use the column on the left to choose between options such as caliber, handedness, trigger, barrel threading, cheek pieces, and what type of stock you prefer. Once you’ve trimmed the excess, you should see your favorite new rifle coming to life.
That’s essentially what we did when choosing our T3x Lite. So remember that many of the specs and features discussed throughout this article are from our model. Please don’t limit yourself; browse their website for all the options. Tikka loaned this rifle to us for review, but that doesn’t change our ability to give you an honest opinion.
Tikka T3x is known for a reliably smooth action:
Verifying several of the above claims from their website is easy with very little research. The caliber, stock, and barrel options should provide a rifle for any animal you want to pursue. I counted 17 different T3x models on their website, and in combination with the options mentioned above, it would take some serious math to determine the number of possibilities.
Our testing model seems basic compared to the potential combinations that Tikka offers. However, it has provided us with the information needed to give you a solid review and a foundation for determining the next rifle to add to our hunting lineup!
One of the main features advertised by Tikka and Tikka lovers is dependable accuracy right out of the box. While we hadn’t fully completed accuracy and load testing at the time of publication, we have found a few factory loads that have proven accurate.
After our initial sighting-in process, we made a few changes, including changing the grip to a more vertical option and decreasing the trigger weight. Those changes made it even more accurate for Adrian during the load testing.
Subscribe and stay tuned for all the load-testing videos from the Tikka T3x Lite.
If there was a complaint on the T3x, this is the most consistent one. The Tikka recoil pad does leave a bit to be desired. Our 308 T3x Lite model doesn’t have much more recoil than expected, but the supplied pad is essentially a piece of hard plastic inside a thin rubber sleeve.
One significant advantage of the Tikka T3x is the accessories offered by several manufacturers. If you desire, you can easily find a replacement recoil pad.
From Adrian’s perspective, she would prefer a better recoil pad during load testing, especially. Of course, once it’s ready for hunting, she usually doesn’t notice recoil when shooting an animal! But, to make the range experience more enjoyable, she plans to order a replacement for our next Tikka.
We topped this T3x Lite with a Steiner Predator 4, 6-24x50. Using Vortex scope rings on a Leupold 20 MOA rail provided a solid base throughout testing.
The Steiner Predator 4 features “best-in-class optical clarity, with a massive field of view to deliver industry-leading light transmission and outstanding results in low light conditions.”
It was Adrian’s choice for testing because, you know, she likes an illuminated reticle, and she plans on trying out the BDC (bullet drop compensation) holdover marks for each 100-yard increment along the lower vertical crosshair.
A: It's available in 223 Rem, 22-250, 243 Win, 270 Win, 270 Win Short Mag, 30-06 Spring, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x55 SE, 308 Win, 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 300 Win Short Mag
A: Yes. The trigger has an adjustable trigger weight. It's fairly easy to do yourself with a little gunsmithing knowledge and a inch pound torque wrench.
A: To answer this question based on our model, the main thing to change is the grip piece. However, the answer could be quite different because of all the after market stock options available. One major benefit to theT3x is the vast amount of aftermarket parts available.
A: The options are seemingly endless! Check out the Tikka website, start checking boxes on the left hand side and see what all they have. Then, if that isn't enough, a simple Google search for the specific option you want will likely produce an aftermarket option to add.
While we aren’t planning the opportunity to hunt with this specific model, our review has given us food for thought when purchasing a T3x Lite. Tikka offers so many different models and options that it’s almost overwhelming unless you know your needs.
If you would rather have a traditional, wooden stock and blued, non-threaded barrel, they’ve got it.
They also have it if you prefer a lightweight camo stock with a stainless steel threaded barrel.
If you prefer a different caliber than our 308 model, it’s also probably available in a T3x. See the caliber options listed at the beginning of this article.
We will leave that decision to you regarding whether YOU should buy one. But, after our load and accuracy testing, we would give the Tikka T3x Lite a 5/5 and will add one in the 270 Winchester caliber very shortly!
Of course, Adrian will make sure it is threaded, but other than that, who knows what options we will end up with?
Robbie has enjoyed the outdoors since he can remember. His earliest memories include hours upon hours of squirrel hunting and learning how to enjoy all aspects of hunting season in God's wonderful outdoors. Now he is always working hard and testing gear in the field to give you the best review and most thorough information he possibly can.
As you read this article, please remember that this review is from your average, everyday shooter's perspective. We do not claim to be experts by any stretch.
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