Tikka T3 Super Varmint

[Tony Shotgun]

Alright lads. Just joined up. Been shooting since 3 years old. I'm not bad at it. Love rifles for varmint shooting at long ranges. I currently own an M4 Carbine in 22LRcal, Sako Quad 17HMRcal, Ruger M77 MK1 in 22-250cal, and I've just got rid off a Remmington Model Seven Predator in 204cal. Sent off for one for one variation and currently waiting for my brand new Tikka T3 Super Varmint with muzzle thread to turn up. I was told it could take up to 6 months. Nightmare!!! I'm having a baby about it. Read a lot of great reviews all over the world about this rifle. If anybody out there thinks differently, I'd be interested to read your comments.

 

I'm thinking about upgrading my M77 22-250cal Ruger for the same as the 204cal rifle.

[22cf]

You wont be disappointed, they have incredible out of the box accuracy and there is an increasining amount of mods available for them.

 

You'll love it

 

:D

[Sherlock]

I assume with the 6 month wait , you have asked for a 24 inch barrel rather than the standard 20 inch.

 

The 3 SV's I have owned were all deadly accurate - in fact more so than several custom barrelled rifles I have owned.

 

I wouldn't hesitate on getting another.

 

 

 

ATB

S

[gbal]

The Tikka SV is indeed a fine out of the box factory rifle,and some are capable of sub 1/2 moa,at least for 3 shots-you won't often need more within the cartridge's performance (short/med-ie sub 400y) for varmints.

The R7 is a fine lightweight carry rifle,but that means some compromise on performance,and will do the faster varmint cartridges no favours at all.

Rugers can be OK,but in general,it's hard to see a good case for one in preference to a Tikka,if precision is a criterion. Some might consider Sako has an edge,but ata price,and there probably isn't much in it,under field conditions. On average,both T and S are ahead of the other popular factory rifles.

As far as aftermarket add ons go,check that what you might want is available-but anything else is really irrelevant for you.I've never needed eg 10 shot mag,but a box mag is quite convenient. Some rifles might benefit from upgrading from the box more than others- they were made down to a price,especially stocks.

The heart of any rifle is it's barrel,and that's pot luck - though different pots for different makes-unless you go premium custom maker-at the cost of a modest factory rifle,of course.Few need this level of precision.More might aspire to it. Good luck,enjoy and learn about wind-it can make £spent look almost irrelevant!

 

gbal

[DW58]

I ordered a Tikka T3 SV with 24" screw-cut barrel in .300 WSM back in mid-May being quoted six months plus ... ... ... it actually showed up at the dealer's premises in late September. This amounted to just over four months, so you never know, you may be lucky.

 

What calibre have you opted for.

 

Very pleased with mine which is mounted in an MDT Tac21 chassis system.

 

[Tony Shotgun]

I assume with the 6 month wait , you have asked for a 24 inch barrel rather than the standard 20 inch.

 

The 3 SV's I have owned were all deadly accurate - in fact more so than several custom barrelled rifles I have owned.

 

I wouldn't hesitate on getting another.

 

 

 

ATB

S

[Tony Shotgun]

I ordered a Tikka T3 SV with 24" screw-cut barrel in .300 WSM back in mid-May being quoted six months plus ... ... ... it actually showed up at the dealer's premises in late September. This amounted to just over four months, so you never know, you may be lucky.

What calibre have you opted for.

Very pleased with mine which is mounted in an MDT Tac21 chassis system.

[DW58]

@ Tony Shotgun - had you intended to comment on the two posts you have quoted?

 

Puzzled ... ...

[Tony Shotgun]

Sorry guys but I think I've reposted your comments as I'm new to this site and couldn't work out how to reply back to you all. Think I've sussed it now. Thank you all for all your helpful replies.

 

To Sherlock. You mentioned the 24" barrel to the 20" barrel. On the Tikka SV PDF download it states both but I didn't think to ask. You recommend the 24". What's the main advantage of it. Is it more accurate and more range?

 

Rob DW58. Calibre I have applied for is .204cal. Can't wait. Mental having to wait that long though. Meantime I'll just drive the farm mad with my ever so loud Ruger .22-250cal. Ain't threaded for moderator but I love it.

[Tony Shotgun]

@ Tony Shotgun - had you intended to comment on the two posts you have quoted?

Puzzled ... ...

Sorry mate didn't know how to reply. Please let me know if you got this and the one before it. Just incase you didn't get the last one. The answer to your which cal question is .204cal

 

Thanks

 

Tony Shotgun

[Tony Shotgun]

@ Tony Shotgun - had you intended to comment on the two posts you have quoted?

Puzzled ... ...

Sorry mate didn't know how to reply. Please let me know if you got this and the one before it. Just incase you didn't get the last one. The answer to your which cal question is .204cal

 

Thanks

 

Tony Shotgun

I ordered a Tikka T3 SV with 24" screw-cut barrel in .300 WSM back in mid-May being quoted six months plus ... ... ... it actually showed up at the dealer's premises in late September. This amounted to just over four months, so you never know, you may be lucky.

What calibre have you opted for.

Very pleased with mine which is mounted in an MDT Tac21 chassis system.

Nice rifle by the way. .300. It's a monster of a cal. What do you use it for. Deer?

[DW58]

The 24" barrel will give you more velocity than the 20" and thus is better for longer range accuracy. For some reason there are plenty of the lightweight T3s available, but Varmint/Super Varmint/Sporter models always seem to be in short supply, and even moreso those with longer barrels.

 

I'm about to order a .308 Varmint-weight T3, there seem to be a dearth of 24" versions, so I guess I'll just have to wait - unless I pay up for the one and only 24" (Sporter) I can find in stock here in the UK.

[DW58]

Sorry mate didn't know how to reply. Please let me know if you got this and the one before it. Just incase you didn't get the last one. The answer to your which cal question is .204cal

Thanks

Tony Shotgun

 

Nice rifle by the way. .300. It's a monster of a cal. What do you use it for. Deer?

The primary intention is for long range paper punching, but I suspect the odd Bambi may turn up in its sights in due course. It's not as viscious as you might think - I load it down a bit to keep within the HME limits. Currently launching a 155gr SMK at 3050fps, but there are at least another 200fps available with this bullet weight. Next load to try will be with the 175gr Bergers.

[Tony Shotgun]

DW58. You got me thinking about barrel length now. I'm gonna ring up Chris Potter Country Sports tomorrow and make sure I get a 24" barrel.

 

Good luck with 24" .308 varmint by the way.

[gbal]

By all means go for the longer barrel,if there is choice.

If there is only the shorter,you might lose 100-120 fps with 4 inches shorter....there is no absolute measure on this,but ball park.That might mean 1/2 inch more drop at 300y,which will be 41/2 inches anyhow....maybe not of much concern.......just one more click on elevation....maybe a price worth paying if shooting from a cab,say,with a mod to add on....it's easy to lose perspective on minor ballistic issues.

Accuracy per se should not be affected.

 

gbal

[tony]

Reading this post is interesting as I am thinking or was thinking of getting a s/h T3 tactical in .223, these of course cost more money but have been informed are a bit more accurate due to the barrel being lead lapped? I personally have my doubts that its got the edge for the extra cost involved, your comments gentlemen please!

Tony.

[gbal]

Ballpark figures: a premium custom barrel might cost three or four times what an ordinary factory barrel costs.

Lets say the better factory rifle barrels average .5 moa

The custom is likely to be good for .25 moa

 

Worth it?Need it? For the top competition shooter,yes.

For 250 yard varmints under field conditions (ie the last .1 moa isn't going to be squeezed out)........??

 

(yes,some factory barrels will be better,though very few will match the premium custom -(Krieger/Broughton,eg) almost all of which will better almost any factory barrel.)

 

(best moa's assume excellent (more expensive) handloading/components.

 

gbal

[22cf]

Reading this post is interesting as I am thinking or was thinking of getting a s/h T3 tactical in .223, these of course cost more money but have been informed are a bit more accurate due to the barrel being lead lapped? I personally have my doubts that its got the edge for the extra cost involved, your comments gentlemen please!

Tony.

 

With having the first hand experience of owning a Super Varmint in .243win and having a friend with a Tactical in .223 and 308 I am yet so see any improved accuracy in the tactical, in addition I think the coating on the tactical is horrible. I would love to visit the Sako factory to see how all the tikkas are built, I suspect the tactical barrel has no different preparation/finish to any of the tikka barrels other than the coating on the exterior. They are probably just cashing in on the current "Gucci" desire for tactical accessories at the moment.

[22cf]

Ballpark figures: a premium custom barrel might cost three or four times what an ordinary factory barrel costs.

Lets say the better factory rifle barrels average .5 moa

The custom is likely to be good for .25 moa

 

Worth it?Need it? For the top competition shooter,yes.

For 250 yard varmints under field conditions (ie the last .1 moa isn't going to be squeezed out)........??

 

(yes,some factory barrels will be better,though very few will match the premium custom -(Krieger/Broughton,eg) almost all of which will better almost any factory barrel.)

 

(best moa's assume excellent (more expensive) handloading/components.

 

gbal

 

My experience has taught me that the ability to read the wind will assist far more with tight groups and first time hits than a custom barrel ever will.

 

I can recall a guy called "sirslotsalot" who used to be able to hit 3x Trebor extra strong mints at 300yds with 3 consecutive shots using a factory standard Tikka 595 in .223.

 

I suspect an awful lot of money is spent rebarreling rifles in the hope of generating great groups when learning to homeload and read the wind would be of more benefit.

[meles meles]

We saw a ooman shooting with Tikka T3 Super varmint in .308 at our range today, alongside some high end F class rifles, and it performed every bit as well. Above a certain minimum quality of kit, the deciding factor, we think, is the shooter. The T3 is well above that certain minimum level...

[sharps4065]

That's precisely what I'm just about to order Tony, 24" barrel. According to the GMK site and all the dealers I've spoken to to get the best price the 6 months wait is due to choosing .204Ruger which is special order. There's a number of calibres that fall into that category, like a 1:8 twist .223.

[Tony Shotgun]

By all means go for the longer barrel,if there is choice.

If there is only the shorter,you might lose 100-120 fps with 4 inches shorter....there is no absolute measure on this,but ball park.That might mean 1/2 inch more drop at 300y,which will be 41/2 inches anyhow....maybe not of much concern.......just one more click on elevation....maybe a price worth paying if shooting from a cab,say,with a mod to add on....it's easy to lose perspective on minor ballistic issues.

Accuracy per se should not be affected.

gbal

Thanks for the good advice gbal. It's Sunday and I'm in panic mode now with the barrel thing. I downloaded a tikka t3 SV pdf file and from what I can see it states that .204cal comes in overal length of 1110mm (43 3/4"). That I think is the 23 3/4" barrel. I definitely want that now. First thing tomorrow morning I am gonna call Chris Potters and make sure. Thing is I optionally ordered it with muzzle thread. But I only ordered it last week and they said it could take up to 6 months before I see it, so surely they haven't already started on it. Definitely want 24" barrel. Your a top man gbal. Thanks

[22cf]

 

We saw a ooman shooting with Tikka T3 Super varmint in .308 at our range today, alongside some high end F class rifles, and it performed every bit as well. Above a certain minimum quality of kit, the deciding factor, we think, is the shooter. The T3 is well above that certain minimum level...

 

 

Absolutely.

 

No surprise at all.

[DW58]

As you've probably gathered by now, I'm a serious T3 fan albeit a recent convert.

 

I wouldn't go for the T3 Tactical, IMO you're paying for the "Tactical" handle and not getting much for the permium price. My son has a T3 Sporter in .223 1:8 - now it's worth the premium price whereas in my opinion the Tactical isn't. My son's .223 Sporter shoots 1/4MOA with handloads and as I run my .300WSM in it's also heading that way.

 

Hoping to add a 24" .308 Varmint or similar to the collection shortly.

[tony]

My experience has taught me that the ability to read the wind will assist far more with tight groups and first time hits than a custom barrel ever will.

 

I can recall a guy called "sirslotsalot" who used to be able to hit 3x Trebor extra strong mints at 300yds with 3 consecutive shots using a factory standard Tikka 595 in .223.

 

I suspect an awful lot of money is spent rebarreling rifles in the hope of generating great groups when learning to homeload and read the wind would be of more benefit.

I also remember sirslotsalot on another forum that I will not mention, this guy was a dam good shooter I saw many of film clips, most enjoyable, anyone know if he is still around and still shooting?