Tikka T3 Lite or Hunter ques

semi · 11-19-2008, 09:21 AM

Looking for opinions on this rifle. I am currently looking to add another hunting rifle in 30.06 or 308. also looking at a howa for a second option.

My question is, i am not sure how much lighter the T3 lite is over the Hunter model. I am not too recoil sensitive but i do want something that is just not obnoxios to shoot. I currently have a 30.06 M70 with a nice recoil pad and it works well for recoil. But its a HEAVY gun to carry all day and may sell it for a Tikka. I am pretty much set on a .30 cal bullet as i already have a savage 7mm-08. the new rifle would be for bigger game thus the 30.06 or 308. Also due to ammo being available where i hunt.

Any opinions on either of these Tikka models (real world experience) about these calibers using the hunter or the lite?

CarpetBagger · 11-19-2008, 11:02 AM

308 and the 7mm-08 both short cartridges....both great whitetail rounds...

Me personally if i had a 7mm-08 i probaly wouldnt want a 308...if im planning on hunting bigger game id vouch for the 30-06. The 30-06 with 150gr bullets will kill a whitetail about as dead as can be...you can also get loads up to 225gr for bigger game. Personally I shoot 180gr out of my 06 and it pretty much is over kill on whitetail, butI wouldnt hesitate to shoot anything with it. Not to mention there probalyisn't a sporting goods store on earth that doesnt sell 06 ammo.

Tikka guns are solid with guaranteed accuracy out of the box. If you want wood get the hunter stainless...if you want synthetic get the synthetic stainless. Its more of a personal choice...I like synthetic stocks just because there is no upkeep ever on them...just keep on using em dont worry about scratching a nice finish...

TLockTerror · 11-19-2008, 11:40 AM

I bought a Tikka T3 lite last year in 30-06. Love the gun but did make some mods to it. The recoil pad from the factory sucks, Recoil was very bad when i first got it. I added a Limb Saver pad to mine and pretty much took care of it. Great shooter, very accurate, and easy6 to carry all day long. If your going for more of a whitetail round I would go with .308, Also own one of them and by far a better whitetail gun. Also pack a hell of a punch and the grains of bullets you can get is amazing. You can go from 120 GR. all the way up to a 220 Gr. round. Both great calibers to shoot!!

Retaks · 11-19-2008, 01:57 PM

Well i have a T3 Lite in 300 WSM and it has a slight recoil to it. Very few people i know will shoot it after the first shot.3 of the guys that wont shoot it nemroe shoot 300 weatherbys and 300 ultra mags on a regular basis.

no_skill · 11-19-2008, 03:52 PM

The only real difference between the Lite and the Hunter is the walnut stock on the Hunter. Both are extremely light, super smooth bolt. I ordered a Tikka T3 lite (with a wooden stock) is what I told the guy. Then I get home look on the internet and see that the T3 Lite don't come with wooden stocks, so I was very upset, because I wanted wood. When I went to pick it up Monday, too my surprise I actually got the hunter. So I was happy that I got the hunter instead. It's just a little heavier but still really light. As said before its the same gun except not synthetic and shiny.

Everyone I know or talked to that has one, loves it.

vabyrd · 11-20-2008, 08:09 PM

Here's my Tikka T3 lite set up. Talley rings and bases, Nikon Monarch 2x7, Fed 165 TSX, Total weight empty, 6.4 lbs. Great trigger, shoots awesome.

Retaks · 11-21-2008, 04:39 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: vabyrd

Here's my Tikka T3 lite set up. Talley rings and bases, Nikon Monarch 2x7, Fed 165 TSX, Total weight empty, 6.4 lbs. Great trigger, shoots awesome.

My T3 Lite Stainless in 300 WSM with Tikka Mounts and a NIkon Buckmasters 3x-9x scope came in at 7.1 pounds.

EBB · 11-21-2008, 08:18 AM

I got the T3 SS last week in .270.
I love it - nice balance, great machining, I don't feel the recoil is bad at all, but this time of year I've got a sweater & jacket for padding mind you.
There are some good reviews of the gun on YouTube.

tkendall14 · 11-26-2008, 08:41 PM

I have picked up the T3 Lite before and its extremely light. If recoil is a factorat all I would steer away. Something that light has to put a pounding on the shoulder.

Dozen Arrows · 11-26-2008, 09:37 PM

I felt a T3 Hunter in my hands at Gander Mountain and it felt awesome. No, there is no real difference in weight between the two. Neither are a heavy rifle. Personally, since I already own a stainless synthetic rifle, I would go with the T3 Hunter. I was very impressed by the fit and feel of it.