RE: Tikka T3 Lite opinions please
I've got a T-3 Lite Stainless Synthetic in 25/06. Fit and finish is good and it feels "right" to me when shouldered. It's a real shooter and a great choice on deer and similar game. As far as the gun goes, the barrel is Sako made (good) and the trigger is easily adjustable and crisp (also good). Several parts are polymer (i.e. detachable magazine box, trigger guard, etc.) which turns some people off, but I've never had an issue or heard of anybody who has. They apparently did that plus other "shortcuts" (like hollowing out the bolt handle knob) to save weight and make the guns cheaper to make / sell. Bottom line, it's pretty darn good but it's certainly no Sako. Valuewise I'd rate it pretty good although the $ has gone up on them in the last couple of years. The .243 is a good caliber but I wouldn't use anything smaller on deer.