Howdy All,

Be vary careful when buying a Tikka...Just picked up a Tikka T3x in 270 Winchester two weeks ago. Took it to the range twice. Factory loads the first time (Winchester and Remington) The results at 100 yards were lackluster. Second time out I used handholds of 140GN Nosler Acccubonds. Which by the way print 3/8" clovers at 100yds in my other 270 a 1955 Steyr Mannlicher Schonauer.

The best group that I could muster with the T3x was 2" - minus the fliers...which occurred at a rate to 1-2 per 5 shots. I decided the inspect the gun thoroughly during cleaning and found the following:

1) A very slight radius midlength on the barrel. Likely a machining error that got past QA. But the stamp on the barrel and the receiver did not - ironically.
2) I slid a bill down the barrel between the stock and it stopped 3-1/2" in front of the receiver.

Needless to say, I am very disappointed. Tikka advertises a floated barrel - it is not. Tikka advertises 1MOA - it does not....and really cannot with a non-floated barrel. Floating a barrel is a fundamental element in building ANY accuracy into a rifle... Let alone guaranteeing it. At what point are we embarrassed? I know I certainly am. For being so duped.

So to end this Epistle. Look a little further than the typical paid inclusions and endorsements from the usual suspects. Chuck Hawks and Scoutlookweather to good job of getting under the hood of this issue.
I'll repost when we reach a final disposition on the matter. Until then - be careful.