We take it over the top. If this was the first product Tikka put out, I would say, its priced about right and an ok bargain for some who it appeals too. But when you step down in products, its kinda hard.
That's true, but you have to look at it based on market share. The Tikka rifles are meant to be high value/low cost rifles, and they are already at a disadvantage because of import tarriffs and such as it is, yet they are competing with rifles like the Savage, Winchester Super Shadow, Remington ADL/SPS, Ruger M77 MkII and the Weatherby Vanguard (also imported). In order to compete in that price class, and still produce a rifle of comparable or superior quality at a price that is comparable to the U.S. made brands, they had to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Polymer magazines and bolt shrouds and using one action length with different bolt stops are just two steps smart steps that keep costs down but quality and function up. Like I said, judged objectively and given the proven toughness of polymers today, it could easily be said that the durability, corrosion resistance and light weight of a plastic magazine outweighs the simple fact that it is plastic. Unfortunately, since Tikka isn't playing on a level field, if they were to use the more expensive materials and processes to make all metal parts, not only would the T3 "Lite" not be so light (less than 6.5lbs w/o scope), but it would cost $700-800 instead of $450-600.
Mike