They can make these synthetics (stocks and magazines) as tough as nails these days. Tikka manufacturers (as others I'm sure) have figured out how to perfect the injection process for the T3 Lites that make them somewhat cheaper than hardwood stocks now.

I just still like the beautiful woodgrain of the hardword and really like the design,fine workmanship and accuracyof the T3.

Answer to your question 2, 3 and 5 the answer is YES. I have had Tikkas all my life and when synthetics Stainless came around now I have them. Not any negative to say about them.

I have 3 Tikka rifles and have not had any troubles. 2 whitetail hunters and 1 t-3. I have a second clip for each rifle not because of any worries of it being plastic, but for theemergency of loosing or misplacing a clip. All three guns are tack drivers.