Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

Didn' t get any replies in the review forum, so I' ll try here...

As soon as I can sell my pistol, (.40 cal. SigPro) I' m going to pick up a decent bolt-action for Kentucky deer. I' ve been looking at several different models, and I think I' ve come to my decision. I like the T3 in a .270 WSM. What are your thoughts on this gun? Should I go for the wood or synthetic stock? Should I jump up to the .300 mag? Is there another caliber I' ve overlooked? I' ll have about $600 to play with...Is this a decent choice? I' ve looked at the 700 ADL, Winchester 70 Super Shadow and the Vanguard, but I like the T3' s synthetic stock better than these three guns. Any pros, cons or insight would be appreciated.

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

DEFINATELY get the Tikka if you can. There is a great write-up on it in the November 2003 issue of Field and Stream. The only thing the writer, David E. Petzal, was disappointed in was that it didn' t come in a left handed version. He shot several different brands of factory ammo and reloads, in 130, 140, and 150 grains. His " average!!!" group size was .880" (3 shots at 100 yards) and the smallest group was .330" !!!!! All for a rifle that retails for around $600.00. The caliber of his rifle is the standard .270 Winchester.

I have a Whitetail Hunter in .270 Win that is stainless with laminated stock. It is sweet. I haven' t been able to spend any time at the range yet but I' m sure I won' t be disappointed.

I' d go with whatever stock you prefer. If you hunt in humid or damp conditions alot, I' d go with synthetic though. Will eliminate the chances of the wood stock warping due to moisture and changing points of impact.

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

The Tikka is definitely a good choice. I have a whitetail hunter in .280 Rem. It shoots very accurately. My friend also just got a new T3 and it is a very nice gun.

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

Go for the Tikka!

I handled a T3 the other day and feel in love. Can' t wait to shoot one. Adjustable trigger, with an allen wrench, very easy to do. Guarnteed accuracy of 1" at 100 yards, great feeling and smooth.

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

I' d get 30-06 in T3. Looks like a nice gun. I saw a review in the NRA American Rifleman.

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

You can' t go wrong the the Tikka.

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

I have a friend with a T3 in .300wsm. This is way too much for whitetails. Great gun itself but overkill cartridge. He shot 2 deer at the same time with 1 shot (1 was standing behind the other) and neither took a step, not to mention all front shoulders were ruined.

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

I think you' ll be very happy with a Tikka T3, if you get it. I bought my T3 .300 Win Mag (wood stock, blued finish) this year and have been very impressed with its feel, looks and most of all the consistent accuracy. I' ve put groups of 3 in 1" at both 100 and 200 yards on a number of occasions shooting Winchester Premium Fail Safe ammo and a Nikon Monarch 3x9 scope.

Someone else may have an opinion if you' re looking more toward synthetic stocks. If I was going to use it as much as I use my shotgun for fall hunting I' d probably go with a synthetic. But I expect it will be a week out of the year at most I' ll use it and the wood is high quality hardwood, nicely finished, so I went with it.

I think for whitetail deer you don' t need to go up to .300 WM though. I would say .270 is probably a better choice or possibly 7 mm Mag, if you' re going to be hunting deer with it. .300 WM or similar magnum calibers will give you a bit of a jolt the first time you sit down to sight it in with many rounds. But I don' t think that' s a problem when hunting, if you make the shots count.

I' m planning to take mine West to Wyoming in November Elk hunting and will hope for a good opportunity to use it in the field.

Good luck!

MinnFinn

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

DEFINITLY A GO!!! I bought one in August in .270 Win. As far as caliber I would look at the .270 Win. There is hardly any differece between the .270 WSM other than price and availability of ammo! The .270 Win is a real tack driver and more than enough power for just about any animal on this continent. As far as the T3 WOW! I have shot many different loads and can' t find anything that won' t consistantly shoot under 1 inch groups with the Hornady interlocks I am shooting this year 3 shots under a half inch, and this is factory ammo! The gun blows away any winchester, Remington, or browning to say the least. The action glides and the trigger is awesome!! I bought mine for $429 and in my opinion shoots more like a $900 rifle. Go for it and don' t look back. I will have mine forever I know that! The only bad thing I can say about mine is I wish I could have afforded a couple more in other calibers!

RE: Tikka T3...Go or no go?
 

Great choice for guns. Also great choice on chamberings. I have been loading for a friend with a 270WSM in a Mod70, and appears to be very tolerant to different loads and powders. Its hard for me to get it shooting bad. You won' t gain much over the 270win as far as speed, but thats not what I would be looking for when I bought a 270WSM. I would be looking for a short action.