Tikka T3 Varmint

vixdname

Lads, would a Tikka T3 Varmint be OK in you opinions for stalking deer with.
It weighs 3.6kgs as apposed to 3.1kgs for the T3 Laminate which has a 6 mnth lead time which would mean I wouldnt get it until Oct. but with the stalking season starting in September it'd be too late.
I'm looking at them in .270

Your opinions much appreciated.

It wasn't me!

It'll certainly do the job. As to how comfortable you'll be, depends on your physical condition and the terrain you're stalking. If you're in rough hill ground in Kerry or Wicklow, you might like a lighter, handier rifle. However, it's worth remembering that any deer you kill will weigh a damn sight more than the rifle, so while the extra weight won't help, it won't be the heaviest thing you're moving around either. It'll also be a little nicer than the light gun for long range crows or the odd paper-punching session. I like light guns myself, but while a .270 is no big kicker, a bit of weight always makes the gun more comfortable to shoot, too. In other words, it's all a trade-off. I doubt you'll be too unhappy though.

DR6.5

I have a t3 lite and sauer outback, both are approx 2.9 kgs, nice light rifles, by the time you ad a scope, mounts if you want a bipod and mod, the lighter you start the better, it also depends on the ground your stalking if you have to drag off a hill a couple of mile the lighter the better.

Would definately recomend the lite great little rifle for the money.


dr6.5

clivej

I'm using a Sako 75 varmint that's near on 9lb all up with a Bushnell 6-24x50 scope. No problem for this auld lad to carry it around. I use a Corral Gunslinger, Google it, on my belt to take to weight off my shoulders, it makes light work of the carry.

Glensman

I find varmint rifles un-necessarily heavy for little benifit in accuaracy on a stalking rifle.
Designed for 'varmints' as you may take many shots in a short spece of time... Rarely happens in stalking.

ejg

If you want to walk a bit then a lighter rifle is better.
A varmint barrel chopped at 20" would just do as a stalking rifle but
then it were better chambered in 308/708 as they were designed with
short barrels in mind.
A sporter barrel is fine for a hunting rifle, not as if we shoot deer at
500yds all the time.
Be wary with light rifles that turn out super heavy after scope mod and
bipod is attached.
Laminated stocks are mostly heavier than walnut stocks.
....it all adds up.
I shot more deer last season than any season before, used a super light
remmy 243 with no bipod attached, light binos, light mod, light clothing.
edi

zlezlius

Have a T3 Supervarmint myself in 223. Love how it shoots and looks. Now with the scope, T8 , bipod, Led lenser it is quite heavy. Butler Creek stretch sling takes 1/2 of the weight when I carry it on the shoulder, but if you have to walk a lot, say as much as stalking deer, I would honestly recommend to go for the lighter version, like Hunter, Lite or Laminated. Thats what I would do myself if I was to get deer rifle. Sure first of all you definately gone walk a lot, secondly you not going to shoot a number of rounds in a row, that could over heat your barrel + deer is much bigger target that rabbit or fox for what Varmint was really made. In my opinion if you gonna shoot deer only, there's no need for Varmint. You'll only save some money, your back and your feet

It wasn't me!

Personally, for stalking, I think as light as possible while remaining sensible for the cartridge being shot is the way to go. Wouldn't much enjoy shooting a 7lb .300 win mag, but in .308? That'd be perfect, or in .270 or .25-06 or the like, which is part of the reason they're great cartridges; they can be shot from light rifles without any hassle. From .30-06 on upwards, I personally would want at least a pound more. Dwighet's 7mm-08 is one of the most perfect stalking rifles I think I've seen. It's got great performance and versatility, but weighs next to nothing. That's the sort of thing you want to be carrying when the going is rough.

vixdname

Thanks for all the replys lads.
I was taking to GMK.co.uk earlier and theres a 6 mnth lead time for the T3 Laminate and the Varmint I think with scope, mod & bipod attached will be too heavy for where I'm going to be shooting.
So, I reckon I'm going to go for the T3 Lite Stainless (Pre Threaded if I can get it) in .270 - Hope I'm making the right decision

It wasn't me!

vixdname wrote: »

Thanks for all the replys lads.
I was taking to GMK.co.uk earlier and theres a 6 mnth lead time for the T3 Laminate and the Varmint I think with scope, mod & bipod attached will be too heavy for where I'm going to be shooting.
So, I reckon I'm going to go for the T3 Lite Stainless (Pre Threaded if I can get it) in .270 - Hope I'm making the right decision

Hard to go too far wrong if the gun feels right It's a nice weight for carrying everywhere. Just don't stick a huge heavy scope on it. Lightweight and medium size is perfect.

fodda

Try Island Sports Castlebar www.islandsports.ie

He has deals on Tikka lites somertimes and beats others on price.