Tikka T3X Lite

Vizzy

I am thinking about changing my CZ527 in .223 to a Tikka T3X


Nothing really wrong with the CZ except maybe that the barrel is too long and it feels a bit front heavy with the mod fitted,but it is just an itch that I need to scratch.
I have handled the Tikka and it is a beautiful rifle, well balanced, smooth bolt, lovely trigger. ( don't like the colour on the cerakote version)
I'd be looking at the "Lite" version as the Varmint is just too heavy to be lugging around for up to 8-10k at a go.
My RFD has assured me that he will put me in the way of a good S/H one, once he can get he's hands on one( he has nothing, either new or S/H at the moment and he's not sure when he will be able to get them.Brexit is creating major problems for him)
My questions are;
Should I go new for the sake of about €400 extra
Is the stainless barrell worth the extra €300 or so.
What Mod do people recommend ( currently using an Atec CMM4 and find it good)


TIA

cookimonster

Can't comment on the rifle but can give my twopence on a few of your questions.

If the rifle is considerably lighter in weight then the extra cost is worth for comfort. I hunt with a feather weight and it is a dream to carry around compared to my heavier rifle. My stalking buddy hunts with a more modern version lightweight and again very handy

Vizzy wrote: »

Is the stainless barrell worth the extra €300 or so.

I would say (again a few lads I hunt with sport s/s barrels) that they are more robust for ware and tear and very suitable for reflex moderators as they dont mark as easily as blued barrels. I've never had a problem with them in relation to glare, reflection or shine, as some people seem to have an issue with.

Vizzy wrote: »

What Mod do people recommend ( currently using an Atec CMM4 and find it good)

I am using the old Wildcat Predator 8 in 30-06 calibre, previously I used it on a .243 and all it cost me to up grade was the price of a new 30 cal diffuser. As well as being a great moderator for sound suppression (IMO) its modular design is a gift. I am currently purchasing another bridge piece to use the same mod on a different rifle.
The draw back is its weight but that has being dealt with by the introduction of the Wildcat Evolution that is half the weight of the P8 -

https://www.wildcatmoderators.co.uk/product/evolution/

This is something that I will be purchasing soon enough and bypassing other excellent brands solely based on its ability to be adaptable to other threads and calibres at a fraction of the price of another moderator.

clivej

I've never had a problem carrying 12lb of rifle on my back using a "Gun Slinger" waist belt.

cookimonster

clivej wrote: »

I've never had a problem carrying 12lb of rifle on my back using a "Gun Slinger" waist belt.

It's not the 12lb of rifle that's a problem, although why would you want to?, ... it's the hybrid stag you shot a few miles back over the other side of a mountain that's the issue.
Now your cursing that extra pair of latex gloves you packed!

Vizzy

cookimonster wrote: »

It's not the 12lb of rifle that's a problem, although why would you want to?, ... it's the hybrid stag you shot a few miles back over the other side of a mountain that's the issue.
Now your cursing that extra pair of latex gloves you packed!

Exactly, when I add up all the bits and bobs I carry it comes to 16.5 lbs, and its not so much the weight but the imbalance of everything even though I have a very good sling (Z-aim) which takes most of the weight on my hips and not my shoulder, so I want to cut down on the weight I have to haul over gates and electric fences and through ploughed fields.
If I am going to spend that kind of money, I may as well future proof the weight as best I can.


Knowing Clive he is probably working on a robot who will carry the stuff for him, LOL

clivej

Vizzy wrote: »

Knowing Clive he is probably working on a robot who will carry the stuff for him, LOL

Those were the days when I had to haul a deer down a mountain and/or out of the forest.
Now I'm able to almost drive up to the grassed deer and load into the car. And I made a hoist to get the beast into the boot. Ah the joys of stalking.

The pigeon man

I'd highly recommend the tikka t3x lite in 223. I love mine. The trigger is very good breaks like glass and the bolt is buttery smooth. Very accurate rifle. Mine weights 2.9kg without attachments. I have the version with an adjustable comb and it gives a great cheek wield while shooting.

As for moderators I use the hausken jd224 with mesh fitted. It's a very quiet and light moderator. I have a wildcat evolution but I don't use it anymore because my hausken is quieter and lighter.

I have the blued barrel and it's never caused a problem. I just wipe it with an oily rag when I get in. I also got my rifle secondhand and saved a few bob. Once it's well minded a secondhand rifle will be fine

Vizzy

The pigeon man wrote: »

I'd highly recommend the tikka t3x lite in 223. I love mine. The trigger is very good breaks like glass and the bolt is buttery smooth. Very accurate rifle. Mine weights 2.9kg without attachments. I have the version with an adjustable comb and it gives a great cheek weild while shooting.

As for moderators I use the hausken jd224 with mesh fitted. It's a very quiet and light moderator. I have a wildcat evolution but I don't use it anymore because my hausken is quieter and lighter.

Yeah Chris, heading to the dark side