Tikka T3 Lite Stainless Rifle Review

Features:

The Tikka T3 Lite Stainless rifle offers incredible out-of-the-box accuracy (guaranteed 1" MOA at 100 yards), silky smooth operation and uncompromising reliability. It's based on a two locking lug T3 all-weather action. The metal parts are made of Sako's high-grade stainless steel. The free-floating barrel rests in a composite stock. The single-column detachable magazine holds 3 rounds of 7 mm Rem. Mag. ammo. The T3 Lite features a single-stage trigger with adjustable pull from 2-4 pounds (1-2 Kg). It's supplied without open sights, but does include scope rings.

Specifications:

Caliber: 7 mm Remington Magnum
Barrel Length: 24.4 inches (62 cm)
Total Length: 44.5 inches (113 cm)
Magazine Capacity: 3
Trigger: Single-stage adjustable
Bolt & Receiver: Stainless steel
Barrel: Cold-hammer forged, free-floating stainless steel
Rate of Twist: 9.5 inch
Stock: Glass fiber reinforced copolymer polypropylene
Safety: Two stage
Weight: 6.4 lbs (2.9 Kg)

Initial Thoughts (03/25/11):

The Tikka T3 Lite (made by Sako Ltd) is a beautiful firearm. Mine is chambered in 7 mm Rem. Mag. for all-purpose versatility. The biggest selling factor for me was the light weight of the Tikka T3. It's comfortable and feels good on my shoulder, but so do many other guns. Weight is what set it apart. I have been using an old Remington 742 Woodsmen and used to have a 700™ BDL Stainless Synthetic (now called the 700™ SPS™ Stainless). The Tikka T3 is over a pound lighter (19%) than the Remington 700. That adds up over miles and hours of hunting on foot each day during hunting season. I am an ultralight fanatic, so the Tikka T3 Lite is a good fit for me.

Everything on the Tikka T3 Lite Stainless is smooth. The composite stock is clean without any sharp edges. The action is super smooth and the rifle has an overall sophisticated yet simple and clean look to it. The plastic magazine is easy to use and appears to be very durable. The Tikka T3 comes with scope rings, so I was able to quickly and easily mount my Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40mm scope.

Initial Field Test (08/06/11):

My first use of the Tikka T3 Lite Stainless was during a camping trip SE of Mount Hood. We found a safe place in the woods to setup a target 100 yards away. I used a stock mounted bi-pod to get a good rest to sight in the rifle. I had boresighted it with a NcSTAR laser cartridge borsighter at home. My first three shots didn't even hit the paper, but the all hit in the same spot. After another dozen rounds I had it real close at 60 yards (we ended up moving the target). Each three shot group was tighter than one inch. My shoulder started to get sore, so I had a friend shoot a few more rounds. Before calling it a day, I annihilated a milk jug from about 80 yards away. I was very impressed with the accuracy. The Tikka T3 Lite was very fun to shoot. The action was extremely smooth and the only issue I had all day was when I temporarily misplaced the magazine. I look forward to taking it to a range for some longer shooting.

Extended Field Testing:

Coming soon...

Final Thoughts:

Coming soon...