Range Report: Tikka T3 30.06

[langloisandy]

Range Report

PHOTOS: http://andysgunthoughts.wordpress.com/test-tikka-t3/

Tikka T3 30.06 (wood stock)

This gun was picked up as a "model" for my new line of walnut bridle leather slings. The  wood looks GREAT with the new leather. I mounted a 2 point sling on this to show off that I  make normal carry straps as well as the Ching Sling.

Pre-Shoot thoughts and opines.
-Affordable gun, look for street pricing in the mid-6's. Before you cheapskate balk, note  that this gun comes with 1" scope mounts (foremount has a vertical pin to stop fore/aft  movement), a set of 1" quick detach swivels (ingenious design too!). A trigger lock is added  in box as well as an allen wrench to mount the scope.
-Easy to work on. The action is held in place with 2 straight tipped screws, I popped the  action out, dabbed some oil on the screws, action and trigger for corrosion  control/lube/ease of maintenance.  Trigger guard is a rugged plastic.
-Single stack mag. A pricey item but it seems durable, holds 3 rounds and works. It inserts  easily and stays put.
-Wood stock: not a bad stick of wood. Checkered with a decent buttpad.
-Sights: Scope only, no open sights.
-Action: Sako style extractor with push feed. Slick...VERY VERY slick and smooth to work. Fast, very.
-Trigger: A tad heavy, but user adjustable and good instructions in the manual to adjust (!).

I mounted a Leupold 2-7 on it as an all around scope. This scope in 2 power is FAST on  target aquisition, is clear and has lengthy eye relief making it suffice for a practical -rifle for me. Much of my shooting is done with dot sights, scout scopes or wicked cool long range glass, this is a departure from the norm for me and useful for this rifle and it's mission.
Shooting:  It shoots well. Certainly better than I ever well. A few rounds went sub-MOA sheerly by accident, the rest grouped nicely. Recoil was ever-present (I despise bench shooting). I ran 180's, I plan on snagging some the Black Hills offerings to wring it out.
Post Shooting Cleaning: I used the Copper Remover from SLIP2000, good stuff. A couple of wet patches got it squeaky clean. A quick patch of lube sealed the rifling from the humidity here in the moist northeast.

Overall thoughts: I really like the rifle, a good combo of a eurotrash rifle, a decent American cartridge and an acceptable glass atop it. Light enough to carry, looks good, shoots fine. Two thumbs up. Oh yeah, the sling on it is AWESOME!  
(photos soon)

Andy

[Johnny Bravo]

Great post Andy. Looking forward to the porn. (please include a couple of the sling)

[Hazcat]

SAVAGE!

[alfsauve]

Andy,

Thanks for reviewing the T3....which model is it, Hunter?
Strange that your trigger was heavy.   My T3 Lite (.338 Fed) came with a medium-to-light weight, very crisp trigger pull.  The people who've shot it have all been surprise at the sudden let off.   No creep.

I too find the magazines a little pricey and have yet to buy a second one.   (Wonder if they called them "clips" they'd be cheaper?)



 

[twyacht]

Thank you for the report,,,how about some pics of the rifle, and targets?

Would love to see the sling..

[Sponsor]

[langloisandy]

Gents,

I'll get some photos up asap of the rifle, sling etc... the targets are long gone (think think 30 caliber holes really close together....)



Andy

[langloisandy]

Photo link added to the original post: http://andysgunthoughts.wordpress.com/test-tikka-t3/
 
Andy

[Johnny Bravo]

Great post Andy. Beautiful sling, the duracoat buckle looks awesome. Thanks !

[Kid Shelleen]

Beautiful sling. Imagine that.

More excellent work from Andy's Leather.