Tikka T3 Lite

[Calishnikov]

Just bought a Tikka T3 Lite in .308 off of budsgunshop for $515

I already bought a scope a few weeks back when Cabelas was having one of their many sales - I picked up a 30mm Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44 - actually I just looked and its still on sale for $309.99 - pretty good deal imo

I have been reading a lot about Tikkas on this site as well as other forums sites via google search but I still have some questions.

What would be the best rings to match with this set-up? I have read that the stock rings are good and also that they are garbage. Some recommend a picatanny rail to mount, whereas others swear by the DNZ setup. What's your take?

Aside from a recoil/butt pad, are there any other add-ons I should consider getting? I haven't seen many people talking about new triggers etc.

Is the Bell and Carlson medalist stock worth getting or would it weight it down?

I am buying this for Deer/Pig mostly and this is going to be my first hunting rifle and first hunting season.

Suggestions on slings would be appreciated to. I realize this is probably more of a personal choice like choosing what flavor ice cream to order at coldstone, but I'm open to suggestions none the less.

Any other insight you guys would have for me would be much appreciated!

[QXSOUP]

I just bought a T3 hunter (same rifle but with a REAL nice walnut stock) a month ago. The OEM rings are trash. I originally had a set of Warne rings on mine but recently changed them out and threw on a set of Tallys. They are MUCH better and much lighter. If you really want some nice rings, get the Sako Optilock. They are pretty pricey though, ~$150.

As far as slings go, I have a USGI cotton web sling on mine. It's my default sling on most of my rifles. The trigger is just fine right out of the box. You can adjust it if needed.

[NytWolf]

I have a Tikka T3 Lite in 7mm-08 with that exact same scope. I used a set of Talley scope mounts. The stock is sufficient for hunting purposes. For a sling, I just have a regular run-of-the-mill Uncle Mike's rifle sling with quick detach rings.

[WyattandDoc]

I just picked up my Tikka T3 Lite SS in 30-06.

The DNZ is what I went with. Super easy to mount!!! (All one piece). I put a Vortex Diamondback 4x12x40 on it. Entry level scope, but I'm a beginner with bolt guns and will not be taking kill shots over 200 yards for quite some time. I Haven't heard one bad thing about the DNZ, but I'm sure the others are fine too (Warne, Luepold, Talley).

Also put the Limbsaver on mine. Drastic recoil reduction.

Simple Browning sling and a Harris BiPod.

The trigger is amazing right out of the box!!

Now if I can just find a buck, I'll be good to go. Right now I'm a hiker with a nice rifle slung over his shoulder.

Good luck!!

[NickTheGreek]

Nobody who says the stock rings are trash have any proof that they are trash. I have yet to see one person backup their claim that they are trash. Photo of bent ring etc...

I have two Tikka's. One with Leupold QR bases and rings. The other with stock rings. They are both rugged and have had NO issues with either set.

[Trakker]

Tikka performance center has steel rails with 20 moa. Also lots of stocks. Honestly I'd go with a fiberglass manners or a chassis system


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[vliberatore]

Tikka performance center has steel rails with 20 moa. Also lots of stocks. Honestly I'd go with a fiberglass manners or a chassis system


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Talley and EGW make scope bases for them as well.

[QXSOUP]

Nobody who says the stock rings are trash have any proof that they are trash. I have yet to see one person backup their claim that they are trash. Photo of bent ring etc...

I have two Tikka's. One with Leupold QR bases and rings. The other with stock rings. They are both rugged and have had NO issues with either set.

They are trash for me because you cant mount a scope with an objective over 44mm.

They aren't very well made in the first place. The rear one mounted on my rifle also had a burr from shoddy machining.

[RobG]

The stock rings are garbage. I recently bought two T3's, one in 7RM. The previous owner ran the stock rings for approx 100 rounds. The pin that sits in the receiver had oblonged the hole and the ring would move. Both screws were tight when I pulled them. The finish left much to be desired, too. No pics to back it up so take it for what it's worth.

On the 7 mag I am running a Tikka Performance 20 moa rail and Warne rings. On the other, 7mm-08, I am running Tikka specific Warne rings. They are very nice and priced right.

The good part for you is, I pulled a 30mm set of Talleys that are like new that I am not going to use. I will cut you a smoking deal. PM if interested. The previous owner was running a 44mm Viper so they should work.

The stock triggers are pretty nice. I have adjusted both to 2.75'ish lbs. Break clean, no real creep or over travel. Unless you are used to fine tuned aftermarket triggers, the stock should work well for you.

[Click Boom]

Congrats op, a t3 lite in .308 is my next bolt gun purchase for sure!

[Divernhunter]

I have 2 T-3 rifles with many-many rounds thru them using factory rings and Leupold 3X9X40 scopes.
Just because the rings will not work with a overly large (and not needed) scope does not make them "trash".


Limbsaver direct replacement recoil pad, a spare mag and a Claw sling and you are set. I have tried just about every type sling and this one holds my rifles on my shoulders better than any other. You do not need or want flip-up scope covers on a hunting rifle. Sooner or later they will cost you an animal. Just carry a lens pen if you are concerned.
I find the stock to be fine for hunting/shooting. Use it before jumping into changing it.
The triggers are fine and can be adjusted if you find a need.

[tunafed]

I picked up a T3 Lite in 7mm 08 earlier this year and a Leupold VX-2 3x9x40 scope to go with it. I asked here about scope rings and went with Divernhunter's rec and tried the stock rings. Glad I did. I haven't had it for years or thousands of rounds yet but, it's been on 2 pig hunts at Vandenberg AFB and out every chance I've had since D8 opened up through some pretty rough terrain. Held up fine so far and hold zero.

They fit the bill perfectly for MY intended purpose for the rifle, lightweight, hunting accuracy, easy handling rifle with a low profile reasonably sized scope. That said with a 30mm tube you are gonna need different rings I believe. The DNZ's looked and felt solid, just a little bulky for my preference.

I would hunt with the rifle a few times before deciding if you want to swap out the stock, and the trigger is nice for a hunting rifle out of the box. I put a claw sling on it and so far so good, sticks to my shoulder well and spreads out the load pretty good compared to some of my leather slings. In 308 or 7mm 08 the limbsaver isn't really a necessity but, it is a nice addition and is definitely comfortable. Anyways enjoy the rifle!

[CBR_rider]

I attached a pic of my T3 Hunter in .308. I have settled on the DNZ mount and am quite happy with it. A limb saver pad is certainly not necessary but makes the gun pleasant to shoot for soft saps such as myself.

[gotshotgun?]

Great looking rifle. The scope mount places the scope at the perfect level.

[sholling]

OP, you picked a great rifle! The stock rings suck so I recommend using DNZ mounts on the flat-topped Tikka. Talley Lightweight mounts work with more scopes but I recommend the DNZ if it fits your scope well. The T3 Lite is a superbly accurate lightweight hunting rifle so I suggest a light weight (< 1lb) hunting scope in the 2-8, 3-9, or 2-10ish range.

+1 on the Limbsaver.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x33-VX-2-Ultralight-Riflescope-P51836.aspx

http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-VX-2-Riflescope-P50859.aspx

http://swfa.com/Nikon-2-8x32-Monarch-3-Riflescope-P61593.aspx

http://swfa.com/Bushnell-25-10x40-Elite-Rifle-Scope-P48255.aspx

http://swfa.com/Vortex-3-9x40-Viper-Rifle-Scope-P51895.aspx

http://swfa.com/Vortex-25-10x44-Viper-HS-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P48288.aspx