Gun Digest
 

Tikka T3x: Three New Models For 2021

Tikka keeps new T3x rifles rolling with three new models, each with interesting twists to the popular design.

What Are The New T3x Rifles:

Granted, folks love the Tikka T3x for several reasons—not the least the Finnish rifle doesn’t dent the pocketbook and overperforms its price point. There’s another facet to the infatuation with the bolt-action generally not consider outside of true Tikka geeks. You can modify them to no end and aftermarket parts are as common as bluegrass in front yards. Still, the subsidiary of Sako aims to please the off-the-rack crowd as much as possible, thus continues to turn out new riffs on the class rifle.

For 2021, Tikka has introduced three new T3x models: T3x Super Varmint, T3x Lite Roughtech Ember and T3x Varmint Hunter. Each is a twist on existing models but provided a more dialed-in variation for shooters on the search for just the perfect rifle for their tastes. And while they do have some intriguing wrinkles, they all share some of the major features common to all T3x rifles. This is good because they’re the assets that make Tikka a hit.

At The Heart

Overall, accuracy is one of the big selling points of the T3x, which starts with an excellent action. Closed top, the actions tend to resist flex more than the nearly ubiquitous open-top action found in the T3x’s price range. This feature alone has made it a go-to option for long-range shooters with tight purse strings, but hunters also appreciate the rifle’s on-target nature. To that end, evolving the system from the T3 to the T3x, Tikka opened the receiver more making it easier to load one round at a time. Mating it with a cold-hammer-forged barrel, identical in process to how Sako manufacturer’s they’re tubes, creates quite a foundation.

To this, the T3x also offers a slew of other worthwhile features including a snappy adjustable trigger, detachable box magazine, Picatinny optics rail on most models, metallic bolt shroud (the T3’s was polymer) and steel recoil lug (aluminum on the T3). Additionally, at least on certain models, Tikka integrated several modular features, particularly on the stock, such as interchangeable pistol grips and fore-end. This isn’t universal. Finally, though not uniform across the catalog, the T3x generally boasts a much nicer bolt handle than comparable rifles, giving it much better handling characteristics.

Tikka T3x Super Varmint

A long favorite and flexible T3 model, Tikka has finally introduced the Super Varmint to the T3x line. The stock is what gets hunters and precision shooters drooling alike. Fully adjustable for length of pull (via spacers) and comb height, the rifle modifies to fit any shooter. Additionally, the synthetic stock is a Roughtech model, which has tactile texturing to its surface, giving you a better grip no matter the weather conditions. Other notables include a 23.7-inch heavy varmint profile barrel, 5/8-24 threaded muzzle, two-stage trigger and fluted bolt with an oversized knob. The T3x Super Varmint is available in .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5×55 SE, .270 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, 7mm Remington Magnum, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC.

Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech Ember

Designed for the utmost ease in the field, the T3x light has been a favorite of backcountry hunters and shooters who require a nimble iron. As its name implies, the Roughtech Ember enhances the platform with Tikka’s grippy stock finish. Furthermore, the gunmaker shaves a few more ounces outfitting the rifle with a fluted stainless-steel barrel. Tikka has yet to release the weight of the rifle—in addition to other specs—but if it follows the like of the T3x Lite, it will prove light. The older model tips the scales at between 6.4 and 6.6 pounds, depending on caliber. As to the Roughtech Ember’s chamberings, that’s behind the veil too. Expect it to follow the original Lite with offerings in .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, 7mm Remington Magnum, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Winchester Short Magnum, .300 Winchester Short Magnum and 6.5 PRC.

Tikka T3x Varmint Hunter

On the surface, the T3x seems fairly self-explanatory—the T3 with the T3x upgrades and thrown into a walnut stock. You’re not wrong and if it ended there Tikka would have a pretty solid classic-looking varmint system. Drill down into the heavy varmint barrel, however, and there’s some pretty dandy stuff going on with its small-bore chambers—namely twist rates. Both the .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington come with multiple twist rates, the latter caliber a bit more exciting given in addition to the typical 1:14” twist, it is also available with a 1:8” twist. Pretty rare in production rifles and brimming with potential. The faster twist means the rifle can stabilize heavier bullets, in the 80-grain neighborhood; given the .22-250 has ample case capacity of the caliber the Varmint Hunter could flirt with shooting a country mile. Outside the small-bore options, the rifle is also available in .222 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5×55 SE, 7mm-08 Remington, 7mm Remington Magnum, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor and .270 Winchester Short Magnum.

For more information on Tikka's T3x rifles, please visit tikka.fi/en-us.


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