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Tikka Goes Full-Fledged Tactical with T3x TAC A1
The new Tikka T3x TAC A1 is the Finnish manufacturer's entry into the tactical, modular chassis rifle arena, and it's a design full of great features.
Despite being better known in hunting circles, Tikka has produced a number of rifles that have appealed to tactical and precision shooters. The Finnish manufacturer has a knack for creating accurate, reliable and well-made rifles, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed with the tack-tapping crowd. And the company has continued its drift into this neck of the woods with a whole-hog tactical rifle.
The T3x TAC A1, released at the 2017 SHOT Show, is unmistakably a full-fledged tactical bolt-action. And it is one much awaited by many corners of the shooting world with chatter about its arrival starting nearly a year ago.
For the precision minded, there is plenty to like about this new chassis rifle. It is built upon proven Tikka technology, but has a slew of new innovations mixed in to make it a pretty dang impressive rifle at first blush.
As for being tried-and-true Tikka, the T3x TAC A1 boasts the one-piece, reduced receiver-port T3x action (nice and stiff). And it features the company’s cold-forged barrels, available in three lengths (16, 20 and 24 inches) and initially being chambered in three calibers — .308 Win., .260 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor. From there, it’s a brave new world in rifle design for the company.
As for the assumed features of a chassis system, the rifle has a fully adjustable cheek piece and length of pull, though the latter facet is a bit different than many systems out today. The LOP is modified by adding or subtracting spacers behind the butt pad. The system also includes an aluminum handguard, with 0 MOA Picatinny rail on its 12 o’clock, M-Lok ports across the rest and ample QD sockets and sling clip points.
Where things get a bit intriguing is the versatility Tikka has engineered into the rifle. The chassis is compatible with any AR-15-style stock, pistol grip and handguard. This adds a whole new dimension to the T3x TAC A1’s ability to be customized to user and mission.
Tikka has also thrown a few other bells and whistles on the rifle for good measure.
Its two-lug bolt is Teflon coated, making it cycle lightning fast, and it features an oversized bolt handle. It is outfitted with a two-stage adjustable trigger, allowing users to dial the pull weight between 2 and 4 pounds. The muzzle is threaded (5/8×24), for the quick addition of a suppressor or muzzle break. And Tikka is offering a folding stock, making its new gem easier to move in and out of shoots and stow away.
There is a little matter of the money it will take to procure the T3x TAC A1 — it does tend toward the high end of production chassis systems with an MSRP of $1,899. But for those who live to knock out the X ring, that could prove to be a small price to pay.
T3x TAC A1 Specs
Calibers: .308 Win., .260 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor
Twist Rates: 1:11” .308 Win.; 1:8” .260 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel Lengths: 16” (MIL/LE Only), 20”, 24”
Overall Weight: 10.36 lbs. (16” barrel), 10.80 lbs. (20” barrel), 11.24 lbs. (24” barrel)
Overall Length Stock Open: 35.83” (16” barrel), 39.80” (20” barrel), 43.46” (24” barrel)
Overall Length Stock Folded: 26.57” (16” barrel), 30.55” (20” barrel), 34.21” (24” barrel)
Capacity: 10-round detachable box magazine
Stock: Aluminum middle chassis, modular removable forend, AR-15 buffer tube compatible interface, AR-15 pistol grip compatible slot
Rear Stock: Aluminum rear stock, adjustable (height and angle) cheek piece, LOP adjustable.
Trigger: Two-stage, adjustable pull from 2 to 4 lbs.
MSRP: $1,899
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