CThomas Posted March 8, 2018 Report Share Posted March 8, 2018 Hiya Guys, Looking for an opinion on which model Tikka to buy? I've set my heart on a Tikka T3x but can't decide whether to get the lite or the varmint? the rifle will be used mainly for foxing and shooting steel when time permits. Is the varmint really that heavy? and is there a huge difference in accuracy between the two variations? Any first hand experience of the two to help me make the decision will be gratefully received. really don't want to spend out on the wrong rifle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpy22 Posted March 8, 2018 Report Share Posted March 8, 2018 get the lite. unless you are shooting loads of rounds down range no need for varmint barrel. no difference in accuracy. i would not want to carry the extra weight. i have a t3 witch is semi custom except lite barrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted March 8, 2018 Report Share Posted March 8, 2018 I purchased a Howa 1500 Varmint which has a heavy barrel. But an excellent, accurate and well made rifle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racing snake Posted March 8, 2018 Report Share Posted March 8, 2018 (edited) Agree with Ed. If you're humping it up hill and and down dale with mod, bi-pod and some NV or heavy glass, sticks and a bag with the rest of your foxing paraphernalia, believe me every once saved is a blessing. Edited March 8, 2018 by racing snake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshMike Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 13 hours ago, racing snake said: Agree with Ed. If you're humping it up hill and and down dale with mod, bi-pod and some NV or heavy glass, sticks and a bag with the rest of your foxing paraphernalia, believe me every once saved is a blessing. I have a Howa 1500 Varmint and agree wholly that it gets pretty heavy once lugged around for a few hours. Get the lite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simjakcal Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 i got the Tikka T3x lite in .204 its a great rifle...use it for fox and long range vermin...consider reloading to get the best out of it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CThomas Posted March 9, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 Thanks guys, a lite it is. as for reloading i wouldn't have a clue where to start...maybe something for the future Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simjakcal Posted March 10, 2018 Report Share Posted March 10, 2018 Its really not that daunting once you get your head around reloading..theres lots of info out there.. My tx3 didnt like the Hornady 40gr vmax factory loads at all...32gr were fine....so i reload with the 32gr now untill i run out and then i will try the 39gr blitz kings to see how they group ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry78 Posted March 10, 2018 Report Share Posted March 10, 2018 Mate shoots T3 HUNTER Lovely bit of wood on it If your foxing is static waiting out the varmint way to go if your mobile walking and calling then T3 Lite good luck mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitester Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 (edited) I got the lite and i’m Glad I did because scoped up and with a p8 mod on it it’s still a little heavy but perfectly manageable from a truck. Personally any more weight would be a pain and like has been said before if you are not chucking loads of lead down range why have th extra weight Edited March 13, 2018 by Whitester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad93 Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Why not go in between and get the hunter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpy22 Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 7 hours ago, Brad93 said: Why not go in between and get the hunter? hunter is lite action with wooden stock. no action difference. nice bit of wood to be fair had one on 223 years ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad93 Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 1 hour ago, bumpy22 said: hunter is lite action with wooden stock. no action difference. nice bit of wood to be fair had one on 223 years ago Oh really? Didn't know that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweedledee Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 I have the t3x in 204..standard for me.plenty to lug about and it's accurate to boot.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 There is next to never a need to get a varmint (heavy) barrel for general field work, neither will it be any more accurate in that situation. Some people like heavy, fine, ALL my rifles are light, they all work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rimmie Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 This is my .204 varmint 20” barrel, it’s easily carried about. Loverly handy rifle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshMike Posted April 6, 2018 Report Share Posted April 6, 2018 On 3/14/2018 at 10:22, Dekers said: There is next to never a need to get a varmint (heavy) barrel for general field work, neither will it be any more accurate in that situation. Some people like heavy, fine, ALL my rifles are light, they all work! Big and heavy is good for general fitness....as I am well aware but totally agree that it makes no difference in the field. Like many thinks some like big heavy rifles..then secretly regret getting them after lugging them round for hours. Of course we cant admit such stuff as blokes dont make mistakes On 3/14/2018 at 12:42, rimmie said: This is my .204 varmint 20” barrel, it’s easily carried about. Loverly handy rifle. Nice bit of kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CThomas Posted April 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2018 Thanks for the advice guys, I went with the lite and couldn’t be happier with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houseplant Posted April 21, 2018 Report Share Posted April 21, 2018 Good stuff, I have a T3x Stainless Lite Carbine in my sights. Head says .308, heart says 7mm08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpy22 Posted April 21, 2018 Report Share Posted April 21, 2018 just bought a lite stainless t3x in 243 to replace old t3. got it at a great price as have a mate in the trade. just developed a new homeload. to say i am happy is understatement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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