TIKKA T3X LITE
Posted May 19, 2023
Tikka T3x Lite – The Finest Hunting Rifle on the Market
When it comes to hunting rifles, the Tikka T3x Lite is in a class all its own. Tikka’s engineers have designed a rifle with performance, accuracy, and maneuverability at the forefront of its design. The T3x Lite is the result of over a decade of development and refinement, and it shows. This is the rifle to beat when it comes to lightweight hunting rifles, and it stands a cut above comparable rifles in terms of both performance and value.
At first glance, the most obvious feature of the T3x Lite is its super-lightweight design. The T3x Lite weighs in at a mere 6.3 pounds (unloaded), making it easy to carry and maneuver even in the toughest terrain. This is thanks in part to the lightweight synthetic stock, which not only gives the T3x Lite unparalleled stability, but also provides superior comfort and support when shooting. This stock also boasts plenty of features, such as an improved cheek rest, which is ideal for long-range shooting, and an extended butt-pad, which helps absorb recoil and makes the rifle easy to handle even for extended shooting sessions.
Additionally, the T3x Lite uses the same action design as the T3 Superlite – a classic, two-lug, push-feed bolt system – to provide a reliable, smooth, and accurate performance cycle. The action feeds rounds smoothly, and the bolt release is quick and easy. The action also features a hammer-forged barrel, which is lightweight and incredibly accurate. The barrel is chrome-plated and provides superior weather protection, so you don’t have to worry about it corroding or failing after extended use.
The T3x Lite also features Tikka’s “ideal muzzle option,” which consists of a threaded muzzle and a screw-in muzzle Brake. This system allows for fast and easy muzzle switching between two different zero points – one point of zero up to 250 meters (ideal for hunting) and one point of zero up to 950 meters (ideal for long-range shooting). With the muzzle brake installed, the rifle also produces minimal recoil, making it an ideal choice for the younger or less experienced hunter.
Finally, the T3x Lite comes with a user-adjustable trigger, which can be adjusted from a light 1.2 pounds to a heavier 3 pounds. This is great for precision and allows the shooter to adjust the amount of pressure required to fire the rifle, making it easy to tune the rifle for specific applications. The trigger also features a mechanical firing pin release, which ensures reliable ignition every time.
All in all, the Tikka T3x Lite is an awesome hunting rifle. It combines superb accuracy, maneuverability, and durability, along with a lightweight design and a great price point, making it ideal for almost any hunter. Whether you’re looking for a reliable rifle for long-range shooting or a lightweight rifle for hunting in the woods, the T3x Lite is sure to leave you impressed.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Lightweight: The T3X Lite rifle is incredibly lightweight, making it an ideal choice for hunters who hunt different or difficult terrain.
• Good Accuracy: The T3X Lite offers good accuracy and shoot consistently with a cold hammer-forged barrel.
• Easy To Use: The T3X Lite is designed to be easy to use, with a crisp single-stage trigger and a factory-mounted Picatinny rail for mounting optics.
• Quality Construction: The T3X Lite is made using high-grade materials to create a high-quality and durable rifle.
Cons:
• Expensive: The T3X Lite is more expensive than other models in the Tikka line.
• Limited aftermarket support: The T3X Lite is a relatively new model, so there may be limited aftermarket support for things like custom stocks and replacement triggers, etc.
• Limited Caliber Options: The T3X Lite is currently available in .223 Remington and .308 Winchester, so there are limited caliber options.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the Tikka T3X Lite should be shooters looking for a lightweight, accurate, and reliable rifle with an affordable price tag. This rifle is ideal for those looking to do some long range shooting with a top-notch trigger and excellent reliability.
Those who shouldn’t buy this rifle are those looking for something that won’t break the bank but still provides all the accuracy and features they require. The Tikka T3X Lite is a bit pricier than some comparable rifles on the market and might not be the right choice for someone on a very tight budget.
Comparisons
| Product | Weight (lbs) | Length | Barrel Length | Stock | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIKKA T3X LITE | 6.18 | 41.3in | 20in | Composite | $629 |
| Sako 85 Finnlight | 6.35 | 41.3in | 20in | Composite | $1149 |
| Weatherby Vanguard Swedish | 7.15 | 41.25in | 20in | Composite | $889 |
| Remington Model 7 SPS | 6.5 | 41in | 20in | Synthetic | $649 |
| Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon | 6.37 | 41.25in | 22in | Composite | $999 |
Features / Specs
• Length of Pull: 13.2 - 14.2 in
Popular Accessories
Popular accessories for the Tikka T3x Lite include:
- Scope: Most shooters opt for a 4-12x or 6-18x chrome scope with adjustable parallax.
- Muzzle Brake: Many shooters opt for a muzzle brake to reduce felt recoil and help keep the gun on target when shooting.
- Sling: A sling allows you to comfortably carry the rifle while maintaining control of the gun.
- Bipod: A bipod provides a stable shooting platform and allows you to get off the ground for longer precision shots.
- Cleaning Kit: A cleaning kit allows you to properly maintain and preserve your rifle's performance.
- Sights: Aftermarket sights increase accuracy, providing quick target acquisition and improved visibility.
- Ammo: Make sure to pick the right type of ammo for your rifle and its specific use.
- Stock: Replacing the factory stock with an aftermarket stock can improve accuracy and ergonomics.
- Scope Mount: For precision shooting, you’ll want a high-quality Picatinny rail and scope mount.
- Recoil Pad: Adding a recoil pad can reduce felt recoil and give shooters a more comfortable and enjoyable shooting session.
Accuracy
The TIKKA T3X LITE has a reputation for being an extremely accurate firearm. The cold hammer forged barrel and specially designed stock provide optimum stability for shots out to medium distances, and the adjustable cheekpiece allows for a comfortable and improved sighting position. This combination of features is designed to help maximize accuracy, and users have reported consistent, pinpoint accuracy out to 300 yards with the TIKKA T3X LITE. In some cases, the accuracy of this rifle can be further increased with the addition of the optional steel receiver and match-grade barrel, making it a truly remarkable gun.
